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 p.1 #1 · Thypoch Simera 75mm f/1.4 ASPH. Review | |
Order the Thypoch Simera 75mm f/1.4 ASPH. lens:
Thypoch Store (Use promo code: FREDMIRANDA for a 5% discount at checkout)
B&H Photo | Adorama
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Review Quick Links:
- Initial Impressions
- Resolution and Contrast: Thypoch Simera 75mm f/1.4 ASPH (60MP)
- Resolution and Contrast at Infinity distance: Simera 75mm f/1.4 ASPH. adapted to a 42MP Sony sensor
- Resolution and Contrast: Simera 75mm f/1.4 ASPH. vs Voigtlander 75mm f/1.8 Heliar Classic (60MP)
- Resolution and Contrast: Simera 75mm f/1.4 ASPH. vs Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton (60MP)
- Distortion
- Sunstar Rendering
- Field Curvature
- Minimal Focus Distance performance and Focus Shift
- Rendering compared to Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton
- Optical Vignetting and Specular Highlights shape
- Chromatic Aberration (CA)
- Final Thoughts
- Samples 1
- Samples 2
- Samples 3
Back to Quick Links
Initial impressions of the Thypoch Simera 75mm f/1.4 ASPH. lens:
The Simera 75mm f/1.4 ASPH. is the latest addition to Thypoch’s Simera lineup, joining other lenses in the series like the Simera 28mm, 35mm, and 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. models.
For a fast telephoto lens, the Simera 75mm f/1.4 is compact and lightweight, weighing 378 grams without the supplied metal hood. Its portability makes it a practical choice for hiking, landscapes, and could also be a valuable tool for wedding photographers. It feels well-balanced on the Leica M10-R, and without the hood, it barely intrudes on the 75mm framelines at infinity. At the minimum focusing distance, it slightly covers the lower right corner of the frame, which is typical for a fast 75mm f/1.4 lens.
Available in two aluminum finishes, Black and Silver, I will be reviewing the Black version. Unlike previous Simera lenses that accepted 49mm filters, this lens features a 58mm filter diameter and offers a minimum focusing distance of 0.6m for Live View focusing.
The Simera features 16 aperture blades, creating 16-point sunstars. This new aperture mechanism maintains a circular opening even when stopped down, which significantly enhances the lens’s rendering at smaller apertures. As a result, you can expect smooth, round specular highlights when shooting with the Simera at various aperture settings.
The Simera 75mm f/1.4 features an optical design of 9 elements in 8 groups, including two ED elements and one aspherical element. With its floating group, the lens is designed to deliver optimal performance across the entire focusing range, from close distances to infinity.
The focusing ring of the Simera lens rotates smoothly with just the right amount of resistance, making it very easy to focus with accuracty. Unlike the previous Simera lenses which feature internal focusing, the 75/1.4's barrel extends when focusing which is typical of telephoto lenses.
The aperture ring primarily features 1/4 stop increments, which is quite unusual for an M lens. Yes, you read that correctly. For example, the lens includes click stops for f/1.4, f/1.6, f/1.8, f/2, f/2.2, f/2.5, f/2.8, and so on. As you move from larger to smaller apertures, the numbers on the barrel become increasingly closer together.
I find this less appealing than lenses with evenly spaced markings, but at least Thypoch kept the design consistent with other lenses in the Simera series. Notably, the 1/4 stop increments extend up to f/4, then shift to 1/2 stops from f/4 to f/5.6, and finally switch to full stops from f/5.6 to f/16. While this variation is not ideal, it may be due to the barrel design and its mechanical depth-of-field indicator.
The Simera 75mm f/1.4 features a unique depth-of-field indicator with small rounded vents on the barrel. As you adjust the aperture, these vents change color from silver or black, depending on the lens finish, to red, clearly marking the in-focus area. The rounded design resembles tiny ball-shaped openings, adding a distinctive touch to the lens. This fully mechanical system offers a fresh take on traditional depth-of-field scales, making zone focusing easier. However, depth-of-field indicators are generally more practical on wider lenses like 28mm or 35mm, which naturally offer greater depth of field.
Another standout feature is the ability to de-click the aperture with a simple switch on the aperture ring. This allows for smooth and silent aperture adjustments, making the lens especially useful for videography.
The focus throw on the Simera 75mm f/1.4 is relatively short and typical for a telephoto lens, measuring around 90 degrees from 0.7m to infinity, which is standard for modern M-lenses. However, it extends to 120 degrees from its minimum focusing distance of 0.6m to infinity. This range allows for both fast and precise focusing, though achieving optimal focus requires the lens to be properly calibrated to the rangefinder.
Focusing all the way down to 0.6m enhances the lens’s close-up capabilities when using Live View. The lens also includes a tactile alert that signals when the rangefinder disengages after focusing beyond 0.7m, indicating that Live View will be required for focusing at greater distances. It’s great to see newer lenses incorporating this feature. However, be careful when focusing at close distances, as the focusing ring is very sensitive to even the slightest rotation.
A compact, bayonet-style metal hood is included, but it takes a bit of extra force to attach to the lens.
I personally prefer lenses with a longer focus throw for added precision, as even slight adjustments on the Simera can easily result in the subject going out of focus. While this design allows for fast focusing, it necessitates extra care and adjustment tolerance between the camera and rangefinder. Fortunately, my copy is well-centered and properly aligned with my Leica rangefinder cameras.
Next, I will also test the Simera 75mm f/1.4 ASPH. adapted to a Sony mirrorless camera to evaluate its performance in a different system.
The Thypoth Simera 75mm f/1.4 ASPH. offers an impressive set of features typically found in more expensive lenses. It includes a floating element system for consistent image quality from close range to infinity, close-focus capabilities down to 0.6m with Live View, and a convenient aperture de-clicking switch for smooth and silent adjustments. With 16 aperture blades for smooth, rounded bokeh, all packed into a compact and lightweight design, this lens delivers exceptional versatility at an affordable price.
Thypoch Simera 75mm f/1.4 ASPH. Specifications:
- Focal Length 75mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
- Minimum Aperture: f/16
- Lens Mount: Leica M
- Angle of View: 33°
- Minimum Focus Distance: 0.6m (0.7m rangefinder coupled)
- Optical Design: 9 Elements in 8 Groups
- Special glass: 2 ED and 1 Aspherical element
- Diaphragm Blades: 16 (rounded)
- Filter Size: 58 mm
- Length: 64 mm
- Weight 378g without hood (measured)
- Metal hood included (bayonette style)
- Finishes: Aluminum anodized Black, Silver
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. Hopefully Fred will give us some portraiture samples soon.