Mitakon 42.5mm f/1.2 lens coming soon for Micro Four Thirds

A new Mitakon lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras is rumored to be released later in 2014, bearing a focal length of 42.5mm and a maximum aperture of f/1.2.

ZyOptics-branded lenses have been around for a while. They are made in China and are known for being very cheap. Nowadays, they are mostly called Mitakon and are distributed throughout the world, courtesy of MXCamera’s eBay store.

In the past, third-party Chinese optics have been largely ignored by photographers due to their very poor optical quality. However, their standards have been raised in recent times, therefore their sales have increased along with the customers’ satisfaction.

A new ZyOptics product is coming soon and will be aimed at mirrorless cameras with Micro Four Thirds image sensors. According to inside sources, the Mitakon 42.5mm f/1.2 lens is in development and will enter mass-production in the near future.

Mitakon 42.5mm f/1.2 lens mounted on a Micro Four Thirds camera. Credits: Tech Sina.

Micro Four Thirds camera owners to get Mitakon 42.5mm f/1.2 lens by the end of 2014

The Mitakon 42.5mm f/1.2 lens has been demoed at several events in the past. Unfortunately, the Chinese manufacturer has not found enough time to continue developing and producing this optic.

The good thing is that people familiar with the matter have been able to confirm that the product will finally begin shipping by the end of 2014.

An exact announcement date has not been provided, albeit everybody is expecting this lens to drop towards the end of the year.

It is worth stating that its price remains unknown for the time being. However, Micro Four Thirds users will not be forced to break the bank once it becomes available.

Blame the Mitakon 50mm f/0.95 FE-mount lens for the delay

One of the reasons why it has been delayed consists of the Mitakon 50mm f/0.95 lens for Sony E-mount cameras with full frame sensors, the source added.

It appears that the company has been focused on manufacturing this fast-aperture optic, which has received a high amount of pre-orders, so it has been forced to put other projects on hold.

A Micro Four Thirds version of the 50mm f/0.95 is also rumored to be in the works, but the source has been unable to confirm this aspect.

Either way, when the Mitakon 42.5mm f/1.2 lens gets released, it will provide a 35mm focal length equivalent of 85mm. Its main competitor will be the Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2 lens, which is available for around $1,500 at Amazon.