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Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron X-mount Review

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron X-mount Review

About the Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron for X-mount lens:

The Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron lens is specifically designed for the FUJIFILM X mount and offers an incredibly compact and portable solution. Weighing just 114 grams and measuring only 23mm in length, this lens is easy to carry wherever you go. Impressively, Cosina has achieved this compact size without using aspherical glass, resulting in clean and attractive specular highlights without any unwanted onion ring pattern. With a filter size of 43mm, the lens offers convenient compatibility with various filters, and its ultra-compact hood is included for hassle-free attachment. The Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron delivers great performance throughout the entire image frame, all within a compact and convenient package. Its unique rendering adds a touch of character and charm to your photographs, enhancing their visual appeal.

The lens boasts a simple optical arrangement, consisting of 4 groups and 6 elements, incorporating an extra low dispersion glass element. This construction enables great image quality and sharpness. Additionally, the CV 27/2 Ultron offers a close focusing distance of 0.25mm, allowing you to capture intricate details up close. Its aperture mechanism features 10 straight aperture blades, delivering well-defined sunstars in your photographs.

Although the lens feels and looks reminiscent of older classic designs, its performance is unquestionably modern and up-to-date. It exhibits impressive CA correction, ensuring excellent performance even when shooting wide open. With the Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron, you can expect outstanding image quality and versatility in a compact and stylish package.

I want to mention that in this review, the Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron lens was used with the Fujifilm X-Pro3 camera. It's interesting to note that the lens has electronic parts that help adjust for parallax when using it with the optical viewfinder.

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Pre-order the Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron:

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X-Pro3 with Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron

The optical design consists of 6 lens elements in 4 optical groups:

The lens weighs a mere 114 grams (without hood). It's super compact and focuses as close as 0.25m.

Main specifications:

Focal length: 27mm APS-C (full frame equiv. to 40mm).
Lens configurations: 6 lens elements in 4 optical groups.
Angle of view: 53.7°.
Number of aperture blades: 10 (10-point sunstars).
Minimal focus distance (MFD): 0.25m.
Maximum diameter x total length: φ59.3×23.5mm.
Filter size: φ43mm.
Weight: 114 grams (measured).
Electronic communication for EXIF, Auto-magnification, Shooting distance and Parallax compensation (X-Pro3).
In-body image stabilization: Yes, when supported by Fuji camera.
Lens hood: Dedicated ultra compact screw-in hood included.

Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron vs Voigtlander 23mm f/1.2 Nokton

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Initial Thoughts:

The ULTRON 27mm F2 X Mount lens is made exclusively for the FUJIFILM X Mount system. It has a maximum aperture of F2, which is bright enough for practical use while keeping the lens compact in size. With an overall length of just 23.5mm, it's highly portable. The lens offers an angle of view equivalent to 40mm on a full-frame camera, providing a slightly wider field of view than a standard lens, making it versatile.

The Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron lens captures excellent detail even when shooting wide open, and its unique rendering gives a distinct character with visible outlining in specular highlights. It is well corrected, so you won't see much distortion or color issues, even at wider apertures. The lens controls vignetting effectively, so you won't have strong darkening at the corners of the image. The control of optical vignetting in this small lens is quite impressive. As a result, there are no prominent cat's-eye shapes in the specular highlights towards the corners of the image.

The lens features electronic contacts that allow communication between the lens and the camera body. When used with compatible camera bodies, it supports features like Exif information, focus check, shooting distance-linked display, and parallax correction (specifically on the Fuji X-Pro3).

Physically, the lens is well-built and has a classic look that adds charm. It comes with a small metal hood and a dedicated lens cap. Additionally, a 43mm front cap is included for those who prefer not to use the hood. The lens's focus ring has a lever for easy and precise control, and it works smoothly and accurately. When enabled, the focus magnification automatically activates when you rotate the focusing ring, which is very convenient.

The distance markings on the lens are painted white and engraved on a black metal barrel, making them easy to see when shooting outdoors or in low light. The aperture ring clicks at distinct third-stop intervals, and the focusing ring has smooth rotation with just the right amount of resistance.

Overall, this lens is well-designed, offers great handling, and delivers excellent performance with a unique rendering style.

Jun 20, 2023 at 08:49 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron X-mount Review

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Infinity performance: Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron X-mount

The Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron showed great resolution throughout the entire image frame. To provide a point of comparison, I included the highly capable Fujifilm 23mm f/2 R WR lens for a side-by-side evaluation.

