Love this channel. As a Hobby photographer, it’s great to find lenses that do 90% of what I want for a quarter of the price. I love my zve10 but spending thousands on lenses just isn’t justifiable
As someone who started selling cameras in 1978 on to 1987 every 35mm camera came with the 50mm lens. it wasn't until about 1983 that "Kit lenses" came out and customer's had the option. to buy the camera with the 50mm, or with the 35-70 kit lens. that's why the popularity of 50mm lenses, not that they were desirable, but that it was the only lens available with the cameras from 1960-1983. I've owned 2 50mm lenses out of dozens of lenses and cameras that I've owned. the first was the 50mm f1.7 that came with my Minolta XD-11 back in 1979, the second I bought a 50mm f1.4 Canon lens for my Canon 5DmII, but I rarely used it. Again, they were popular because it was what they got, not really what they wanted. I did get a 50mm f.095 lens with my 1957 Canon 7 that I bought in 1982, but it was classic and used.
My very first camera was a Minolta film camera. It’s what got me addicted to all of this crap. 😂 From there, I went on to Olympus, then Canon and now Sony.
APS-C Blurred~（how to say in english ） 0.95=full size 1.4 light= 0.95 In fact,From the south of China ~ it is an OEM factory with several lens design factories. The coating comes from CCTV. Southern Lens Factory sometimes uses a similar design, but the shell is different. From the nouth of China ~ Zhongyi has worse coating. but Zhongyi has the Nikon lens grinder from the 1980s
Hi Mark, I ordered this lens because of your enthusiastic review. It was finally delivered last week and I am very disappointed. Yes, it delivers sharp images, but at least my copy has serious chromatic aberrations, both lateral and longitudinal, so much so that they are clearly visible even without magnification. When I compare my results with your statements, I can't believe that this is the same lens.
Very often more expensive products are more expensive because of a strict warranty control that assures coherence in specification among different units. Cheaper products often have a less strict warranty control and differences among units can be bigger. My advice would be to try a replacement.
I'm sure the copy of the lens Mark reviewed is a good one because the manufacturer sent him a cherry-picked sample. Such practices are unethical. Unfortunately, cheap lenses with a no-name brand are a risk to buy because of lax production standards and hit-or-miss quality control. For those reasons, I would never buy this lens.If you want a hand holdable camera that's nearly perfect that will create a similar image style presented in this video, then buy the Leica M11-P Rangefinder with a Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. Lens (2023 Version) for a total of $13,890.
Great video Mark. I just ordered this through your Amazon link. Of note, at least for me, there was an additional $20 coupon from the manufacturer through Amazon at checkout so it was only $179. Not sure if everyone will see that but its worth a look
*Mark i hope you consider reviewing the Loawa 33mm F0.95 APO lens. This thing has one of the most amazing background blur and amazing Red Flair, It is more expensive but it has little Achromatic issues but its a beast!*
I reeeally love your videos and recommendations. BUT I’d love if you mention the lense early or even in the title. I watch your videos anyway. Even rewatched many just because they are so informative. Thanks for your work 🙏
Been looking for a fast 35mm for my Sony and can find f/1.8 and f/1.4 but in the $250-$300+ price range and these lenses are pushing 45+ years. Nice to see there is one that you like for cheap money. Well inexpensive money.
This is one of the lenses I most enjoyed and had fun and made nice and easy artistic photos, with the Fuji XH1. Very easy to focus, lots of contrast and sharpness wide open. Average photos became interesting. I intend to buy one for a Canon M5. The colors are superb, creamy and glossy if you want. That's a lens one can buy "just" for pleasure. BTW, thank you for the very nice videos, very useful.
I have the 7artisans 35mm f0.95 which I absolutely adore and use regularly, but the clicked aperture ring is tempting me to consider swapping for this lens!
I shoot on Fujifilm. I have the 7Artisans as well, and despite the fact that the Brightin Star appears physically almost identical and uses the same optical formula, I bought it for the clicked aperture. I was surprised by how much better the Brightin Star is optically. It is noticeably sharper and has more contrast wide open, as well as less aberration. Its rendering is smoother, more controlled, and the bokeh is beautiful. It's in every way the superior lens. I suppose it could be sample variation, but I'd buy the BS again without hesitation. It's really amazing for the price.
@@alihall4208 The Brightin Star, a silly name to be sure, really is a great lens. Since buying it, it's been on my xpro2 more than any of the others in my somewhat embarrassingly large collection. If you like the 7A, I think you'll like the BS even more. And, yeah. Just say "NO!" to clickless aperture rings! As a stills shooter only, t's a trend I quite dislike.
I really want to thank you for introducing this lens to me. It was SO affordable I just had to try it, and holy heck this is a chonky boy. Put it on my fuji x-e3 and suddenly I feel like I have a budget mini Leica q2. Im too scared to travel with my leica kit with all the aggressive pick pockets over seas. But THIS! I can pack this 35 when I have time for slow photography, and pair it with the newest 18-55 zoom lens and be set. I love the manual focus and the full brass lens cap. Seriously, thank you for helping me fall in love with my fuji gear again!
I agree 100% with your "35mm is more comfy than 22mm in street" I feel it too, but I have found myself wishing for more context in my photos. Or in places where space is limited, having a bit more distance on the image. 28mm seem to be a good compromise, you can always crop it if you want to be at a safe distance. Especially with these sensors that we have now!
an interesting insight that I would want to point out and this is the second time watching the vid though.. at 14:32 something very nice happens - that Only in manual lenses can be done - Only in in manual lenses you can change the Aperture WHILE shooting video! sure, its not something that film-graphy people will notice right away (cuz of variable ND filters) but its a very useful tool, especially when you're in need for a fast correction without stopping the flow of the filming
I bought this on seeing this Video. The sharpness is amazing. With one tub light on it does wonder. There’s one big problem. I get heavy vignette at all corners. Otherwise it’s excellent. Thank you for recommending.
Great video. I’ve been wanting a great low light lens for shooting bands in dark night clubs but also something I can get mileage out of in other use cases. As someone whose first camera was an OM-2n in the early 80s (I still own 5 OM cameras and a ton of Zuiko lenses) with a 50mm lens, I understand its versatility. Sold.
