KIPON Iberit 24mm f/2.4 Leica L-Mount
Review
The KIPON Iberit 24mm f/2.4 is a superb addition to the Leica L mount lineup, offering photographers an opportunity to explore a versatile wide-angle perspective without breaking the bank. This lens is designed with meticulous craftsmanship and is suitable for various shooting styles, including landscape, architecture, and street photography.
Build Quality and Design
The Iberit 24mm f/2.4 exemplifies KIPON's commitment to quality. The lens features a solid metal construction that feels durable and premium in hand. Its compact size makes it easily portable, which is especially appreciated by photographers who prefer to travel light. The classic black finish also adds a touch of elegance, ensuring that it pairs beautifully with Leica cameras.
Optical Performance
In terms of optical quality, the KIPON Iberit 24mm delivers impressive sharpness across the frame, even when shot wide open at f/2.4. The lens produces vibrant colors and a pleasing contrast that will delight landscape and street photographers alike. Additionally, distortion and chromatic aberration are well-controlled, making it a reliable choice for capturing straight lines in architectural photography.
Focus and Aperture
The focus ring is smooth and offers precise control, essential for manual focus enthusiasts. However, since this lens is fully manual, it may not be ideal for fast-paced shooting situations where quick autofocus is paramount. The aperture mechanism is also decently dampened, allowing for easy adjustments without accidental shifts while shooting.
Compatibility and Versatility
Being a 24mm focal length on the Leica L mount, this lens opens up a world of possibilities, offering a standard wide-angle that can excel in various genres of photography. It performs admirably in low light, particularly when stopped down, providing further versatility in different lighting conditions.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent build quality with a premium feel
- Sharp optical performance throughout the aperture range
- Good handling with a smooth manual focus ring
- Well-controlled distortion and chromatic aberration
Cons
- Fully manual operation may not suit all users
- Lack of weather sealing
- Limited to a single focal length, which may not account for all shooting needs
Verdict
Overall, the KIPON Iberit 24mm f/2.4 is a commendable choice for Leica L users seeking a reliable wide-angle lens that balances performance with a stylish design. While the fully manual layout may deter some, the optical quality and overall handling make it a worthy investment for those who appreciate the art of photography. Whether you're capturing sweeping landscapes or detailed architectural shots, the Iberit 24mm will not disappoint.