The first third-party lens for full-frame E-mount is here, and it’s a super-fast 50mm f/0.95

Good news for those already using or looking into Sony's full-frame E-mount system: the lenses available for the system have just been extended by a very interesting third-party option! Chinese manufacturer Zhongyi, who also make the Lens Turbo focal reducer for various systems including APS-C E-mount, just announced the Mitakon 50mm f/0.95 lens for Sony full-frame E-mount cameras.

The lens is fully manual in operation, but that shouldn't be a problem thanks to Sony's wonderful focus peaking feature. Its optical formula consists of 10 elements in 7 groups, including APO and ED lens elements. At a size of 87 x 68.5 mm (3.4 x 2.7 in) and a weight of 720 g (25.4 oz), the lens will be available in May according to Photo Rumors. Mx Camera, Zhongyi's official distributor, mentions a price tag of HK$5,999 on its Facebook page, which is equivalent to about US$774 at current exchange rates.

At that price, the Mitakon lens would be a real steal, especially compared to the other fast 50mm offerings by SLR Magic and Leica. Whereas the fomer's HyperPrime CINE 50mm T0.95 is available for around US$3000, the latter's infamous Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 sets you back almost US$11,000! Whether or not the Mitakon lens can cope with either of these in terms of image quality remains to be seen, although early sample photos are promising.