Reality is the 50mm was a cheap give away with the camera purchase in hopes the buyer would up grade to a 35mm and or 85mm for general professional work. (Wedding and portraiture.) Therefore everyone had a 50mm and it became popular because it was what everyone learned with. 😊
Great video! I’ve honestly been on the lookout for a good lens for food photography at a reasonable price for my canon m50. I love 35mm especially on crop sensors. This looks incredible for the price point as well, I was honestly expecting it to be around 400. Also congrats on 50k! Very well deserved 🎉🎉
I was skeptical on Sharpness/Quality, but after a visit to a museum on a busy day. I was nailing focus while shoulder to shoulder and was editing surprisingly sharp photos in post.
Thanks. I did try buying the Brightin Star 35mm through an affiliate link but the Amazon price was double the factory price! So this is in lieu of whatever your commission might have been. Very impressed with the lens!
Excellent in-depth video! I’ve dove into mirrorless photography with a Canon R7 about a year ago. Although it’s nice to have all the wazoo capabilities, there’s something satisfying about taking full control of the frame using a manual lens. This lens sounds like a good lens for me to start going a bit retro with my shooting. Thanks again for all of your detailed reviews.
Thank you so much for this tip! I just got mine with the metal lens hood and useful thumb nubbin for easier focusing and it is every bit as good as you say.
I just received this lens yesterday. Very impressive. One minor detail they overlooked, the focus scale on the lens has a marking for f11 even though the lens doesn't have an f11 aperture click. How could you manufacturer a lens and miss something so simple? The hard stop on mine is also quite a bit off of infinity but that might just be my copy. Also when i go from f4 to f8 it only loses one stop of light which doesn't seem correct, that should be 2 stops right? I think the unmarked click between 2.8 and 4 is supposed to 4, and 4 on the lens is actually 5.6. Overall it's a fun and challenging lens to use
Thanks for sharing this. On the hard stop going past infinity, that’s normal and part of the design. If the hard stop is at infinity, temperature variation can actually change exactly where infinity is, on the lens, meaning you may not be able to get to infinity in some cases. Pretty much all modern manual lenses turn past infinity. Thanks for the information on the aperture too, I didn’t pick that up.
I'd be curious if your aperture markings are the same. I lose 2 stops of light on the exposure scale when I go from 2.8 to 4. So I definitely think the un-marked dash is supposed to f4 and f 4 is actually 5.6
I have a Mitakon 35mm f0.95 ii which is an excellent lens, but this sounds even better. The trouble with the Mitakon is chromatic aberrations are terrible. It’s the mk ii version of the lens as well which is said to have improved upon this flaw. It might be a quality control issue though as it’s soo bad on my copy that I just use it for b&w images. But if what you say on this lens is true, then I might seek one out. Also a clickable aperture is nicer, although the declicked one on the Mitakon isn’t a major issue for me.
I learned off a manual exposure, rangefinder focus and black and white. I do miss being able to just take my time to get the right shot. Had to be deliberate with film....
Based on this video I just grabbed this lens before heading on a quick "vacation" and I'm not sure I'm impressed. My current walk-around lens has been a Sony 35mm 1.8, what everyone ranks as an OK, not great lens, I initially really learned photography back in the film camera days with my dad's late 60's/early 70's Nikormat with a 50mm lens, so the 35mm on a crop (a6400) is my go-to. Yes, at f.95 it can practically see in the dark, and the build quality looks and feels incredible, but I'm not impressed otherwise. I've spent 2 days with this lens and I can't nail focus to save my life, I have other manual lenses that I don't have a problem with, but with this one, the focus assists on and off, peaking levels... everything changes from subject to subject trying to nail the focus. With a lot of work, you can get a pretty sharp focus on portrait-type shots (and from 4' away I can get a sharp eye on the dog but the nose and everything else are blurred) but nothing gets me sharp focus at longer distances, landscape type shots, nothing works. At infinity Everything is out, even trying f stops up to f8, and a little in from the infinity stop where the focus peaking is the best it's better, but not great (both my Tamron superzooms are MUCH better, and the Sony 35 is in a different league, with identical manually set f stop, shutter and ISO). The Sony "walks around" with a Best Buy Platinum UV filter/lens protector (tested to be one of the better budget choices) and a lens hood all the time, so I figure, maybe one of them is giving the Sony an unfair advantage... I take them off... it's the same. I finally decided I'll try to take a picture of a very textured shower mat with both lenses at different distances from about 1' to 12', the same exact settings, everything. There's just no comparison. This lens looks OK full screen, the Sony looks crisper, but if you zoom in to full size the Sony remains crisp and this one falls apart. This one is so bad, after all the awesome reviews here and other places I don't even feel like I just got "a bad one." It feels like I'm doing something entirely wrong. Unless I'm missing something it's going back, and I'll probably send it back as defective.
These lenses are usually based on some vintage lens but manufactured with modern materials and precision assembly, hence giving better image quality. Anyone know the equivalent vintage lens of this one?
I think this is something that may have been the case a long time ago, but this is an 11 element lens, it's far too sophisticated to be based on a vintage lens. So I believe this is a complete new design.
Hi Mark. Two questions - What do you think of the micro contrast of this lens? And second, how is the edge-to-edge sharpness of the lens for landscape use at the f5.6 and f8 apertures? Thanks.
Mark. I follow you since you are under 5k subs. When Im looking for a manual lens I always check your channel first. Im from Brazil, with two aps-c Canons and we dont have acess to all this brands. You tecnique of not talk the brand of the lens and not write in title or description is very disturbing and not nice. I know, im youtuber too and we want the views, but, before I can apriciate your nice review I need, first, to know if I can get one or if I can pay one. I looked in beginning, middle and the end of the vídeo and I couldnt find the name. I gave up. (your links dont work in Amazon Brazil). Please, re-think you stragedy to stimulate we watch more! Cheers from Brazil
I'm a Canon DSLR user too. We get cut off by the manufacturers with these nice lenses. APSC yes, but only Canon RF or M mount...! Not for us, buddy... 😞
Just ordered one from Brightin Star. Amazon only had the f1.2 version in the Fuji X mount. Brightin has a $15 discount on the Fuji mount lens right now. Thanks for the great reviews!
