Disclaimer: I´m not a pixel peeper, but rather in search for best usability and character in a lens. At the end of the day I would like to live with one camera and 1-2 lenses.
Design & Build Quality
The Thypoch Simera 50mm f/1.4 ASPH is well-built, featuring a metal construction that feels good in hand, but as it is from aluminium and not brass, it does not feel as solid as Leica or Voigtlander lenses. However that was not my problem, I encountered an issue with the focusing ring— first of all, it was uneven and making some rustling noise, making the manual focus experience less than ideal. The short focus throw, while something I prefer with my other lenses, felt too abrupt for precise adjustments, especially atf/1.4.
Sharpness
The lens delivers good sharpness.
Bokeh & Rendering
With its fast f/1.4 aperture, the lens produces modern and even bokeh.
Color & Contrast
The Thypoch Simera maintains strong contrast and accurate color reproduction.
Distortion
There is distortion and this was a quite unpleasant surprise, as usually with 50mm lenses, that’s not the case. Not the worst, but something to keep in mind.
Handling & Usability
This is where the lens fell short for me. While I appreciate a short focus throw with Voigtlander lenses for example, the one on this lens is simply too short for accurate manual focusing—especially between 0.45m and 1m, where nailing focus at f/1.4 becomes nearly impossible. In comparison, my Voigtländer 40mm f/1.2, which has a 0.5m close focusing distance, works much better due to its slightly longer focus throw between 0.5m and 1m.
Comparisons &Alternatives
If you’re considering the Thypoch Simera 50mm f/1.4 ASPH for it's close-focusing capabilities, you may also want to look at:
- Voigtländer 50mm f/1.2 Nokton – Offers a ultra fast aperture with a more manageable focus throw, but it’s really heavy.
- Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 pre ASPH – A premium alternative with great image quality, but with minimum 1m focusing distance.
- Voigtländer 40mm f/1.2 Nokton – Slightly wider, but with a better focus throw and excellent close-focus performance. (winner in my eyes)
Verdict: Is the Thypoch Simera 50mm f/1.4 ASPH Worth It?
For those seeking a true close-focus lens, the Thypoch Simera 50mm f/1.4 ASPH may not be the best choice. While it offers a 0.45m minimum focusing distance, the short focus throw makes precise adjustments challenging, particularly at wide apertures. If you’re looking for a fast lens in same price category (1000€) with great close-up usability, I’d recommend exploring alternatives like the Voigtländer 40mm f/1.2.
I ultimately returned this lens, as it did not meet my expectations for close-focus usability.
Some sample images:
