Ibelux 40mm f/0.85 becomes world’s fastest lens for mirrorless cameras

Kipon and German-based IBE have introduced world’s fastest lens for mirrorless cameras at the CP+ 2013 event.

Even though the CP+ Camera and Photo Imaging Show 2013 is over, some surprises are still coming from the event. It appears that Kipon, in collaboration with IBE, has announced the fastest mirrorless lens ever with an aperture of just f/0.85. It is called Ibelux and it is based on a focal length of 40mm.

HandeVision Ibelux 40mm f/0.85 is the world’s fastest lens for mirrorless cameras and will become available this summer.

Blazing fast Ibelux 40mm f/0.85 lens for mirrorless cameras

IBE Optics is renowned for releasing high-quality lenses, but this is the first time anybody has ever released such a fast lens for a mirrorless camera. CP+ 2013 visitors were wondering whether they will be able to take decent photos with this prime lens because it is considered “too fast”. Most companies release lenses with an aperture as large as f/1.2, but IBE Optics and Kipon struck awe in the eyes of the beholders.

The lens also sports the HandeVision brand so it is very likely that it will be marketed as the HandeVision Ibelux 40mm f/0.85 lens across all markets. The companies have confirmed that, at this point, the lens is only in the “prototype” phase, thus everything is subject to change.

Price and availability of the world’s fastest lens

According to Kipon, the Ibelux 40mm f/0.85 lens release date is July 2013. The accessory will be available for several mount systems, as it will support Fujifilm’s X mount, Leica’s M mount, Canon EOS M, and Micro Four Thirds. The exact price has not been announced, but the manufacturer claims it will cost between €950 and €1,200 in Europe, while US consumers will be able to get it for a price between $1,200 and $1,600.

IBE Optics did not confirm the materials used for manufacturing the lens, but visitors reported that they have only seen metal versions. The images also suggest that Ibelux 40mm will be made out of aluminum, in an attempt to go back to the basics. As it turns out, it will be released in two versions, Black and Silver.