Fine Art Photography: Shooting Macro Abstracts with the Mitakon 20mm f/2 Super Macro lens

Looking for a super macro lens for your Fujifilm X Mirrorless cameras? Octabox tested the Mitakon 20mm f/2 Super Macro lens with the Fujifilm X-H1 (http://bit.ly/fujixh1camera) and Fujifilm X-T1 (http://bit.ly/fujixt1camera) bodies. Here’s a review on its performance, pros and cons, sample images, price, and specifications.

I have always been fascinated with details, and I love macro photography, but super macro is a whole other level of macro with details barely visible to the naked eye, much like photographing using a microscope.

Out of curiosity, I ordered the Mitakon 20mm f/2 Super Macro lens on amazon.ca (http://bit.ly/mitakon20mm) which is capable of creating macro images ranging from 4x to 4.5x magnification. It was 268 CAD plus taxes, with free shipping.

The lens has a solid metal build and weighs 230 grams. The black metal lens looks beautiful on Fujifilm X Mirrorless cameras. There are 3 rings – aperture, focus, and 4x to 4.5x magnification.

Note that this is a Manual-focus only lens, and to use this with Fujifilm X Mirrorless cameras, you will need to turn on “Shoot Without Lens” on your camera’s menu.

I am used to shooting with manual lenses but did not expect the amount of preciseness and stability needed to work this lens. The slightest of breath can change the entire subject and photo, and every movement is also magnified 4x – 4.5x!!! I tried it on a tripod, and with the Fujifilm Remote App on my phone to avoid movement (Download it at the App store, Play store, or here http://bit.ly/fujifilmapp). But since the Mitakon 20mm f/2 Super Macro lens only focuses on a subject that is exactly 20mm or 0.8 inches away from the front of the lens, it is quite challenging to have that setup. I decided to shoot handheld instead. The Fujifilm X-H1 body with Image Stabilization performed better than the Fujifilm X-T1 body paired with this lens.

Now it’s time to test this baby out! It was a cold day, so I started with found objects at home. Here is a photo of some Great Value table salt.

The black fibers are from the black side of a regular reflector.

Still not going too far, here are some photos of my Mac keyboard and jeans.

Here are some photos of snow and soil, my favorites from this set:

Pros and Cons

The Mitakon 20mm f/2 Super Macro lens is surely a fun toy to play with. Don’t expect tack sharp images as the focus on this is very, VERY limited. But if you’re looking for something different from the usual - a change in perspective, or some unique art, then give this lens a go. It works best for Fine Art Photography, where conventional rules are meant to be broken.

Specifications

Here are the lens specs from amazon.ca:

Lens mount: Fujifilm X Lens type: Manual lens Max Format size: Full Frame Focal length: 20mm Maximum aperture: F2 Minimum aperture: F16 Aperture ring: Yes Number of diaphragm blades: 3 Optics: Elements: 6 Groups: 4 Minimum working distance (Subject to Front Element): 20mm Infinity Focus: N Manual Focus: Y Maximum Reproduction Ratio: 4.5:1 Minimum Reproduction Ratio: 4:1 Weight: 230g Diameter: 62 mm Length: 60 mm Colour: Black Filter thread: N Since the lens does not have electronic contact, "Shooting without lens" mode must be enabled before installing this lens.

Package Included: - Zhongyi Mitakon 20mm f/2.0 4.5X Super Macro Lens - Front and rear lens caps - Original retail package