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

Distance: Infinity
Camera: FUJIFILM X-PRO3
Focus: Center - Best of three @ 12.4x magnification
WB: Daylight
Lens centered using my decentering test. My Voigtlander Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron copy is perfectly centered.
Software: Lightroom with my default landscape sharpening. All other settings set to default

PS: Vignetting and distortion were NOT corrected. All in-camera corrections turned 'off'.

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Center Resolution and Contrast: Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron vs Fuji 23mm f/2 R WR

Center at f/2: At an aperture of f/2, both lenses demonstrated commendable performance at the center of the frame. However, the Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron holds a slight advantage in terms of contrast.

Center at f/2.8: When set at an aperture of f/2.8, the Fujifilm 23mm f/2 R WR lens exhibits significant improvement, whereas the Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron shows only a slight enhancement.

Center at f/4: At f/4, both lenses excel. The Fujifilm 23mm f/2 R WR improves further, while the Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron maintains resolution with slightly higher contrast.

Center at f/5.6: Both lenses show further improvement, and their performance has become more comparable now.

Center at f/8: Despite their continued strong performance, it is worth noting that diffraction becomes noticeable.

Jun 20, 2023 at 09:00 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron X-mount Review

MIDFIELD Resolution and Contrast: Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron vs Fuji 23mm f/2 R WR

Mid-field at F/2: Great performance with no dip in resolution for both lenses. Although they perform similarly, there is a small advantage in resolution for the Fuji 23/2 R WR

Mid-field at F/2.8: Both lenses improve at f/2.8, especially in terms of contrast.

Mid-field at F/4: Seems the optimal aperture for both lenses.

Mid-field at F/5.6: Similar contrast but I still see slightly more detail from the Fuji lens.

Mid-field at F/8: Not much changes.

Jun 20, 2023 at 09:03 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron X-mount Review

EXTREME CORNER Resolution and Contrast: Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron vs Fuji 23mm f/2 R WR

Extreme corners at f/2: the Fuji 23mm f/2 R WR lens reveals higher contrast and finer detail, particularly at the very corners. However, the Voigtlander lens still delivers a solid performance in this aspect.

Extreme corners at f/2.8: Both lenses exhibit improvements in both resolution and contrast.

Extreme corners at f/4: Both lenses experience a significant leap in contrast, with the Fuji lens capturing more fine details.

Extreme corners at f/5.6: There are minimal changes observed in both lenses.

Extreme corners at f/8: Surprisingly, the Voigtlander lens demonstrates further improvement at f/8, particularly at the extreme corners, bringing it closer to the Fuji lens in terms of resolution and contrast.

Jun 20, 2023 at 09:03 PM

yukosteel
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron X-mount Review

Great review, thank you Fred! This Voigtlander 27mm performs impressively good on Fuji X, I'm wondering id Cosina also make the Nikon Z APS-C version later like they did with other APS-C models.

It's hard to underestimate usefulness of focusing distance transferred to X-Pro3 for precise OVF composing. I think that combined with 40mm equivalent FOV and co compact size and bright F2 making very close competitor to X100 line.

Jun 20, 2023 at 10:00 PM

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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron X-mount Review

yukosteel wrote:
Great review, thank you Fred! This Voigtlander 27mm performs impressively good on Fuji X, I'm wondering id Cosina also make the Nikon Z APS-C version later like they did with other APS-C models.

It's hard to underestimate usefulness of focusing distance transferred to X-Pro3 for precise OVF composing. I think that combined with 40mm equivalent FOV and co compact size and bright F2 making very close competitor to X100 line.

I appreciate it!

Another noteworthy point is that the Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron lens has a hard stop that aligns perfectly with the X-Pro3 when focused at infinity distance. This characteristic sets it apart from previous Voigtlander lenses designed for the Fuji and even native Fujifilm lenses.

Jun 20, 2023 at 10:54 PM

Juha Kannisto
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron X-mount Review

Great review so far

Looking forward to the remaining parts!

As to Nikon Z versions, I think Cosina will make Nikon Z APS-C mount versions of this 27/2 and the upcoming 35/0.9 as well as long as they have been satisfied with the overall sales volume of their Nikon Z APS-C line lenses. In Japan these CV Fuji X APS-C lenses seem to be Cosina's best-selling lenses in their entire lineup in the last 2 years (they've also been relatively affordable which helps, curious about how high the 35/0.9 will be priced...) and I think they'll keep putting out more, and the Nikon counterparts have been much more moderate sellers. I think there must be a much smaller base of Nikon Z APS-C camera users in the market so far and these lenses would appeal the most to Zfc users among those.

