Voigtlander Super Wide-Heliar Aspherical II 15mm f/4.5 Lens for Leica M Cameras
The Voigtlander Super Wide-Heliar Aspherical II 15mm f/4.5 is a great improvement on one of their best lenses, really a lens that put Voigtlander on the map for the Leica M mount shooters. With sturdy, traditional high-quality Japanese construction and classic style, the Super Wide-Heliar's likely the most practical choice as your widest lens for use with Leica M8 cameras and future digital rangefinder Leica M mount offerings. Fitted with a 52mm UV/IR rejection filter and coded as "WATE" to the Leica M8, you'll find that light falloff and cyan shifting are extremely well-corrected.
Made in Japan by Cosina (a small optics company who also manufactures Zeiss-branded lenses), the Super Wide-Heliar uses the same optical formula as its beloved predecessor and adds accurate rangefinder coupling, 52mm filter threads, and a modern Leica M mount (instead of the Leica screw mount).
This lens offers a f/4.5 maximum aperture, but unlike many lenses it performs nearly as brilliantly at f/4.5 as it will at friendlier apertures of f/5.6-11.0. An optional dedicated viewfinder's available. This lens triggers the 28/90mm framelines on Leica M bodies.
- Now rangefinder coupled and with Leica bayonet M mount
- Accepts 52mm filters, very important for Leica M8 users
- An ideal performing ultra wide angle lens
- Tack-sharp even at f/4.5
- Sturdy metal barrel
- Fixed-position petite lens hood
- Supremely compact; just 1.5" long and only 0.35 lb
- 10-Bladed aperture diaphragm
- Full multicoatings upon every optical surface
- Made in Japan
| Filter Size | 52mm |
| f/Stop Range | 4.5-22.0 |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.6' (50cm) |
| Magnification | No Specified by Manufacturer |
| Angle of View |
100° x 77° (WxH) w/ film cameras 84° x 62° (WxH) w/ Leica M8 |
| Groups/Elements | 6/8 |
| Length | 1.5" (38mm) |
| Maximum Diameter | 2.3" (59mm) |
| Weight | 0.34 lb (156g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 7 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Durable (5)
- Lightweight (5)
- Strong construction (5)
- Easily interchangeable (4)
- Consistent output (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (5)
- Video (3)
- Weddings (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (5)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (6)
Reviewed by 7 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-7
Pros
- Durable
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
Comments about Voigtlander Super Wide-Heliar Aspherical II 15mm f/4.5 Lens for Leica M Cameras:
Mounting the 15 mm lens on a NEX 7 camera with an appropriate adapter shows strong discoloration at the picture edges.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Voigtlander Super Wide-Heliar Aspherical II 15mm f/4.5 Lens for Leica M Cameras:
Modern design,provade excelent quality of images.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Voigtlander Super Wide-Heliar Aspherical II 15mm f/4.5 Lens for Leica M Cameras:
the lens is being used with the Sony E mount adapter on a NEX 7 camera. It produces an equivalent of 22.5 mm lens on a 36 mm film.
The lens provides a exquisite resolution with minimal distortion that is appropriate to the 24 Mpixel sensor of the NEX 7. As a wide angle lens it has no comparable competition
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Similar:
- Voigtlander 12 mm superwide lens
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Voigtlander Super Wide-Heliar Aspherical II 15mm f/4.5 Lens for Leica M Cameras:
I bought it for using on a Nex 5n where it works as a 21mm effective focal length. Light, sturdy, precise to focus and with an excellent IQ. I don't give a 5 star rate only because I got spoiled by Zeiss iQ...but there is none at this focal length...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Low distortion
- Price
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Interior Photography
- Travel
Comments about Voigtlander Super Wide-Heliar Aspherical II 15mm f/4.5 Lens for Leica M Cameras:
This lens is a revolution. Many people thought of a wide angle lens as having too much distortion. This lens changed the conception of a very wide angle lens. It is especially excellent for interior photography. The negative is the slow f stop but if there is no motion this lens delivers astonishing images in this venu. I have used this lens for over a year and have one body with 15mm viewfinder that it is almost glued to. The photogaphs are contrasty and very sharp. One must keep people out of the extreme edges as then you wil be bothered by the distortion. Otherwise it is a great lens because it is small. light. fits the newest M9 and even works OK with the auto metering. Sometimes I adjust the meter to open up a little but this depends on the location and situation. The price is the real suprise. How do thy do this? My friends here in South Korea are always suprised at the photographs taken with this lens. It is especially a good travel companion.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Voigtlander Super Wide-Heliar Aspherical II 15mm f/4.5 Lens for Leica M Cameras:
Recently changed my kit to a Sony NEX 5N. Even with the 1.5 crop, this lens is really wide. The first time I shot with this lens, I was blown away by how sharp it is, just stunning clarity. Overall, the lens is built like a tank and is still light to walk around with. Really happy with it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Comments about Voigtlander Super Wide-Heliar Aspherical II 15mm f/4.5 Lens for Leica M Cameras:
The ultra wide-angle on an M9 is simple to focus and the DOF is huge and focusing can be set from reading the markings on the lens barrel and setting up a huge focus range. Excellent quality, small and portable, simple focus, and reasonably cheap.
Displaying reviews 1-7
Filters & Filter Kits
- Price: $98.00
Viewfinder Accessories
- Price: $169.00
Care & Cleaning
- Price: $4.49
What's in the Box
- Front & Rear Lens Caps
- 1-Year Warranty
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