Review: Voigtländer Color-Skopar 20mm f/3.5 SL II

I can never seem to stop looking for F-Mount pancake lenses, which are somewhat limited if you’re considering a Nikkor. There’s the 45mm f/2.8 P , the 45mm f/2.8 GN, the second-generation 50mm f/1.8, and the 50mm f/1.8 Series E, the craving for all of which has been satisfied by the Voigtländer Ultron 40mm f/2.0. It’s an outstanding lens.

But in a wider lens, the offerings are indeed few and far between. Although fairly compact, the Nikkor offerings simply don’t qualify as pancakes. So again I turn to Voigtländer, and again I am rewarded with a fine piece of glass.

The Color-Skopar is nearly identical to the Ultron, being only a few millimeters longer. In fact, from a distance it’s difficult to tell them apart. It has a very different image quality from the NIKKOR AF 20mm f/2.8D. For one, its considerably sharper in the corners at least in the DX format.

But for me the real joy is in its use. It simply feels great, and it transforms your DSLR picture taking into somewhat of a street-rangefinder experience. It’s light and compact, and allows you to preset the focus with its amazing depth of field.

Because it has an aperture ring, it’s also ideal for macro work when reversed. Simply attach a Nikon BR-2A Macro Reverse Ring to the 52mm filter threads, and a Nikon BR-6 Auto Diaphragm Adapter to the rear mount. You’ll have the ability to compose and meter at full aperture, and stop down to the taking aperture using the aperture lever provided. You can even do this remotely with a standard cable release.

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 6.9 oz (198g) it runs head to head with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8. The optical formula consists of nine elements in six groups, including one aspherical element. It’s aperture uses nine circular blades, which help to improve the bokeh, always an issue with wider lenses.

Compatibility ★★★★★

Although this lens has enough coverage for a full-frame sensor, its high degree of vignetting (-2.9EV at the borders) make it a more optimal lens for the APS-C “DX” format. The CPU chip means that it will meter on all post-1977 AI 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 ★★★★

On a DX (APS-C) equipped DSLR, the image quality is very good, but truly excellent at f/8, where the optimum border and corner resolution converge with a center resolution ever-so-slightly softer than its f/5.6 peak. It exhibits excellent saturation and contrast characteristics, with a consistent if not razor-like sharpness from center to edge. On an FX equipped DSLR, the substantial vignetting might be an issue, and to a lesser degree its aberrations. However, its high degree of contrast tend to offset the additional chromatic aberration and coma outside the APS-C crop.

Value ★★★

This lens tends to be a bit pricey, but its value lies in its unique combination of small size and good image quality

Versatility ★★★★★

With an equivalent focal length of 30mm in APS-C, this lens turns your DSLR into a viable street camera, albeit not a very fast one. It allows you to get in close to your subject, which gives your images a pronounced sense of depth. In its native full-frame length of 20mm, it can capture breathtaking landscapes.

Diaphragm

9 curved blades

Filters

Accepts 52mm filters (if used on an APS-C camera, the 40mm Ultron’s domed hood can be used without vignetting, even with a filter attached).

Hood

An optional metal hood is available.

Included Accessories

Includes a 52mm pinch-style lens cap and rear cap.

Specifications

You can view Voigtländer’s Specifications for this lens by visiting their website.

Sample Images: