The Voigtlander Ultron 40mm f/2.0 SL-II Manual Focus Lens is an ultra-compact, sturdy manual focus lens that features high-quality traditional construction with classic styling, while using modern optical lens technology. This lens is part of the SL II series, which feature a CPU (Central Processing Unit) built into the lens. Having the CPU integrated into the lens allows it to support 3D Matrix metering and matrix balanced fill flash on all SLR cameras, even DSLRs (in manual focus). In addition, this also means that the aperture is now controlled by the camera's command dial.
This lens offers a bright f/2 maximum aperture, with a minimum focusing distance of 1.25' (38cm), and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:7. However, this lens is supplied with a dedicated close-up lens, which results in a minimum focusing distance of 0.8' (25cm), and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4. Used on an APS-C sized DSLR camera, this lens is equivalent to a 60mm lens in 35mm terms.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 40 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/2.0 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Canon EF |
| Format Compatibility |
35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor Canon (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 57° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.25' (38.10 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.14x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:7 |
| Groups/Elements | 5/6 |
| Diaphragm Blades | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | No |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 52 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 0.9 x 2.5" (2.29 x 6.35 cm) |
| Weight | 7 oz (198 g) |
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Comments about Voigtlander Ultron 40mm f/2.0 SL-II Manual Focus Lens:
I own this lens and happily recommend it to anyone who is comfortable with manual focus.
Two thorough online reviews (one via ken rockwell and one via photozone.de ) offer in-depth testing and evaluation of the optical performance, build quality and ergonomics of this lens. Published reviews describe the Nikon version, but the Canon EF lens differs slightly. Some information and considerations for Canon DSLR users:
Manual Aperture Ring - the Canon EF version of this lens has NO manual aperture ring. All of the online reviews and even the documentation shipped with the lens show a manual aperture ring. I've uploaded an image of the cleaner, simpler lens layout for Canon EF mount.
Camera compatibility - This lens plays nicely with every mode of my Canon EOS 7D - aperture is controlled via the usual dial assignments on the camera body (when working in aperture-priority or manual mode), and the camera can set the aperture automatically (in program and shutter-priority modes). manual flash and ettl-ii flash both work as-expected. The lens settings are recorded correctly in the resulting image metadata.
Focus Confirmation - in conjunction with the manual focus ring, the autofocus points in my EOS 7D viewfinder provide focus confirmation when the shutter button is depressed half-way. imho this makes the lens much easier to use with the smaller, darker viewfinder of a crop-sensor DSLR.
Lens Size - for those seeking a flat-as-a-pancake lens profile - the length of the Canon EF version extends 27mm from the lens mount on the camera body when focused to infinity, and 33mm when fully extended. the included lens hood adds another 2.5mm to the length of the lens. The reviews and product documentation offer "24.5mm" as the lens length, which must refer to another version of the product. I'm using the lens with a Sigma DG 52mm Multi-Coated UV Filter, which adds another 4.15mm to the lens length. the included lens hood is threaded to accommodate a 39mm filter (or the included close-up lens).
photo-sharing site flickr has a "cv40" (Cosina Voigtländer Ultron 40mm f/2) group featuring ~6,500 images made with this lens. i found those sample images and information from current owners very helpful when researching this lens.
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Comments about Voigtlander Ultron 40mm f/2.0 SL-II Manual Focus Lens:
Coupled with the Canon 5DMkII, this lens yields exceptionally sharp photos and wonderful bokeh. This has replaced my Canon 35mm 1.4 L as my favorite walk around lens. Also, it's very light. It makes a big difference when travelling throughout Asia.
My first full-manual focus lens, and it's got a smooth focusing ring it's a joy to control.
Good luck finding one!
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Comments about Voigtlander Ultron 40mm f/2.0 SL-II Manual Focus Lens:
Tack-sharp when properly focused. Take your time, and your pictures will reward you with beautiful contrast and color rendition. 40mm is also a lovely focal length on Full-frame. Its just seems to click when shooting day-to-day. Technical aspects aside, what makes this lens truly valuable is its extremely small size. It seems to make my system half the size in comparison to even the smallest Canon AF lenses. If your shooting your kids basketball game, then its probably not the best choice. For everything else I would give it serious consideration. Highly recommended.
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Comments about Voigtlander Ultron 40mm f/2.0 SL-II Manual Focus Lens:
If you want a small walk-around lens with good optics, smooth manual focusing, and high-quality build, this is a very nice option. Focus confirmation works very well, though I suspect some micro focus adjustment may be in order. Included is a small close-up lens that mounts onto the included shade, but this means you have to choose between mounting a screw-on filter and mounting the shade and/or close-up lens. I suspect I will leave the shade and close-up lens at home most of the time.
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Comments about Voigtlander Ultron 40mm f/2.0 SL-II Manual Focus Lens:
Very sharp wide open, extremely sharp stop down
Vey nice little close-up lens(included).
Love the "Pancake" design.
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