The Mitakon Speedmaster 80mm f/1.6 is a New Lens for GFX and XCD Mounts

Jul 05, 2024

Close-up view of a camera lens with visible details such as the brand name "ZHONGYI," 1.6/60mm, lens serial number "NO:00020," and filter size "Φ77." The glass reflects a purple hue, set against a dark background.

Chinese lens manufacturer Zhong Yi Optics (ZY Optics) announced a new medium format 80mm f/1.6 prime lens. The manual focus optic is meant to pair affordability with exceptional performance and is available for Fujifilm GFX and Hasselblad XCD mirrorless mounts.

The lens, which has a 35mm full-frame equivalent focal length of 63mm (38.5-degree angle of view), is described by ZY Optics as a “groundbreaking” prime lens that “sets a new standard for creative control and image quality.” The Mitakon Speedmaster 80mm f/1.6 features a construction of 10 elements arranged into six groups, including four HRI (High Refractive Index) glass elements and one UD (Ultra-low dispersion) lens, which the company says minimizes chromatic aberrations and results in “exceptional image quality” that is expected from medium format photographers.

A close-up shot of a black camera lens on a reflective black surface. The lens features white and yellow markings indicating various aperture and focus settings, with a sleek and modern design. The background is a gradient of dark shades.

It weighs 850 grams (1.87 pounds) for GFX cameras and 900 grams (1.98 pounds) for Hasselblad XCD. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 50 centimeters (19.6 inches) and measures 83mm by 83.2mm (32.7 by 32.8 inches).

The 80mm prime lens features an aperture range of f/1.6 through f/22 via a nine-bladed diaphragm, which ZY Optics says allows it to excel in low light and provide excellent control over depth of field. Additionally, the aperture diaphragm produces a “diffused out-of-focus” rendering to the bokeh, which the company says allows subjects to stand out against a soft, “dreamlike” background.

Close-up image of a black camera lens with focus and aperture rings, lying on a reflective black surface. The lens features various markings and numbers indicating different settings. The background is dark, emphasizing the lens's sleek and professional design.

A close-up of a Zhongyi camera lens with "17-50mm" and "1:0.95" markings. The lens is placed on a reflective black surface, capturing vibrant reflections of light on the glass. The background is blurred with a gradient from black to gray.

Beyond the quality of the photos produced, ZY Optics says it has put significant effort into building a durable lens with the Mitakon Speedmaster 80mm f/1.6. The company says it used a metal construction to allow the lens to withstand the rigors of frequent use and the sturdiness would mean it would work reliably for a long time. The body of the lens includes a retractable metal hood, a design that was chosen over the more typical removable hood because ZY Optics believes it removes the possibility of losing it.

A sleek black camera lens with focus and aperture rings is standing upright against a dark, reflective background. The aperture ranges from f/2.8 to f/22, and various distance markings in feet and meters are visible on the focus ring.

Below are a few sample images captured with the Mitakon Speedmaster 80mm f/1.6, provided by ZY Optics.

A close-up of a plant with blurred, colorful bokeh lights in the background, creating a festive and vibrant atmosphere. The lights are arranged in a diagonal pattern with hues of yellow, orange, green, blue, and red.

A single pink flower on a slender stem stands out against a blurred, green, and lush background. The soft sunlight highlights the delicate petals and creates a serene, natural atmosphere.

A woman stands in a sunflower field wearing a straw hat, a light pink blouse, and a green skirt. She is holding the brim of her hat with both hands and is looking directly at the camera. Sunflowers surround her, creating a vibrant and cheerful backdrop.

A woman with long dark hair is sitting among several transparent umbrellas on a rainy day. She is wearing a white shirt and a thoughtful expression, with droplets of water on the umbrellas reflecting light around her. The background is blurred.

A woman stands amid many umbrellas on a rooftop at night, gazing up with her hands clasped. The city skyline, featuring numerous illuminated buildings, is visible in the background. Soft lighting highlights her and the umbrellas, creating a serene scene.

A young woman in a sailor-style school uniform stands amidst a sea of transparent umbrellas at night. She looks upwards with her right hand extended, as if feeling for rain. The background is dark with out-of-focus city lights.

“Experience the Mitakon Speedmaster 80mm f/1.6 and unlock a new level of creative possibilities. Capture breathtaking images in low light, create captivating bokeh, and enjoy the durability and convenience of this remarkable lens. Let your vision come to life with the Mitakon Speedmaster 80mm f/1.6,” ZY Optics says.

The Mitakon Speedmaster 80mm f/1.6 is available directly through ZY Optics for $599.

Image credits: Zhong Yi Optics