KIPON Iberit 90mm f/2.4

Leica L-Mount

Review

The KIPON Iberit 90mm f/2.4 lens for Leica L mount is a fresh addition to the world of medium telephoto lenses, designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind. This lens is part of KIPON's Iberit series, which aims to offer compact and high-quality glass that appeals to discerning photographers looking for specific solutions in their toolkit.

Build Quality and Design

Right out of the box, the Iberit 90mm f/2.4 impresses with its solid build quality. The lens has a metal construction that lends it a premium feel, while its compact size makes it practical for everyday use. Weighing in at just under 600 grams, it’s relatively lightweight for a lens of this focal length. The smooth, manual focus ring is a joy to operate, allowing for precise adjustments in focus, which is especially beneficial when shooting at wide apertures. Additionally, the lens is aesthetically pleasing, featuring a classic design that will appeal to photographers who appreciate a blend of functionality and style.

Optical Performance

When it comes to optical performance, the Iberit 90mm f/2.4 does not disappoint. The lens delivers sharp images with excellent contrast, even when shooting wide open. You can expect beautiful bokeh thanks to its nine-blade diaphragm, which creates a pleasing out-of-focus area that is soft and creamy. This quality makes it an excellent choice for portrait photography, where isolated subjects shine against smooth backgrounds. The color rendition is mostly accurate, and the lens produces images that are vibrant without being overly saturated.

However, there are some minor drawbacks in terms of optical performance. While the lens handles chromatic aberrations fairly well, some noticeable fringing can occur towards the edges, particularly in high-contrast situations. Additionally, the lens is prone to some vignetting when shot wide open, but this can often be corrected in post processing.

Usability and Versatility

The KIPON Iberit 90mm f/2.4 is designed primarily for portrait and street photography, where its focal length excels in compressing scenes and providing flattering perspectives. Its manual focus design means it's not as speedy for fast-paced action, but this can be an asset for those who prefer a more deliberate shooting style. The f/2.4 maximum aperture is versatile enough for low-light situations, allowing photographers to capture images with beautiful depth of field control.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Solid metal construction, offering durability and a premium feel.
• Sharp optical performance, especially at wider apertures.
• Beautiful bokeh, ideal for portrait photography.
• Compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry.

Cons

• Manual focus may not suit all photographers, especially in fast-paced environments.
• Some chromatic aberration and vignetting, particularly wide open.
• Limited versatility in focal length for genres outside of portraiture.

Verdict

In conclusion, the KIPON Iberit 90mm f/2.4 for Leica L mount is a remarkable lens that caters perfectly to photographers seeking sharpness, build quality, and aesthetics in their gear. While it comes with a few minor optical issues and demands a manual focus approach, its advantages significantly outweigh the drawbacks. This lens is particularly excellent for portrait photographers and offers enough flexibility for various creative pursuits. If you're looking for a reliable and beautifully crafted telephoto lens, the Iberit 90mm f/2.4 should definitely be on your radar.