Brightin Star’s 35mm f/1.7 M-Mount Lens

credits: Brightin Star

Brightin Star first showed its APO 35mm f/1.7 ASPH. at CP+ 2026 back in February, and now, around six months later, the new Leica M-Mount lens is finally available to order. It is only the company’s second M-mount lens, following the 28mm f/2.8 Pancake released in 2023. The 35mm is a very different design, though, combining an f/1.7 aperture with an apochromatic optical formula and becoming the first lens in Brightin Star’s new Apex higher-end series. It is built primarily for Leica M cameras, but Brightin Star also offers adapters for Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, Fujifilm X, Fujifilm GFX, and L-Mount.

Inside are 11 elements arranged in seven groups, with six aspherical surfaces used throughout the optical design. The APO designation means Brightin Star has put particular emphasis on controlling chromatic aberration and colour fringing, while the aperture uses 11 blades. This is a completely manual-focus lens, with a fairly long 307-degree focus throw for more precise adjustment. It can focus down to 0.3m, although rangefinder coupling works to around 0.7m. Getting closer than that requires live view on a compatible Leica body or using the lens adapted to another mirrorless camera.

Physically, the lens measures 43mm long and weighs 266g. It comes in a classic black finish and has reportedly been in development for more than two years. The Brightin Star APO 35mm f/1.7 ASPH. is currently available to order for $759, with shipping expected to begin in November. Its eventual retail price is listed at $1,199. Brightin Star is also offering discounted mount adapters alongside it, currently ranging from roughly $30 to $42, depending on the camera system.