Voigtlander 40/2

2008-06-01 • SEND FEEDBACK |
Related: Voigtlander, Voigtlander Lenses, Voigtlander Ultron 40mm f/2 SL II Aspherical

I’ve now explored the Cosina Voigtlander Ultron 40/2 SL II enough to say it’s a lens I recommend to anyone who wants an extremely compact DSLR setup. Even the hulking Nikon D3 benefits, though on the D3 the petite Voigtlander 40/2 seems dwarfed by the bulk of the D3 body. But the pairing works great, and is really wonderful for “grab and go” where a bulky lens like Nikon’s 24-70/2.8 just won’t do (on the flip side, everyone assumes you’re a true professional when you’re masochistic enough to lug around the D3 + 24-70/2.8).

Voigtlander 40/2: as compact as a lens for Nikon can be

The ergonomics of the Voigtlander 40/2 are excellent, and image quality is high—see my previous notes on the Voigtlander 40/2. I expect to have a full report in the July timeframe. I also own the discontinued Nikon 45mm f/2.8P, but the Voigtlander offering is a full stop faster and with some nifty features, like its close-up lens and ergonomically-superior focusing ring.

I strongly recommend Zeiss ZF Lenses as a starting point for anyone considering alternative manual-focus lenses—the review includes much more than just analysis of optical performance.

Especially on a full-frame camera like the Nikon D3, the 40mm focal length is quite versatile, making (for example) a very nice environmental portrait lens. It would be equally at home for landscape shooting. Nikon DSLR shooters with the smaller “DX”-sensor cameras (D60/D80, etc) will find it makes a very nice portrait lens with a 60mm equivalent field of view. The 40mm focal length was perfect for the shot below, rendering excellent detail and color. Get the Voigtlander 40/2 Ultron at B&H Photo.

Nikon D3 + Voigtlander Ultron 40/2 SL II @ f/11

You can obtain the Voigtlander 40/2 through CameraQuest.com.