Last Updated on 01/14/2026 by Chris Gampat
Third-party lens makers are now keen on launching vintage lenses with a modern heart, and one to achieve this seamlessly is Thypoch. The company has already introduced some exciting models so far, including the Eureka 50mm f2 and the Simera 35mm f1.4. Adding to this growing list is the launch of a new wide-angle lens aimed at photographers who love the warmth and intimacy of classic glass elements: the Ksana 21mm f3.5.
What does the new Thypoch Offer?
Created in Shenzhen, China, the Thypoch Ksana 21mm f3.5 (from the Sanskrit Kṣaṇa, meaning “instant”) is inspired by the wide-angle lenses of the 1970s, while the tech inside is modern. At the heart, it features Epoch Coating 73′, offers golden bloom, gentle flare, and soft yet saturated color rendering. This lens, in many ways, is not for those who prefer the clinical sharpness found in Sony or Canon, but rather for creatives who prefer the aesthetic qualities of vintage cinema lenses.
One of the biggest selling points of the 21mm is the size. This portable lens measures 27mm in height and weighs just 131g. The lens is also all-aluminum built and is designed to suit the needs of street, travel, and documentary photography. Since it is an all-manual focus lens, the Thypoch is better suited for Leica M bodies.
It is designed with 8 elements in 6 groups, including 1 aspherical, 2 extra-low dispersion, and 3 high refractive index elements. Additional features include a minimum focusing distance of 0.5m, a 91° field of view, and a 9-blade aperture. The Ksana also includes a tactile stop at 0.7m, which helps users to know that the Leica’s rangefinder coupling has disengaged.
This design helps control chromatic aberration and maintain high resolution across the frame. A nine-blade diaphragm provides apertures from f/3.5 to f/22, producing rounded highlights and distinctive 18-point starbursts as early as f/4—a feature likely to appeal to night and cityscape shooters.
Who Is This Lens For, and Who Is It Competing With?
The Ksana 21mm is aimed at photographers who want character over clinical perfection, and tos who value the size of the lens. However, it is also competing with some giants such as the Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f3.4 ASPH, Voigtlander Color-Skopar 21mm f3.5, and the TTartisan 21mm f1.5.
Given the price tag, the Thypoch 21mm costs just $549, which means it is significantly cheaper than the Leica’s 21mm. However, Thypoch is also actively competing with Voigtlander and TTArtisans, with the latter undercutting Thypoch by $100. As for design, both Voigtlander and TTArtisan offer the same classic Leica look. In fact, Voigtlander has also announced Nokton 21mm f1.4, which may not share the same characteristics as Thypoch and costs more, but gives you a great performance and wider aperture.
With more Leica vintage lenses making a comeback, the choice now relies on photographers on the image quality and the price. If you are someone who likes the performance of other Thpoch lenses such as Simera 35mm f1.4, then it makes sense to go after it. Or, if you are someone who wants to save that $100, then the TTArtisans 21mm makes sense. Albeit it is almost five years old.
For more, head to Thypoch’s website.