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Voigtlander Ultron 40mm f/2.0 SL-II Manual Focus Lens

  • Price: $499.00
  • GBP 319.11
  • B&H # VO4020SL2C
  • Mfr# BA229E

Product Highlights

  • For Canon EOS Cameras
  • With Integrated CPU
  • Supports 3-D Matrix Metering

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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.

Sturdy metal outer barrel
Pancake-style design
All-black design, matches pro SLR camera bodies
Ideal replacement for manufacturer's original prime lenses
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)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Voigtlander Ultron 40mm f/2.0 SL-II Manual Focus Lens
 
5.0

(based on 5 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (5)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Durable (3)
  • Lightweight (3)
  • Nice bokeh (3)
  • Rugged (3)
  • Strong construction (3)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Landscape/scenery (3)
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No (4)

    REVIEWS

    Reviewed by 5 customers

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    Displaying reviews 1-5

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    5.0

    Canon-specific considerations

    By sean d

    from lake oswego, oregon

    About Me Photo Enthusiast

    Verified Reviewer

    Pros

    • Compact
    • Lightweight
    • Nice Bokeh
    • Optical quality

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Landscape/Scenery

      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.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Comment on this review

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      This is one amazing lens!

      By kitreyes

      from Toronto, Canada

      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

      Verified Reviewer

      Pros

      • Consistent Output
      • Durable
      • Easily Interchangeable
      • Lightweight
      • Nice Bokeh
      • Rugged
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

      • Hard to find

      Best Uses

      • Landscape/Scenery
      • Travel

      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!

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Comment on this review

       
      5.0

      Makes 5D Manageable

      By tele4oto

      from Texas

      About Me Pro Photographer

      Verified Reviewer

      Pros

      • Compact
      • Consistent Output
      • Durable
      • Easily Interchangeable
      • Rugged
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

      • No AF if you care

      Best Uses

      • Environmental Portraits
      • Fine art
      • Indoors/Low Light
      • Landscape/Scenery
      • Night Photography
      • Photojournalism
      • Street photography

      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.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Comment on this review

      (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Love the size, build, and optics

      By tinisoli

      from Boston, MA

      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

      Verified Reviewer

      Pros

      • Durable
      • Lightweight
      • Nice Bokeh
      • Rugged
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

        Best Uses

          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.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Comment on this review

          (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Fantastic

          By Ellsbern

          from Quebec, canada

          Verified Reviewer

          Pros

          • Construction
          • Sharp
          • Small

          Cons

          • none

          Best Uses

            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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            Filters & Filter Kits

            Hoya -  52mm Ultraviolet UV (C) Haze Multicoated Filter
            • Price: $15.90
            • GBP 10.17
             

            Hoods & Covers

            Vello -  52mm Snap-on Tulip Lens Hood (Version II)
              • Original: $17.50
              • Save: $1.75
            • Price: $15.75
            • GBP 10.07
             
            View all Accessories

            What's in the Box

            Voigtlander Ultron 40mm f/2.0 SL-II Manual Focus Lens
            • Front & Rear Lens Caps
            • Close-Up Lens
            • Lens Hood
            • 1-Year Warranty
             
             
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