KIPON Iberit 24mm f/2.4

Leica M-Mount

Review

The KIPON Iberit 24mm f/2.4 is a manual focus prime lens designed specifically for Leica M mount cameras. It's an intriguing addition to the lineup for those who appreciate the unique characteristics and quality of M mount optics. With a wide aperture and compact design, it's particularly well-suited for street photography, landscapes, and low-light situations.

Build Quality and Design

One of the standout features of the Iberit 24mm f/2.4 is its exceptional build quality. The lens barrel is constructed from high-quality metal, providing a robust and durable feel that many photographers cherish. The compact size is another bonus; it doesn't add much bulk to your camera setup, making it perfect for those who prefer a lightweight and portable system. The design also includes smooth focusing with a well-damped focus ring, allowing for precise adjustments.

Optical Performance

When it comes to optical performance, the KIPON Iberit 24mm f/2.4 impresses with its sharpness across the frame, even when shooting wide open. The lens exhibits minimal distortion, making it a great choice for architectural photography. Color rendition is vibrant, capturing images with delightful contrast and saturation. While there may be some minor chromatic aberration, particularly at wider apertures, it is often easily correctable in post-processing.

Versatility

This lens shines when it comes to versatility. With a focal length of 24mm, it strikes a balance between wide-angle and standard field of view, making it suitable for various genres of photography. Whether you're capturing sweeping landscapes or tighter compositions in urban settings, the Iberit 24mm performs admirably. Additionally, its fast f/2.4 aperture allows for good performance in low-light environments, opening up opportunities for creative shooting.

Compatibility and Use

Being a manual focus lens, it does require the photographer to rely predominantly on their own focusing skills. This can be a drawback for those accustomed to autofocus systems, especially when covering fast-moving subjects. However, for many Leica enthusiasts, the manual focus experience is part of the charm and offers a more connected feel to the photography process.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality and compact design
• Sharp images with good color rendition
• Minimal distortion, suitable for architectural photography
• Fast f/2.4 aperture allows for low-light photography
• Versatile focal length for a variety of shooting scenarios

Cons

• Manual focus may not suit everyone, particularly in fast-paced environments
• Some minor chromatic aberration at wider apertures

Verdict

Overall, the KIPON Iberit 24mm f/2.4 is a superb addition for Leica M mount users seeking a reliable, high-quality lens. Its combination of stellar build, excellent optical performance, and versatility makes it a worthy consideration for any serious photographer. While manual focusing may pose a challenge to some, the rewards of this beautifully crafted lens far outweigh the drawbacks, particularly for those who appreciate the art of manual photography.