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 p.1 #1 · Thypoch Simera 21mm f/1.4 ASPH. Review | |
Order the Thypoch Simera 21mm f/1.4 ASPH. lens:
Thypoch Store (Use promo code: FREDMIRANDA for a 5% discount at checkout)
B&H Photo: Black | Silver
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Review Quick Links:
- Initial Impressions
- Resolution and Contrast at Infinity distance: Simera 21mm f/1.4 vs Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton
- Sunstar Rendering
- Field Curvature
- Distortion
- Minimal Focus Distance performance
- Rendering compared to Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton
- Chromatic Aberration (CA)
- Final Thoughts
- Samples 1: Cars and Coffee
- Samples 2: Harsh Lighting
Leica M11-D paired with the Simera 21mm f/1.4 ASPH. lens
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Initial impressions of the Thypoch Simera 21mm f/1.4 ASPH. lens:
I'm reviewing the silver version of the Thypoch Simera 21mm f/1.4 ASPH. It doesn't include a focus tab, but I'm happy to report it also doesn't have the infinity "lock" found on earlier versions of the Simera 28mm f/1.4 ASPH.
My first impression is that this is a rather large lens for the Leica M system, though surprisingly lightweight and not as thick in diameter as you'd expect for a 21mm f/1.4. It comes in at 426 grams without the supplied metal hood. We'll be comparing it throughout this review against its closest rival, the Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton, which is about 60 grams heavier and noticeably thicker in diameter, despite both lenses being similar in length. That extra slimness makes the Simera feel more balanced on an M body, though since there are no 21mm framelines in the Leica M finder anyway, length isn't really a practical concern for either lens, and neither blocks an external optical viewfinder.
The Simera is available in black and silver finishes and shares a 62mm filter thread with the Voigtlander, but it stands apart with a minimum focusing distance of 0.23m in Live View, versus 0.5m for the Nokton, a real advantage for close-up work. It also adds a declick switch for the aperture ring, appealing to video shooters, and gives the focusing ring a tactile detent right at the 0.7m rangefinder coupling limit. The Voigtlander has no such marker, so moving from 0.7m down to 0.5m means you lose rangefinder coupling without any physical indication that you've crossed the line.
Leica M11-D paired with the Simera 21mm f/1.4 ASPH. lens with included hood
The Simera 21mm f/1.4 ASPH has 14 aperture blades, and as we'll see in my tests, it produces distinct 14-point sunstars starting at f/4. Its aperture shape also stays much more circular when stopped down, compared to the Voigtlander's 12 straight blades, meaning you can expect more rounded specular highlights from the Simera at smaller apertures.
Throughout this review, I'll be comparing the Simera's design, characteristics, and performance against the Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton. The optical design is clearly inspired by the Cosina Voigtlander: the two share the same element and group count (13 elements in 11 groups) and a remarkably similar overall layout. It's pretty obvious Thypoch didn't try to reinvent the wheel here, taking the Cosina design as a starting point and adding enough tweaks to make it their own. Side by side, though, there are noticeable differences, particularly in center sharpness and field curvature shape, which we'll get into in more detail later on.
Simera 21mm f/1.4 ASPH. (silver) versus Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton (black)
The Simera 21mm f/1.4 ASPH. lens is made up of 13 elements arranged in 11 groups, including 3 ED, 2 aspherical, 3 high-refractive index lenses.
The focusing ring on the Simera 21mm rotates smoothly, with just the right amount of resistance. A standout feature, similar to the Simera 28mm f/1.4 ASPH I reviewed previously, is that this lens also uses internal focusing. That means it doesn't extend when you adjust the focus ring, and the same can be said for the Voigtlander.
Leica M10-P Safari paired with the Simera 21mm f/1.4 ASPH.
The aperture ring on the Simera 21mm is designed with 1/3-stop increments, similar to the Zeiss ZM lenses. The clicks are more distinct than on the Simera 50mm f/1.4, with firmer feedback here on the 21mm, though I do think the ring rotates a bit too freely. As you adjust from wider to smaller apertures, the numbers on the barrel get progressively closer together, which I personally find less appealing than lenses with more consistent spacing between markings. The increments themselves also shift partway through: 1/3 stops up to f/5.6, then 1/2 stops from f/5.6 to f/8, and finally full stops from f/8 to f/16. This is likely a byproduct of the barrel design and its mechanical depth-of-field indicator, but it's not ideal if you prefer consistent spacing throughout the range.
Mounted on a Leica M3: The aperture numbers on the barrel get progressively closer together
One of the more innovative features on the Simera lens is its depth-of-field indicator, small open vents on the barrel that shift color as you adjust the aperture. Depending on the lens finish, they transition from silver or black to red, clearly marking the zone that'll be in focus. It's a fully mechanical approach that feels like a refreshing alternative to traditional depth-of-field scales, and it's especially useful here on the 21mm, where the wider field of view makes zone focusing more practical than it is on longer lenses like the 50mm or 75mm.
Mounted on a Leica M3: Innovative feature, with small open vents on the barrel that change color as you adjust the aperture
Another standout feature is the ability to declick the aperture with a simple flip of a switch on the aperture ring, enabling smooth, silent adjustments that are especially useful for videographers who need seamless transitions between settings.
Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton vs Simera 21mm f/1.4 ASPH.
The focus throw on the Simera is relatively short, a 90-degree rotation from 0.23m to infinity, with an even shorter throw within its rangefinder-coupled range up to 0.7m. That's typical of modern M-lenses and makes for quick, precise focusing across distances. For comparison, the Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton has a longer 120-degree throw and a minimum focusing distance of 0.5m.
The Simera also includes a tactile alert right at the point the rangefinder disengages, letting you know Live View will be needed to focus any closer. It's a unique touch the Voigtlander doesn't offer, and it's encouraging to see newer lenses build in details like this. One thing to watch for at close distances though: the focusing ring is quite sensitive and reacts to even the slightest movement.
Leica M11-D on charging dock paired with the Simera 21mm f/1.4 ASPH. with hood
Personally, I lean toward lenses with a longer focus throw for the extra precision it offers, since on both the Simera and the Voigtlander, even a minor adjustment can throw the subject out of focus. It's a design that rewards accuracy, but it demands careful, deliberate handling to keep the rangefinder properly aligned. Fortunately, my copy is well-centered and tracks accurately with my Leica rangefinder bodies, so focus performance has been optimal throughout.
Leica M11-D on charging dock paired with the Simera 21mm f/1.4 ASPH. without supplied hood
Thypoch Simera 21mm f/1.4 ASPH. Specifications:
- Focal Length: 21mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
- Minimum Aperture: f/16
- Lens Mount Leica M
- Angle of View: 90 degrees
- Minimum Focus Distance: 0.23m (0.7m rangefinder coupled)
- Optical Design 13 Elements in 11 Groups
- Special glass: 3 ED, 2 aspherical, 3 high-refractive index lenses
- Diaphragm Blades: 14
- Filter Size: 62 mm
- Dimensions (D x L): φ66 x 69 mm
- Weight: 426g without hood (measured)
- Metal hood included (bayonet style)
- Finishes: Aluminum anodized Black, Silver
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