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Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron Review

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron Review

Pre-order the Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron lens: ($699)

Cameraquest: Multi-coated | Single-coated

B&H Photo: Multi-coated | Single-coated

Adorama: Multi-coated | Single-coated
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About the Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron lens:

The Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron is a recent addition to Voigtlander's "modern" line and features an optical formula that resembles the Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton design. This lens is compact, consisting of 7 elements in 5 groups, with 3 Extraordinary partial dispersion elements and no aspherical element. It is available in two aluminum finishes: a Painted Black (Single Coated version) and a Matte Painted Black (Multi-coated version). Both versions share a filter diameter of φ49mm and offer a minimum focusing distance of 0.5m. While I plan to review both versions, I am particularly interested in the "matte" black paint as it matches my Leica M10-R Black Chrome finish beautifully.

When I first held the lens, I was struck by its solid construction and lightweight design, weighing a mere 288 grams. Its portability makes it an excellent choice for travel, hiking, and landscape photography. Moreover, it balances well on the Leica M10-R camera without hindering the 75mm frameline from 1.5m to infinity, although there is some minor obstruction when focusing closer than 1.5m. The lens also boasts 12 aperture blades, which produce distinct 12-point sunstars.

The focusing ring of the Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron rotates effortlessly with the appropriate amount of resistance, and the aperture ring features well-defined 1/2 stop clicks. While the focus throw angle is short measuring approximately 100 degrees, it enables both fast and precise focusing.

Review Quick Links:

Sample images from FM Members:

Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron Specifications:

Focal Length 75mm
Maximum Aperture f/1.9
Minimum Aperture f/16
Lens Mount Leica M
Angle of View 32.6°
Minimum Focus Distance 0.5ｍ (0.7m rangefinder coupled)
Optical Design 7 Elements in 5 Groups
Special glass: 3 Extraordinary partial dispersion elements
Diaphragm Blades 12
Filter Size 49 mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L) φ56.8 x 54.1 mm
Weight 288 grams (measured)
Metal screw-on hood included (No bayonette)
Finishes: SC: Black paint, MC: Matte Black paint

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Initial Impressions:

With its modern and well-corrected optical design, the Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron delivers impressive performance even on the 40MP Leica M10-R. At infinity distance, this lens produces high resolution and contrast throughout the field, even at wide apertures.

The optical design is reminiscent of the Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton, resulting in similar characteristics starting at f/2. Notably, the Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron shares the Nokton's pleasant and smooth rendering of out-of-focus areas.

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I had expected noticeable vignetting due to the compact design and 49mm filter thread, but it performs comparably to previous fast Voigtlander lenses like the Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton. Despite still exhibiting average vignetting, optical vignetting can produce "cats-eye" shaped specular highlights in the corners.

In terms of its physical features, this lens is well-built and attractive. When focused at infinity, the 75mm framelines are not obstructed, and the blockage at closer distances is manageable. The distance markings in meters are painted white and engraved against a black metal barrel, making them easy to see when shooting outdoors or in low light. However, the red markings in "feet" are difficult to see under any lighting conditions.

Overall, this is an exciting and high-performance 75mm lens that strikes the right balance between compactness and functionality.

Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron with included threaded metal hood

The package includes two caps - one for the lens without the hood and a metal cap for the hood.

Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron with included threaded metal hood

If you are not accustomed to FM reviews, please note that this thread will be periodically updated with new lens tests. Therefore, I recommend checking this review regularly for almost daily updates.

To begin the review, I will assess the lens's performance at infinity on the Leica M10-R.

Mar 25, 2023 at 06:50 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron Review

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Performance at Infinity on Leica M10-R

The Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Nokton is optically designed for the thin Leica M sensor stack and therefore it will achieve the highest performance on Leica M bodies although in many cases telephoto lenses perform well in cameras with thicker sensors. This infinity test was done on the Leica M10-R (40MP sensor).

The lens is sharp wide open at center, mid-field and corners but these regions perform optimally at different apertures:

The center is optimal at f/2.8, while the mid-field and corners are optimal at f/4.

Here is the full image thumbnail showing the area demonstrated at 1:1 magnification.

Distance: Infinity
Camera: Leica M10-R
Focus: Center - Best of three @ 12.4x magnification
WB: Daylight
Lens centered using my decentering test. The Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron is perfectly centered.
Software: Lightroom with my default landscape sharpening. All other settings set to default

PS: Distortion is not corrected. All in-camera corrections turned 'off'.

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Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron Center resolution

Center: f/1.9 (LEFT) vs f/2.8 (RIGHT): The Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron delivers good performance when wide open, but it improves at f/2.8, where its center sharpness is already optimal.

Center: f/2.8 (LEFT) vs f/4 (RIGHT): Stopping down the lens to f/4 results in only a marginal improvement.

Center: f/4 (LEFT) vs f/5.6 (RIGHT): Similar results.

Center: f/5.6 (LEFT) vs f/8 (RIGHT): The results are comparable; however, diffraction starts to become noticeable.

