Shvabe Unveils the Zenithar: A Groundbreaking High-Aperture Lens for Stunning Low-Light Photography

The Krasnogorsk Plant named after S.A. Zverev, part of the Shvabe holding under the state corporation Rostec, has launched the production of a new «Zenitar» lens with a focal length of 50mm and an aperture of f/1, enabling hand-held shooting even in low-light conditions.

This lens features an M-mount and is designed for use with both digital and film mirrorless cameras. It is suitable for portrait as well as landscape photography and will soon be available for retail purchase.

Notably, before its official release in April, the lens was tested by Roscosmos photographer Artyom Plyaev, who captured the launch of a rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome using the Zenitar lens.

«The new lens has left an incredibly positive impression. It offers remarkable optical effects that captivate from the first glance, along with a wide array of technical capabilities. Together, these features allow for the creation of stunning images,» said Artyom Plyaev.

Additionally, this development received a gold medal at the international invention salon «Archimedes.»

«We are actively involved in advancing the domestic photography industry by partnering with festivals, providing our equipment for photographers to test, and developing new lens models. The ultra-fast ‘Zenitar’ was created thanks to our specialists’ years of experience and high qualifications. Through strict quality control at every stage of production, we have succeeded in creating a superior product. Our work was highly praised at the international invention salon ‘Archimedes,’ where our plant was awarded a gold medal,» stated Anton Klokov, the acting general director of KMZ.

In November 2024, Shvabe introduced the first Russian anamorphic cinema lenses from the Lyutkarino Optical Glass Plant (LZOS). The new lenses use a complex system of cylindrical lenses to capture unique ultra-wide shots. Unlike images produced by wide-angle lenses, anamorphic images maintain clarity at the edges and avoid vignetting in the corners.

In 2022, Shvabe showcased a range of portrait photography lenses with manual aperture control – TAIR-45 and «Rubinar» from LZOS. These are designed to be mounted on cameras with M42 thread fittings.