Mir-24H 35mm f2 - Lens Info
MIR-24H 35mm f2
The MIR-24H 35mm f/2 is a classic wide-angle Soviet lens that offers a unique blend of character, quality, and nostalgia. My copy was manufactured by the Arsenal factory in Kiev in 1992, a time when Soviet optics were known for their robust, all-metal construction. Despite its vintage origins, this lens still holds its own today, delivering an image aesthetic that modern glass often lacks.
LENS SPECS
Release Date: 1976
Format: 35mm
Mount: Converted to Canon FD
Filter: 58mm
Aperture Blades: 6
Aperture Range: f2 - f16
Min Focus Distance: 0.24m
Weight 370g
Weather Sealing: No
Optical Design: 8 Elements in 7 Groups
APS-C Conversion Approx.: 56mm
Gear Shots
Build & Handling
True to its era, the MIR-24H is built like a tank. The metal construction gives it a reassuring heft, while the manual focus ring is smooth and precise, making it a joy to use for both photography and video work. My copy of the was bought on eBay with a the mount being converted to Canon FD. I believe the original mount was Nikon F mount.
Optical Performance
With a fast f2 maximum aperture, this lens is a great performer in low-light conditions and produces a wonderfully shallow depth of field. The minimum focus distance of just 24cm, allowing for near-macro shots with dreamy background separation. If you love buttery bokeh, this lens can obliterate backgrounds with ease. Center sharpness at f2 is impressive for it’s time, though the corners soften a bit, adding to the lens’s vintage charm. Stopping down to f2.8 or f4 improves edge sharpness considerably. What I’ve really come to love about this lens and my absolute favorite feature is it’s 3D pop. Images taken with this lens have a lifelike quality to them. It’s something that has been hard to find in other lenses.
Image Character & Colors
This is where the MIR-24H truly shines. The lens renders rich, natural colors with a touch of warmth, making images feel almost cinematic. There’s a certain 80s nostalgia baked into the way it handles light, almost like a scene from an old film. It’s not just about sharpness, it’s about the way this lens creates an image. Lens flares and ghosting can appear under strong light, but instead of being a flaw, they add a dreamy, artistic effect that many vintage lens enthusiasts appreciate.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a vintage lens that offers more than just sharpness, the MIR-24H 35mm f2 is an excellent choice. It’s a fantastic option for street, portrait, and artistic photography, with a unique character that sets it apart from modern clinical lenses. Whether you’re after that Soviet-era charm, love vintage color rendering, or simply want a fast, affordable 35mm lens, the MIR-24H is a solid pick.
Here’s a sample gallery so you can see the magic of this lens in action! 📸
