Brightin Star Introduces 50mm f/1.05 Manual Focus Full-Frame Lens
Brightin Star has introduced the MF 50mm f/1.05, a full-frame manual-focus prime lens designed for mirrorless cameras using Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and L mounts. The lens continues the Chinese company’s approach of developing products that sit outside the mainstream offerings of major manufacturers, focusing on unusual specifications, simplified mechanical construction, and manual operation rather than autofocus or electronic integration.
The MF 50mm f/1.05 is based on an optical design comprising 10 elements arranged in 8 groups, including two high-refractive-index elements and two low-dispersion elements intended to support the very large maximum aperture while mitigating common issues associated with ultra-fast lenses, such as excessive aberrations and reduced contrast. The aperture ranges from f/1.05 to f/11 and is controlled entirely via a mechanical aperture ring. The lens does not include electronic contacts, so aperture values are not communicated to the camera body and no EXIF data is recorded. The diaphragm uses 15 blades, typically associated with smoother transitions in out-of-focus areas.
The 50mm focal length provides a standard field of view that is suitable for a wide range of photographic applications, including portraiture, documentary work, and general everyday shooting. Manual focus is also fully mechanical, with a minimum focusing distance of 0.57 metres, allowing moderate close-up framing while remaining primarily a general-purpose lens. The manual design also makes the lens compatible with video use, where controlled focus pulls are often preferred over autofocus systems.
Physically, the MF 50mm f/1.05 features an anodised aluminium housing and accepts 58mm filters. Dimensions and weight vary slightly depending on the mount, with overall weight ranging from approximately 606 to 632 grams. Compared to the company’s earlier 50mm f/0.95 model, the slightly reduced maximum aperture allows for a less extreme optical formula, which is expected to result in more consistent performance across the frame, particularly toward the edges.
Here are few sample pictures, courtesy of Brightin Star:
Brightin Star positions the MF 50mm f/1.05 as an affordable entry point into ultra-fast full-frame lenses, offering shallow depth of field and low-light capability without the cost or complexity of autofocus designs. The lens is listed at a price of around $270, placing it well below comparable ultra-fast lenses from established manufacturers.
