Zhongyi Optics (ZY Optics) has expanded their f/0.95 lens lineup with the new Mitakon Speedmaster 17mm f/0.95 III lens.
Designed for the Micro Four Thirds system, the new Mitakon Speedmaster 17mm f/0.95 III combines ultra-fast optics with a 34mm equivalent field of view and packs it inside a lens that costs just $400.

This brings the Mitakon Speedmaster f/0.95 lens count for Micro Four Thirds up to two, adding to their existing 25mm f/0.95 lens.

The 17mm manual focus lens is constructed of 12 elements in 9 groups with a single extra-low dispersion element and four high refractive index elements to minimize chromatic aberration. The lens offers a 34mm full-frame equivalent focal length when attached to an MFT camera (63º angle of view). It features an aperture range of f/0.95 – f/16, uses a nine-blade aperture diaphragm, has a 58mm front filter thread, and has a minimum focusing distance of 30cm (11.8”).

ZY Optics says the lens delivers a “compelling sharpness across the frame, even at f/0.95”.

The lens itself is surprisingly tiny. Weighing only 461g (0.92 lbs) and 65.4mm (2.57” long), the new 17mm f/0.95 is currently one of the smallest f/0.95 lens found in the market.

The stepless aperture ring makes it a very interesting option for videography purposes. It can be used on cinema cameras like Pocket 4k, GH5, and Z-Cam E2 for shooting some cinematic footage with great shallow depth of field.

Here some sample images courtesy of ZY Optics:

The new Mitakon Speedmaster 17mm f/0.95 III is officially available starting today for $400, in either Silver or Black version. or learn
More info on the ZY Optics website.