The Brightin Star 50mm F/0.95 II marks a bold step forward for ultra-fast prime lenses. It’s aimed at photographers and videographers hungry for extreme low-light performance and cinematic depth of field, but who’d rather not pay a luxury-brand price.
Let’s dig into what’s new compared to the original 2022 version. We’ll look at the optical redesign, sharper wide-open results, and why this manual-focus lens might tempt Nikon Z, Canon RF, Sony E, and L-mount users who want something with a bit more personality.
What’s New in the Brightin Star 50mm F/0.95 II?
The original Brightin Star 50mm F/0.95 got noticed fast for its ultra-fast aperture and low price. But, let’s be honest, it was a bit soft at F/0.95. The second-generation Brightin Star 50mm F/0.95 II takes a direct swing at those optical flaws, offering a new internal design and better handling.
Refined Optical Formula for Sharper Wide-Open Performance
At the core of the update is a fresh optical layout: 10 elements in 9 groups. That includes:
This really matters at F/0.95, where most lenses glow and go soft. The new formula aims to deliver better resolution and tighter control over optical flaws, making the lens more practical wide open—even for critical work.
Improved Flare Resistance and Bokeh Rendering
Brightin Star put effort into how the lens handles tough lighting. You get better flare resistance, so you can shoot into strong light—like backlit portraits or city lights—without losing contrast or color. The integrated lens hood helps cut stray light and keeps flare at bay.
Bokeh’s been tuned up, too. Thanks to a 9-bladed diaphragm, out-of-focus areas look rounder and more consistent. The brand calls it “dreamy” bokeh—definitely a plus for portrait, wedding, and cinematic work where you want the background to melt away.
Handling, Build, and Manual Focus Experience
Where most modern lenses chase autofocus and plastic builds, the Brightin Star 50mm F/0.95 II sticks to a classic, mechanical feel. That’s a big draw for anyone who loves the tactile side of shooting, or who needs consistent focus pulls for video.
All-Metal Construction and Physical Design
The lens rocks an all-metal barrel made from aerospace-grade aluminum, with anodized markings that should last and stay visible. It’s 84mm long and weighs about 750 grams, so it’s got some heft, but still balances well on mid-size mirrorless cameras.
The built-in hood is a smart touch—it’s always there when you need it, never lost in a bag. That’s especially handy for a lens this fast, where stray light can ruin that razor-thin depth of field.
Manual Focus Precision for Still and Video
It’s manual-focus-only, which isn’t for everyone. But if you’re comfortable with it, you get some real perks:
For video shooters, that smooth, mechanical focus is gold. It lets you pull focus in a controlled, cinematic way—something autofocus lenses can really struggle with. And for stills at F/0.95, being able to dial in focus precisely is crucial, since the plane of focus is so thin.
Creative Possibilities with F/0.95
An F/0.95 aperture isn’t just about letting in more light. It changes how you can render a scene, opening up both low-light shooting and creative, artistic looks on all the big mirrorless systems.
Low-Light Performance and Depth-of-Field Control
With such a wide aperture, you can shoot in dim conditions—think moody interiors, dusk, or city nights—without instantly cranking up the ISO. That means cleaner images with less noise, and more room to play in post.
But the real magic is in depth-of-field control. At 50mm, F/0.95 gives you that cinematic vibe: subjects pop from their backgrounds, and everything else just melts away. This lens really shines for:
Mount Options, Pricing, and Market Position
The Brightin Star 50mm F/0.95 II comes in Nikon Z, Canon RF, Sony E, and L-mount versions. So, it covers all the major full-frame mirrorless systems. That’s a big deal, since a lot of fast primes still stick to niche or legacy mounts.
Price and Value in the Ultra-Fast 50mm Segment
The lens lists at $409.99, but there’s an introductory deal that drops it to $369.99. When you look at other ultra-fast 50mm lenses—some costing well over a grand—this price feels refreshingly reasonable for both hobbyists and working pros.
You’ve got a much-improved optical design here, plus solid metal construction, and that wild F/0.95 aperture—all at this price. If you’re up for manual focus, the Brightin Star 50mm F/0.95 II really does open up some new creative options without breaking the bank or making you compromise as much as before.
Here is the source article for this story: Brightin Star Updates Its Ultra-Fast 50mm F/0.95 Lens With Refined Optics and Integrated Hood