Big "Hole": "Schwabe" Presents Ultra-Fast "Zenitar" Lens

New f/1 aperture lens enables shooting in low light conditions

Krasnogorsk Plant named after S. A. Zverev (KMZ), part of the "Schwabe" holding (Rostec State Corporation), has announced the release of a new "Zenitar" 1/50 lens with a high aperture of f/1. The presentation took place at the Moscow photo festival Portfolio Party 2025, where guests were able to test the new product.

Photo from the lens presentation
Image source Press service of Rostec State Corporation

The "hole" in the colloquial language of photographers is the aperture of the lens, that is, the hole through which light passes onto the sensor or film. The larger the "hole" (the wider the aperture is open, for example, f/1), the more light hits the sensor (film) and the more the background is blurred.

The 50 mm focal length lens is designed for portrait and landscape photography, and its ultra-high aperture allows you to work in minimal lighting conditions without using a tripod. The model is equipped with an M-mount, which makes it compatible with digital and film mirrorless cameras.

Roscosmos photographer Artyom Pylaev tested the "Zenitar" 1/50 while filming the launch of the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

The new lens left only the best impressions. These are incredible optical effects that delight at first sight, and a wide range of technical capabilities. Together, these characteristics allow you to create amazing shots.

Artyom Pylaev, Roscosmos photographer

Photo from the launch of the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket. Lens - "Zenitar" 1/50
Image source Artyom Pylaev/Telegram channel "Rostec"

The development received a gold medal at the Archimedes Salon of Inventions.

We take an active part in the development of the domestic photo industry - we partner with festivals, provide our equipment for testing to photographers, and develop new lens models. The ultra-fast "Zenitar" was created thanks to the many years of experience and high qualifications of our specialists. As a result of strict control at every stage of production, we managed to create a high-quality product. The development was highly appreciated at the international salon of inventions "Archimedes", where our plant was awarded a gold medal.

Anton Klokov, Interim General Director of KMZ

The lens is expected to go on sale in the coming months.

At the Portfolio Party 2025 festival, guests could also evaluate other KMZ models, including "Zenitar" 2.8/16, "Helios 40-2" 1.5/85 with unique bokeh, and "Selena" 1.9/58.

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