Mar 25, 2023 at 06:57 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron Review

Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron Mid-Field resolution

Mid-Field: f/1.9 (LEFT) vs f/2.8 (RIGHT): At mid-field, its performance is not as good as when it's wide open at the center. Nonetheless, it still resolves well, and its performance improves when stopped down to f/2.8.

Mid-Field: f/2.8 (LEFT) vs f/4 (RIGHT): There is a noticeable improvement at f/4, where its performance at mid-field is optimal.

Mid-Field: f/4 (LEFT) vs f/5.6 (RIGHT): Similar performance

Mid-Field: f/5.6 (LEFT) vs f/8 (RIGHT): Similar performance

Mar 25, 2023 at 07:18 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron Review

Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron Extreme Corner resolution

Extreme Corner: f/1.9 (LEFT) vs f/2.8 (RIGHT): The performance is good when wide open, and there is a slight improvement at f/2.8.

Extreme Corner: f/2.8 (LEFT) vs f/4 (RIGHT): Stopping down to f/4 yields optimal results at the corners.

Extreme Corner: f/4 (LEFT) vs f/5.6 (RIGHT): The performance is comparable, but there is a slight improvement at f/5.6.

Extreme Corner: f/5.6 (LEFT) vs f/8 (RIGHT): Similar performance.

Mar 25, 2023 at 07:18 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron Review

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Field Curvature:

Upon evaluating the field curvature of the Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron from a mid-distance of 2m to a long distance of 7m, I found that the curvature shape is flat at mid-distance. However, there is a slight wave shape when focusing towards infinity distance, though it still maintains a pretty flat field.

Here is the sequence from 2m to 7m:

Field curvature shape at 2m

Field curvature shape at 3m

Field curvature shape at 5m

Field curvature shape at 7m

Mar 25, 2023 at 07:43 PM

Paul.S
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron Review

Looks good, can't wait for the rest.
Cheers Fred

Mar 25, 2023 at 10:00 PM

Paul.S
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron Review

Forgot to ask, how was the calibration to your M?

Mar 25, 2023 at 10:11 PM

highdesertmesa
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron Review

Great start to the review. Looks like a winner so far. As I mentioned in the other 75 1.9 thread, I damaged mine right out of the box today, but it's still a great lens after taking a hit. Even having dropped it, the optics are aligned and the rangefinder alignment is still perfect at all distances. The matte black MC version also matches the M11 paint and my Voigtlander 35 1.5 Type I. I'm really liking this small/light 35/75 pair.

One thing I noticed is these are advertised by Voigtlander as "brass barrel". The scrapes I put into mine reveal the focusing and aperture rings to be aluminum. I think this is probably a good balance to save weight. The only downside is the rings won't show brass when the paint wears off in spots.

Mar 25, 2023 at 10:17 PM

Juha Kannisto
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron Review

I don't think Cosina has ever advertised that these are made of brass at least in the product pages on their Japanese website. I think Fred got such info from CameraQuest earlier before the lenses were available though so Cosina might have miscommunicated something like that to their distributors at some point though.

This is the English product page:
https://www.cosina.co.jp/voigtlander/en/vm-mount/ultron-75mm-f1-9/

Mar 25, 2023 at 10:49 PM

highdesertmesa
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron Review

Juha Kannisto wrote:
I don't think Cosina has ever advertised that these are made of brass at least in the product pages on their Japanese website. I think Fred got such info from CameraQuest earlier before the lenses were available though so Cosina might have miscommunicated something like that to their distributors at some point though.

This is the English product page:
https://www.cosina.co.jp/voigtlander/en/vm-mount/ultron-75mm-f1-9/

CameraQuest mentions "brass barrel" on the product page, but like you said, it could be a misunderstanding. I'm actually glad it's not brass for the weight savings.

Mar 25, 2023 at 11:07 PM

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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron Review

Paul.S wrote:
Forgot to ask, how was the calibration to your M?

Hi Paul,
The MC version is accurate with the rangefinder, but I haven't verified the SC version yet.

Mar 25, 2023 at 11:27 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron Review

highdesertmesa wrote:
Great start to the review. Looks like a winner so far. As I mentioned in the other 75 1.9 thread, I damaged mine right out of the box today, but it's still a great lens after taking a hit. Even having dropped it, the optics are aligned and the rangefinder alignment is still perfect at all distances. The matte black MC version also matches the M11 paint and my Voigtlander 35 1.5 Type I. I'm really liking this small/light 35/75 pair.

One thing I noticed is these are advertised by Voigtlander as "brass barrel". The scrapes I put into mine reveal...Show more →

I just came across your post showing an image of your recently acquired CV 75/1.9 Ultron, which unfortunately suffered damage from a fall. I'm sorry to hear that! Nevertheless, it's remarkable that the lens is still functioning flawlessly.

Mar 25, 2023 at 11:36 PM

highdesertmesa
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron Review

Fred Miranda wrote:
I just came across your post showing an image of your recently acquired CV 75/1.9 Ultron, which unfortunately suffered damage from a fall. I'm sorry to hear that! Nevertheless, it's remarkable that the lens is still functioning flawlessly.

