Key takeaways
The Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f/2 lens is compact, lightweight, and designed for high performance.
This lens is ideal for street photography, landscapes, and close-up portraits.
Available in multiple versions, it offers a vintage aesthetic with modern optical performance.
The lens is praised for its sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and excellent build quality.
At a competitive price point, it provides significant value for money compared to other high-end lenses.
Overview of the Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f/2 Lens
The Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f/2 lens is a versatile and high-performance lens that caters to a variety of photography styles. Known for its compact size and exceptional build quality, it has quickly become a favorite among photography enthusiasts. The lens is available in different versions, including the Vintage Line, which offers a classic design with modern optical performance.
This lens is particularly popular for street photography, landscapes, and close-up portraits. Its wide-angle focal length allows photographers to capture expansive scenes, while the f/2 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and beautiful bokeh.
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Personal Experience and Background
My journey with the Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f/2 lens began a few years ago when I was searching for a high-quality, wide-angle lens that could handle different types of photography. After reading numerous reviews and seeing sample images, I decided to give it a try. From the first shot, I was impressed by its sharpness, color rendition, and overall performance.
Over the years, this lens has accompanied me on countless photography adventures, proving its reliability and versatility. It’s now a permanent fixture in my camera bag, and I can’t imagine shooting without it.
Reasons for Choosing a 28mm Lens:
Wide-Angle View: The 28mm focal length provides a wide-angle view that is ideal for capturing landscapes, architecture, and street scenes.
Versatility: This lens can handle everything from wide-angle shots to close-up portraits, making it a versatile addition to any photographer’s kit.
Low-Light Performance: The f/2 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance, making it possible to shoot in various lighting conditions.
Compact Size: The lens is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and use for extended periods.
Handling and Comfort
One of the standout features of the Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f/2 lens is its handling and comfort. The lens is compact and lightweight, Weighing in at just 244 grams, making it easy to carry around and use for extended periods. The focus ring is smooth and precise, allowing for easy manual focusing, while the aperture ring provides distinct clicks for accurate adjustments.
V1 vs V2
When it comes to the Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f/2 lens, there are two main versions to consider: the original V1 and the updated V2. Both versions offer excellent performance, but there are some key differences that set them apart.
|
Aspect |
Voigtlander Ultron f/2 V1 |
Voigtlander Ultron f/2 V2 |
|---|---|---|
|
Price | ||
|
Lens Coating |
Multicoated |
Coated |
|
Dimensions |
53 x 64mm |
53 x 66.5mm |
|
Weight |
228g |
210g |
|
Elements/Groups |
9/7 |
10/8 |
|
Durability |
Very Good |
Slightly Better |
|
Picture Sharpness |
Very Good |
Slightly Better |
Current Market Prices
The prices for the Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f/2 lens can vary depending on the version and condition. Here are some typical price ranges:
Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f/2 V1
-22% off on Amazon https://amzn.to/3SlKGyQ
Value for Money
The Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f/2 lens offers excellent value for money, particularly when compared to other high-end lenses in the same category. Its combination of performance, build quality, and versatility makes it a worthwhile investment for any photographer.
Most importantly, the lens provides a level of performance and image quality that is often found in much more expensive lenses, making it a cost-effective option for those looking to upgrade their photography gear.
Versatility of 28mm Focal Length
The 28mm focal length is incredibly versatile, allowing photographers to capture a wide range of subjects. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, street scenes, or portraits, this focal length provides a balanced perspective that works well in many situations. The wide-angle view helps to include more of the scene in the frame, making it easier to tell a story through your images.
Depth of Field and Bokeh
Despite being a wide-angle lens, the Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f/2 offers a shallow depth of field when used at its maximum aperture. This allows for beautiful bokeh and subject isolation, making it an excellent choice for close-up portraits and detail shots. The f/2 aperture also provides excellent low-light performance, allowing you to shoot in various lighting conditions without compromising image quality.
Macro Capabilities
Although the Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f/2 is not a dedicated macro lens, it still offers impressive close-up capabilities. By using extension tubes or close-up filters, you can enhance the lens’s macro performance, allowing you to capture detailed shots of small subjects.
