Meyer Optik Görlitz introduced the updated Biotar 58 f1.5 II

Meyer Optik Görlitz has released a highly anticipated new version of the world-famous Biotar 58 f1.5 II lens, adding another unique imaging style to its existing range of high-quality character lenses.

The Biotar 58 was originally designed by the brilliant optical designer Willi Merté, among other focal lengths and versions. After its launch in the mid-1930s, it sold for about 25 years, making it the best-selling Biotar in the series to date. The new version of this hugely popular versatile lens also has incomparable charm and superior image performance.

The new version of the Biotar 58 has been greatly improved in terms of light intensity, image sharpness, and contrast, and the great features of the original Biotar 58 have been carried over to the new version of this classic lens. Biotar 58 f1.5 II produces virtually no color fringing even in strong backlight and wide open.

During the modernization of the Biotar 58 and the optimization of its optical system, the initial aperture of the lens was increased from the original f2 to f1.5. The Biotar 58 f1.5 II is now the “fastest” lens in the Meyer Optik Görlitz portfolio. In addition to a higher aperture ratio, Biotar 58 II achieves sharpness due to various optimizations of the optical system, which its predecessors could not achieve. This high sharpness or extreme resolution is a particularly noticeable benefit in close-up and portrait photography.

The Biotar 58 f1.5 II utilized the proven mechanics of previous news releases and thus integrated the individual optics into a well-proven, highly accurate, and robust mechanical system. Compared to the original Biotar 58 lenses, the 14 steel blades now form the new version’s stepless and silently adjustable aperture. The round aperture is especially noticeable in bokeh and draws more harmonious points of light than its historical predecessors.

Price and availability

Biotar 58 f1.5 II, like all other Meyer lenses released to date, can be purchased from the Bhphotovideo.com website. It is available with 11 camera mounts including Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, Micro Four Thirds, Nikon F, Pentax K, Canon EF, Fujifilm X, and Leica L & M mounts. The price of the lens is $999.

Biotar 58 f1.5 II specifications

• Focal Length: 58mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/1.5
• Minimum Aperture: f/16
• Lens Mount: Sony E, Nikon Z/F, Canon RF/EF, Micro Four Thirds, Pentax K, Fujifilm X, and Leica L/M
• Angle of View: 41°
• Image-circle diameter: 44mm
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.7 m
• Diaphragm Blades: 14
• Focus Type: Manual Focus
• Image Stabilization: No
• Front Filter Size: 52 mm
• Length (depends on mount): 70mm – 95mm
• Weight: 405g – 445g

Earlier this year, Meyer Optik Gorlitz announced the third lens in its Trioplan series and the sixth overall. The Trioplan 35mm f2.8 II is available with 11 camera mounts, including Nikon Z and Canon RF, and is renowned for its wide-angle soap bubble bokeh. It cost $899.