Jun 20, 2023 at 11:27 PM

cbass
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron X-mount Review

To my eyes the Fuji 23 won at all apertures and locations. You can see the difference in the fine details in the leaves of the trees and other shrubbery. That is a surprise to me. Looks like Fuji has some solid lenses.

Jun 21, 2023 at 12:42 AM

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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron X-mount Review

cbass wrote:
To my eyes the Fuji 23 won at all apertures and locations. You can see the difference in the fine details in the leaves of the trees and other shrubbery. That is a surprise to me. Looks like Fuji has some solid lenses.

I agree with the opinion that the Fuji 23/2 R WR lens is really impressive. Both the Fuji and Voigtlander lenses perform similarly well in the center at f/2. However, as we decrease the aperture size, the Fuji lens improves even more and performs better at the edges.

It's important to note that the Fuji 23/2 lens is more than twice the size of the Voigtlander lens and has two aspherical elements. Considering this, it's quite remarkable that the Voigtlander lens is not far behind in terms of performance.

If we compare the Voigtlander 40/2.8 Heliar VM lens, which is also small in size, it doesn't perform as well in the corners compared to the 27/2 Ultron lens. Here are crops from the Heliar lens, showing the corner performance:

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1750078/0#15904968

Jun 21, 2023 at 01:25 AM

cbass
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron X-mount Review

Fred Miranda wrote:
I agree with the opinion that the Fuji 23/2 R WR lens is really impressive. Both the Fuji and Voigtlander lenses perform similarly well in the center at f/2. However, as we decrease the aperture size, the Fuji lens improves even more and performs better at the edges.

It's important to note that the Fuji 23/2 lens is more than twice the size of the Voigtlander lens and has two aspherical elements. Considering this, it's quite remarkable that the Voigtlander lens is not far behind in terms of performance.

If we compare the Voigtlander 40/2.8 Heliar VM lens, which is also...Show more →

I don't disagree. However, my prediction is that Fuji's 27mm, which is about the same size would outperform the Voigtlander as well. Then again, it's a f/2.8 instead of an f/2 lens.

Jun 21, 2023 at 10:27 AM

cogitech
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron X-mount Review

cbass wrote:
Then again, it's a f/2.8 instead of an f/2 lens.

In this respect, the Voigtlander has the advantage when compared to the Fuji at equal apertures, so if the Fuji still outperforms the CV, it doesn't say a lot for the CV. This is all hypothetical until the comparison is actually done, of course.

And yes, none of this changes the fact that the CV is still a stop faster.

Jun 21, 2023 at 10:50 AM

cbass
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron X-mount Review

cogitech wrote:
In this respect, the Voigtlander has the advantage when compared to the Fuji at equal apertures, so if the Fuji still outperforms the CV, it doesn't say a lot for the CV. This is all hypothetical until the comparison is actually done, of course.

And yes, none of this changes the fact that the CV is still a stop faster.

Yes it would need to be tested. I am going off memory and test results of other testing sites that shows the 27mm on par or sharper than the 23 f/2 in the corners and center.

Jun 21, 2023 at 11:34 AM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron X-mount Review

cbass wrote:
Yes it would need to be tested. I am going off memory and test results of other testing sites that shows the 27mm on par or sharper than the 23 f/2 in the corners and center.

I've tested the Fuji 27/2.8 R WR a while back and thought the corners were not that great wide open. I may get another one and do a proper test in the future. IMO, the Fuji 27/2.8 is high in contrast either so images are a bit flat to my taste.

Here is a quick test I did for that lens at long distance at f/2.8. Also provided a crop showing the corners at 100% magnification:

Fuji 27mm f/2.8 R WR: Thumbnail showing the full image focused at f2.8 at center

Corners at 100% magnification (pixel level)

It's sharp at center wide open though

Jun 21, 2023 at 03:06 PM

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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron X-mount Review

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Distortion

The Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron lens automatically fixes any distortions and darkened edges in the photos when you use it with Lightroom. To find out the original level of distortion and darkening, you can slightly turn the lens on its mount so that it stops communicating with the camera.

Here's a comparison of two images: one without any corrections and the other with automatic distortion and vignetting correction applied. The lens has a slight pincushion effect in the original image, but it looks almost perfect after Lightroom applies its built-in adjustments.

For the Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron lens, the recommended correction value to address pincushion distortion is around "-3". However, in most cases, when you use Lightroom with your Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron images, this correction is already applied automatically.

without any corrections

X-Pro3 35.0 mm lens 35mm f/1.0 1/900s 160 ISO 0.0 EV

with automatic distortion and vignetting correction applied. So that's the image you get when importing to Lightroom.