Thanks! It's crazy that it survived optically with no broken or misalignment elements. The focus ring has a bit more resistance than it should, though. DAG quoted me $100 to fix it, but he said it was hard to be sure without examining the lens to know for sure.

Edited on Mar 25, 2023 at 11:51 PM · View previous versions

Mar 25, 2023 at 11:50 PM

ftllens
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron Review

Looks pretty promising! I like the design tweaks on the newer stuff too

Mar 25, 2023 at 11:50 PM

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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron Review

highdesertmesa wrote:
CameraQuest mentions "brass barrel" on the product page, but like you said, it could be a misunderstanding. I'm actually glad it's not brass for the weight savings.

I have reached out to Stephen at CameraQuest to confirm whether the barrel and rings of the 75/1.9 lens are made of brass or aluminum. Although this review has suggested that both the SC and MC versions are made of aluminum, I am uncertain. Upon holding the much larger CV 75/1.9 next to my brass Voigtlander 28mm f/2 II Ultron, I noticed that they feel approximately the same weight, with a difference of only 50 grams. This observation implies that the new 75mm lens may have a lighter aluminum body.

Your scraped lens reveals that the focusing ring is made from aluminum. This is an interesting observation, especially when compared to the 50mm f/1.5 Heliar lens from Voigtlander, where the focusing ring is made of brass despite the lens barrel being constructed from aluminum. This suggests that certain lenses may incorporate a combination of materials in their construction. The helicoid construction, however, is consistently made of brass.

Mar 26, 2023 at 10:41 AM

highdesertmesa
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron Review

Fred Miranda wrote:
I have reached out to Stephen at CameraQuest to confirm whether the barrel and rings of the 75/1.9 lens are made of brass or aluminum. Although this review has suggested that both the SC and MC versions are made of aluminum, I am uncertain. Upon holding the much larger CV 75/1.9 next to my brass Voigtlander 28mm f/2 II Ultron, I noticed that they feel approximately the same weight, with a difference of only 50 grams. This observation implies that the new 75mm lens may have a lighter aluminum body.

Your scraped lens reveals that the focusing ring is made...Show more →

Chat GPT, please summarize Voigtlander lens design using a single word.

Chat GPT: potpourri

Mar 26, 2023 at 11:12 AM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron Review

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Distortion

Despite the Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron having low distortion, there is still some noticeable pincushion distortion present. However, this can easily be corrected in post-processing, and for most images, it may go unnoticed. In Lightroom, simply adjusting the distortion slider to "-3" will fully correct the pincushion effect.

Below is an example that shows the before and after effect of applying the pincushion correction in Lightroom:

Before Distortion correction

After Distortion correction

Lightroom distortion correction amount (-3)

Mar 26, 2023 at 01:30 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron Review

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Samples 1:

I captured some photos in my neighborhood using the Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 MC lens, despite the harsh lighting conditions.

Except for the black and white sample, all of them were captured wide open using the Adobe Standard profile.

Although some purple fringing is visible on the focus plane, it should be noted that this is a worst-case scenario due to the presence of reflected metal.

LEICA M10-R Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron lens 75mm f/4.0 1/4000s 100 ISO 0.0 EV

The car's headlights appear sharp across the entire frame of the image.

LEICA M10-R Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron lens 75mm f/4.0 1/1500s 100 ISO 0.0 EV

At longer distances, the blurring effect reduces and we can observe more distinct characteristics in the rendering.

LEICA M10-R Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron lens 75mm f/4.0 1/2000s 100 ISO 0.0 EV

The focus is on the red flowers, and they look stunning with a nice pop of color!

LEICA M10-R Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron lens 75mm f/4.0 1/1500s 100 ISO 0.0 EV

This photo was captured at the minimum focus distance (0.5m) and the performance is very good. The Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 has a closer focus capability compared to other 75mm lenses.

LEICA M10-R Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron lens 75mm f/2.0 1/1000s 100 ISO 0.0 EV

LEICA M10-R Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron lens 75mm f/4.0 1/2000s 100 ISO 0.0 EV

LEICA M10-R Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron lens 75mm f/4.0 1/3000s 100 ISO 0.0 EV

Mar 26, 2023 at 05:23 PM

highdesertmesa
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron Review

Very nice. And I like when lenses have that vertical "reverse-anamorphic" flare off specular highlights, too.

The lack of heavy vignetting is great to see. It looks like the image circle may adapt well to the GFX.

Mar 26, 2023 at 05:41 PM

Paul.S
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Voigtlander 75mm f/1.9 Ultron Review

Wow, I can't recall that level of "pop" from your car shots before, especially that last one. Not sure about the bokeh, is that a more classic/structured look from the optical vignetting? or am I seeing something else.
Like the soft focus and bokeh on that mfd shot.

Edit, third car shot, not last one.

Edited on Mar 27, 2023 at 05:44 PM · View previous versions

Mar 26, 2023 at 06:25 PM

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