KIPON Iberit (Elegant) 24mm f/2.4

KIPON Iberit (Elegant) 24mm f/2.4

The Iberit 24mm f/2.4 belongs to a five-lens family that deliberately revives older optical thinking inside modern, high-precision barrels. Conceived as part of the Iberit series of f/2.4 primes, the 24mm pairs a relatively traditional, ED-free and aspherical-free design with brass, aluminium and stainless-steel construction, giving an ultra-wide that looks and handles like a classic rangefinder lens while being built on contemporary tolerances [1][3]. For the Leica M version covered here, the lens is rangefinder coupled and joins a lineup that was always intended to resemble Leica M optics in form and feel [2][3].

In use the 24mm is an all-metal manual-focus lens with engraved depth-of-field and focus-distance scales that suit zone focusing. The focus ring is smooth but on the firm side, and the aperture ring sits toward the front of the barrel with positive clicks at full and half-stop intervals across the f/2.4 to f/16 range [2][3]. The optical formula uses eight elements in seven groups with a six-blade iris, and the lens accepts 49mm screw-in filters; a metal screw-in front cap and a metal hood are supplied [2][3]. On the M, rangefinder coupling works, though one reviewer noted slight coupling inaccuracy on their copy, a non-issue in practice given the wide angle of view [2]. The Iberit name is the same lens family that was originally marketed as HandeVision Iberit, a brand created through cooperation between German optics maker IB/E Optics and the Shanghai Transvision Photographic Equipment company that stands behind the Kipon name [1][2].

The series was announced in late 2015 for release through 2016, offered from the outset in Leica M, Sony E and Fuji X mounts, with the 24mm and 90mm arriving later in that cycle than the 35mm, 50mm and 75mm [1][3]. Buyers should be aware of the two naming conventions: the standard Leica M version is rangefinder coupled, while the later "Elegant" branding is used by Kipon for variants without M coupling, which are less expensive and can focus slightly closer on mirrorless bodies [2]. Because the same optical block has been sold under HandeVision and Kipon labels and across several mounts, checking the actual mount and coupling before purchase is worthwhile [1][2].

Optical qualities

Rendering The 24mm is characterized by a classic, slightly warm look that favors character over clinical correction, a result of its retro, ED-free and aspherical-free formula [2]. Reviewers describe vibrant color and pleasing micro-contrast, the kind of older rendering many users seek out deliberately [2].

Sharpness Center sharpness is strong, very good from about f/2.8 and only slightly soft wide open at f/2.4 on high-resolution bodies such as the Leica M11. Mid-frame trails the center but tightens by f/5.6, while edges and corners are noticeably softer until f/8 to f/11, which limits its appeal for edge-to-edge landscape work [2].

Bokeh and transitions The six-blade aperture yields smooth but not especially creamy out-of-focus areas. Without aspherical or ED elements, the background keeps a classic, slightly busy character toward the edges, with field curvature pulling the plane forward away from center [2].

Flare resistance Flare is a weak point and can be pronounced in strong light, sometimes pictorial, sometimes distracting; the reviewer specifically wished for better coatings [2].

Distortion and vignetting Distortion is mild with a slight mustache pattern, manageable except in critical architectural work. Vignetting is visible on full-frame, less so on APS-C, and diminishes when stopped down without fully clearing, though it is described as soft rather than harsh [2].

Aberrations Chromatic aberration is minimal stopped down, with some fringing possible at f/2.4 in high-contrast scenes; it corrects almost completely in software [2].

Digital use The M version adapts readily to mirrorless cameras, and the lens has been used on bodies including the Leica M11 and Nikon Z8 with results consistent with its classic-rendering intent [2].

History

Development and Launch The Iberit line was unveiled in December 2015 as five full-frame f/2.4 primes for mirrorless cameras, spanning 24, 35, 50, 75 and 90mm focal lengths, with the maker emphasizing compact, lightweight bodies built from brass, aluminium and stainless steel [1][3]. The lenses were designed to cover a full-frame image circle yet were also offered in APS-C mounts such as Sony E and Fuji X, and they were styled to resemble Leica M optics [3]. The 35mm, 50mm and 75mm shipped first in early 2016, with the 24mm and 90mm following later in the year [3].

Production Evolution The Iberit family originated under the HandeVision brand, a partnership between IB/E Optics of Germany and Shanghai Transvision, before the lenses became widely associated with the Kipon name; this explains why identical optics appear under different labels [1][2]. Kipon has continued the line, including later "Elegant" branded versions for Leica M, indicating ongoing production rather than a single fixed run [2].

Special editions No widely documented military, export or rare factory finish variants of the 24mm are recorded. The most relevant distinction is between the standard rangefinder-coupled M version and the later "Elegant" version sold without M coupling and with closer focusing on mirrorless [2].

Collector Notes Identification hinges on the brand and mount: the same lens has carried both HandeVision Iberit and Kipon Iberit markings, and the "Elegant" designation signals the non-coupled variant [1][2]. Verify that a lens described as Leica M is genuinely rangefinder coupled and that coupling tracks accurately, since at least one reviewer reported slight coupling error on an M sample [2]. Original accessories worth confirming include the metal screw-in front cap and the metal hood [2]. One sourcing note: some retailer listings cite a 58mm figure, which corresponds to the barrel diameter; the filter thread is 49mm, consistent with the maker's M49x0.75 specification [2][3].

Sources

• [1] B&H Explora (Allan Weitz). Hands-On Review: KIPON Lenses. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/hands-on-review/hands-on-review-kipon-lenses
• [2] Alik Griffin. Kipon 24mm f2.4 Lens Review & Sample Images. https://alikgriffin.com/kipon-24mm-f2-4-lens-review/
• [3] DPReview. HandeVision announces five lenses for its Iberit family. https://www.dpreview.com/articles/2727224413/handevision-announces-five-lenses-for-its-iberit-family-full-frame-lenses-for-mirrorless-cameras