I have been using this lens for a week with a Nikon Z50, and my results mirror those of Mark’s. Of course this camera does not begin to test the resolution as much as a Fuji or even a Canon would. But so far, sharp corner to corner wide open, no coma or flaring to speak of. Nice sun stars stopped down. Excellent focus and aperture rings. Nice contrast, albeit not brilliant. Extremely smooth bokeh. As has been notrd, they completely screwed up the aperture numbers - impossible to tell what they correspond to. Perhaps that’s one reason for the very low price…
Hello, I'm new in the world of cameras, been on Mobile Photography and I will buy the Nikon Z50, but I see many lenses like this one and I'm not sure how can I use it on my Z50, do I need an adapter for this specific lens, or the lens fit in any camera without adapter??? How do I know if the lens that I like fits my Z50?
These new Chinese lenses are made with the Z mount. The only lenses you should, as a rule, be buying converters for are so-called vintage lenses. This lens review deals with a completely manual and mechanical lens with no electronics. There is another possibility, and that's to get a Nikon f-mount adapter, or a Canon one, for adapting older auto focus (or manual ) lenses made for DSLR cameras. At this point z however, I think you're better off investing in native Z mount lenses, since there's quite a bit of choice now, in contrast to a couple of years ago. The new Viltrox are worth looking at, as is the cheapt T-Artisan autofocus for APSC format.
At sub 200 bucks, yeah, I guess it's the best. But if you spend a bit more, you can get the 7Artisans for around 250. I have both and at whide open, which is what you buy these lenses for, the 7 has less abortion and is sharper. If I want to use a lens stopped down, I would go for another lense, maybe an f2 lens, to have even better image quality across the stops range in the first place. But if it comes to f0.95 fotos and lenses, I would definitely recommend the 7 over the Brightin.
Many thanks for another informative video Mark! I am considering this lens for my Olympus eM1 mark II camera. Would it make sense to expect it to work equally well on the m43 sensor as on the apsc?
I would try and find some real world feedback on the subject. You are at a 70mm FOV and putting a lot of pressure on the optics, may be fine, but I just don't know.
I don't see why not. As long as It has (it should) the same back glass but with the MFT mount you won't be using the softer outer area of the lens. My kamlan 50 mk ii MFT works as well on apsc with adapter because the back glass size is not MFT specific
Ive got the Laowa 33mm, how would you say that compares? I really like that lens, the only thing I'd say is bad is the weight and the uneven vignette. Other than that its really nice
Going through so many of your videos are great. I do have a question though about Mieke.vs TT.vs.7artisans looking at a number of their F.09 versions and other ones and they often look like they're literally manufactured by the same company or do they come from the same factory or something? Or subcontracted or is there any explanation for this. One of your videos featured the Mieke but I could see yet I could only find the exact same model but it was made by Ttartisans. Weird.
I took your advice and purchased this lens from Amazon (your link) I am a beginner and using it with a Canon R6 Mark II new camera. I was surprised at the weight of this lens. I'll be doing some tutorials on how to use it since I have no idea how to make adjustments and successfully take photos with it. If you can recommend a tutorial I would very much appreciate it!
This lens got me real excited. I was about to order one but found out the mount is EF-M but my mount is EF-S. Are there any transition mounts from M to S out there?
Nice review. I got the TTArtisan 35mm f0.95 because of your review of that lens and it's wild bokeh. And now this comes along. I only wish they released a month earlier so it could have been an option ;-) Enjoying the TTArtisan tho!
Have just seen 3 of your videos but they were all interesting! Subbed, great to hear of these obscure lenses! Planning on 6700 + Sony 11mm and the 75mm and maybe that lens cap looking lens, if its not too hard to find some place... I don't need any zooms, I rather use a slider. A macro would be nice, but its not really necessary for what I do with my camera...
Hello, I'm new in the world of cameras, been on Mobile Photography and I will buy the Nikon Z50, but I see many lenses like this one, and I'm not sure how can I use it on my Z50, do I need an adapter for this specific lens, or the lens fit in any camera without adapter??? How do I know if the lenses that I like fits my Z50?
@markwiemels Thank you for your work, I love your videos. I keep coming back to your channel.... I already have the TTArtisan 35m f1.4 and I like the lense. How do you compare it to this Brigthing Star? Is the BS worth as a second 35m manual?
Thanks for the video, but I think you don't understand food photography. Newbies automatically go wide open for food shots (because a blurred background is, and always will be awesome). I went down the same route when I started - but for the end user, ie the customer looking at the food/menu - a shallow depth of field image lacks story, context and substance. If you actually pay attention to high end food photography, you're more likely to find focus stacking than bokeh. That said, in a series, a single creamy bokeh detail image is magical. I've ordered the TTArtisans 35mm 0.95 after watching your review. I plan to try it out on a maternity shoot this week.
Anyone know how big an image circle this lens creates on a full-frame sensor? Esp because there is ZERO vignetting on an APS-C sensor, I'm hopeful it covers most or even all of a full-frame sensor. Thanks...
I have not tested that one, but it has a suspiciously similar size, shape, and optical specs, but not identical. So I don't think they are the same lens, but it's hard to know. Based on the performance of this lens, I can't image any lens, at any price, being "significantly" better , simply because this one is so good already, there not much room to improve. The Mitikon is twice the price, and I think it would he hard to justify. Honestly, if this lens was $400-500, I would still have thought the price was fair.
As an introverted amateur photographer, I feel less uncomfortable with a telephoto lens like an 85mm, lol. But, this lens looks very interesting for short films.
Great review. The version I have doesn't have a clicked aperture ring so they must have updated it perhaps? But everything else you say is bang on the money.
Do you have one of the other similar looking .95f lenses? This one definitely has a clicked aperture wheel. I love mine. Works perfect with focus peaking, and I can leave it wide open 99% of the time. It's super sharp. Great for portraits and animal pics. My toddler moves way too much. I have a sigma 30mm 1.4 for that.
Sorry, what is the specific lens you referred to shown on the Amazon website? Its a bit confusing which lens you're referring to!! Many thanks in advance
How much is the focus throw on this lens? Last 7artisan lens I bought had only around 45 degrees of focus throw and it is shit to focus and is useless in half of the situations.
