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Production
1990 – 2000
Country
USSR/Russia
Optical
Nine lenses in eight groups, retrofocus asymmetrical anastigmat of the "Flektogon" type
Updated
Feb 15, 2026
Mir 20M 20mm f/3.5
M42
Overview
The Mir 20M 20mm f/3.5 is the Soviet ultra-wide option. Where 20mm lenses were expensive and exotic, Soviet engineers delivered a functional option for architectural and landscape photographers. It's not fancy, but it gets the ultra-wide job done.
Verdict: Budget ultra-wide that delivers. Don't expect perfection, but expect results.
Optical Character
Bokeh
The bokeh is described as smooth, though the wide angle and f/3.5 maximum aperture limit the bokeh effects.
Color
The multicoating helps maintain good contrast and color rendition even with bright light sources in the frame.
Sharpness wide open
Sharpness is good in the center when stopped down to f/8-f/11, but falls off noticeably towards the edges.
Flare resistance
The multicoating helps control flare and contrast loss when shooting into bright light sources, though some veiling flare is still present in strong backlight.
Contrast
Medium contrast, with good tonal separation without excessive punch.
Vignetting
Noticeable vignetting wide open, but controlled by f/4.
Community Insights
What people love
- Ultra-wide angle accessible
- Dramatic perspective
- Affordable
What people dislike
- f/3.5 slow
- Distortion
- Edge softness
- QC varies
Pro Tips
- f/8 for landscapes
- Use hood always
- Correct distortion in post
Sources (3)
unknown-
https://toivonenphoto.com/blog/2023/2/1/lens-review-mir-20mm-f35-mc
unknown-
https://radojuva.com/en/2015/12/mc-mir-20m-3-5-20-test/
Lens Heritage 2nd JSONsecondary
The Mir 20M 20mm f/3.5 is the Soviet ultra-wide option. Where 20mm lenses were expensive and exotic, Soviet engineers delivered a functional option for architectural and landscape photographers. It's not fancy, but it gets the ultra-wide job done.