§ 03 Head to head

Carl Zeiss Milvus 35 mm f/2 vs Mitakon Creator 35 mm f/2

Mitakon 35mm f/2 is 392 g lighter.

Both lenses are made for the Canon EF mount: the Carl Zeiss Milvus 35 mm f/2 is a 35mm f/2 prime, and the Mitakon Creator 35 mm f/2 is a 35mm f/2 prime. On paper the Mitakon Creator 35 mm f/2 comes out ahead, 5 advantages to 0, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.

01

Key differences

From manufacturer specifications

Why is the Carl Zeiss Milvus 35 mm f/2 better than the Mitakon Creator 35 mm f/2?

No measurable advantage on paper.

Why is the Mitakon Creator 35 mm f/2 better than the Carl Zeiss Milvus 35 mm f/2?

  • 392 g lighter (310 g vs 702 g)
  • 28 mm shorter (55 mm vs 83 mm long)
  • Focuses 5 cm closer (0.25 m vs 0.3 m)
  • Has a physical aperture ring
  • Smaller filter thread (55 mm vs 58 mm)
02

Which should you buy?

By use
  • street For street photography, the Mitakon Creator 35 mm f/2 has the edge: it is 392 g lighter to carry.
  • travel For travel, the Mitakon Creator 35 mm f/2 has the edge: it is 392 g lighter to carry.
03

Specification

16 rows · better value flagged ◆
SpecificationCarl Zeiss Milvus 35 mm f/2Mitakon Creator 35 mm f/2
Focal length35mm 35mm
Maximum aperturef/2 f/2
Minimum aperturef/22 f/22
Lens typePrime lens Prime lens
FormatFull frame Full frame
Weight702 g (24.76 oz) 310 g (10.94 oz) ◆
Dimensions77 x 83 mm 85 x 55 mm
Minimum focusing distance0.3 m (11.81 inches) 0.25 m (9.84 inches) ◆
Image stabilizationNo No
Weather sealingYes —
Aperture ringNo Yes
Aperture blades—9
Optical construction9 elements / 7 groups 7 elements / 5 groups
Filter size58 mm 55 mm ◆
Lens mountCanon EF, Nikon F Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A, Pentax K, Sony E, Fujifilm X
Released2015 —
04

Size

Drawn to relative scale
  • A · Carl
  • B · Mitakon
  • 83 × 77 mm
  • 55 × 85 mm

The Carl Zeiss Milvus 35 mm f/2 is 28 mm longer and 392 g heavier than the Mitakon Creator 35 mm f/2.

05

Sample frames

Shot on each lens

Carl Zeiss Milvus 35 mm f/2

Skater
Skater by Brian Giorgio
Au coin de la rue
Au coin de la rue by Un singe en automne
PART OF MY T* KIT
PART OF MY T* KIT by pharoldos
Swedish spirit
Swedish spirit by Un singe en automne
06

Video reviews

3 on YouTube
Video thumbnail for Carl Zeiss Milvus 35 mm f/2 review 1
Video thumbnail for Mitakon Creator 35 mm f/2 review 1
Video thumbnail for Mitakon Creator 35 mm f/2 review 2
07

Questions

Which is lighter, the Carl Zeiss Milvus 35 mm f/2 or the Mitakon Creator 35 mm f/2?
The Mitakon Creator 35 mm f/2 weighs 310 g, 392 g less than the Carl Zeiss Milvus 35 mm f/2 (702 g).
Which focuses closer, the Carl Zeiss Milvus 35 mm f/2 or the Mitakon Creator 35 mm f/2?
The Mitakon Creator 35 mm f/2 focuses down to 0.25 m, against 0.3 m for the Carl Zeiss Milvus 35 mm f/2.
Do the Carl Zeiss Milvus 35 mm f/2 and the Mitakon Creator 35 mm f/2 have image stabilization?
No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
Is the Carl Zeiss Milvus 35 mm f/2 or the Mitakon Creator 35 mm f/2 better for street photography?
For street photography, the Mitakon Creator 35 mm f/2 has the edge: it is 392 g lighter to carry.
Is the Carl Zeiss Milvus 35 mm f/2 or the Mitakon Creator 35 mm f/2 better for travel?
For travel, the Mitakon Creator 35 mm f/2 has the edge: it is 392 g lighter to carry.
08

Other comparisons