I'd like to get this lens but I have pretty bad eyesight and usually rely a lot on autofocus and other assists from my Sony camera, if I use this lens would I still get help from peaking highlights? That's the only issue stopping me from clicking the buy button.
Hi @markwiemels, thank you for this video and congratulations for 50k! Would you know how this lens compares with the Meike equivalent? The optical design is different I think, but from your review it sounds like this is more usable wide open. Thank you! Also, if you could share samples, that would be very appreciated!!!
One last question Mark. Do you think this lens can be a good alternative of Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/0.9 or is it worth to pay 1500$ for Voigtlander while it's possible to get Brightin Star only for 200$ ?
It is not available in Europe yet, just the 50mm f:0.95. I bought the 7Artisans 35mm f:0.95 for Fuji when it was presented (2020 I think) and it stays in my bag because optically it is awesome, is it that one better? The single thing I don't like about the 7Art it is the declick aperture but after one month of use I solved that problem using a "break", it is not made for but it works, no, I am not using a scotch tape.
Great lens, thanks! I just checked on the manufacturer's site: But why is it not available for Canon EF-S since it's made for APS-C?? I don't get why we get cut off on most of these great lenses, like there are no Canon DSLR cams out there. Ridiculous!
Because it is not a Retrofocus design. Long technical story: it's not designed for an SLR and needs to be closer to the image sensor, that is only possible with mirrorless camera,s. If you would put it on a DSLR it will not focus to infinity and basically be a non intentional macro lens. Which it is not designed for.
@@W00dy_NL Thank you very much for the explanation, this helped me a lot. So this is for cropped sensor of mirrorless cams. I was connecting mirrorless too close to full frame in my mind. Just like I did with APS-C to DSLR. Strange thinking of a confused noob! 😆
What about video of this lens? Kindly make video from this on aps-c Sony zve10 camera. I wanna buy a TTARTISAN lens for videos. Confused in choosing 17mm vs 35mm for dance short videos for TH-cam shorts & Instagram reels.
please, i can't get around it..🥲 a 35mm lens, on a APS-C will ALWAYS increase to Xmm (X= focal leght * crop factor) or, if i choose a lens that say "for APS-C", it's already compensated? thanks
35mm is the same as 35mm on full frame, you just get a cropped images with a smaller filed of view. Unless you already shoot full frame and know what focal lengths you prefer, then don’t even put the mental effort into thinking about it.
@@nadavy111 I have the TTArtisan 35mm 1.4 and love it! I might try this one in the future, but the two are pretty similar so I’ll stick with mine for now. If I didn’t already have mine, this would probably be first on my list of budget lenses. 😄
@@l.e.phillips I had the same thought! :) ended up buying the TTArtisans 23 1.4 cuz it was the right lens for my uses (low light room drawing studio - bed studio) but heyyy that 1.4 ... is just great :)
Love this channel. As a Hobby photographer, it’s great to find lenses that do 90% of what I want for a quarter of the price. I love my zve10 but spending thousands on lenses just isn’t justifiable
I love how you showcase reasonably priced alternatives to high priced lenses. I have purchased 2 lenses you have showcased.
Hi...which 2 lenses did you buy?
Me two.😊
As someone who started selling cameras in 1978 on to 1987 every 35mm camera came with the 50mm lens. it wasn't until about 1983 that "Kit lenses" came out and customer's had the option. to buy the camera with the 50mm, or with the 35-70 kit lens. that's why the popularity of 50mm lenses, not that they were desirable, but that it was the only lens available with the cameras from 1960-1983. I've owned 2 50mm lenses out of dozens of lenses and cameras that I've owned. the first was the 50mm f1.7 that came with my Minolta XD-11 back in 1979, the second I bought a 50mm f1.4 Canon lens for my Canon 5DmII, but I rarely used it. Again, they were popular because it was what they got, not really what they wanted. I did get a 50mm f.095 lens with my 1957 Canon 7 that I bought in 1982, but it was classic and used.
My very first camera was a Minolta film camera. It’s what got me addicted to all of this crap. 😂 From there, I went on to Olympus, then Canon and now Sony.
Because of this video, I bought the lens recently for my x-e3. Can’t be any happier! Thank you!
What’s the name of the lens???
@@eddie7171 Brightin Star 35mm F0.95
@@eddie7171Bright Star 35mm F0.95.
APS-C Blurred~（how to say in english ） 0.95=full size 1.4 light= 0.95
In fact,From the south of China ~ it is an OEM factory with several lens design factories. The coating comes from CCTV.
Southern Lens Factory sometimes uses a similar design, but the shell is different.
From the nouth of China ~ Zhongyi has worse coating. but Zhongyi has the Nikon lens grinder from the 1980s
Hi Mark, I ordered this lens because of your enthusiastic review. It was finally delivered last week and I am very disappointed. Yes, it delivers sharp images, but at least my copy has serious chromatic aberrations, both lateral and longitudinal, so much so that they are clearly visible even without magnification.
When I compare my results with your statements, I can't believe that this is the same lens.
Very often more expensive products are more expensive because of a strict warranty control that assures coherence in specification among different units. Cheaper products often have a less strict warranty control and differences among units can be bigger. My advice would be to try a replacement.
I'm sure the copy of the lens Mark reviewed is a good one because the manufacturer sent him a cherry-picked sample. Such practices are unethical. Unfortunately, cheap lenses with a no-name brand are a risk to buy because of lax production standards and hit-or-miss quality control. For those reasons, I would never buy this lens.If you want a hand holdable camera that's nearly perfect that will create a similar image style presented in this video, then buy the Leica M11-P Rangefinder with a Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. Lens (2023 Version) for a total of $13,890.
Great video Mark. I just ordered this through your Amazon link. Of note, at least for me, there was an additional $20 coupon from the manufacturer through Amazon at checkout so it was only $179. Not sure if everyone will see that but its worth a look
Great to hear, yes I noticed that after publishing the video.
