Voigtlander Ultron 40mm f/2 SL IIS Aspherical Lens for Nikon F (Black Rim)
not perfect, just right.
Cards on the table: this is not a perfect lens. Its got more barrel distortion than a 40mm lens has any right to. Some chromatic aberrations kick around even after software correction. Its extreme corners dont sharpen up completely until around f/11. Despite what other reviewers claim, its not the sharpest lens Ive ever shot with (though not far off either). In sum, steer clear, all ye pixel-peepers. Alright, I think theyre gone... If youre st... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Not quite perfect
This lens exhibits focus shift. When shooting wide open, focus is right on, but when stopped down to F/4-F/11, the plane of focus shifts slightly behind the subject. This may not be an issue for general photography or with 24MP cameras, but for a pixel peeper such as myself shooting with a 46MP Nikon D850 mounted on a tripod, it is distinctly noticeable. That said, I have decided to keep the lens for 2 reasons: 1. I found an easy work around for ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Gotta love manual focus!
I recently purchased this lens to use on my new Nikon D750 which I also purchased from B&H. The lens is beautifully made, all metal and glass with buttery smooth focus. My initial test shots were disappointingly soft but after dialing in a +2 calibration, the lens became razor sharp and renders bokeh and flare in a way I can only describe as different. If you are patient, this lens can produce stunning images. I also found that it is very sharp a... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
A Good but not Legendary Lens
This is a very solid lens and hard to go wrong with. It is pretty sharp and I would recommend it over any of the 35mm Nikkor lenses from the film era. I use this on my Nikon FM2 and FM3a and really can't complain about the results. It doesn't imprint a strong character on your image but faithfully reproduces the scene. Some people say that this is the sharpest lens that they have ever used that is not true - not that it really matters for 99% ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
One of the very best
Voiglander has been around for a long time, I think one of the first to start making camera lens (before Zeiss, Nikon, or Canon). Although this lens is no longer made in Germany, the Japan version keeps up with the quality of this brand. The quality of this lens is really outstanding and very sharp. The focal range is perfect. I find the medal Nikon HN-1 lens hood is really all you need extra because the front element is far enough back (much lik... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Gorgeous
This is my fifth Cosina-manufactured lens, and like the other four (all Zeiss: two Touits, a Distagon, and a Milvus) it is a gorgeous piece of glass, robustly built with near-perfect, flat-field optics. The zoom ring is every bit as smooth as the Cosina Zeiss lenses, with outstanding resolution, color, contrast, and detail. Manual focus is a dream, and so easy and smooth when mounted on my D750. The attention to build detail (all metal) is typica... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Well made & easy to use.
I got this lens because it works with my DF, F3HP & F2 Photomic. I like the 40mm focal length because I feel this is actually closer to the perspective of the human eye than a 50mm. It is very easy to focus with the DF rangefinder dot as well as the F2 P screen. I have made 11x14 prints (both inkjet & gelatin silver) and the lens seems very sharp. I am also very impressed with the build quality. It is equal to my Ai/Ais lenses and actually focus ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Perfect walk-around lens
This has been just the lens that I've been looking for that I adapted to my A7r. My first Voigtlander was the 58mm. That lens is also a well-made lens. However, the rendering of the 58mm was a bit too painterly, as I think I read one review describe. I was looking for a more natural image, something that I don't get with my Sony-Zeiss lens. This glass provides that. It is sharp, has beautiful natural colors, and the black and white works well too... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
A joy to shoot with . . .
. . . but it gives even more pleasure in the results. I paired the lens with a Nikon D850 on a recent photo/road trip through Colorado, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama and the results astounded me. Edge to edge sharpness at any f stop. One of the nicest prime lenses I've ever worked with. Furthermore it's small and light and I really enjoyed the 40mm perspective. Manual focus, no issue at all since you're really not going to be shooting sports or wildlife with this lens. If only Voigtlander made a 28mm F mount.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Gem of a lens
Everyone comments on how well made this lens is, and its true. Focus and aperture are precise and silky smooth, even better than the vintage Nikon lenses it resembles. The front element is deeply recessed. I dont think a hood is needed in most circumstances. One feature that isnt mentioned enough is this lens focuses really close - under a foot - making it even more versatile. This lens is really a joy to use and will become part of my travel kit.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Delightful kit!
This is a svelte and sweet prime lens. Certainly equals my Zeiss 25/2.8 Distagon. Oozes quality and buttery smooth focus. So far rendering and contrast are great, perhaps a bit more neutral than Zeiss and more to my taste for a normal lens. I just love the 40 MM perspective over a nifty 50. I would buy this again in a heartbeat. Next just might be the 58/1.4 Nokton!
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Don't overlook this Lens
This lens is amazing. The clarity and sharpness are incredible. Shooting B&W looks like a Leica photo. Currently shooting it on a D810 and it pairs nicely. I would purchase it again. No regrets. It's a manual lens but if you're not shooting action/sports you shouldn't have any issues. Great walk around lens and Street Photography is a dream.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
The Voigt 40mm F2 SL IIS
Superb and extremely sharp lens! The sharpest lens Ive ever shot with in my 50+ years of photography . Never liked the 50mm lenses. The 40mm is a lens that is just about right visual-wise. This one is all metal and glass with an aspherical lens included within. It can correct aberations very well. Its a keeper..............
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Good manual len
The Voigtlander Ultron 40mm F2 SLII is as good as the critiques that I read prior to purchase.Very sharp and an interesting focal lengthIf one can get past the fact that its a manual focus lens in the day of auto focus lenses then I do not see any drawbacks with this lens
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
You wont regret
Buy now at BNH while there is still a discount..... You wont regret buying this coz the lens is very good particularly very sharp on all sides. Even though manual focus, its easy to focus you can see it clearly. Thumbs up for this product
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Love It
Can only echo what others have said about the quality and sharpness of this lens. Focus and aperture ring are smooth. The lens is a joy to use. It is now my go to lens.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great on the D850, D500
This lens has excellent performance with a relatively flat field of focus. We are hoping Voigtlander makes a similar lens for the new Z mount.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great Lens
I use this lens on my Nikon Df. It's good for everything except what might call for a speciality lens, ie Micro/Macro and telephoto.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
