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Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar Review
  
 
Desmolicious
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p.7 #1 · p.7 #1 · Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar Review


highdesertmesa wrote:
Can anyone confirm the Type I lenses are indeed brass? Camera Quest description says it is brass, but they recently had an incorrect description on the 75 1.9 SC regarding brass vs aluminum. The 40 2.8 is brass, and I want a matching 28/40 set with the same design provided the Type I is not aluminum.

I am almost thinking that too, as I have the 40 2.8. But if I did that, I should sell my Ultron 28 v2.
Aug 11, 2023 at 06:40 PM
highdesertmesa
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p.7 #2 · p.7 #2 · Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar Review


Desmolicious wrote:
I am almost thinking that too, as I have the 40 2.8. But if I did that, I should sell my Ultron 28 v2.

Might as well hold onto the Ultron II until you see how you gel with the Color-Skopar. I wouldn't let go of it personally since finding a perfect copy of the Ultron II isn't always easy. My first copy was perfect, then when I later decided to buy it again, I got two copies in a row that were bunk, and I gave up.

I'm bouncing back and forth between the idea of the 28/40 retro brass duo and the lightweight aluminum modern trio of the 28 2.8 Type II + 35 1.5 Type I + 75 1.9 MC – all are aluminum with outstanding MFDs for M lenses. Currently the retro combo is speaking to me. I wish the 75 1.9 SC had been black paint on brass to match the 28/40 retro idea.
Aug 11, 2023 at 11:06 PM
mboy
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p.7 #3 · p.7 #3 · Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar Review


Thanks for the review. It's a promising compact 28mm that I feel it'll bode well amongst the street photography community and might well be a classic.
Having the 40mm voigtlander already it's refreshing to see a lens manufacturer follows it's customers favouring compactness.
I hope they continue this trend with other FL.
Aug 12, 2023 at 05:08 AM
torifile
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p.7 #4 · p.7 #4 · Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar Review


Setting aside the cost difference, which would be your choice: elmarit 28mm asph or CV 28mm color-skopar?
Aug 12, 2023 at 11:17 PM
madNbad
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p.7 #5 · p.7 #5 · Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar Review


torifile wrote:
Setting aside the cost difference, which would be your choice: elmarit 28mm asph or CV 28mm color-skopar?


I’m going to run a roll of Tri-X through my M4-2 using the new 28 Color Skopar tomorrow. Having owned a couple of 28 Elmarit-M lenses, I’m expecting the results to be about the same. If you’re pixel peeping Pete with a high resolution sensor looking for flaws, the Elmarit is going to show it strength but for everyday use, posting photos on Flickr, the Color Skopar is more than enough.
For a lot of photographers who stretched their budgets to get a M-P or an M10R, this is a great option to spending almost $2800 usd for a new Elmarit or close to two grand for a used one. Voigtlander is making a lens that is about 95% or better of a similar Leica lens for a third of the price. It may not be good enough for some but it’s more than enough for me.
Aug 12, 2023 at 11:46 PM
torifile
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p.7 #6 · p.7 #6 · Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar Review


I’m eager to see the results!
madNbad wrote:
I’m going to run a roll of Tri-X through my M4-2 using the new 28 Color Skopar tomorrow. Having owned a couple of 28 Elmarit-M lenses, I’m expecting the results to be about the same. If you’re pixel peeping Pete with a high resolution sensor looking for flaws, the Elmarit is going to show it strength but for everyday use, posting photos on Flickr, the Color Skopar is more than enough.
For a lot of photographers who stretched their budgets to get a M-P or an M10R, this is a great option to spending almost $2800 usd for a new Elmarit...Show more →
Aug 13, 2023 at 05:12 AM
Fred Miranda
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p.7 #7 · p.7 #7 · Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar Review



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Rendering compared to Leica 28mm 2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH



The Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar lens delivers slightly more sharpness at the center compared to the Leica 28mm 2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH lens, especially when used wide open. This difference in sharpness becomes more noticeable when capturing distant subjects. However, as you move towards the middle of the image field, the Leica lens shows slightly better performance. At the edges of the image, both lenses offer similar results, and overall, they maintain comparable levels of contrast.

