Meike Optics has introduced a new 25mm f/0.95 manual focus lens for APS-C camera systems. The $370 optic is now offered for Sony E mount, with the promise that Fujifilm X, Canon EOS M and RF, and Micro Four Thirds will be added next month. The new 25mm f/0.95 lens has a 35mm full-frame equivalent focal length of approximately 38mm with a diagonal, horizontal, and vertical angle of view of 59.3, 52, and 35.4 degrees on APS-C cameras and 47.6, 38.8, and 29.5 degrees on Micro Four Thirds cameras.

Meike’s new lens comprises 11 elements grouped into nine groups. Still, the company has not revealed what glass elements are used in that optical scheme, including if it uses any aspherical or specially coated elements. However, this is not particularly unusual for Meike, a Chinese manufacturer, as it normally doesn’t disclose any information about its optics.

Although the manufacturer has not released any examples of photographs shot with the lens, given the wide-open aperture and the fact that it has a 13-bladed diaphragm, it appears as though its aperture diaphragm will be able to deliver a particularly excellent rendering of out-of-focus areas. Aperture settings for the 25mm f/0.95 vary from f/0.95 to f/16.

Meike claims the new lens can focus up to 0.25 meters, or 9.8 inches, away. The front filter thread of the optic is 62mm in diameter, and its weight is 600 grams or 1.32 pounds. The manufacturer promotes the new lens as perfect for landscape and portrait photography. This is probably due of the wide aperture, which will be helpful to photographers working in low light and has the added bonus of helping to produce great backdrop and subject separation.