Zhong Yi Mitakon 28mm f/5.6 M-Mount Lens Review

[Andrew L (gryphon1911)]

 

Background
In the world of m mount lenses there are a lot of very good options for the 28mm field of view.

 

Leica, Zeiss and Voigtlander are the crowning jewels. There are other brands that are also in the space, less expensive options but compelling for those that may not have a wallet big enough to stay within the Leica OEM branding.

 

One of the newest options in the 28mm focal length is from Zhong Yi as the Mitakon 28mm f/5.6.

 

Below are specifications of the lens sourced from Google Bard (beta).

 

The ZY Optics Mitakon 28mm f/5.6 m mount lens is a manual focus lens that is designed for use with Leica M mount cameras. It has a focal length of 28mm and an aperture range of f/5.6 to f/22. The lens is constructed of eight elements in seven groups, including one extra-low dispersion element. It has a minimum focus distance of 0.35m (1.38 ft.) and a maximum magnification ratio of 0.11x. The lens is made of durable metal and comes in black and silver colors. It weighs 130g (0.29 lb) and measures 44mm (1.73 in.) x 51mm (2.01 in.).

 

The lens has a 37mm filter thread.

 

• Focal length: 28mm
• Aperture range: f/5.6 to f/22
• Elements/groups: 8/7
• Extra-low dispersion element: Yes
• Minimum focus distance: 0.35m (1.38 ft.)
• Maximum magnification ratio: 0.11x
• Weight: 130g (0.29 lb)
• Dimensions (L x D): 44mm (1.73 in.) x 51mm (2.01 in.)
• Filter thread: 37mm
• Construction: Durable metal
• Colors: Black and silver

Disclosure – images were post processed to my liking and in various styles. Some were processed from RAW and others may be custom film simulations that were run in camera

 

 

Handling/Size/Weight/Build
Size wise, this lens falls between the Zeiss Biogon 35mm f/2.8 and the Planar 50mm f/2.

The weight is there that gives the lens a solid feel. Handling is similar to other m mount lenses. This lens has the post on the focus ring.

 

I find it easy to use.

 

The aperture ring is kind of different. There are definite detents that each full stop falls into. A difference from the other lenses I have are that there are almost clickless values in between each full value. Looking at the aperture when turning the ring, you can see the smooth movement in between.

 

ZY Optics put a red dot on the side of the lens to index where to mount it.

 

All metal and glass construction, the lens feels like it will last for a good long time.

 

On the mount are also milled detents that you can use to setup an automatic lens correction if you so choose.

 

Unlike other Asian market manual focus m mount lenses – this one seems to have been perfectly calibrated from the factory. I’ve heard that the 7Artisans and the TTArtisan lenses come with a screwdriver and the need to adjust the lens to your camera. None of that is possible nor needed with the Mitakon lens I have here.

 

Weather Sealed
Not sure of the weather sealing, but it should survive a few drops from a light shower. However, please make your own decision on what you feel is an acceptable risk on weather sealing claims and the conditions you will be shooting in.

 

 

Image Quality
So here is what most want to know. While this is a sharp lens, it does not stack up against the likes of the Zeiss 50mm f/2 Planar or the Biogon 35mm f/2.8. It is not bitingly sharp, but it is very capable and even at f/5.6 it produces great images with good color, contrast and sharpness.

 

Shooting backlit and with the sun directly in the frame, flare is handled well.

 

Now, you could spend a few hundred dollars more and look at other options like Voigtlander that has a great 28mm option for around $500 USD used that will most likely have more sharpness – I say likely because I have no first hand experience with the lens, but from others that have used it sing it’s praises.

 

Focusing
Focus is competent on this lens. I like using the post and it is easy to find by feel. It is easy to get focus locked in. If I have one major criticism with the lens it would be that I feel like the focus ring could be a little more dampened. Sometimes I overshot the focus. Other times I’d just bump the post a little and it would throw it out just a smidgeon.

 

 

OIS (Optical Image Stabilization)
This lens has no VR built into it nor do any Leica bodies in the rangefinder style that I am aware. If that is a need then this may not be the camera system for you! However, m-mount lenses are very adaptable to many mirrorless systems, so you could take advantage of those alternative systems that have IBIS and use these very sharp m-mount lenses there!

 

 

Bottom Line
Bottom Line = Recommend, but depending if you need a very clinical lens, this may not be your choice.

 

For a brand new 28mm f/5.6 lens for m-mount being $299, it’s kind of hard to beat. I really am liking it, and it will be a part of the rotation of m-mount lenses that will grace the M Typ 240.

 

 

[Dallas]

So I’m not the only guy on here to have embarked on a Chinese lens adventure recently.  

[Andrew L (gryphon1911)]

No, not at all!