*Mark i hope you consider reviewing the Loawa 33mm F0.95 APO lens. This thing has one of the most amazing background blur and amazing Red Flair, It is more expensive but it has little Achromatic issues but its a beast!*
I reeeally love your videos and recommendations. BUT I’d love if you mention the lense early or even in the title. I watch your videos anyway. Even rewatched many just because they are so informative. Thanks for your work 🙏
I usually just click on the "Buy here" link and get the name from there, but yeah, you're right
Been looking for a fast 35mm for my Sony and can find f/1.8 and f/1.4 but in the $250-$300+ price range and these lenses are pushing 45+ years. Nice to see there is one that you like for cheap money. Well inexpensive money.
This is one of the lenses I most enjoyed and had fun and made nice and easy artistic photos, with the Fuji XH1. Very easy to focus, lots of contrast and sharpness wide open. Average photos became interesting. I intend to buy one for a Canon M5. The colors are superb, creamy and glossy if you want. That's a lens one can buy "just" for pleasure. BTW, thank you for the very nice videos, very useful.
I have the 7artisans 35mm f0.95 which I absolutely adore and use regularly, but the clicked aperture ring is tempting me to consider swapping for this lens!
I shoot on Fujifilm. I have the 7Artisans as well, and despite the fact that the Brightin Star appears physically almost identical and uses the same optical formula, I bought it for the clicked aperture. I was surprised by how much better the Brightin Star is optically. It is noticeably sharper and has more contrast wide open, as well as less aberration. Its rendering is smoother, more controlled, and the bokeh is beautiful. It's in every way the superior lens. I suppose it could be sample variation, but I'd buy the BS again without hesitation. It's really amazing for the price.
@@gregorypease213 thanks for the insight, really interesting to hear about other users
@@alihall4208 The Brightin Star, a silly name to be sure, really is a great lens. Since buying it, it's been on my xpro2 more than any of the others in my somewhat embarrassingly large collection. If you like the 7A, I think you'll like the BS even more. And, yeah. Just say "NO!" to clickless aperture rings! As a stills shooter only, t's a trend I quite dislike.
I really want to thank you for introducing this lens to me. It was SO affordable I just had to try it, and holy heck this is a chonky boy. Put it on my fuji x-e3 and suddenly I feel like I have a budget mini Leica q2. Im too scared to travel with my leica kit with all the aggressive pick pockets over seas. But THIS! I can pack this 35 when I have time for slow photography, and pair it with the newest 18-55 zoom lens and be set. I love the manual focus and the full brass lens cap. Seriously, thank you for helping me fall in love with my fuji gear again!
I agree 100% with your "35mm is more comfy than 22mm in street" I feel it too, but I have found myself wishing for more context in my photos. Or in places where space is limited, having a bit more distance on the image. 28mm seem to be a good compromise, you can always crop it if you want to be at a safe distance. Especially with these sensors that we have now!
an interesting insight that I would want to point out
and this is the second time watching the vid though..
at 14:32 something very nice happens - that Only in manual lenses can be done -
Only in in manual lenses you can change the Aperture WHILE shooting video!
sure, its not something that film-graphy people will notice right away (cuz of variable ND filters)
but
its a very useful tool, especially when you're in need for a fast correction without stopping the flow of the filming
I bought this on seeing this Video. The sharpness is amazing. With one tub light on it does wonder. There’s one big problem. I get heavy vignette at all corners. Otherwise it’s excellent. Thank you for recommending.
Great video. I’ve been wanting a great low light lens for shooting bands in dark night clubs but also something I can get mileage out of in other use cases. As someone whose first camera was an OM-2n in the early 80s (I still own 5 OM cameras and a ton of Zuiko lenses) with a 50mm lens, I understand its versatility. Sold.
Reality is the 50mm was a cheap give away with the camera purchase in hopes the buyer would up grade to a 35mm and or 85mm for general professional work. (Wedding and portraiture.) Therefore everyone had a 50mm and it became popular because it was what everyone learned with. 😊
Great video! I’ve honestly been on the lookout for a good lens for food photography at a reasonable price for my canon m50. I love 35mm especially on crop sensors. This looks incredible for the price point as well, I was honestly expecting it to be around 400. Also congrats on 50k! Very well deserved 🎉🎉
Thanks! And they make it in EF-M, a rarity these days.
I wonder what results it would give on my Canon 90D. I´m considering a 35 mm prime and was looking athe the Tamron 35 mm f1.4.
Thought exactly the same thing as I'm also considering the Tamron.
I was skeptical on Sharpness/Quality, but after a visit to a museum on a busy day. I was nailing focus while shoulder to shoulder and was editing surprisingly sharp photos in post.
Thnx Mark I ordered by your link....can't wait to get that feel on the lens...
Great to hear! Thank you. You will absolutely love it.
Thanks. I did try buying the Brightin Star 35mm through an affiliate link but the Amazon price was double the factory price! So this is in lieu of whatever your commission might have been. Very impressed with the lens!
Very kind of you. Thanks.
Excellent in-depth video! I’ve dove into mirrorless photography with a Canon R7 about a year ago. Although it’s nice to have all the wazoo capabilities, there’s something satisfying about taking full control of the frame using a manual lens. This lens sounds like a good lens for me to start going a bit retro with my shooting. Thanks again for all of your detailed reviews.
It's currently on sale, just bought one for 36% off 190usd. Can't wait!
Thank you so much for this tip! I just got mine with the metal lens hood and useful thumb nubbin for easier focusing and it is every bit as good as you say.
I just received this lens yesterday. Very impressive. One minor detail they overlooked, the focus scale on the lens has a marking for f11 even though the lens doesn't have an f11 aperture click. How could you manufacturer a lens and miss something so simple? The hard stop on mine is also quite a bit off of infinity but that might just be my copy. Also when i go from f4 to f8 it only loses one stop of light which doesn't seem correct, that should be 2 stops right? I think the unmarked click between 2.8 and 4 is supposed to 4, and 4 on the lens is actually 5.6. Overall it's a fun and challenging lens to use
Thanks for sharing this. On the hard stop going past infinity, that’s normal and part of the design. If the hard stop is at infinity, temperature variation can actually change exactly where infinity is, on the lens, meaning you may not be able to get to infinity in some cases. Pretty much all modern manual lenses turn past infinity. Thanks for the information on the aperture too, I didn’t pick that up.
I'd be curious if your aperture markings are the same. I lose 2 stops of light on the exposure scale when I go from 2.8 to 4. So I definitely think the un-marked dash is supposed to f4 and f 4 is actually 5.6
Fighting the urge to run out and buy it right now! Not sure I can hold our much longer.
