Mitakon Speedmaster 50mm f/0.95 Mark III Review

The New Mitakon 'Speedmaster' 50mm f/0.95 Mark III is a solid manual focus lens with good build quality and improved focus ring precision. It has minimal improvements over the Mark II version, with better flare control and contrast. The bokeh is unique but the lens has some optical issues, particularly at closer working distances and in the corners at wider apertures.

The New Mitakon 'Speedmaster' 50mm f/0.95 Mark III is a niche lens that will appeal to some photographers, particularly those who appreciate its unique bokeh and classic manual focus experience. However, it may not be suitable for all shooting situations, especially when working with moving subjects or requiring corner-to-corner sharpness.

A notable improvement is the focus ring precision, making it much easier to focus, especially at the maximum aperture of f/0.95.

The New Mitakon 'Speedmaster' 50mm f/0.95 Mark III is a manual focus lens designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras. Priced at $800, it is a solid option for those looking for a manual focus lens with the classic 'Speedmaster' look and feel. The lens has minimal improvements over the Mark II version, with a slightly smaller size but similar weight. The build quality is very solid and the metallic finish gives it a premium feel. A notable improvement is the focus ring precision, making it much easier to focus, especially at the maximum aperture of f/0.95.In terms of image quality, the lens performs similarly to its predecessor, with sharpness in the middle of the image at wider apertures and a unique looking bokeh. Flare control and contrast have seen slight improvements, making the lens a better performer in challenging lighting conditions. However, the lens still has some optical issues, especially at closer working distances and in the corners at wider apertures. The bokeh, while smooth, can produce some unexpected effects.Overall, the New Mitakon 'Speedmaster' 50mm f/0.95 Mark III is a niche lens that will appeal to some photographers, particularly those who appreciate its unique bokeh and classic manual focus experience. However, it may not be suitable for all shooting situations, especially when working with moving subjects or requiring corner-to-corner sharpness.

The lens has minimal improvements over the Mark II version, with a slightly smaller size but similar weight. The build quality is very solid and the metallic finish gives it a premium feel.