Zhongyi Optics Introduces a Compact 20mm f/2 Super Macro Lens For $199
It has a 4.5:1 magnification ratio and weighs just a half-pound.
![Zhongyi Optics Introduces a Compact 20mm f/2 Super Macro Lens For $199](https://www.popphoto.com/uploads/2019/01/17/HKHVGXE5KUMSWMBFKGUKAMQ3VI.jpg?auto=webp&width=785&height=523.33333333333)
![Zhongyi Optics Introduces a Compact 20mm f/2 Super Macro Lens For $199](https://www.popphoto.com/uploads/2019/01/17/UNJFPFUPJ56HEQOL23HOZEQ6FI-1024x683.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&width=100)
Macro lenses can be complicated beasts, which often also translates into a high price tag, but Chinese company Zhongyi Optics just announced its Zhongyi Mitakon 20mm f/2 4.5X Super Macro Lens and it comes with a price tag of just $199.
The lens looks a bit odd, but its capable of magnification ratios up to 4.5:1. That means you can get closer than with typical macro lenses, which often max out at 1:1 and require extension tubes for going bigger. Basically, this lens will focus in such a way that the object in real life will look 4.5x bigger when its on the camera’s sensor. That’s what allows you to see so much detail.
![Zhongyi Optics Introduces a Compact 20mm f/2 Super Macro Lens For $199](https://www.popphoto.com/uploads/2019/01/17/MUUW5WF5BVDELINUQVRKZVPRHY-1024x683.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&width=100)
If you need to get even closer than that, you can also use extension tubes to get up to a 13:1 magnification ratio, which is microscope territory.
Inside the lens you’ll find six elements in four groups, which helps it maintain a weight of just .5 lbs and a length of just 6 cm.
![Zhongyi Optics Introduces a Compact 20mm f/2 Super Macro Lens For $199](https://www.popphoto.com/uploads/2019/01/17/XR6RVHEQEXWA44BGWZQN2GYBAY-1024x683.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&width=100)
The lens comes in a whole pile of different mounts. Here’s the list from the press release: Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony FE, Sony Alpha, Pentax K, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds, Fuji X.
The 20mm focal length is rather wide for a macro lens with this kind of magnification, so I think I’d actually prefer to use this on something with a slightly smaller sensor to effectively give myself a little more room to work.
For $199, even if the image quality isn’t stunning, this thing seems like it could be a real blast to use. You can order it directly by clicking here.
The lens comes in a whole pile of different mounts. Here’s the list from the press release: Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony FE, Sony Alpha, Pentax K, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds, Fuji X.
The 20mm focal length is rather wide for a macro lens with this kind of magnification, so I think I’d actually prefer to use this on something with a slightly smaller sensor to effectively give myself a little more room to work.
For $199, even if the image quality isn’t stunning, this thing seems like it could be a real blast to use. You can order it directly by clicking here.