It comes in mounts for Canon, Nikon and Pentax. On a Nikon, the on-board CPU chip allows full autoexposure operation with newer cameras, and an aperture ring assures compatibility with older cameras. And, like all manual focus lenses, takes advantage of the camera’s focus confirmation light.
The 40mm focal length of this lens makes it somewhat unique, as it doesn’t fit the paradigm for normal lenses. However, it’s closer to the “true” normal focal length of 43mm for the FX/35mm format. This is because in the early days of the SLR, 50mm was chosen as the standard because sharper lenses could be manufactured at this length. It turns my N80 into a mean street camera, with compact dimensions (for an SLR) weighing in at 27.9 oz (790g) including Strap, Dome Hood, Filter, and CR123 Batteries.
On a DX (APS-C) digital camera like my D90, the length is 60mm, Putting it at the long end of normal. Switching back and forth between this and the AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G, the difference in length is negligible and goes almost unnoticed. Besides, it’s in good company; one of the most revered lenses of all time is the Noct-NIKKOR 58mm f/1.2 lens. Then there’s the 55mm Micro-NIKKOR, and the current AF Micro-NIKKOR 60mm, both designed to give double-duty as macro and normal lenses.
Speaking of macro, it comes with a compact, domed metal hood which doubles as a 39mm step-down ring, and includes a coated, 39mm close-up lens. The hood maintains the lens’ compact quality when shooting.
The closest Nikon equivalent is the Nikkor 45mm f2.8 P AI-S, which is discontinued, expensive and hard-to-find. It’s also slower, narrower, and its build quality not quite as good as the Voigtländer, making the Ultron 40mm an excellent value.
This versatile lens is manufactured in Japan by Cosina, in the same factory as Zeiss lenses, so it’s in good company.
When reverse-mounted, the Ultron 40mm becomes a fast, powerful macro lens. Read about how this is accomplished in my post, Macrolomography?
Build Quality ★★★★★
This lens has a classic, pre-auto focus era build; all-metal construction, engraved paint-filled markings, rubberized focus ring grip, metal filter threads. At 6.3 oz (180g) this tiny lens feels even more solid than its construction would indicate. Yet it’s both lightweight, and compact.
Compatibility ★★★★★
Because this lens includes a CPU chip, it will meter on all post-1977AI bodies, not just those that allow you to enter lens information manually. Its aperture ring assures compatibility with cameras that do not employ electronic aperture control. There are no dimples to attach a metering prong for non-AI conversion.
Focusing ★★★★★
Heavenly; smooth as silk and perfectly damped, with no play whatsoever. It’s enough to make traditionalists want to return to manual focus.
Optical Quality ★★★★★
Superb; sharper even than the AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8. Little or no coma, with good contrast even wide open. Center resolution is as good as it gets from f/4 to f/5.6, with edge resolution still bordering on very good/excellent. But at f/2.0 to f/2.8, the gap between center and edge resolution closes, with them both approaching the top of the very good scale.
Value ★★★★★
One of the best buys in lenses today. If you’re more concerned about quality than convenience, this lens is a steal.
Versatility ★★★★★
Its focal length of 40mm qualifies it as a normal lens on both DX and FX/35mm. On an FX, it’s close to the actual normal focal length of 43.3mm. On a DX, it’s close to the upper “normal” limit of 58mm (Nikon’s 35mm “normal” lens translates to 52.5mm, making this lens only 7.5mm longer.) Because of its speed and additional length, it makes a great portrait lens. Its minimum focus distance of 15", the included close up lens, and its reversability (aided by the inclusion of an aperture ring) make it ideal for macro work. The inclusion of a hyperfocal scale makes it easy to use without the need for auto focus; with an aperture of f/8, everything from about four feet to infinity will be in focus.
Diaphragm
9 curved blades
Filters
Accepts both 52mm and 39mm filters (using the included domed hood/step-down ring).
Hood
Comes with a domed metal hood, which doubles as a 39mm step-down ring.
Included Accessories
Includes a 39mm close-up lens with jewel case, 39mm pinch-style lens cap and rear cap.
Specifications
You can view Voigtländer’s Specifications for this lens by visiting their website.
Overall, I have to give this lens five stars. It’s my favorite lens for returning to traditional photography and studio work where critical focus means manual operation. It’s currently my requisite “normal” lens for the Nikon N80. Highly recommended.
3 comments:
I recently purchased one of these. It does not measure up to the hype. The cheap Nikon 35mm AF-S 1.8g is sharper under just about every circumstance in direct comparison. I even returned the first voigtlander I got, in hopes that it was just a poor specimen; the second one performed much the same.
Oh yes. I can confirm that quality is nor outstanding. This lens should be 40mm f/5.6. Every fast Nikkor lens outperform it in low light in terms of resolution below f/5.6, circular flares around street lights at f/2 and bad corners below f5.6. However the lens is very strong performer at f/8. Very strong!
My favourite lens for just taking a walk with a full-frame camera. Have used it with a Nikon D700 and an F100, but not on APS-C sensor cameras. I liked the the angle of view so much, that when Voigtlander introduced the 28mm f/2.8, I bought that for use on Nikon APS-C cameras, as it's almost the same at ~42mm equivalent.
I don't do studio work, so apart from that I totally agree with your summing up. Fair amount of vignetting at f/2, which can be useful! Mine's mostly parked on the F100, for black and white film usage.
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