X-Pro3 VOIGTLANDER ULTRON 27mm F2 lens 27mm f/2.0 1/1250s 160 ISO 0.0 EV

Basically Lightroom is applying a

Jun 21, 2023 at 04:39 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron X-mount Review

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Vignetting

When shooting with the Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron lens at its widest aperture, vignetting is noticeable. However, this effect is not visible in the raw files because, similar to distortion, there is an automatic built-in correction applied during post-processing.

Here's a comparison between the uncorrected raw file and the raw file with automatic correction applied.

Jun 21, 2023 at 04:47 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron X-mount Review

Below, you'll find a comparison between the uncorrected vignetting produced by the lens itself and the automatically corrected vignetting at different apertures (f/2, f/2.8, f/4, and f/5.6):

Uncorrected

Automatically corrected vignetting

Jun 21, 2023 at 04:55 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron X-mount Review

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MFD performance and Focus Shift

The Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0.25m, and its excellent correction for spherical aberration ensures impressive performance even at close focusing distances. The lens delivers outstanding results when fully open at f/2, but its performance further improves at f/2.8, reaching its optimal performance at f/4.

Although the lens exhibits some focus shift, this is not a concern as it is not specifically designed for rangefinder cameras.

Here is a sequence showing the subject focused at 0.25m at f/2, f/2.8 and f/4.

LEFT (f/2) | RIGHT (f/2.8)

LEFT (f/2.8) | RIGHT (f/4)

Jun 21, 2023 at 05:59 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron X-mount Review

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Field Curvature

The Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron lens has an intriguing field curvature pattern. When focused up close, it appears flat, while at medium distances, it becomes slightly wavy. Surprisingly, when focused at longer distances beyond 5m, the curvature shifts inward, which is uncommon for lenses in the 40-50mm range that typically have outward field curvature when focused on distant subjects.

To demonstrate this effect, I have processed a sequence using the "find edges" technique. The sequence showcases how the lens behaves as it is focused from 1m to a point far into the distance, approaching infinity.

Jun 21, 2023 at 09:16 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron X-mount Review

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Samples 1
I'm utilizing the new Elite Cobalt Portra and Fuji Neg profiles to enhance the image samples.

X-Pro3 VOIGTLANDER ULTRON 27mm F2 lens 27mm f/2.0 1/140s 160 ISO 0.0 EV

X-Pro3 VOIGTLANDER ULTRON 27mm F2 lens 27mm f/2.0 1/80s 250 ISO 0.0 EV

X-Pro3 VOIGTLANDER ULTRON 27mm F2 lens 27mm f/2.0 1/1100s 160 ISO 0.0 EV

X-Pro3 VOIGTLANDER ULTRON 27mm F2 lens 27mm f/4.0 1/1800s 160 ISO 0.0 EV

X-Pro3 VOIGTLANDER ULTRON 27mm F2 lens 27mm f/2.0 1/4700s 160 ISO 0.0 EV

X-Pro3 VOIGTLANDER ULTRON 27mm F2 lens 27mm f/5.6 1/750s 160 ISO 0.0 EV

X-Pro3 VOIGTLANDER ULTRON 27mm F2 lens 27mm f/2.0 1/7000s 160 ISO 0.0 EV

X-Pro3 VOIGTLANDER ULTRON 27mm F2 lens 27mm f/2.0 1/3000s 160 ISO 0.0 EV

X-Pro3 VOIGTLANDER ULTRON 27mm F2 lens 27mm f/2.0 1/8000s 160 ISO 0.0 EV

Jun 21, 2023 at 09:41 PM

cbass
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron X-mount Review

Fred Miranda wrote:
I've tested the Fuji 27/2.8 R WR a while back and thought the corners were not that great wide open. I may get another one and do a proper test in the future. IMO, the Fuji 27/2.8 is high in contrast either so images are a bit flat to my taste.

Here is a quick test I did for that lens at long distance at f/2.8. Also provided a crop showing the corners at 100% magnification:

Thanks for the test results. Perhaps I am remembering the Fuji 27 f/2.8 as a better performer than it is in reality. That's why comparison tests are preferred.

I wouldn't expect the Fuji 27 f/2.8 to be perfect wide open. It probably improves a stop or two down. However, looking at the Voigtlander even at f/2.8 you can see a good number of aberrations in the extreme corners as well. It appears that at f/2.8 the Fuji 23 is the best performer. The only question that remains is does the Fuji do better than the Voigtlander or not?

Jun 22, 2023 at 09:06 PM

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