Mitakon Zhongyi Creator 135mm f/2.5 Lens for Nikon F Review

The Mitakon Zhongyi Creator 135mm f/2.5 is a budget-oriented manual focus telephoto prime for Nikon F-mount cameras. At $299, it undercuts the big-name 135mm alternatives by hundreds of dollars, offering a fast f/2.5 maximum aperture and a fairly compact build for portrait, event, and detail work. The optical formula includes two extra-low dispersion elements and two ultra-high refraction index elements, aiming to control chromatic aberration and distortion without the cost and complexity of autofocus.

Manual focus is the tradeoff here, and the lens provides depth of field and distance scales to help with zone focusing and manual operation. The rounded 9-blade diaphragm should deliver smooth bokeh, and the 3.9-foot minimum focus distance is reasonable for this focal length. This lens fits Nikon F-mount shooters who want telephoto reach and a bright aperture on a tight budget and don't mind working entirely manual. It's a niche option that prioritizes affordability over convenience.