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Voigtlander VM 40mm f/2.8 Heliar Lens for Sony E-Mount

BH #VO4028M • MFR #BA428B
 8 reviews
Voigtlander VM 40mm f/2.8 Heliar Lens for Sony E-Mount
Key Features
  • Voigtlander M Mount Lens
  • Fits Sony E-Mount with VM to E Adapter
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8 to 22
  • 19.7" Close Focus with Sony E Adapter
The VM 40mm f/2.8 Heliar Lens for Sony E-Mount from Voigtlander is an M mount lens however it is designed to work as a close focus lens with full frame and APS-C Sony E-mount cameras in conjunction with the separately sold Voigtlander VM-E Close Focus Adapter for VM-Mount Lens to Sony E-Mount Camera. The lens itself does not have a focusing helicoid so cannot be focused without the adapter and with the adapter it provides a minimum focus distance of 19.7".
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$399.00
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Voigtlander 40mm f/2.8 Heliar VM Overview

The VM 40mm f/2.8 Heliar Lens for Sony E-Mount from Voigtlander is an M mount lens however it is designed to work as a close focus lens with full frame and APS-C Sony E-mount cameras in conjunction with the separately sold Voigtlander VM-E Close Focus Adapter for VM-Mount Lens to Sony E-Mount Camera. The lens itself does not have a focusing helicoid so cannot be focused without the adapter and with the adapter it provides a minimum focus distance of 19.7".

The lens itself has a collapsible design which maintains the compact form of Sony E-mount cameras. When collapsed, the lens measures a 0.5" and when extended for shooting it is 0.84" long. An all-metal build provides a solid feel and durability to this manual focus lens. Its optical design includes 5 elements in 3 groups and a 10-blade diaphragm. Its filter thread has a 37mm diameter and included with the lens is a dome and dedicated lens hood.

VM mount lens designed for Sony E mount lenses in conjunction with the VM to E-Mount Close-Up Adapter.
A 40mm focal length on full frame cameras provides versatile approach between wide-angle and standard length perspectives. On an APS-C camera it offers a 35mm focal length equivalent of 60mm.
A collapsible design reduces the length of the lens to 0.5" when not in use.
An all-metal build and compact design provide durability and smooth, precise manual focus.

Voigtlander 40mm f/2.8 Heliar VM Specs

Focal Length
40mm
Maximum Aperture
f/2.8
Minimum Aperture
f/22
Lens Mount
Leica M
Lens Format Coverage
Full-Frame
Angle of View
57°
Minimum Focus Distance
19.7" / 50.04 cm
Optical Design
5 Elements in 3 Groups
Diaphragm Blades
10
Focus Type
Manual Focus
Image Stabilization
No
Filter Size
37 mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L)
2.05 x 0.84" / 52 x 21.4 mm
Weight
4.66 oz / 132 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
0.61 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
5.3 x 4.55 x 4.5"

Voigtlander 40mm f/2.8 Heliar VM Reviews

The best M/E mount lens you could get in 400 usd!

By Zhe
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-02-06

Had it for almost a month, I can tell it's perfect. I have 6-7 m mount lens such as leica 50 lux and noctilux, but I love this Voigtlander so far! It's so small and well-made so It will be a great pleasure to use it, the sharpness and quality is so good that it could fit my A7R4 perfectly. The tone, is not as film-like as leica lens but you can ask for more from a lens at this price.

Sharpest lens in my kit

By gregory
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2017-05-20

This is one of my least expensive lenses. It might be my least expensive lens. Yet, at mid-range aperture, it is objectively the sharpest lens I have. I mean it is sharp clear and sharp. Other than it's design and it's clarity, there is nothing really special about the colors or the rendering. It's just sharp as a razor. I get better results in general using manual focus rangefinder lenses on my a7rii than any of the crazy huge autofocus lenses. I rarely even attach an auto lens to my camera anymore.