I have a Mitakon 35mm f0.95 ii which is an excellent lens, but this sounds even better. The trouble with the Mitakon is chromatic aberrations are terrible. It’s the mk ii version of the lens as well which is said to have improved upon this flaw. It might be a quality control issue though as it’s soo bad on my copy that I just use it for b&w images. But if what you say on this lens is true, then I might seek one out. Also a clickable aperture is nicer, although the declicked one on the Mitakon isn’t a major issue for me.
Love that lens too. Don’t have any problem with chromatic abberations though 😅
I learned off a manual exposure, rangefinder focus and black and white. I do miss being able to just take my time to get the right shot. Had to be deliberate with film....
Thanks so much for the great info! And good to hear about this insane quality at this price!! Sounds like a very versatile lense :)
Based on this video I just grabbed this lens before heading on a quick "vacation" and I'm not sure I'm impressed. My current walk-around lens has been a Sony 35mm 1.8, what everyone ranks as an OK, not great lens, I initially really learned photography back in the film camera days with my dad's late 60's/early 70's Nikormat with a 50mm lens, so the 35mm on a crop (a6400) is my go-to.
Yes, at f.95 it can practically see in the dark, and the build quality looks and feels incredible, but I'm not impressed otherwise. I've spent 2 days with this lens and I can't nail focus to save my life, I have other manual lenses that I don't have a problem with, but with this one, the focus assists on and off, peaking levels... everything changes from subject to subject trying to nail the focus. With a lot of work, you can get a pretty sharp focus on portrait-type shots (and from 4' away I can get a sharp eye on the dog but the nose and everything else are blurred) but nothing gets me sharp focus at longer distances, landscape type shots, nothing works. At infinity Everything is out, even trying f stops up to f8, and a little in from the infinity stop where the focus peaking is the best it's better, but not great (both my Tamron superzooms are MUCH better, and the Sony 35 is in a different league, with identical manually set f stop, shutter and ISO).
The Sony "walks around" with a Best Buy Platinum UV filter/lens protector (tested to be one of the better budget choices) and a lens hood all the time, so I figure, maybe one of them is giving the Sony an unfair advantage... I take them off... it's the same. I finally decided I'll try to take a picture of a very textured shower mat with both lenses at different distances from about 1' to 12', the same exact settings, everything. There's just no comparison. This lens looks OK full screen, the Sony looks crisper, but if you zoom in to full size the Sony remains crisp and this one falls apart.
This one is so bad, after all the awesome reviews here and other places I don't even feel like I just got "a bad one." It feels like I'm doing something entirely wrong. Unless I'm missing something it's going back, and I'll probably send it back as defective.
These lenses are usually based on some vintage lens but manufactured with modern materials and precision assembly, hence giving better image quality. Anyone know the equivalent vintage lens of this one?
I think this is something that may have been the case a long time ago, but this is an 11 element lens, it's far too sophisticated to be based on a vintage lens. So I believe this is a complete new design.
Hi Mark. Two questions - What do you think of the micro contrast of this lens? And second, how is the edge-to-edge sharpness of the lens for landscape use at the f5.6 and f8 apertures? Thanks.
Really want to get this lens. I shoot mft and I’m not as thrilled by the idea of a 70mm prime, but I’m extra thrilled by the 0.95
Sorry, which maker is this? I clicked Amazon link again and again, but can't decide if it's TT or 7. What is the name of the manufacturer?
Neither. Brightin Star. He does't actually say until the very end 😂
@@cjt5mith Thank you!
Mark. I follow you since you are under 5k subs. When Im looking for a manual lens I always check your channel first. Im from Brazil, with two aps-c Canons and we dont have acess to all this brands. You tecnique of not talk the brand of the lens and not write in title or description is very disturbing and not nice. I know, im youtuber too and we want the views, but, before I can apriciate your nice review I need, first, to know if I can get one or if I can pay one. I looked in beginning, middle and the end of the vídeo and I couldnt find the name. I gave up. (your links dont work in Amazon Brazil). Please, re-think you stragedy to stimulate we watch more! Cheers from Brazil
You want the links to work just use a VPN and spoof your location
Brightin Star 35mm F0.95 Night God Portrait Star APS-C Manual Fixed Focus Lens Suitable For Fuji X/Canon M/RF/M43/Sony E/Nikon Z Mount
I'm a Canon DSLR user too. We get cut off by the manufacturers with these nice lenses. APSC yes, but only Canon RF or M mount...! Not for us, buddy... 😞
Just ordered one from Brightin Star. Amazon only had the f1.2 version in the Fuji X mount. Brightin has a $15 discount on the Fuji mount lens right now. Thanks for the great reviews!
Oops! I meant the f1.7 version. BIG difference.
I have been using this lens for a week with a Nikon Z50, and my results mirror those of Mark’s. Of course this camera does not begin to test the resolution as much as a Fuji or even a Canon would. But so far, sharp corner to corner wide open, no coma or flaring to speak of. Nice sun stars stopped down. Excellent focus and aperture rings. Nice contrast, albeit not brilliant. Extremely smooth bokeh. As has been notrd, they completely screwed up the aperture numbers - impossible to tell what they correspond to. Perhaps that’s one reason for the very low price…
Hello, I'm new in the world of cameras, been on Mobile Photography and I will buy the Nikon Z50, but I see many lenses like this one and I'm not sure how can I use it on my Z50, do I need an adapter for this specific lens, or the lens fit in any camera without adapter???
How do I know if the lens that I like fits my Z50?
These new Chinese lenses are made with the Z mount. The only lenses you should, as a rule, be buying converters for are so-called vintage lenses. This lens review deals with a completely manual and mechanical lens with no electronics. There is another possibility, and that's to get a Nikon f-mount adapter, or a Canon one, for adapting older auto focus (or manual ) lenses made for DSLR cameras. At this point z however, I think you're better off investing in native Z mount lenses, since there's quite a bit of choice now, in contrast to a couple of years ago. The new Viltrox are worth looking at, as is the cheapt T-Artisan autofocus for APSC format.
Actually it is 35 mm lens which gives you equivalent of 70mm an APS-C MFT - not 17mm on FF... or no?
