Fred Miranda
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About the Voigtlander 40mm f/2.8 Heliar lens:
The new Voigtlander 40mm f/2.8 Heliar is a very portable lens with a retro-style exterior featuring a φ34mm filter diameter and it's only 21mm in length. Cosina attributes this feat by using the latest optical design and an aspherical lens.
Although the haptics and appearance are reminiscent of the old days, the lens output is unmistakably modern, well-corrected, promising great performance even wide open.
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Pre-order the Voigtlander 40mm f/2.8 Heliar lens:
CameraQuest | B&H Photo ($549)
Review Quick Links:
- Initial Thoughts
- Infinity performance on Leica M10-R
- Infinity performance adapted to Sony A7R IV
- Distortion
- Rendering
- Sunstar Rendering
- Vignetting
- MFD performance and Focus Shift
- Field Curvature and Optical Vignetting
- Color Aberration
- Flare Resistance
- Final Thoughts
- Samples
- Samples 2
- Samples 3
Sample Images from FM Members:
@Desmolicious: Sample 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
@Juha Kannisto: Sample 1, 2
Leica M10-R + Voigtlander 40mm f/2.8 Heliar
The optical design consists of 5 lens elements in 3 optical groups:
The lens weighs a mere 131 grams (without hood). It's super compact and focuses as close as 0.7m
Main specifications:
- Focal length: 40mm
- Lens configurations: 5 lens elements in 3 optical groups
- Angle of view: 57° (~39.5mm FL)
- Number of aperture blades: 10 (10-point sunstars)
- Minimal focus distance (MFD): 0.7m
- Maximum diameter x total length: φ52×21.2mm
- Filter size: φ34mm
- Weight: 131 grams (measured)
- Lens hood: Dedicated screw-in hood included
Back to Quick Links
Initial Thoughts:
The new Voigtlander 40mm f/2.8 Heliar VM shares the same optical design from the Voigtlander 40mm f/2.8 Heliar "2014" release which was not equipped with a helicoid and therefore not designed to be used on a Leica rangefinder. The 2014 model was collapsable and required the Voigtlander VM-E Close Focus Adapter in order to aid focus when used on a mirrorless body.
Except for the very corners of the frame, the Voigtlander 40mm f/2.8 Heliar captures great detail across the image field from wide open while rendering is smooth and pleasant. The lens is well corrected so don't expect to see much spherical or color aberration even when shooting wide open. However, there is noticeable field curvature which causes uneven out of focus rendering towards the corners which appears sharper than center depending on subject distance.
Physically, it's a well-built and charming lens with a retro look. The Leica M does not offer 40mm frame-lines so the compromise is to automatically bring the 50mm lines which seems to be a good idea. The advantage of using the L39 version with a Leica M rangefinder is that it allows both 35mm or 50mm lines depending on the L/M adapter rings used making the lens more versatile in this regard.
The included metal hood is super tiny and has a dedicated lens cap . I would've preferred if Cosina also included a 34mm front cap for those who prefer using the lens bare.
The distance markings are painted white and engraved against a black metal barrel which makes it easy to see when shooting outdoors or under low light. The aperture ring provide distinctive half-stop clicks and the focusing ring is smooth with perfect resistance. The only inconvenience is that the aperture ring rotates together with the focusing ring. The workaround is to always remember to set the aperture before focusing.
Another great feature is the infinity lock which lets you focus your subject at infinity distance and change the aperture without worrying of any slight change in focus. The lock also aids mounting/unmounting the lens.
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