Platform Light
Love the light on this JR platform in Tokyo!
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!
Love the light on this JR platform in Tokyo!
ZhongYi Optics 35mm/f0.95 at the front, Fuji X-H1 at back: an old Sushi restaurant in Tokyo at night. APS-C + IBIS and fast (manual) lenses, a dream combo coming true for me :)
Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II at the front, Fuji X-H1 at back: a red bicycle at night in Kagurazaka. APS-C + IBIS and fast (manual) lenses, a dream combo coming true for me :)
Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II at the front, Fuji X-H1 at back: old roofs at night in Kagurazaka. APS-C + IBIS and fast (manual) lenses, a dream combo coming true for me :)
Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II at the front, Fuji X-H1 at back: Yebisu sign at night in Kagurazaka. APS-C + IBIS and fast (manual) lenses, a dream combo coming true for me :)
A few shots taken in Athens, enjoying local delicacies.
Just slightly above speed limit, without seat-belt, at night, in a tunnel…
Two shots at different aperture with the Zhong Yi Optics 35mm/f.095: wide open and closed at f/5.6.
Few shots on my way to work with the 35mm f/0.95. Love that lens!
Had to skip breakfast at home this morning due to yearly (and mandatory health check). All that radioactive yogurt made me hungry.
First day with a Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II on my Fuji X-T2. Remarkable results: reminds me of my beloved 50mm/f1.2L, only sharper (that Canon lens produced great results but was a pain to focus). I think I’ll get rid of the Zeiss Biogon 35mmf/2. This is much better: look at that bokeh!…