Sharp, compact, beautifully constructed lens

By Randall
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2017-04-28

A spectacularly sharp lens, even wide open, with a wonderfully dimensional effect in its rendering. Reminds me of the best offerings from Leica. Ability to collapse makes for an extremely compact and portable package, although the screw-in lens cap on the dome hood is a nuisance if you tend to keep your cap on in dusty conditions (use the conventional hood with the push-on cap at these times). The 40mm focal length makes this a great walking around lens when you don't want to carry more than one lens. Construction is old-school: solid, precise, all metal, and mates perfectly with the Voigtlander focusing adapter. No bells, no whistles; if you are the sort who prefers manual control of your camera and tend to work methodically, this lens will suit you well.

Fantastic

By Rolf
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2017-04-06

Recently been given a Voigtlaender Vitomatic I so I could take some pictures for a trip, found it so good that I got more of their current products, with this lens being the last. It is a fantastic little lens for the Sony Alpha 7 and their amazing sensitivity. With the required adapter it is not cheap, but if You have one other M-mount lens optimized for digital, like a number of Voigtlaender VM Lenses than it makes a lot of sense. It seems completely void of distortion, chromatic aberration or vignetting. In my experience, lenses designed for a small opening are always better than a high speed lens stopped down to the same stop. Also this lens disciplines the process of taking pictures.

Fantastic lens

By Hugo
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2016-02-28

This lens is super sharp and well made. I refer you to my B&H review of the Voigtlander VM-E Close Focus Adapter (which must be purchased to use this lens) for my additional comments. I'll repeat what I said, buy this lens before Voigtlander stops making it!

Very special superb lens

By Anonymous
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2015-07-17

This lens now lives on my Sony a7. This quality of this lens is simply amazing. I have been using Leica's for 60 years and this lens is as sharp and the rendering is as beautifully defined as my older Summicron. Actually, it reminds me of the excellent 50mm Elmar lenses. I use this lens with the voigtlander close focus adapter-which is needed to focus the lens. I also have set up my Sony to use The Clear zoom. I have found that the introduction of pixels into the image with this lens - when pushed to 80mm is also amazingly excellent. Much has been made about the lack of hyper focal distance marks on this lens. Just focus it. I do not consider this lens slow to use because I preset my aperture on the lens and the shutter on the camera. Then just enjoy!

Surprisingly good.

By Alex
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2018-05-28

The only downside to this lens is that automatic zoom in for manual focus is not activated with adapter. You have to customize your settings on your camera and put a button (I use C1 on the A7rIII because right by the button to take a pic). At first my pictures were slightly off focus even with peaking, but then when I figured out this trick, they are razor sharp and interesting. Definitely some vignetting here and has a different look, but a great lens. Love the size and it's fun to play with. If you have an adapter already, go for it. If you have to buy and adapter and this lens together, probably the Voigtlander 40 mm 1.2 is actually a better lens I think and not much more and auto magnify for manual focus is automatic on that lens. Overall, very happy with the lens though.

don't let the small size fool you

By Carl
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2018-01-22

clear and sharp, this lens never ceases to amaze me

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YOUR RECENTLY VIEWED ITEMS

Now that there are closed-focus adapter with ...

Now that there are closed-focus adapter with helicoid for Z-mount, can I use this lens on a Nikon Z7?
Asked by: Phi
Unfortunately, this lens is only compatible with the Sony E mount.
Answered by: Kirk
Date published: 2021-01-13

question

(How does a same portrait compare both at 2.8 with the g-master 24-70 (at exaxt same FL) ( or the EF II canon same zoom) ?(If it was a 1.4 or 1.8 ..I would probably just buy it -even if obviousaly -since fully manual- not Eye-AF compatible :-( )Thank you if anybody happens to do it..)
Asked by: Alain
Unfortunately, we do not have the ability to perform specific requirements listed above. The best I may recommend is you may purchase the lens to see if it will work for your needs. If it does not, we do have a Return Policy that would enable you to return the lens for an exchange or refund.
Answered by: Manzell L.
Date published: 2018-08-25

can this be adapted to fuji x mount?

