Rarely does a lens series come along that stays in my mind for long. When a new cine lens entry hits the market, and there have been many this year, I’m always excited. A spark of excitement and that deep “Lens Geek” obsession sets in. I don’t want anyone to think I’m not interested in the other releases this year, but as time passes, one set in particular has managed to live rent free in my head. Enter the Thypoch Simera-C primes.
Released in October in E-mount variants, these primes made a surprising splash, and now with the release of M-mount versions, their impact is set to grow even more. We’ve already covered the Simera-C on our social media and posted an article about the newly released 21mm T1.5 earlier this month. But this M-mount release presents the perfect opportunity to revisit them — and maybe ease their hold on my mind
Mapping Out The Details
If you’re unfamiliar with Thypoch, they first emerged on the scene at Photopia 2023, debuting with two photo lenses: the Simera 28mm f/1.4 and 35mm f/1.4. Their sleek, almost “Jetsons”-like design immediately caught my eye, and their performance only strengthened my interest. After successfully growing their brand, they released a 50mm f/1.4, which grabbed the attention of DZO, who eventually acquired them.
Now, the Simera-C cine primes are available in both E-mount and M-mount, offering five lenses designed to help bring your creative vision to life. And they’re not your typical focal lengths. Aside from the 35mm and 50mm, the rest of the set features more unusual options that many hybrid shooters may not be familiar with — especially if you’re transitioning from stills to the world of cinematography. But for cinematographers, these unconventional focal lengths are precisely what they crave. The Simera-C primes serve as a great introduction for newcomers to the more specialized side of filmmaking.
TL;DR — A quirky photo lens company gets acquired, then expands into cine variants.
Tech specs
| Focal Length | 21mm | 28mm | 35mm | 50mm | 75mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount | E/M | E/M | E/M | E/M | E/M |
| Aperture | T1.5-16 | T1.5-16 | T1.5-16 | T1.5-16 | T1.5-16 |
| Close Focus | 0,23m/9″ | 0.4m/1’4″ | 0.45m/1’6″ | 0.45m/1’6″ | 0.55m/1’10” |
| Front Diameter | 67mm | 67mm | 67mm | 67mm | 72mm |
| Filter Size | 62mm | 62mm | 62mm | 62mm | 67mm |
| Iris Blade | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
Hitting The Mark
The Simera-C primes strike a perfect balance between modern corrections and vintage character. There’s a subtle warmth to the image that envelops the frame without locking you into a particular color temperature. And the softness… oh, THE SOFTNESS! It’s elegant. Far more so than I would expect from lenses at this price point. The rendering maintains texture without sacrificing the sharpness of the key details you’re focusing on.
If I may, they massage the image. For budget-conscious filmmakers and content creators chasing that premium vintage look, these lenses are an excellent choice.
More Adaptable
Versatility is key in today’s fast-paced filming world. The ability to seamlessly switch between different systems ensures your investment is secure. After all, cameras change from project to project — and sometimes, you’ll end up using multiple camera systems on the same shoot whether you want to or not. That’s where the M-mount version of the Simera-C primes shines. With a simple adapter, you can use them on almost any modern camera, including the Arri Alexa Mini LF and Alexa 35.
Constantly on the move? Perfect. These lenses are compact enough to use on a gimbal without needing a counterbalance, even with systems like the DJI Ronin.
Moral of The Story
The Thypoch Simera-C primes offer a remarkable blend of affordability, quality, and adaptability. Whether you’re a beginner venturing into cinematography or an experienced filmmaker looking for versatile, vintage-inspired lenses, the Simera-C primes have something to offer. Their impressive softness and smooth rendering can elevate your footage, while their adaptability ensures they’re ready for whatever system or situation you face.
Ready to take your filmmaking to the next level? The Simera-C (M-mount) are available as a single lens for $959.00 or as a 5-lens kit for $4,319.00. Shipping now.