At sub 200 bucks, yeah, I guess it's the best. But if you spend a bit more, you can get the 7Artisans for around 250. I have both and at whide open, which is what you buy these lenses for, the 7 has less abortion and is sharper. If I want to use a lens stopped down, I would go for another lense, maybe an f2 lens, to have even better image quality across the stops range in the first place. But if it comes to f0.95 fotos and lenses, I would definitely recommend the 7 over the Brightin.
Many thanks for another informative video Mark!
I am considering this lens for my Olympus eM1 mark II camera.
Would it make sense to expect it to work equally well on the m43 sensor as on the apsc?
I would try and find some real world feedback on the subject. You are at a 70mm FOV and putting a lot of pressure on the optics, may be fine, but I just don't know.
I don't see why not. As long as It has (it should) the same back glass but with the MFT mount you won't be using the softer outer area of the lens. My kamlan 50 mk ii MFT works as well on apsc with adapter because the back glass size is not MFT specific
Now that I know what you are doing, I watched the entire video. Excellent as always.
How do you operate such a lens? Do camera settings have any effect, since it's manually operated? 🤔
Thank you for the detailed tour of this lens. I just ordered an RF-mount one through your link. Thanks for the great videos!
Is the .95 aperture really worth the extra money compared to their 1.4 aperture option at only 69.99?
It sounds intriguing. Of the 4 lens I use, 3 are manual focus and aperture and I am looking for a nifty.
It's just a really nice way to shoot.
From your review,It sounds like this lens is better than any 7artisans or ttartisans 50mm lens that is currently out right now?
FINALLY!! They included the canon ef-m mount for my Canon M50. Bought it.
I know! I was surprised!
I would like to know your experience with it. Thanks
The amazon link to the lens in your description is only a 2.0 lens? Doesn't go down to .95 like you say? Or am I missing something?
How’s the microcontrast? That’s what I’m looking for. 3d Leica pop?
It's not available in Amazon nor B&H
Where can I get it except the official web ?
Ive got the Laowa 33mm, how would you say that compares? I really like that lens, the only thing I'd say is bad is the weight and the uneven vignette. Other than that its really nice
Same here. Curious how the Laowa 33 f0.95 compares to the lens shown in this video.
I have not tested that lens, so couldn't really say, sorry.
Going through so many of your videos are great. I do have a question though about Mieke.vs TT.vs.7artisans looking at a number of their F.09 versions and other ones and they often look like they're literally manufactured by the same company or do they come from the same factory or something? Or subcontracted or is there any explanation for this. One of your videos featured the Mieke but I could see yet I could only find the exact same model but it was made by Ttartisans. Weird.
I took your advice and purchased this lens from Amazon (your link) I am a beginner and using it with a Canon R6 Mark II new camera. I was surprised at the weight of this lens. I'll be doing some tutorials on how to use it since I have no idea how to make adjustments and successfully take photos with it. If you can recommend a tutorial I would very much appreciate it!
I just got the lens for my Fujifilm camera - I'm a new user as well! Do you have any tips, since I assume you've been using it for a while now?
This lens got me real excited. I was about to order one but found out the mount is EF-M but my mount is EF-S. Are there any transition mounts from M to S out there?
Thanks a lot for this deep and thorough review. You made my choice of choosing this lens super painful.
Nice review. I got the TTArtisan 35mm f0.95 because of your review of that lens and it's wild bokeh. And now this comes along. I only wish they released a month earlier so it could have been an option ;-) Enjoying the TTArtisan tho!
Yes, I'm still happy with the TTArtrisans lens. The imperfections and crazy bokeh are actually what people like about the images.
Did u know the lens mitakon 35 f0.95? That’s the most perfect lens I ever used!!
Have just seen 3 of your videos but they were all interesting!
Subbed, great to hear of these obscure lenses!
Planning on 6700 + Sony 11mm and the 75mm and maybe that lens cap looking lens, if its not too hard to find some place... I don't need any zooms, I rather use a slider. A macro would be nice, but its not really necessary for what I do with my camera...
Hello, I'm new in the world of cameras, been on Mobile Photography and I will buy the Nikon Z50, but I see many lenses like this one, and I'm not sure how can I use it on my Z50, do I need an adapter for this specific lens, or the lens fit in any camera without adapter???
How do I know if the lenses that I like fits my Z50?
Thank you. Excellent review and I look forward to learning more using this lens
@markwiemels Thank you for your work, I love your videos. I keep coming back to your channel.... I already have the TTArtisan 35m f1.4 and I like the lense. How do you compare it to this Brigthing Star? Is the BS worth as a second 35m manual?
Thanks for the video, but I think you don't understand food photography. Newbies automatically go wide open for food shots (because a blurred background is, and always will be awesome). I went down the same route when I started - but for the end user, ie the customer looking at the food/menu - a shallow depth of field image lacks story, context and substance. If you actually pay attention to high end food photography, you're more likely to find focus stacking than bokeh.
That said, in a series, a single creamy bokeh detail image is magical.
I've ordered the TTArtisans 35mm 0.95 after watching your review. I plan to try it out on a maternity shoot this week.
What manufacturer is this lens from ? I can't find it from your link ?
Thank you for video and details. How do you compare it with a similar Ttartisan 35mm 0.95?
Try before you buy... usually these lenses have a major drawback like a very slow focus ring... not great for many manual focus tasks
Anyone know how big an image circle this lens creates on a full-frame sensor? Esp because there is ZERO vignetting on an APS-C sensor, I'm hopeful it covers most or even all of a full-frame sensor. Thanks...
Mark, Your mention of this is the first i’ve noted. And i can get it in the Nikon mount (for my z50). Intriguing.
It would be really nice on that camera.
I so hope they release this on full frame
It would have to be at least twice the size, weight and price
Great channel! What do you shoot with?
Great video. You said you tested a few f0.95. How does it compare with the Mitakon 35mm for.95 Mk II? Thx
I would like to know too.
I have not tested that one, but it has a suspiciously similar size, shape, and optical specs, but not identical. So I don't think they are the same lens, but it's hard to know. Based on the performance of this lens, I can't image any lens, at any price, being "significantly" better , simply because this one is so good already, there not much room to improve. The Mitikon is twice the price, and I think it would he hard to justify. Honestly, if this lens was $400-500, I would still have thought the price was fair.
50mm on full frame is the most popular because it closely matches our perceived eye field of view
As an introverted amateur photographer, I feel less uncomfortable with a telephoto lens like an 85mm, lol. But, this lens looks very interesting for short films.
Congrats on 50K, Mark! Adding this lens to my list.
Thank you!
Please, are the Brighting Star lenses available for Leica M? Thank you
I love your lens reviews. I cant wait for you to review the upcoming Sirui sniper lenses. subscribed!
Yes, I'm on the list for those.
Great review. The version I have doesn't have a clicked aperture ring so they must have updated it perhaps? But everything else you say is bang on the money.
Do you have one of the other similar looking .95f lenses? This one definitely has a clicked aperture wheel. I love mine. Works perfect with focus peaking, and I can leave it wide open 99% of the time. It's super sharp. Great for portraits and animal pics. My toddler moves way too much. I have a sigma 30mm 1.4 for that.
Is it good for astrophotography?
Sorry, what is the specific lens you referred to shown on the Amazon website? Its a bit confusing which lens you're referring to!!
Many thanks in advance
bit.ly/3LOmrpI - product page, of the manufacturer
Tempting,. The X-T3 that I've just bought has the TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4. Perhaps sell that lens and get the Brightin.
I wonder if you pair this with an anamorphic lens, as in 1.33x, how that would be. 🤔
Good ideal!
How much is the focus throw on this lens? Last 7artisan lens I bought had only around 45 degrees of focus throw and it is shit to focus and is useless in half of the situations.
I'd like to get this lens but I have pretty bad eyesight and usually rely a lot on autofocus and other assists from my Sony camera, if I use this lens would I still get help from peaking highlights? That's the only issue stopping me from clicking the buy button.
Focus peaking works just fine on my olympus, i see no reason why it wouldn't on your sony
Hi @markwiemels, thank you for this video and congratulations for 50k! Would you know how this lens compares with the Meike equivalent? The optical design is different I think, but from your review it sounds like this is more usable wide open. Thank you! Also, if you could share samples, that would be very appreciated!!!
Numbers scare me, May I ask a dumb question, what optics book explain to visualize lens mm and focal stops to the output eye can see ?
Is it possible to get a good focus on full body shots?
These can focus to infinity? Amazon is sold out right now sadly. They’ve got the TTartisans though.
Yea, no issues with infinity focus.
It's too bad I can't use it on my F-mount Nikon D3100..
Back in the old days of film slr cameras we primarily used 50mm f/1.8 lenses, not f/1.4 lenses.
Nice video! But is this is very very sharp, than what kind of sharp is the Sigma 56mm f1.4 DC DN C?
I have not used that lens, so I can’t really say, but everyone says it’s excellent.
Why not make a lens review for it in the near future? :D@@markwiemels
@@handzolahbinmuhammadtaufiq7800 I have always wanted too! Hopefully I will a some point, but I can’t afford to buy every lens. :-(
@@markwiemelsthanks for the chat anyways :]
One last question Mark. Do you think this lens can be a good alternative of Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/0.9 or is it worth to pay 1500$ for Voigtlander while it's possible to get Brightin Star only for 200$ ?
Since I have not had any experience with that lens, I can’t really say. Would love to give you an answer, but I just don’t know.
It is not available in Europe yet, just the 50mm f:0.95. I bought the 7Artisans 35mm f:0.95 for Fuji when it was presented (2020 I think) and it stays in my bag because optically it is awesome, is it that one better? The single thing I don't like about the 7Art it is the declick aperture but after one month of use I solved that problem using a "break", it is not made for but it works, no, I am not using a scotch tape.
Based on the specs and build, I think this is a tweaked version of the 7artisans model, but don’t have that one to compare.
Great lens, thanks! I just checked on the manufacturer's site:
But why is it not available for Canon EF-S since it's made for APS-C??
I don't get why we get cut off on most of these great lenses, like there are no Canon DSLR cams out there. Ridiculous!
Because it is not a Retrofocus design. Long technical story: it's not designed for an SLR and needs to be closer to the image sensor, that is only possible with mirrorless camera,s. If you would put it on a DSLR it will not focus to infinity and basically be a non intentional macro lens. Which it is not designed for.
@@W00dy_NL Thank you very much for the explanation, this helped me a lot.
So this is for cropped sensor of mirrorless cams. I was connecting mirrorless too close to full frame in my mind. Just like I did with APS-C to DSLR.
Strange thinking of a confused noob! 😆
Can you compare TTArtisan, 7Artisan and Brightin Star 35mm F0.95?
What about video of this lens? Kindly make video from this on aps-c Sony zve10 camera. I wanna buy a TTARTISAN lens for videos.
Confused in choosing 17mm vs 35mm for dance short videos for TH-cam shorts & Instagram reels.
Depends of the space you have or wanna shoot
please, i can't get around it..🥲
a 35mm lens, on a APS-C will ALWAYS increase to Xmm (X= focal leght * crop factor)
or, if i choose a lens that say "for APS-C", it's already compensated?
thanks
35mm is the same as 35mm on full frame, you just get a cropped images with a smaller filed of view. Unless you already shoot full frame and know what focal lengths you prefer, then don’t even put the mental effort into thinking about it.
and.. another beast to go in my wishlist of great lenses :)
thank you for the great review and sharing this with us :)
Thanks!
This channel has made my wishlist a mile long. 🤣
@@l.e.phillips I couldnt help it and got myself a TTArtisan after watching some vids :) so I'm fine for now :) but its not easy!
@@nadavy111 I have the TTArtisan 35mm 1.4 and love it! I might try this one in the future, but the two are pretty similar so I’ll stick with mine for now. If I didn’t already have mine, this would probably be first on my list of budget lenses. 😄
@@l.e.phillips I had the same thought! :) ended up buying the TTArtisans 23 1.4 cuz it was the right lens for my uses (low light room drawing studio - bed studio) but heyyy that 1.4 ... is just great :)
Hi sir, how does this lens compare to Mitakon 0.95 in terms of sharpness?
How it compares to the Fuji 35mm f1.4 or ttartisan 35mm f0.95?