Vintage Lenses

    Zenitar

    Zenitar is a well-known manufacturer of camera optics based in Russia. The company was established in the 1950s, specifically in 1953, during a time when Soviet optics were gaining recognition worldwide. The main founders played crucial roles in setting the brand's direction, focusing on creating high-quality photographic optics.

    Zenitar is famous for its innovative optical designs, including wide-angle and fast photo lenses suitable for both amateur and professional photographers. The company's key product lines include the Zenitar 16mm fisheye lens and various fast primes like the Zenitar 50mm f/1.7, which are praised for their sharpness and character.

    Initially, Zenitar lenses were primarily sold in Eastern European markets and later expanded to international markets, becoming popular among enthusiasts for their unique qualities and affordability.

    In terms of ownership changes, Zenitar was once part of a larger Soviet optical conglomerate but has since operated under several different structures. Today, the brand is still active, producing optics under the Zenitar name, which is often associated with high-quality vintage-style photo optics.

    Interesting facts about Zenitar include that many of their designs have influenced modern lens manufacturing. They have often partnered with various camera manufacturers to create lenses that complement specific camera systems, further expanding their market reach.

    The brand has made a significant impact on photography, especially in the realm of low-light performance and creative effects. Many photographers appreciate the character and unique rendering of Zenitar optics, which has helped maintain a loyal customer base.

    Zenitar has typically marketed its products by emphasizing quality and affordability, appealing to various photography niches, including landscapes, portraiture, and street photography. Over the years, the branding of Zenitar has seen slight evolution, reflecting changes in design philosophy and consumer preferences, including logo updates that align with modern aesthetics while retaining a connection to its rich heritage.

