Mitakon Zhongyi 55mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro Lens (Nikon F) Review

The Mitakon Zhongyi 55mm f/2.8 is a specialized macro lens designed for extreme close-up photography, offering magnification from 1:1 (life-size) all the way to 5:1 (five times life-size). This puts it in a niche category above standard macro lenses, which typically max out at 1:1. The lens is manual focus only, which is typical for super-macro work where precise control is essential. Its working distance ranges from 2.6 to 5.9 inches, tight enough that lighting becomes critical, which is why Mitakon includes a front-mounted LED ring light to illuminate subjects at extreme magnifications.

At $399, the lens targets macro enthusiasts and professionals who need ultra-high magnification for subjects like insects, jewelry, or product details. The detachable and rotatable tripod collar is a practical addition for stability at high magnifications, and the nine-blade diaphragm should produce smooth bokeh when stopped down. This is a full-frame lens compatible with Nikon F-mount cameras. Because it operates entirely manually, shooters will need patience and practice, particularly when stacking focus at 5:1 magnification where depth of field is measured in fractions of a millimeter.