Photo by https://keithwee.com/
Article-at-a-Glance
The Simera 28mm f/1.4 is a versatile prime lens with a classic design and sturdy build quality.
Its standout features include declickable aperture rings, unique depth of field indicators, and aspherical elements for sharp images.
The lens is adaptable to various camera systems, including the Leica M, and offers both manual and autofocus capabilities with the right adapter.
With a fast f/1.4 aperture, the Simera is well-suited for low light conditions, street, and portrait photography.
At a competitive price point, it provides photographers with a high-quality option without breaking the bank.
A Deep Dive into the Simera 28mm f/1.4
There’s a new player in the Leica M mount lens game called Thypoch, and they recently launched the Simera 28 and 35mm f1.4 full frame primes. When you’re in search of the ideal lens for your Leica M, the Simera 28mm f/1.4 might just be the gem you’re looking for.
The Allure of the Simera 28mm f/1.4
Simera 28mm is compact, but with a wide f/1.4 aperture, this lens is a powerhouse in low-light situations or when you’re aiming to achieve that beautifully blurred background.
Key Features that Set It Apart
For starters, the declickable aperture ring allows for smooth transitions in video shooting, and the unique depth of field indicator provides a clear visual guide for your focus area. The lens is constructed with aspherical elements that keep images sharp, even when shooting wide open, a common challenge with many fast lenses.
Design and Build Quality
When you first lay hands on the Simera 28mm f/1.4, you’ll notice its classic styling and sturdy construction. It’s designed to last and to deliver consistent performance, whether you’re shooting digital or film.
Physical Features: Focus Ring and Aperture Control
The tactile experience of using the Simera is part of its charm. The focus ring offers just the right amount of resistance, and the aperture control can be switched from clicked to declicked with ease. Most importantly, for rangefinder users, the focus resistance at 0.7 meters is a thoughtful touch, letting you know you’ve reached the minimum focusing distance without having to take your eye off the subject.
Optical Excellence
The true test of any lens is in the quality of the images it produces. The Simera 28mm f/1.4 doesn’t disappoint. It brings a subtle vintage character to your photos without compromising on detail.
Sharpness Across the Frame
Sharpness is a big deal, especially when you’re working with a fast aperture like f/1.4. The Simera lens delivers on this front, with aspherical and floating elements that help to maintain clarity across the entire frame. This means whether you’re capturing the intricate patterns of nature or the crisp lines of urban architecture, you’ll get consistently sharp results. To better understand the relationship between aperture, depth of field, and shutter speed, check out our detailed guide.
Characteristics of Bokeh and Color Rendition
The Simera 28mm f/1.4 creates a smooth transition between in-focus and out-of-focus areas, giving your images a three-dimensional feel. Color rendition is equally important, and this lens produces colors that are true to life, with just the right amount of pop to make your images stand out. For those interested in further enhancing their photography skills, understanding the Sunny 16 rule in film photography can be incredibly beneficial.
Handling Flare and Ghosting
Even when you’re shooting directly into the sun, the Simera 28mm f/1.4 manages flare and ghosting impressively. This control is crucial when you’re looking to capture that perfect backlit portrait or want to include the sun in your landscape shots without sacrificing image quality
Manual and Autofocus Performance
The knurled focus ring provides a satisfying grip, allowing for quick and accurate adjustments. It’s this level of control that makes manual focusing not just viable, but enjoyable.
Navigating Through the Focal Length
The 28mm focal length is often celebrated for its versatility. It’s wide enough to capture landscapes and architecture, yet it has an intimacy that works beautifully for portraits and street photography and harnesses this versatility and adds the benefit of a wide aperture, creating a lens that can navigate through a wide range of photographic needs.
Benefits of the Lens for Street and Portrait Photography
For street photography, the Simera 28mm f/1.4 is a stellar performer. Its wide aperture allows for shooting in lower light conditions and for creating separation between the subject and the bustling background. The depth of field indicator is particularly useful for zone focusing, which is a favored technique among street photographers.
Portrait photographers will find the Simera’s rendering of skin tones and the transition from sharpness to bokeh to be particularly pleasing. The ability to shoot wide open with minimal aberrations means that you can capture portraits with a dreamy quality without sacrificing the crispness of your subject’s features.
Simera 28mm f/1.4 vs. Other Lenses in Its Class
While there are other 28mm lenses available for the Leica M, the Simera distinguishes itself with its fast f/1.4 aperture and the quality of its optical design. It competes with the likes of the legendary Leica lenses but at a fraction of the cost, making it accessible to a broader range of photographers.
Price and Quality: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck
The Simera 28mm f/1.4 offers an impressive balance of price and performance. With a price tag that is significantly lower than its high-end counterparts, it provides professional-grade image quality that doesn’t require you to empty your bank account.
Price: Approximately $700 USD or $1200 AUD for the Simera 28mm f/1.4
Leica Summilux lenses can cost upwards of $5000 USD
Chinese lens brands may offer lower prices but often at the cost of build and image quality
Therefore, the Simera 28mm f/1.4 presents itself as a middle ground, offering a premium feel with performance that rivals more expensive lenses.
Everyday Shooting Scenarios
On a day-to-day basis, the Simera 28mm f/1.4 is the kind of lens you can keep on your camera and feel confident that you’re ready for whatever photographic opportunity comes your way. Its versatility makes it suitable for a range of genres, from candid moments at a family gathering to the sweeping vistas on a travel adventure.
Because of its compact size, it won’t weigh you down, making it an excellent choice for those long days of shooting where comfort is just as important as image quality.
Final Remarks on the Simera 28mm f/1.4
After spending considerable time with the Simera 28mm f/1.4, it’s clear that this lens is a formidable contender in the photography world. It strikes a remarkable balance between quality, versatility, and price. It’s a lens that will appeal to both seasoned professionals and passionate enthusiasts alike.
Its robust build, combined with the exceptional image quality, makes it a lens that can withstand the demands of frequent use while delivering results that photographers can be proud of. In an era where gear can often be prohibitively expensive, the Simera 28mm f/1.4 stands out as a beacon of value and performance.
Summarizing the Game-Changing Features
Let’s recap why the Simera 28mm f/1.4 is a game-changer:
Fast f/1.4 aperture allows for incredible low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
Declickable aperture and unique depth of field indicator enhance both still photography and videography.
Aspherical elements reduce aberrations and maintain sharpness across the frame.
Adaptable to various camera systems, including the Leica M, broadening its appeal.
Competitive pricing provides access to premium quality without the premium cost.
Is the Simera Right for Your Next Shot?
If you’re in search of a lens that offers both a classic aesthetic and modern performance, the Simera should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re shooting a dimly lit street scene or a sun-drenched landscape, this lens is capable of bringing your vision to life. It’s a tool that not only captures the world as it is but also as you imagine it to be.
Check out my YouTube video for an in-depth discussion on this lens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Simera 28mm f/1.4 Suitable for Beginners?
While the Simera 28mm f/1.4 is a high-performing lens that professionals would appreciate, it’s also accessible for beginners. Its ease of use and the forgiving nature of the 28mm focal length make it a great tool for those just starting out in photography or videography.
What Are the Alternatives at a Similar Price Point?
Photographers looking for alternatives to the Simera 28mm f/1.4 might consider lenses like the Sigma 28mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art or the Tamron 28mm f/1.8 Di VC USD. Each lens has its own set of features and trade-offs, but the Simera stands out for its unique combination of classic design, modern optics, and adaptability.
Leave a Reply