Tag: manual focus

  • Thypoch 198g 35mm f/2 Full-Frame Lens Unveiled

    Thypoch 198g 35mm f/2 Full-Frame Lens Unveiled

    Key Takeaway

    – Ultra-compact, lightweight design: 3.5 cm length, 2.7 cm protrusion, 5.2 cm diameter, 198.6 g.
    – Optical and build features: 8 lenses in 5 groups with an aspherical element; Epoch Coating 84 for a warm retro look; ten-blade aperture; 39 mm filter thread.
    – Autofocus: Manual focus only from 0.5 m, with a noticeable tactile click below 0.7 m signaling rangefinder range; Leica M mount with adapter compatibility for other systems.


    Thypoch unveils a remarkably compact wide-angle option, claiming a body length of just 3.5 centimetres and a protrusion of 2.7 centimetres from the camera when mounted. The lens body measures 5.2 centimetres in diameter and weighs 198.6 grams, making it a notably portable choice for enthusiasts who crave portability without sacrificing specs.

    Design and optical notes

    Voigtländer counters the scene with the 35 mm f/1.4 Nokton VM II, touted as even more compact and faster, yet Thypoch pushes for superior image quality through a design that uses eight lenses in five groups, including a single aspherically ground element. This contrast highlights how different brands pursue sharpness and character in varied ways, particularly at wide angles where distortion control and micro-contrast matter.

    Focusing and coatings

    The Thypoch Ksana 35 mm f/2.0 is manually focused, with a precise minimum focus distance of 0.5 meters. A tactile click indicates when the distance falls below 0.7 meters, signaling the rangefinder-coupled focus range. The lens surface receives Epoch Coating 84, a coating meant to impart a warm retro look to captured images. The aperture features ten blades, and a 39 millimeter filter thread completes the optical package, offering compatibility with a range of filters for creative control.

    Availability and compatibility

    The Ksana 35 mm f/2.0 full-frame lens is currently sold through the manufacturer’s online store, priced at $599 without the lens hood or $649 with the hood included. In both configurations, front and rear caps are provided. Shipping is advertised as free, though the price excludes import taxes and customs duties. The lens is provisioned for Leica M mount, and adapters unlock compatibility with Sony E, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X, and Canon RF systems, broadening its usability across multiple camera bodies.

    Notes on usage

    Thypoch emphasizes that the primary mount is Leica M, yet the practical reach extends via adapters to several popular mirrorless bodies, enabling work across different ecosystems. This flexibility can be a selling point for photographers who own different brands but want a consistent focal length and rendering from a single optic.


  • Thypoch Launches Affordable Compact Ksana 21mm f/3.5 Lens

    Thypoch Launches Affordable Compact Ksana 21mm f/3.5 Lens

    Key Takeaways

    1. Compact Design: The Thypoch Ksana 21mm f/3.5 lens is 2.7 cm long and weighs 4.6 oz (131 grams), making it lightweight and portable.

    2. High Image Quality: The lens features eight elements in seven groups, including one aspherical and two ED elements, providing good sharpness and minimal distortion.

    3. Unique Coating: The lens has “Epoch Coating 73,” which adds a subtle amber hue to images, depending on the camera’s white balance settings.

    4. Manual Focusing: The lens allows only manual focusing but is user-friendly for zone focusing due to its extensive depth of field and a minimum focus distance of 0.5 meters.

    5. Pricing and Compatibility: The lens is priced at $549, available with a Leica M mount, and can be adapted for use with Sony E, Nikon Z, or Canon R cameras.


    The new Thypoch Ksana 21mm f/3.5 lens for full-frame cameras is compact, measuring just 2.7 cm in length and weighing a mere 4.6 oz (131 grams). It features a design comprising eight elements arranged in seven groups. This includes one aspherical element and two ED elements, which are all said to contribute to producing high-quality images, even though the lens is quite small.

    Sharpness and Image Quality

    According to the manufacturer’s MTF charts, this lens delivers good sharpness throughout the frame, even when fully opened, including at the edges. Minimal distortion and chromatic aberration have been reported, although specific figures aren’t provided for these aspects. The Ksana 21mm features nine aperture blades, which allows it to create attractive sunstars at an aperture of f/4.

    Unique Coating and Usability

    Additionally, the lens comes with “Epoch Coating 73,” which is designed to add a subtle amber hue to photos, as long as it isn’t altered by the camera’s white balance settings. It’s worth noting that the lens only allows for manual focusing; however, due to its extensive depth of field, zone focusing is quite manageable. The lens can focus on subjects located at a minimum distance of around 0.5 meters. The body of the lens is made entirely from aluminum, giving it a sturdy feel.

    The Thypoch Ksana 21mm f/3.5 full-frame lens is currently priced at $549 on the official website of the manufacturer. Shipping is complimentary, but buyers outside the country should be aware that import fees and taxes are not included in the listed price. This lens is available exclusively with a Leica M mount, featuring rangefinder coupling. However, it can also be adapted for use with Sony E, Nikon Z, or Canon R cameras by using the suitable adapters.

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  • Affordable Brightin Star 35mm f/1.4 Lens for Sony, Canon, Nikon, Leica

    Affordable Brightin Star 35mm f/1.4 Lens for Sony, Canon, Nikon, Leica

    Key Takeaways

    1. Brightin Star has launched a budget-friendly 35mm f/1.4 full-frame lens, weighing 7.7 oz, focusing on cost and performance balance.
    2. The lens features a classic retro design and is compatible with multiple camera mounts, including Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, and Leica SL.
    3. It offers a manual focus capability down to 0.3 meters and an adjustable aperture ring for flexibility in photography and videography.
    4. The lens has a simple construction with 7 elements in 6 groups, resulting in center sharpness but struggles with edge detail at maximum aperture.
    5. Priced at $159, the lens is available in silver and black finishes, with additional accessories sold separately.


    Brightin Star, a company recognized for its budget-friendly lenses, has launched a new 35mm f/1.4 full-frame lens. This lens is compact, weighing in at 7.7 oz, and aims to provide a remarkable balance between cost and performance.

    Classic Design and Compatibility

    With a stylish retro design, this lens is made for several camera mounts including Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, and Leica SL. The Leica SL version also works with Panasonic’s SL cameras and the Sigma fp, which starts at $1,680 on Amazon. The aperture ring can be adjusted to click or remain smooth, allowing for flexibility whether taking pictures or shooting videos. Note that the lens does not feature autofocus, requiring users to focus manually down to 0.3 meters.

    Simple Construction for Affordability

    To keep the price low, Brightin Star has opted for a straightforward lens design comprising 7 elements arranged in 6 groups, without any aspherical or apochromatic lenses. According to the manufacturer’s MTF curves, the lens struggles to capture details at the edges of the frame when set to maximum aperture. It is primarily sharp in the center, making it suitable for portrait photography and other uses.

    The Brightin Star 35mm f/1.4 full-frame lens is now available for $159 plus shipping from the manufacturer’s website. Buyers can choose between silver and black finishes. Additional accessories such as a lens hood, a UV protection filter, and a case are sold separately.

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