Light Lens Lab 75mm F1.5 Z21

The Light Lens Lab 75mm f/1.5 Z21 is a manual full-frame portrait prime for Leica M-mount cameras. Light Lens Lab describes it as an independently developed lens designed to define its own Z21 rendering, rather than copy an existing formula. It follows the company's 50mm f/1.5 Z21 and is meant for M-mount users who want a fast 75 mm.

Optical design

The lens has six elements in four groups. According to Light Lens Lab, it is based on a Double-Gaussian layout that was independently researched and developed. The company lists improvements in corner sharpness, edge performance and sensor coverage, and says it uses lanthanide-infused elements. Light Lens Lab also says the rendering focuses on subjective qualities such as atmosphere rather than conventional benchmarks. The maximum aperture is f/1.5 and the aperture runs down to f/22. The diaphragm has ten blades, and the design frame coverage is full frame, 24 by 36 mm.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is manual with a range from 1 m to infinity. There is no autofocus. The filter thread is E55, and the lens hood is an E55 screw-on type. The mount is a quick-change M-mount bayonet. Light Lens Lab says the lens is designed, manufactured and assembled by hand in house.

Build and size

The body is an aluminium alloy that also uses steel and brass components. The weight is approximately 454 g without accessories, the length is about 71 mm and the diameter is about 63.5 mm. It is the heaviest of the Light Lens Lab M-mount lenses in this group.

Where it fits

Light Lens Lab's 75mm f/2 SP-II is smaller and lighter, at 310 g, but slower. For fast 75 mm M-mount lenses, the database lists the Leica Noctilux-M 75mm F1.25 ASPH, the Voigtländer Nokton 75mm f/1.5 and the Thypoch Simera 75mm F1.4, plus the Leica APO-Summicron-M 75mm f/2 ASPH and the Leica Summarit-M 75mm F2.4 ASPH at slower apertures. The Light Lens Lab sits between those on aperture and offers a defined rendering approach.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Fast f/1.5 aperture on a 75 mm focal length
• Ten aperture blades, according to the maker
• Six elements in four groups, with lanthanide-infused elements
• Screw-on E55 lens hood
• Fully published size and weight

Cons

• Manual focus only
• Closest focusing distance of 1 m is longer than the 0.7 m of the company's other M lenses
• At 454 g it is heavy for an M-mount lens
• Larger than the f/2 SP-II alternative

Verdict

The 75mm f/1.5 Z21 is a fast, hand-assembled portrait lens for M-mount users who value a defined rendering and are willing to accept weight and a 1 m minimum focus distance. The manufacturer's published data makes comparison with other fast 75 mm lenses straightforward.