These new Zenitar lenses look like UFOs out of a 1950s B-movie! Check out these primes for Sony, Canon and Nikon
Zenitar 50mm F/1.5 for Sony E-mount cameras(Image credit: Zenitar)
Iconic Russian lens manufacturer Zenit has announced the release of four new full-frame manual prime lenses, two for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras and two for Canon EF- and Nikon F-mount DSLRs.
The two Sony E-mount lenses – a 35mm f/2 and a 50mm f/1.5 – are silver and distinctively retro looking, the 50mm (above) in particular looking it has just flown out of a Fifties sci-fi B-movie.
The 35mm lens is constructed of 7 elements in 5 groups, uses a 9-blade aperture diaphragm, has a minimum focusing distance of 50cm / 20in and weighs 300g / 10.6oz.
The 50mm standard prime lens is constructed of 7 elements in 3 groups, uses a 13-blade aperture, has a 70cm / 28in minimum focusing distance and weighs roughly 287g / 10oz. And, again, looks like a sci-fi spaceship.
Fore those looking for fast manual primes for their DSLRs, the new Zenitar 60mm f/2.8 macro and Selena 58mm f/1.9 are available in Canon EF and Nikon F mounts – and their style is best described as Soviet utilitarianism. The 60mm macro lens is constructed of 8 elements in 7 groups, has 6 aperture blades, a minimum focusing distance of just 23cm / 9in and weighs 590g / 1.3lbs.
Unusually, the Selena 58mm F1.9 lens uses a 12-blade aperture on the Canon EF version and an 8-blade diaphragm on the Nikon F. It is constructed of 4 elements in 3 groups, has a minimum focusing distance of 80cm / 31.5in and weighs 450g / 1lb.
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Each of the lenses is available for preorder on the Zenit website. The Zenitar 35mm f/2 lens is listed for 54,000 rubles (approximately $730 / £516 / AU$944), the Zenitar 50mm f/1.5 for 56,000 rubles ($755 / £534 / AU$976), the 60mm macro for 36,000 rubles ($485 / £343 / AU$623) for Canon and 43,200 ($585 / £414 / AU$756) for Nikon, and the Selena 58mm for 52,500 rubles ($710 / £502 / AU$918) for Canon and 45,000 ($610 / £431 / AU$789) for Nikon. However suggested retail prices outside Russia will not be known until the listings go live.
Zenitar 35mm f/2 for Sony E-mount cameras (Image credit: Zenitar)
Zenitar 60mm f/2.8 macro for Canon EF and Nikon F mounts (Image credit: Zenitar)
Zenit Selena 58mm f/1.9 for Canon EF and Nikon F mounts (Image credit: Zenit)
Laurence is an NCTJ-trained journalist with nearly 20 years' editorial experience gained on a wide range of publications, from The Beirut Times in Lebanon to The Sunday Times, and including recent freelance engagements with Future's cycling and automotive portfolios, Outdoor Fitness, and The English Home. He has recently been undertaking a sports broadcast journalism MA at Southampton Solent, gaining valuable TV and radio experience, and am currently videographer for Frome Town FC soccer team. He is the author of Bikepacking (Wild Things Publishing, 2016).
