Mitakon Speedmaster 50mm T1.0 Cinema Lens for Canon EF and Arri PL

Zhong Yi Optics has introduced the new Cine lens named Mitakon Speedmaster 50mm T1.0 for Canon EF and Arri PL cinema cameras. Zhong Yi Optics is famous for its fast photo lenses, but the T1.0 aperture is impressive.

Many may wonder why such a wide aperture is needed for shooting movies, to which the company claims that it will come in handy, and how – the wide T1.0 aperture allows a large amount of light to pass through the lens, which allows you to shoot in low light conditions. In addition, the company is proud of the fact that this is the world’s first PL-mount cinema lens with such aperture, in the company itself it is called “Bokeh Monster”.

The image circle covers both full-frame and wide-angle sensors, such as those found in the RED V-RAPTOR and ARRI Alexa Mini LF. In addition, at full-frame, this lens will allow you to get an image with a very shallow depth of field and beautifully separate the subject from the background, but it will be difficult to manage accurate focus. Of course, the focus and aperture rings have standard 0.8 MOD gearing, while the aperture works without clicks, it will still be difficult to keep focus.

It is for fine work that the focus ring has a stroke of 285°, a scale in feet and meters is applied on the body, the minimum focusing distance is 65 cm. The outer diameter is 114 mm, this will be important for the installation of the hood. The lens weighs a lot than a little, namely 1.8 kg.

The optical design consists of 12 elements in 6 groups, including elements with ultra-low dispersion, as well as elements with ultra-high refraction. The aperture is a 9-blade design, and the company claims good contrast and sharpness across the frame. A protective case is included with the lens.

Price and availability

Mitakon Speedmaster 50mm T1.0 cine lens for Canon EF and Arri PL costs $999, and it can be purchased through the Bhphotovideo.com and Adorama.com websites.

Mitakon Speedmaster 50mm T1.0 specifications

• Focal Length: 50mm
• Lens Mount: Canon EF / Arri PL
• Lens Format Coverage: Full Frame
• Maximum Aperture: T1
• Minimum Aperture: T16
• Horizontal Angle of View: Full Frame: 45°
• Minimum Focus Distance: From Unspecified Point in Lens: 25.6″ / 65 cm
• Optical Design: 12 Elements in 6 Groups
• Diaphragm Blades: 9
• Gear MOD & Pitch: Focus: 0.8 MOD / 32 Pitch; Iris: 0.8 MOD / 32 Pitch
• Front Diameter: 114 mm
• Filter Thread: 112 mm
• Focus Scales: Imperial
• Focus Rotation: 285°
• Iris Rotation: 72°
• Electronic Communication: No
• Image Stabilization: No
• Dimensions: 114 x 136mm
• Weight: 4 lb / 1.8 kg

Recently, Zhong Yi Optics has introduced the Mitakon Creator 135mm f2.8 high-speed prime lens for photo and cine, is equipped with a metal frame, and the long adjustment range enables precise focusing. It cost $299.