Production
1977 – 1995
Country
Soviet Union
Optical
8 elements in 6 groups
Updated
Feb 15, 2026
M42
Production
1977 – 1995
Country
Soviet Union
Optical
8 elements in 6 groups
Updated
Feb 15, 2026
The Mir 24M 35mm f/2 brought fast wide-angle capability to Soviet photographers. Based on modified Zeiss designs, it offers f/2 speed at 35mm — uncommon for Soviet production. The extra speed makes it useful for low-light street photography and environmental portraits.
Verdict: Affordable fast 35mm with character. Not perfect but delivers speed at Soviet prices.
The 10-blade aperture produces a smooth, rounded out-of-focus rendering.
Unknown, not explicitly stated.
Very sharp in the center when stopped down, with some edge softness at wider apertures. Performance improves at portrait and close focus distances.
Good, with the reviewer noting pleasant flare characteristics.
Unknown, not explicitly stated.
Present at wider apertures, but well-controlled.
Summary: The community generally praises the Mir-1 37mm F2.8 lens for its exceptional build quality, unique optical characteristics, and video-friendly features like stepless aperture adjustment and long focus throw. Sentiment: Positive Top Praised: - Excellent, tank-like build quality with all-metal construction - Stepless aperture adjustment for smooth exposure control during video - 10 aperture blades for pleasing, rounded bokeh when stopped down - Very long, 270-degree focus throw for precise manual focusing Top Complaints: - Flare characteristics, while distinctive, may not suit all project needs - Older lens design can produce some optical aberrations - Availability and pricing can vary, with used lenses being more affordable Use Cases: - Filmmaking and video production, where the lens' manual controls and optical character are advantageous - Creative photography, taking advantage of the lens' distinctive flare and bokeh - Vintage aesthetic or retro-inspired visual styles Disagreements: - Some users may have differing preferences on the suitability of the lens' flare characteristics Confidence: 0.9 (the source provides a thorough and well-rounded perspective on the community's view of the lens)
https://www.vintagelensesforvideo.com/mir-1/
The Mir 24M 35mm f/2 brought fast wide-angle capability to Soviet photographers. Based on modified Zeiss designs, it offers f/2 speed at 35mm — uncommon for Soviet production. The extra speed makes it useful for low-light street photography and environmental portraits.