Zenitar 0.95 / 50 (Zenitar 50mm f / 0.95) is the first lens of the line, equipped with an E attachment mount for mirrorless cameras, as well as a unique bokeh pattern. The ultra-high aperture ratio of F / 0.95 provides low-light shooting. Distinctive design detail has become a perfectly round diaphragm, provided with fourteen petals. The new Zenitar has a completely metal case and weighs very well – 1.1 kg. The optical design of the lens has 9 elements in 8 groups, the calculation of the scheme Bogdankov VA, design – Timireva A.A.

Creating the concept and design of the lens, the KMZ experts took into account the tasks posed by portrait photographers. It was important to create a device that allows you to shoot high-quality images in different conditions. Photographers have already appreciated the novelty, noting the quality of bokeh, brightness and clarity of the images taken.

“Zenitar 0.95 / 50 is a lens for thoughtful photography that will suit both professionals and amateurs. Thanks to new, improved optical calculations, the image is sharper. It is worth noting your own unusual drawing, which is especially appreciated in artistic photography. The quality of the product is not inferior to foreign counterparts, and an attractive price will allow you to successfully compete with them in both domestic and foreign markets. Of course, the new development brings the Zenitar line to a fundamentally new level, ”said KMZ General Director Vadim Kalyugin.

Review

The lens is heavy, yet the build quality isn’t exactly great. Both rings are a bit scratchy with uneven resistance, markings are not engraved, the lens hood is wobbly and reflective on the inside.

Sharpness and contrast at f/0.95 are far from good, especially off center. By f/1.4 the lens starts to show acceptable resolution and contrast, but there are many more reasonable 50mm f/1.4 lenses available that offer the same and more for much less money and bulk.

Distortion is unusually high for a 50mm lens. Astigmatism and coma are both very badly corrected. You get completely black corners when stopping the lens down and flare resistance at wider apertures is the worst I have ever seen.

All those things may still be acceptable for some, if the only alternative was the Leica Noctilux 50mm 0.95 costing 10 grand. But that is not the case. We have the Zhong Yi Mitakon 50mm 0.95 MKII and MKIII. Both lenses are optically superior, seem to have actually been designed for E-mount cameras and at the same time they are much smaller and lighter and not even more expensive.

https://phillipreeve.net/blog/quick-review-zenitar-50mm-0-95-e/?SAR

Also in stock in B&H now

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1555698-REG/zenit_5510_50mm_f_0_95_mz_zenitar_sony.html