Fred Miranda Offline Admin Upload & Sell: On
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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:
- Initial Impressions
- Performance at Infinity on Leica M10-R
- Field Curvature
- Distortion
- Focus Shift
- Minimal Focus Distance performance
- Optical Vignetting and Specular Highlights shape
- Chromatic Aberration (CA)
- Sunstar Rendering, Flare and Vignetting
- Multi-coated vs Single-coated
- Rendering at various apertures and distances
- Final Thoughts
- Samples: 1 | 2 | 3
Sample images from FM Members:
- @Juha Kannisto: 1
- @nehemiahphoto: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- @stockshas: 1, 2, 3
- @highdesertmesa: 1, 2, 3
- @astrobuoy: 1
- @ashwinrao1: 1, 2
- @fjablo: 1
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
Back to Quick Links
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.
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.
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