What is your favourite macro lens? Are you interested in this Zhongyi (Mitakon) 85mm Super macro lens and why?

I have had 1:1 macro lenses for decades, and extension tubes (3 sets). I have a Tamron SP 90 (F017) today. Because you have to stop down this Zhongyi quite a a lot to get max sharpness, you will get high effective apertures. At 5X, and f/8 on a fullframe camera, the effective aperture will be f/48. At f/4 the effective will be f/24. Diffraction will be clearly visible in any case, but that is of course only a problem for us pixelpeepers that like to look at our images at 100%. Or, us that also print large. For webpublishing it will probably be OK, especially if you sharpen your image quite a bit. I will stick to my 1:1 macro lens, and tubes. I get magnifications around 1.8-3.2:1., and that is good enough for me. The main problem nowadays is to make macro images that stands out.

Richard, thanks for this video - I ordered a copy of the lens as soon as it was announced. Lenses like this do not benefit from the latest advancement in image stabilization or autofocus, but they would benefit from modern optics and a diaphragms, to a point. Having used the Canon MP-E 65mm for many years, the optical design shows its age especially at higher magnifications (I use it at up to 12x with extension tubes and additional optics). More aperture blades (9 in this lens vs. 6 in the MP-E), and better optics should yield good results. The Canon lens was designed and released in the 1990's, and there hasn't been a good competitor since then. I was really disappointed with the design of the 4-4.5x 20mm Mitakon for a number of reasons, but it looks like this lens has what it takes to usurp the MP-E 65mm from its throne. That said, I am disappointed that no native L-mount version exists - especially since the sample gallery for the lens includes a photo of the hot shoe mount on the Leica SL2! I know, I have adapters, but it's still a point of frustration! Ultimately, we're still limited by factors such as diffraction. Typically in the world of microscope objectives, having a longer working distance also translates to less resolving power at the extremes. It'll be interesting to see how this lens performs when you push it past 5:1 magnification. This is easy to do by coupling a teleconverter to a set of extension tubes to cover the protruding lens element on the TC to allow them to couple, or by using the Canon Lifesize Converter EF. In either case you're adding additional optics, so I'm not going to expect sensational results, but hopefully it will be on-par with the best solutions out there at an affordable price. :)

Hi Richard How does this lens compare to Laowa 25mm 2.8 2.5-5x macro? Would be interested to see review on both re their capabilities. Enjoy the fact can rely on you to keep us updated re new lens as they come on the market. Cheers

Really a very interesting lens. I have the 20mm Super Macro and the 50mm f0.95 II from Zhongyi. I am very grateful that there are such companies as Zhongyi but also Laowa who make special lenses, off the standard.

Thanks, I appreciate the min and max focal distances. Those numbers are super important. I use the Olympus 60 f2.8 on MFT for jewelry and product details. I like it because of the lack of max focal distance, and the autofocus capability. I also have the Zhongyi 20mm super macro, but since it's focusing range is so small, I have used it rarely. I was wondering how well this one works on MFT with it's crop (170 equivalent is a lot).

Very good review, thanks. I have the Canon MP-E 65, and the minimum working distance limits its abilities. The quality of photos is more related to the skills of the photographer than the lens, your samples look great. The included ring light and half the retail price, and available in many mounts make this a winner.

Interesting lens and a very comprehensive explanation of its features - thanks. It represents a worthwhile alternative to the MP-E65, particularly because of its longer working distance (and lower price), although this is offset by the lack of electronic aperture control for flash operation, EXIF data and pre-focussing.

Superb. I believe a new age has arrive in cheaper lens with 5x macro . Εven without electronic communication with the camera. Even so, the final shot is definitely worth buying this lens

Is there a convenient power source that will attach to your camera for powering the LED?

If would have been nice to shoot the Air Force resolution target, mm graph paper, and stage calibrators. Thanks for the review.

Does the more than double minimum WORKING distance of the Mitakon vs the Canon MP-E increase the DOF at f/8 (the aperture where you found the sharpest images?) Does doubling the minimum working distance double the DOF? MANY thanks for such a great review.

Is the image quality from this lens a lot better than the close-up lens? Can you make a comparison video?

Hi Richard, How about the IBIS or image stablization of this lens. I heard that the effective focal length change with magnification? What is the real focal length that you will put on to Nikon Z IBIS menu when at 5x. And how would you calculate this at say 2x 3x... Tks much Ps: i am using meike 85 2.8 at 1.5x and found that IBIS is not as effective as usual when setting the focal length of 85mm.

Hi Richard, someone said you need to open up the aperture to do focusing and then close it to take the photo. Is it the case?

I would like to see a comparison this lens vs Canon MPE 65mm f2.8 which one is better. Both have 5x optical range

Preorder @ BH / when is coming?? I have the 20mm - the WD has got me interested

Thank you! Very interesting lens. Price and image quality seem great. But i can't find any information about this lens on the internet apart from your video?

i just bought a Tamron 90 SP macro for my Nikon. How would it compare ib terms of sharpness to Mikaton... I wont shoot bugs. I'll need it to take photos a newly born babies to capture details.

is this more sharper than canon ? is it good for portraits?

what is the prize of the lens