can this be adapted to fuji x mount?
Asked by: Louis
The lens is an M mount. It come with an M to E mount adapter. Don's use that adapter. (Sorry we do not sell it without the E-mount adapter.) Use one of these M mount to Fuijifilm X mount. Get the best one you can afford. https://bhpho.to/2uEKTC5
Answered by: Dennis A
Date published: 2020-05-04

question

B&H sorry typos. Please hide my bad typing. Thanks ! My Lens selection was built on fly in Vietnam ( used Canon ) , and the original 35mm F2.8 Ziess, and now adding more quality glass. I believe it helps a photographer grow using different lens types and suppliers. This is why I ask the specific function of this small Voightlander lens . I am growing and trying to fully realize the dream of a lifetime: Photography as Art , and as Business. I am so glad, grateful to have the cameras we have today. Much better than my Father's Argus with fixed 35 mm lens. Life is great. So: What is the specific use of this type of lens ? I love the looks of the work done by the Voightlander Nokton 50 mm 1.5 , and the Heliar Ultra Wide 12 mm these are the two lenses I would like to add to my little studio. Cheers C.
Asked by: Chris
While this lens (as with most lenses) do not have a specific use, the focal length of the lens lens it for usage as a normal/standard lens. It is slightly wider than standard on a full-frame camera, and would be slightly tighter than standard (60mm) on an APS-C sensor camera. It would be a good option for capturing candid images, while it may also be used in some instances as a short portrait lens or as a standard walk-around lens. The Voigtlander VM-E Close Focus Adapter for VM-Mount Lens to Sony E-Mount Camera, B&H # VOSCAMLE, is required for use on the Voigtlander VM 40mm f/2.8 Heliar Lens for Sony E-Mount. It is a fully manual lens, all made from metal and glass, and you need the adapter to both mount and focus the lens on a Sony E-mount camera. If you have liked previous Voigtlander lenses and you do not mind focusing manually, then I believe you will also like this lens.
Answered by: Manzell L.
Date published: 2018-08-25

question

Does the magnification feature for manual focus work with this lens and adapter set up? Not working with mine, wondering if there is a problem.
Asked by: Alexander
The magnification feature should be working. You might want to confirm that you have the option to shoot without a lens selected to ON due to the fact that this lens lacks any electronic contacts.
Answered by: Jacob C.
Date published: 2020-04-10

question

Is it possible to use this lens on a Techart adapter for Sony?
Asked by: Dennis D.
That combination has not been tested or reported on specifically. We are of the opinion that the combination can be made but performance is unknown.
Answered by: Dennis A L.
Date published: 2019-05-29

Is there any difference between this lens and ...

Is there any difference between this lens and "Voigtlander Heliar 40mm f/2.8 Aspherical Lens" for leica cameras?
Asked by: Vsevolod
The main difference would be how these lenses would focus. The Voigtlander Heliar 40mm f/2.8 Aspherical Lens would have a manual focus ring on it, while the VM 40mm f/2.8 Heliar Lens for Sony E-Mount requires a Voigtlander VM-E Close Focus Adapter for VM-Mount Lens to Sony E-Mount Camera in order to achieve focus.
Answered by: Kirk
Date published: 2022-11-07

question

Not directly related to the product but why suddenly Voigtlander restricted all shipping to Australia? I've just about to buy this lens ;___;
Asked by: Nguyen P.
Unfortunately, I do not have any specifics regarding your inquiry. Due to export regulations and/or manufacturer restrictions,k we are unable to export certain items outside the United States. In the case of Voigtlander items, Voigtlander products cannot be shipped outside the United States to many countries; the shipping restriction is not solely for Australia. I apologize for the inconvenience in this matter. (You could still visit the United States and purchase the lens in our NYC Superstore and bring it back home with you!)
Answered by: Manzell L.
Date published: 2018-08-25
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