Thypoch Simera 28mm F1.4

The Thypoch Simera 28mm F1.4 is a manual-focus full-frame prime with a 28mm field of view and an F1.4 maximum aperture. It is made for Leica M, Nikon Z, Canon RF, Sony E and Fujifilm X mount and sits in Thypoch's Simera series, which pairs a retro look with modern optics. It targets street, travel and environmental portrait photographers who like a wide perspective with shallow depth of field.

Optical design

Thypoch specifies 11 elements in 7 groups, including 1 aspherical element, 1 ED element and 3 high-refractive-index elements, combined with a floating lens group. The company says this keeps sharpness consistent from infinity down to the 0.4 m minimum focusing distance. The aperture has 14 blades and closes to F16. The image circle is listed as 43.2 mm, which covers full frame. The diagonal angle of view is 75 degrees.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is manual. The aperture ring has click and declick positions for stills and video, and the focus ring carries a depth-of-field scale with a red dot design inspired by 1950s lenses. The M-mount version is offered with two focus tab options, an infinity-lock tab or a crescent-shaped tab, according to Thypoch.

Build and size

The body is anodized aluminum alloy with a 54 mm front diameter and a 49 mm filter thread. Weights depend on the mount: about 330 g for Leica M, 344 g for Sony E (confirmed by B&H), 347 g for Fujifilm X, 353 g for Canon RF and 368 g for Nikon Z. Length without hood is 55 mm for M, 68.6 mm for RF, 70.1 mm for X, 70.3 mm for E and 72.1 mm for Z.

Where it fits

Thypoch also lists the Simera-C cine version of the same optical formula. In Leica M, comparable 28mm options in the database include the Leica Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH (2023) at 275 g and the Leica Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH at 180 g, both slower than F1.4. On mirrorless mounts the lens is manual-focus only, so autofocus 28mm or 35mm lenses are the practical alternative for users who need that.

Pros and cons

Pros

• F1.4 aperture in a 28mm at roughly 330 g to 368 g
• 0.4 m minimum focusing distance with floating lens group
• 14-blade aperture and click/declick ring
• Available for five mounts

Cons

• Manual focus only
• Heavier than the slower Leica 28mm lenses in the database
• No weather sealing is stated
• Lengths and weights differ by mount

Verdict

The Simera 28mm F1.4 offers a fast wide-angle with manual focus and classic styling across five mounts. It suits photographers who want a bright 28mm and accept manual operation.