Thypoch Simera-C 28mm T1.5 28mm
The T1.5 aperture with 16 rounded blades delivers smooth bokeh and strong low-light performance, while the 210° focus throw and unified gear placement enable precise manual focus pulls for 8K full-frame capture. Weighing under 450g with a durable aluminum build, it remains practical for gimbal and drone use without sacrificing cinema-grade mechanics. This lens is best for independent filmmakers and gimbal operators who need a lightweight, adaptable manual cine prime for controlled narrative or commercial work.
Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
The Thypoch Simera-C 28mm T1.5 is a lightweight, manual focus cine lens with stunning bokeh and a fast aperture that's perfect for gimbals and low-light video. Optical sharpness isn't class-leading, but the cinematic look and precise manual controls make it a killer value, especially if you snag it at the lower end of its $879 to $1327 price range. Skip it if you need autofocus, but for dedicated video work, it's a gem.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The T1.5 aperture and 16-blade iris produce absolutely gorgeous, smooth bokeh. 91st
- Weighing under 450g, it's a perfect match for gimbals and drone rigs. 82nd
- The long 210-degree focus throw allows for incredibly precise manual focus pulls. 67th
- Unified gear placement across the Simera-C line makes lens swaps fast on a cine rig. 66th
Cons
- Optical sharpness in the corners lags behind the competition, especially wide open.
- No autofocus at all, which is a dealbreaker for hybrid shooters relying on AF.
- Weather sealing is absent, so you'll want to be cautious in heavy rain or dust.
- Versatility is limited, with a low 34th percentile score for non-cine tasks.
The proof
Performance
That ultra-fast T1.5 aperture is the star of the show here, landing in the 65th percentile and letting you shoot in near-darkness while throwing backgrounds into a creamy, buttery oblivion. The 210-degree focus throw is a dream for precise manual pulls, and the unified gear placement makes swapping lenses on a rig painless. Sharpness holds up well for 8K workflows, though our optical score sits at a disappointing 20th percentile, so pixel-peepers might spot some softness in the extreme corners wide open. The stabilization score is a strong 82nd percentile, which is a nice bonus for a manual prime, but remember this is a fully manual lens with no autofocus, so run-and-gun shooters will need to stay on their toes.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Prime |
| Focal Length Min | 28 |
| Focal Length Max | 28 |
Aperture
| Min Aperture | f/1.5 |
| Constant | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 16 |
Build
| Mount | Sony E |
| Format | full-frame |
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Weight | 0.5 kg / 1.0 lbs |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | Yes |
vs Competition
Stacked against the zooms in its competitive set, the Thypoch is a totally different animal. The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 and Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 are far more versatile with autofocus and a zoom range, but they can't touch the Simera-C's light-gathering ability or that cinematic bokeh. The Nikon Z 17-28mm f/2.8 is sharper optically but slower and lacks the same manual focus feel. You're trading everyday convenience for a specialized, character-rich image. If you need one lens to do it all, grab the Sigma. If you want a dedicated cine prime with real soul, this is your pick.
| Spec | Thypoch Simera-C 28mm T1.5 28mm | Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 VXD | Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 | Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 28mm | 28-300mm | 18-50mm | 17-28mm | 12-35mm | 18-135mm |
| Max Aperture | - | f/4 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Mount | Sony E | Sony E | Sony E | Nikon Z | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E |
| Stabilization | true | true | false | false | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | true | true | true | true | true | false |
| Weight (g) | 450 | 590 | 290 | 450 | 306 | 326 |
| AF Type | manual focus only | VXD linear motor | stepping motor | Stepping Motor | Autofocus | Linear motor |
| Lens Type | prime | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thypoch Simera-C 28mm T1.5 28mm | 13.3 | 91.3 | 67.1 | 14.2 | 20.2 | 66 | 33.6 | 44.3 | 82.4 |
| Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 VXD Compare | 98 | 77.9 | 65.1 | 85.8 | 96.7 | 66 | 97.7 | 55.8 | 82.4 |
| Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Compare | 86.8 | 81.8 | 86 | 91.7 | 82.2 | 83.9 | 78.6 | 89.8 | 36.8 |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Compare | 86.8 | 87 | 75.2 | 85.8 | 88.2 | 83.9 | 68 | 69.8 | 36.8 |
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 Compare | 53.9 | 81.8 | 85.4 | 51 | 86.5 | 83.9 | 80.6 | 85.5 | 96.9 |
| Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Compare | 98 | 75.4 | 72.5 | 40.3 | 78.5 | 77.3 | 95.8 | 89.8 | 82.4 |
Price
Value & Pricing
Pricing is a bit of a rollercoaster, with a spread from $879 to $1327 across different vendors. At the lower end of that range, this lens is a steal for the cinematic look it delivers, especially for indie filmmakers who need speed and don't mind manual focus. If you're staring down the barrel of the $1300 price tag, though, you're getting into territory where you can start looking at used name-brand cine glass. Hunt for the deal and you'll feel great about it.
Amazon.ca 1 offer From CA$1,327
Price History
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Overview
The Thypoch Simera-C 28mm T1.5 is a manual focus cine lens that punches way above its weight class for video work. It's built like a tank, weighs next to nothing, and that massive T1.5 aperture combined with 16 aperture blades creates some of the smoothest bokeh you'll find without selling a kidney. If you're rigging up a gimbal or shooting handheld on a Sony body, this thing feels purpose-built for it.
Common Questions
Q: Does this lens have autofocus?
No, the Simera-C is a fully manual focus lens designed for cinema use. You'll need to pull focus yourself using the long 210-degree focus throw, which is actually a huge plus for precise video work.
Q: Will this cover a full-frame sensor?
Yes, it's designed for full-frame coverage and supports up to 8K resolution. It works natively on Sony E-mount full-frame cameras like the A7 series and can be adapted to other mirrorless mounts.
Q: Is this lens good for photography or just video?
While it's optimized for video with its geared rings and clickless aperture, you can absolutely use it for photography. It scores best for portraits thanks to the bokeh, but the lack of autofocus makes it a slow, deliberate tool for stills rather than a quick snapshot lens.
Who Should Skip This
If you need autofocus for hybrid shooting or fast-paced photography, look elsewhere because this lens is fully manual and will slow you down. Landscape photographers should also steer clear, as the optical performance and low versatility score make it a poor fit for that kind of work.
Verdict
The Thypoch Simera-C 28mm T1.5 is a niche lens for a specific person, and that person is going to love it. It's for the filmmaker who prioritizes character and manual control over clinical sharpness and autofocus convenience. If you're building out a compact cine kit for a Sony body and want that fast, dreamy look without breaking your back or your bank account, this is a no-brainer.
