When it comes to lenses, there are multiple versions available in the market today. For instance, if you like Canon L lenses, but can’t afford them, then you have some offerings from Canon or other third-party manufacturers that can give you a closer image quality, without the hefty price tag. The same is also said about Thypoch, a Chinese optics manufacturer that creates beautiful lenses that feature the “same optics” as Leica M lenses. The company also launched its Simera lineup, and now, they are reintroducing two lenses with an improved design.
According to Leica Rumors, Thypoch reintroduced the Simera 28mm f1.4 and Simera 35mm f1.4 lenses with a new focus tab II. For the uninitiated, the infinity lock was designed as a homage to vintage Leica lenses. However, when you focused at infinity, you had to disengage the focus lock to refocus at closer distances. That was its quirk. In our review of the Simera 35mm f1.4, we further added: “The one feature I have a real issue with is the infinity point focus lock. You constantly find yourself unable to move focus closer to you once you’ve taken a photo set at infinity. I wish there was a way to remove this lock for good for those of us who want to. Otherwise your pinky finger will get a daily workout when you use the Thypoch Simera 35mm f1.4 lens.” But now, there is a solution.
However, according to its latest Instagram post, Thypoch has introduced a whole new lens with a different mechanism. The company has replaced the infinity-lock, “with a sleek, ergonomic focus tab—allowing for smooth, single-finger focusing,” as it said in the post. Other than that, the entire lens and its optics remain the same, the only difference is the new price point. The Simera 28mm f1.4 is now priced at $769, and the 35mm f1.4 is selling for $749.
In addition, for those who want to remove the lock on their older Simera lenses, Thypoch states that they would not “recommend” users modify the lock with the lab and do not offer a “conversion” service. “The process involves disassembling and recalibrating multiple internal components, which may affect the lens’s optical performance and mechanical stability,” the post said.
Overall, the quality of a Thypoch lens is good. During our review, we liked its cinematic images, thanks to the depth of the field fall-off. The looks are great, so is the build of the lens. There is also a depth of field indicator, which makes things interesting. There is an aperture ring with a de-click, and the lens hood is square. However, the only drawback was the focus tab in the previous lens, which has been rectified. This is really a swift change, considering the previous lens was launched in 2024, and we have a new version a year later, and it’s a whole new lens. This is how brands can maintain their users’ trust by listening to their feedback and incorporating changes that benefit them. After all, cameras and lenses can only be perfected by listening to one’s customers.