28mm as Only Lens?
Can the Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f/2 lens serve as your only lens? While it may not be the perfect choice for every situation, it offers a level of versatility that makes it a strong contender for an all-in-one lens solution.
Situations Where 28mm Shines
Street Photography: The wide-angle perspective allows you to capture the energy and atmosphere of urban environments.
Landscapes: The 28mm focal length is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes with stunning detail.
Environmental Portraits: The wide-angle view helps to include more of the subject’s surroundings, adding context to your portraits.
Travel Photography: The compact size and versatility of the lens make it an excellent choice for travel photography, allowing you to capture a wide range of subjects and scenes.
Pros and Cons Table
To help you make an informed decision about the Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f/2 lens, here’s a table summarizing the key pros and cons:
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
Versatile focal length |
Not ideal for extreme telephoto or macro shots |
|
Excellent image quality |
Potential distortion in portraits |
|
Compact and lightweight |
Limited reach for distant subjects |
|
Beautiful bokeh |
May not be suitable for all portrait styles |
Closing thoughts
The Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f/2 lens is a versatile and high-performance lens that offers exceptional image quality and build quality. Its wide-angle perspective and excellent low-light performance make it an excellent choice for various photography styles, including street photography, landscapes, and portraits. For those interested in film photography, you might also find our Leica M6 film camera review insightful.
If you’re in the market for a high-quality wide-angle lens, I highly recommend the Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f/2. Its excellent image quality, beautiful bokeh, and robust build make it a reliable and versatile choice for various photography styles.
Personal Insights and Future Prospects
As someone who has used the Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f/2 lens extensively, I can confidently say that it has exceeded my expectations in every way. Its performance, build quality, and versatility make it a standout lens that I rely on for various shooting scenarios.
Looking ahead, I believe that the Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f/2 lens will continue to be a valuable tool in my photography kit. Its unique combination of features and performance ensures that it remains relevant and useful, regardless of how my photography style evolves.
Sample Photos
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Voigtlander 28mm f/2 worth the investment?
Yes, the Voigtlander 28mm f/2 lens is worth the investment for photographers who value image quality, build quality, and versatility. Its performance rivals that of much more expensive lenses, making it a cost-effective option for those looking to upgrade their photography gear. For those interested in medium format cameras, check out our Pentax 645N review.
How does the Voigtlander 28mm f/2 compare to other 28mm lenses?
Compared to other 28mm lenses, the Voigtlander 28mm f/2 offers excellent image quality, build quality, and versatility at a competitive price point. While it may not have the same level of prestige as some high-end lenses, it delivers performance that is on par with, if not better than, many of its competitors.
What are the best use cases for the Voigtlander 28mm f/2?
The Voigtlander 28mm f/2 lens excels in various use cases, including: street photography, landscapes, and even some portrait work. For those who appreciate the nuances of film, this lens pairs wonderfully with classic cameras like the Leica M6.
Street Photography: The wide-angle perspective allows you to capture the energy and atmosphere of urban environments.
Landscapes: The 28mm focal length is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes with stunning detail.
Environmental Portraits: The wide-angle view helps to include more of the subject’s surroundings, adding context to your portraits.
Travel Photography: The compact size and versatility of the lens make it an excellent choice for travel photography, allowing you to capture a wide range of subjects and scenes.
Can the Voigtlander 28mm f/2 be used for video recording?
Yes, the Voigtlander 28mm f/2 lens can be used for video recording. Its manual focus and aperture control provide a tactile and engaging shooting experience, making it suitable for video work. The lens’s wide-angle perspective and excellent image quality ensure that your video footage looks sharp and vibrant.
The Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f/2 lens offers a unique combination of sharpness and compactness, making it an excellent choice for street photography. Its fast aperture allows for great low-light performance, and the manual focus ring provides a tactile shooting experience. This lens is especially popular among film photographers who appreciate its vintage design and modern optics. For those looking to pair it with a classic camera, the Leica M6 is a highly recommended option due to its reliable performance and timeless appeal.
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