Just days after we saw the release of the world's widest full-frame f/1.4 lens, we're now seeing the release of the world's longest full-frame f/1.4 lens. Zhong Yi Optics, mostly known for their ultra-fast mirrorless lenses, has put up a pre-order page for their new Mitakon Speedmaster 135mm f/1.4 lens.
Both Canon and Nikon offer 135mm f/2 lenses (the Canon being one of the most beautifully drawing lenses in existence). At that focal length and maximum aperture, depth of field is razor-thin, making it a great portrait lenses when one has a little more working distance. It's also an understated, but strong sports lens, particularly for indoor sports, such as basketball. The new Speedmaster is an entirely different beast, however. Only 100 copies of the lens will be produced (available in Canon, Nikon and Sony FE mounts), it will be manual focus only, and it weighs a whopping 3 kg. Video shooters will be pleased to know it has a clickless aperture ring, while portrait photographers will likely drool over its eleven aperture blades (the most I've ever seen in a lens). Priced at $2,999 (with a $500 deposit), the lens is slated to ship in early 2016, pending development. Make sure you hit the gym before you pick one of these up! Pre-ordering is available here.
Images via Zhong Yi Optics Flickr
Only 100!? Wow...
Ahh the Chinese knocking off someones equipment....again. Looks nice though.
droooool!!
Nice option, for Canon and Nikon shooters, but Sony has a 135mm 1.8 Zeiss that is fantastic and has AF. It can be had new for $1200 less. Even with an A-E mount adapter it's $800 less and you only sacrifice 2/3 of a stop. Plus supply isn't limited.
I suspect this lens will require a prerequsite upper-body training program in order to hand-hold the lens for shoots exceeding 5 minutes or more. :-)
(Note: saw the last sentence AFTER I posted this comment. Doh!)
A gizmo sales pitch for only "3000" bucks. Only 100 being produced ???...Why would anyone use this lens for sports as stated in the article ???...I could get better results photographing sports with my APS-C Canon 18-200mm 3.5-5.6 IS simply because it has AF. Before propagating such a lens, I would hope that Fstoppers do their own hands on review, rather then putting fancy garnish on a paper plate.
"It's also an understated, but strong sports lens, particularly for indoor sports, such as basketball. The new Speedmaster is an entirely different beast, however"
only 3k ? hell put me down for a couple. who wants that pesky AF anyway ? rocking old school baby !!
Seems no one here has shot a wedding with an RB67. 3kg ain't no thing.