Typhoon Season
The usual rainy days from September in Japan.
The Zhong Yi Mitakon 35mm f/0.95 is a fast, manual-focus lens that has caught the attention of photographers and videographers alike for its ultra-bright aperture, dreamy bokeh, and impressive low-light capabilities. In this review, we’ll break down why this unique lens stands out as a tool for creative photographers looking to push the boundaries of depth and style.
With a 35mm focal length (equivalent to around 52mm on crop sensors), this lens offers a versatile field of view that works well for portraits, street photography, low-light scenarios, and creative shots where subject separation is key. Its incredible f/0.95 aperture is one of the brightest in the market, providing beautiful, creamy bokeh and a stunningly shallow depth of field. The wide aperture also makes it a top choice for shooting in low light without needing to increase ISO, capturing detailed images with rich contrast.
Optically, the Mitakon 35mm f/0.95 features an 11-element, 8-group design with high-refractive and extra-low dispersion elements to reduce chromatic aberrations and improve sharpness, particularly in the center. Although edges can soften at f/0.95, this characteristic contributes to the lens’s unique look, which many photographers value for portrait and creative work. The lens also includes multi-layer coatings to help reduce flare and ghosting, giving it decent performance even when shooting in bright light or backlit scenarios.
Built with a solid, all-metal construction, this lens feels durable and professional, weighing around 460g—balanced enough for mirrorless cameras without feeling too bulky. As a fully manual-focus lens, it features a smooth focus ring with a long throw, offering precise control over focus, especially useful at such a shallow depth of field. The aperture ring is also clickless, ideal for videographers who need seamless exposure adjustments during filming.
While the lens lacks autofocus and stabilization, the Zhong Yi Mitakon 35mm f/0.95 excels in creative potential and unique rendering, making it a dream for photographers who prioritize bokeh quality, low-light capabilities, and an artistic approach to composition. Its ultra-bright f/0.95 aperture opens up a world of creative possibilities, from dramatic portraits to cinematic street photography.
Explore how well this lens performs with high-quality, real-world samples, so you can decide for yourself with my carefully crafted shots!
The usual rainy days from September in Japan.
Night view of the Dotombori River, which runs through the center of the Minami area (southern downtown Osaka), and is one of the most famous waterways in Osaka.
Just a little bit of what we all need – breathe in, breathe out.
Simple Japanese delicacies one could easily enjoy before the pandemic. Miss those days!
Ana 787 with Star Wars colors at the gate in Narita.
Nothing better than a manual lens with large aperture (35mm/f0.95) and some vintage filter to make you feel awesome with a camera.
Entrance of the Tokyo Daijingu, one of my favourite shrines in Tokyo.
Large aperture at night with IBIS: thank you Fuji!
Enjoying being in Tokyo (and not on a business trip) for some new Hanami opportunities, this time with the “boys” in a famous cemetery in Tokyo. Lovely place.
Night temple, wide open at f0.95. Love that lens :)