Chinese cinema lens series featuring 11 aperture blades for circular bokeh, 270° focus throw, and T-stop markings. 85mm f/2 and 35mm f/2 deliver warm color rendering for indie productions.
Technical Details
The Creator series consistently features 11 aperture blades for circular bokeh and a focus ring with a 270-degree rotation angle for precise focus pulls. The 85mm f/2 weighs 680g with a length of 95mm, while the 35mm f/2 is significantly more compact at 420g. All lenses have a 67mm filter thread and are available in Canon EF, Sony E, Fujifilm X, and Micro Four Thirds mounts. The optical construction of the 85mm consists of 9 elements in 7 groups, and the 35mm of 8 elements in 6 groups.
History & Development
Zhongyi Optics introduced the Creator series in 2018 in response to the growing demand for affordable cine lenses. The Guangzhou-based company had previously established itself with the Mitakon Speedmaster 50mm f/0.95. The Creator line was expanded in 2019 with the 135mm f/2.8 and in 2020 with macro variants. The development aimed to transfer the characteristic look of classic film optics into modern, affordable lenses.
Practical Use in Film
Creator lenses are used in independent productions and documentaries where budget and weight are crucial. The 85mm is suitable for portrait shots and close-ups with creamy bokeh, while the 35mm is ideal for establishing shots and narrative sequences. Manual focusing allows for precise rack focus movements, and the T-stop markings ensure consistent exposure when changing lenses. Colorists appreciate the warm color rendition and low contrast, which offers more flexibility in grading.
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to Zeiss CP.3 or Canon CN-E lenses, Creator lenses offer 70% cost savings with comparable image quality. They compete directly with Rokinon Xeen and SLR Magic Anamorphot series in the budget segment. While Sigma Cine lenses render sharper images, Creator lenses produce more organic skin tones. For high-end productions, Cooke S4/i or ARRI Master Primes remain the first choice, but Creator lenses have established themselves as the standard for streaming content and corporate videos.