Brightin Star MF 35mm f/0.95

Brightin Star released this 35mm f/0.95 prime in 2023 for APS-C mirrorless cameras. It comes in versions for Canon EF-M, Canon RF, Fujifilm X, Micro Four Thirds, Nikon Z and Sony E. Pick the one made for your mount.

The bright aperture and manual focusing suit portraits, night streets and still subjects in dim interiors. You adjust focus with a ring on the lens. Check whether your camera offers focus magnification or another aid. The main trade-off is the lack of autofocus, so refocus as the subject or camera changes position.

The Canon EF-M version weighs 13.1 oz (370 g) and measures 2.44 in (62 mm) across. Other mount versions can differ in size and weight. Allow space for the lens and both caps in a bag. Screw-in filters must match the 52mm front thread. A neutral-density filter reduces incoming light when you want to retain the widest aperture in bright conditions.

On APS-C,35mm gives a standard view suited to street scenes and environmental portraits. The Micro Four Thirds version gives a narrower, short-telephoto view. Check framing for your camera format. There is no zoom, so changing position alters both framing and perspective.

The f/0.95 opening is unusually bright for an APS-C prime. That light helps keep ISO low in dim interiors, candlelit rooms and evening streets, where smaller apertures would force higher settings.

Depth of field can be very shallow at f/0.95, especially at close distances. A nearby subject can stand out against a distant background. Turn the focus ring carefully and check the important detail with focus magnification if your camera provides it. Stop down when more of the subject needs to be clear.

Closest focus is 1.2 ft (37 cm), measured from the sensor. It can help with food, flowers and tabletop objects. Check that light reaches the subject ahead of the lens. In bright daylight, a 52mm neutral-density filter can help retain a wide aperture without exceeding the camera’s exposure limits.

There is no image stabilisation in the lens. A camera with body stabilisation can help with shake. The wide aperture may allow a faster shutter speed, but it does not steady the camera. For long exposures, use firm support and check whether the subject is moving.

Keep the lens dry in rain or near sea spray, and change lenses in sheltered places. Remove loose grit before wiping the glass. Keep both ends capped in a bag and avoid leaving the rear element exposed during transport.

The optical path uses 11 elements in 8 groups. The focus ring provides manual control, while the aperture ring selects the opening. Make these adjustments deliberately and check the result after changing camera position. A wide aperture needs particular care when the important detail occupies only a small part of the frame.