CameraReview

Mitakon 55mm f/2.8 1-5X Super Macro

Mitakon · 55 mm · f/2.8

Mitakon 55mm f/2.8 1-5X Super Macro

Score Breakdown

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UNSCORED
What We Like
+Extraordinary 1-5X magnification range delivers near-microscopic clarity at extreme magnification ratios unmatched at this price point
+Extended working distances (150mm at 1X, 65mm at 5X) provide superior lighting and composition flexibility compared to competing macro lenses
+Full-frame and medium-format coverage with zero vignetting enables use across diverse camera systems and sensor sizes
+Included front LED ring light with USB-C power solves critical lighting challenges at extreme macro distances
+Sharp, well-corrected optical design with 13 elements minimizes chromatic aberrations and delivers edge-to-edge detail
+Exceptional value at $399 for a macro lens of this power and build quality normally costing $1,000 or more
Worth Knowing
Manual focus only with macro-only capability—cannot focus to infinity, limiting flexibility to close-up work exclusively
Steep learning curve and difficult to use—requires precision handling, tripod, focusing rail, and often focus stacking at 5X magnifications
Shallow depth of field at high magnifications combined with stiff magnification ring can cause camera vibration if not handled carefully
Diffraction reduces contrast and overall image quality at the highest magnification ratios (5X)

General

About This Lens
The Mitakon 55mm f/2.8 1-5X Macro from Zhong Yi Optics delivers an unprecedented 1-5X magnification range with an optical formula of 13 elements in 8 groups designed to minimize chromatic aberrations. It offers amazing magnification up to 5:1 reproduction ratio, great image quality, incredible value for money, and includes an LED light that screws onto the front to provide illumination even at extreme magnification. The trade-off is manual focus only and inability to focus to infinity, meaning it can only shoot macro images. The lens requires patience, precise handling, and extra gear like rails and lights to get the best results.
BrandMitakon
Release Year2025
Production Status
Current status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued).
In Production
Lens Mount
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Leica L
System
Indicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to.
Leica L
Maximum Format
Largest sensor size compatible with the lens.
Full Frame

Physical

Lens Weight690 g
Lens Diameter
Width of the lens at its widest point
67 mm
Lens Length
How long the lens is from front to back.
87 mm
Front Filter Compatible
Some lenses are compatible with front filters, some are compatible with back filters and some are compatible with both. Front filters are usually more convenient to add and remove.
Yes
Front Filter Size
Diameter of attachable filters.
58 mm

Optics

Focal Range
Shortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end )
55 mm
Aperture Range
Largest aperture at the lens's shortest focal length to longest focal length (aperture range start - end)
2.8
Focal Length Angle of View42.95°–5.6°
Diaphragm Type
Structure and design of the aperture
Manual
Blades
Number of diaphragm blades in aperture
9020
Zoom Lens
Zoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups
No
Maximum Magnification
Largest size a subject can be reproduced
5x
Autofocus ModeNo
Manual ModeYes
Manual Focusing RingYes

Features

Weather Sealing
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
No
Fluorine Coating
Coating to repel water and oil from lens elements.
No
Built In Lens HoodNo
Teleconverter
A teleconverter (extender) is an extra piece of equipment that fits between the lens and the camera body to enhance magnification
No
Image StabilizationNo

Construction

Elements
Lens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens.
13
Groups8
Aspherical Elements
The number of aspherical lens elements which can help correct aberrations such as spherical aberration.
0
Bi Aspherical Elements
Elements with two non-spherical surfaces
0
Low Dispersion
Elements that reduce chromatic aberration
0
Super Low Dispersion
Advanced elements further reducing chromatic aberration
0
CA Reduction
Built-in features to reduce chromatic aberration
0
Internal Focusing
Internal Focusing means that the lens does not change in size during focusing, and the front element does not rotate.
No