Brightin Star 28mm f/2.8 Pancake
Brightin Star · 28 mm · f/2.8
Score Breakdown
This product does not have an overall score yet.
—
UNSCORED
What We Like
+Exceptional compactness: only 9.9mm thick, making it a true micro-pancake lens
+Sharp center and mid-frame performance, suitable for APS-C coverage
+Quality brass construction with beautiful black lacquer finish
+Rangefinder-coupled for accurate Leica M focusing
+Variable aperture f/2.8-f/16 is wider than most comparable pancake lenses
+Affordable price point around $325-359 USD
Worth Knowing
−Significant corner softness and vignetting, especially at wider apertures
−Difficult aperture ring control due to compact size—impossible with gloves
−Not weather-sealed; limited durability for heavy use
−Mirror-equipped cameras cannot use this lens due to rear element depth
General | |
|---|---|
About This LensThe Brightin Star 28mm f/2.8 is an ultra-compact micro-pancake lens that pushes the boundaries of pancake lens design. In the center of the image, the lens shows considerable sharpness and detail rendition even at open aperture with pronounced micro-contrast and natural color reproduction. However, sharpness decreases significantly toward the edges, making it a niche lens for photographers who value compactness above all else and are willing to compromise on optical performance. With decent optical performance even wide open at f/2.8 and an attractive black paint over brass build, photographers will likely appreciate its well-thought-out handling. | |
| Brand | Brightin Star |
| Release Year | 2026 |
Production Status ⓘCurrent status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued). |  In Production |
Lens Mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Leica M |
System ⓘIndicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to. | Leica M |
Maximum Format ⓘLargest sensor size compatible with the lens. |  Full Frame |
Physical | |
| Lens Weight | 125 g |
Lens Diameter ⓘWidth of the lens at its widest point | 51.4 mm |
Lens Length ⓘHow long the lens is from front to back. | 9.9 mm |
Front Filter Compatible ⓘSome lenses are compatible with front filters, some are compatible with back filters and some are compatible with both. Front filters are usually more convenient to add and remove. |  Yes |
Front Filter Size ⓘDiameter of attachable filters. | 25.5 mm |
Optics | |
Focal Range ⓘShortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end ) | 28 mm |
Aperture Range ⓘLargest aperture at the lens's shortest focal length to longest focal length (aperture range start - end) | 2.8 |
| Focal Length Angle of View | 75.3° |
Flange Focal Distance ⓘDistance from lens mount to sensor. | 27.8 mm |
Diaphragm Type ⓘStructure and design of the aperture |  Manual |
Blades ⓘNumber of diaphragm blades in aperture | 10020 |
Zoom Lens ⓘZoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups | No |
Closest Focusing Distance ⓘMinimum distance for a subject to be in focus. | 70 cm01500 |
| Autofocus Mode | No |
| Manual Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Focusing Ring |  Yes |
Features | |
Weather Sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
Fluorine Coating ⓘCoating to repel water and oil from lens elements. | No |
| Built In Lens Hood | No |
Teleconverter ⓘA teleconverter (extender) is an extra piece of equipment that fits between the lens and the camera body to enhance magnification | No |
| Image Stabilization | No |
Construction | |
Elements ⓘLens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens. | 6 |
| Groups | 5 |
Aspherical Elements ⓘThe number of aspherical lens elements which can help correct aberrations such as spherical aberration. | 0 |
Bi Aspherical Elements ⓘElements with two non-spherical surfaces | 0 |
Low Dispersion ⓘElements that reduce chromatic aberration | 1 |
Super Low Dispersion ⓘAdvanced elements further reducing chromatic aberration | 0 |
CA Reduction ⓘBuilt-in features to reduce chromatic aberration | 0 |
Internal Focusing ⓘInternal Focusing means that the lens does not change in size during focusing, and the front element does not rotate. | No |