Zhongyi Optics, better known as Mitakon, has announced the Zone T1 Cine Lens Series — a trio of full-frame cinema primes with a genuinely startling T1.0 maximum aperture. Comprising 35mm, 50mm and 75mm focal lengths, the set is designed for full-frame and VistaVision cinema systems, and joins the small club of full-frame cine lenses capable of transmitting this much light. It was flagged by PetaPixel, with details from Zhongyi Optics.
That T1.0 aperture is the whole point. Beyond exceptional low-light capability, it gives cinematographers extremely shallow depth of field and strong subject separation, along with the soft, “organic” rendering Zhongyi is pitching as an antidote to the clinical look of modern sensors. The lenses cover a 46mm image circle, so they’ll comfortably handle full-frame and larger sensors such as those in VistaVision-style cameras.
They’re built as proper cinema tools. Each lens uses a 16-blade iris for rounded out-of-focus highlights, is engineered for minimal focus breathing, and shares a standardised housing — a 114mm front diameter, 110mm filter thread, 0.8 MOD gearing and identical external dimensions and gear positions across the set, so switching focal lengths needs little rig readjustment. Mounts are user-interchangeable between PL and Canon EF. The one obvious caveat is weight: at around 3kg each these are hefty, better suited to mid- to large-sized cinema cameras than compact mirrorless hybrids — an unavoidable consequence of that T1.0 glass.
For professional cinematographers chasing maximum speed and a distinctive look, this is an intriguing and relatively attainable route into full-frame T1.0 territory. Mitakon has teased wider and longer focal lengths to come, so the set should grow. As ever with a crowdfunded launch, the usual caveats around delivery apply, though Zhongyi’s long track record with fast glass offers some reassurance.
Mitakon Zone T1 Cine Series: Specifications
Type: full-frame cinema prime lenses. Focal lengths: 35mm, 50mm, 75mm. Maximum aperture: T1.0. Coverage: full-frame and VistaVision; 46mm image circle. Iris: 16 blades. Mounts: user-interchangeable PL and Canon EF. Housing: standardised, 114mm front diameter, 110mm filter thread, 0.8 MOD gearing, matched dimensions and gear positions across the set; internal focus, minimal focus breathing. Weight: approx. 3kg per lens.
Mitakon Zone T1 Cine Series: Price and availability
The Zone T1 series launches via an introductory Indiegogo campaign, with wider availability online and through authorised resellers worldwide from 20 August 2026. Pricing is set through the campaign — we’ll update this story with confirmed UK pricing when available.