    Browse Zenitar lenses

    Zenitar Lenses

    MC Zenitar 16mm f/2.8 Fish-Eye
    MC Zenitar 16mm f/2.8 Fish-Eye
    ~$354
    MC Zenitar 16mm f/2.8 Fish-Eye is a manual focus ultra-wide lens for full frame cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Bright lens thanks to the high aperture value Has 6 aperture blades, this number of blades are commonly used. Having rounded blades provides out of focus circle shape closer to a circle.<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p>63 mm long, this small lens should be always in the camera bag. Weights 310 grams so plan ahead, carry only if really necessary.
    MC Zenitar 50mm f/2
    MC Zenitar 50mm f/2
    ~$108
    MC Zenitar 50mm f/2 is a manual focus prime lens for full frame cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Bright lens thanks to the high aperture value Has 6 aperture blades, this number of blades are commonly used. Having rounded blades provides out of focus circle shape closer to a circle.<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p>Weights 190 grams so convinient to carry. 45 mm long, this small lens should be always in the camera bag. With a lens filter diameter of 46 mm you are one step from the next standard filter size, buy step-up ring and bigger filter but you can chose from plenty options.
    MC Zenitar-ME1 50mm f/1.7
    MC Zenitar-ME1 50mm f/1.7
    ~$1,113
    MC Zenitar-ME1 50mm f/1.7 is a manual focus prime lens for full frame cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Has 2 aperture blades, this number of blades are commonly used. Having rounded blades provides out of focus circle shape closer to a circle. Wide open, subjects located outside the depth of field are shown very blurred.<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p>Weights 260 grams so consider putting to your camera bag. With a lens filter diameter of 52 mm commonly filter size, provides a range of filter options. 52 mm long, this small lens should be always in the camera bag.
    Zenit Zenitar 16mm f/2.8 MC Fisheye
    Zenit Zenitar 16mm f/2.8 MC Fisheye
    ~$344
    Zenit Zenitar 16mm f/2.8 MC Fisheye is a auto focus ultra-wide lens for full frame cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Bright lens thanks to the high aperture value Has 6 aperture blades, this number of blades are commonly used. Having rounded blades provides out of focus circle shape closer to a circle.<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p> With a lens filter diameter of 26.5 mm you are one step from the next standard filter size, buy step-up ring and bigger filter but you can chose from plenty options. 49 mm long, this small lens should be always in the camera bag. Weights 310 grams so plan ahead, carry only if really necessary.
    Zenitar-1 85mm f/1.4 MC
    Zenitar-1 85mm f/1.4 MC
    ~$599
    Zenitar-1 85mm f/1.4 MC is a manual focus prime lens for full frame cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Has 9 aperture blades, with this amount of aperture blades you will be satisfied with the result. Wide open, subjects located outside the depth of field are shown very blurred.<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p> With a lens filter diameter of 72 mm you are one step from the next standard filter size, buy step-up ring and bigger filter but you can chose from plenty options. Weights 520 grams so plan ahead, carry only if really necessary. 63 mm long, this small lens should be always in the camera bag.
    Zenitar 135mm f/2.8 MC Auto
    Zenitar 135mm f/2.8 MC Auto
    ~$187
    Zenitar 135mm f/2.8 MC Auto is a manual focus prime lens for full frame cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Has 6 aperture blades, this number of blades are commonly used. Having rounded blades provides out of focus circle shape closer to a circle. Bright lens thanks to the high aperture value<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p> With a lens filter diameter of 52 mm commonly filter size, gives you a variety of filter options.
    Zenitar 200mm f/4.5
    Zenitar 200mm f/4.5
    ~$116
    Zenitar 200mm f/4.5 is a manual focus telephoto lens for full frame cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Great choice mainly for good light conditions Has 16 aperture blades, this lens has a beautiful bokeh.
    Zenitar 28mm f/2.8 Auto MC
    Zenitar 28mm f/2.8 Auto MC
    ~$194
    Zenitar 28mm f/2.8 Auto MC is a manual focus wide angle lens for full frame cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Has 6 aperture blades, this number of blades are commonly used. Having rounded blades provides out of focus circle shape closer to a circle. Bright lens thanks to the high aperture value<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p> With a lens filter diameter of 58 mm commonly filter size, provides a range of filter options. 45 mm long, this small lens should be always in the camera bag. Weights 300 grams so consider putting to your camera bag.
    Zenitar 28mm f/2.8 MC
    Zenitar 28mm f/2.8 MC
    ~$145
    Zenitar 28mm f/2.8 MC is a manual focus wide angle lens for full frame cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Bright lens thanks to the high aperture value Has 6 aperture blades, this number of blades are commonly used. Having rounded blades provides out of focus circle shape closer to a circle.<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p> With a lens filter diameter of 52 mm commonly filter size, presents numerous filter possibilities. Weights 120 grams so convinient to carry.
    Zenitar 50mm f/1.9 MC
    Zenitar 50mm f/1.9 MC
    ~$136
    Zenitar 50mm f/1.9 MC is a manual focus prime lens for full frame cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Wide open, subjects located outside the depth of field are shown very blurred. Has 6 aperture blades, this number of blades are commonly used. Having rounded blades provides out of focus circle shape closer to a circle.<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p>Weights 230 grams so consider putting to your camera bag. With a lens filter diameter of 52 mm commonly filter size, offers a wide range of filter options. 39 mm long, this small lens should be always in the camera bag.
    Zenitar-M 50mm f/1.7
    Zenitar-M 50mm f/1.7
    ~$166
    Zenitar-M 50mm f/1.7 is a manual focus prime lens for full frame cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Wide open, subjects located outside the depth of field are shown very blurred. Has 6 aperture blades, this number of blades are commonly used. Having rounded blades provides out of focus circle shape closer to a circle.<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p>52 mm long, this small lens should be always in the camera bag. With a lens filter diameter of 52 mm commonly filter size, offers a wide range of filter options. Weights 280 grams so consider putting to your camera bag.
    Zenitar-M2s 50mm f/2 MC
    Zenitar-M2s 50mm f/2 MC
    ~$118
    Zenitar-M2s 50mm f/2 MC is a manual focus prime lens for full frame cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Bright lens thanks to the high aperture value Has 6 aperture blades, this number of blades are commonly used. Having rounded blades provides out of focus circle shape closer to a circle.<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p> With a lens filter diameter of 46 mm you are one step from the next standard filter size, buy step-up ring and bigger filter but you can chose from plenty options. 45 mm long, this small lens should be always in the camera bag. Weights 190 grams so convinient to carry.
    Zenitar-S 50mm f/1.2
    Zenitar-S 50mm f/1.2
    ~$321
    Zenitar-S 50mm f/1.2 is a manual focus prime lens for full frame cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Wide open, subjects located outside the depth of field are shown very blurred. Has 9 aperture blades, with this amount of aperture blades you will be satisfied with the result.<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p>Weights 630 grams so it is a heavy lens, consider using its own lens bag. With a lens filter diameter of 58 mm commonly filter size, offers a wide range of filter options.