Zhongyi Optics unveils the Zone T1 FF Cine Lens series

Conceived as a classic, soul-stirring trio for full frame and VistaVision PL/EF cinema systems, the premier set includes native T1.0 35mm, 50mm, and 75mm focal lengths. 

First shown at Cine Gear Expo 2026 last June, in Los Angeles, the Zone T1 Cine Series from Zhongyi Optics features an ultra-fast T1 aperture designed to deliver, the company says, “exceptional low-light performance and cinematic depth with distinctive lens characteristics.”

Engineered after years of meticulous development and optical refinement, the Zone T1 Cine Series is, Zhongyi Optics says, “built specifically for professional cinematographers who demand the absolute maximum in speed, dreamy lens characteristic, shallow depth of field, and performance without compromising on-set reliability.” 

 These “brushes of light for the cinematic storyteller” as the company says, launch via an exclusive introductory campaign at Indiegogo today, with the premier set including native 35mm, 50mm, and 75mm focal lengths — each bearing a breathtakingly fast T1.0 maximum aperture.

The lenses, Zhongyi Optics adds, “act as a painter’s brush, bringing an organic, vintage warmth to the cold canvas of the digital sensor.” More than just capturing light, the Zone T1 aperture actively shapes the emotional mood of a scene. Operating at this extreme speed, the company (also known as Mitakon) claims, “the lenses transform challenging low-light environments into rich, painterly canvases—infusing footage with an organic warmth that beautifully softens the clinical edge of modern digital sensors. The series empowers filmmakers to master the dark, creating a breathtaking, razor-thin depth of field that wraps subjects in an exquisite, poetic isolation.” 

The Zone T1 optics, the company continues, “ transform backgrounds into a cinematic masterpiece, rendering out-of-focus elements as rich, organic textures rather than a harsh digital blur. Equipped with a 16-blade iris system, the lenses maintain flawless, perfectly rounded orbs from background light sources even when stopped down. This mechanical precision grants subjects a poetic breathing room, filling every frame with profound visual emotion.”

The optical character of the Zone T1 catches light elegantly, producing a dreamy, cinematic flare that adds a layer of visual poetry to highlights without overwhelming the image. 

Engineered for VistaVision cinematography, the generous 46mm image circle can cover most of the modern full-frame sensor cameras while imparting a distinct cinematic character. The series delivers, according to ZY Optics, “exceptional edge-to-edge clarity and uniform illumination across the entire frame, ensuring every visual detail of a narrative is flawlessly captured.”

By virtually eliminating distracting focus breathing, focus racks achieve an exceptionally smooth, fluid transition. Visual composition remains completely locked, ensuring, Mitakon notes, “the audience’s attention stays exactly where it belongs—anchored to the heart of the story. Furthermore, boasting exceptional close-focus capabilities, the Zone T1 series excels at intimate, close-up cinematography. At short distances, the synergy of the ultra-fast T1.0 speed and the painterly bokeh amplifies, turning subtle framing details into powerful visual statements.“ 

Designed to streamline set logistics, the series features a unified 114mm front diameter, 110mm filter thread and standard 0.8 MOD gearing to eliminate the need for repositioning accessories during lens swaps. Dual-scale focus markings and an included lens support guarantee precise manual pulling and rock-solid rigging stability for a fast, uninterrupted production experience. 

Designed for ultimate versatility, the series features an interchangeable native PL and EF mount system to accommodate any professional production ecosystem. The optimized flat rear lens architecture ensures exceptional clearance, enabling the lenses to integrate seamlessly with high-end cinema camera bodies or adapted mirrorless systems with zero mechanical limitations. 

The Zhongyi Zone T1 FF Cine Lens Series is priced at an accessible USD 2499 for single lens and USD 6999 for a 3-lens bundle set. Up to 30% Off special discount deals are available for immediate order through Indiegogo Launch Campaign Site. Official website and authorized resellers worldwide will be available on 20th Aug, 2026 after the Indiegogo campaign. Pricing varies in different countries.