In terms of rendering, the Leica lens provides a smoother transition zone, and the bright areas don't have as much outlining as observed with the Voigtlander lens. Additionally, the Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar shows higher optical vignetting, resulting in less circular highlights towards the edge of the frame. Besides vignetting differences, the overall images from both lenses appear quite similar. I've noticed that the Voigtlander lens shows more of a purple color towards the corners, but keep in mind that the Leica lens automatically fixes this in-camera.

For a clearer visual representation, here are some example images, at various distances, comparing the Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar and the Leica 28mm 2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH lenses. All of these images were taken with both lenses wide open and meticulously focused on the exact same point using the M10-R camera with Visoflex. Upon closer inspection, you can distinguishdistinct differences between the lenses.



Sample 1: At 1.5m
(Check the name of the lens when comparing the cropped images)




Leica TOP | Voigtlander BOTTOM






100% magnification at focused area (Focused area)






50% magnification crop from image above






50% magnification crop from image above
Aug 13, 2023 at 11:28 AM
Fred Miranda
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p.7 #8 · p.7 #8 · Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar Review


Sample 2: At 2.3m
(Check the name of the lens when comparing the cropped images)




Leica LEFT | Voigtlander RIGHT






100% magnification crop from image above (Focused area)






50% crop from image above






50% crop from image above
Aug 13, 2023 at 11:30 AM
Fred Miranda
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p.7 #9 · p.7 #9 · Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar Review


Sample 2: At 1m
(Check the name of the lens when comparing the cropped images)




Voigtlander (TOP) | Leica (BOTTOM)






100% magnification crop from image above (Focused area)






50% magnification crop from image above






50% magnification crop from image above






50% magnification crop from image above
Aug 13, 2023 at 11:45 AM
Fred Miranda
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p.7 #10 · p.7 #10 · Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar Review


Sample 2: At 3m
(Check the name of the lens when comparing the cropped images)




Leica (TOP) | Voigtlander (BOTTOM)






100% magnification crop from image above (Focused area)






50% magnification crop from image above






50% magnification crop from image above
Aug 13, 2023 at 11:47 AM
 


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p.7 #11 · p.7 #11 · Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar Review


Sample 2: At 3.2m
(Check the name of the lens when comparing the cropped images)




Voigtlander (TOP) | Leica (BOTTOM)






100% magnification crop from image above (Focused area)






50% magnification crop from image above






50% magnification crop from image above






50% magnification crop from image above
Aug 13, 2023 at 11:49 AM
Fred Miranda
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p.7 #12 · p.7 #12 · Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar Review


Sample 2: At 0.7m (MFD for the Leica)
(Check the name of the lens when comparing the cropped images)




Leica (TOP) | Voigtlander (BOTTOM)






100% magnification crop from image above (Focused area)






50% magnification crop from image above






50% magnification crop from image above
Aug 13, 2023 at 11:51 AM
Fred Miranda
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p.7 #13 · p.7 #13 · Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar Review


Sample 2: At 0.8m (MFD for the Leica)
(Check the name of the lens when comparing the cropped images)




Leica (TOP) | Voigtlander (BOTTOM)






100% magnification crop from image above (Focused area)






50% magnification crop from image above






50% magnification crop from image above






50% magnification crop from image above
Aug 13, 2023 at 11:53 AM
Fred Miranda
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p.7 #14 · p.7 #14 · Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar Review


Sample 2: At 2m (MFD for the Leica)
(Check the name of the lens when comparing the cropped images)




Voigtlander (TOP) | Leica (BOTTOM)






100% crop from image above (Focused area)






50% magnification crop from image above






50% magnification crop from image above
Aug 13, 2023 at 11:54 AM
torifile
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p.7 #15 · p.7 #15 · Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar Review


Thanks Fred.


Aug 13, 2023 at 12:05 PM
TheEyesHaveIt
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p.7 #16 · p.7 #16 · Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar Review


Thanks Fred - very helpful! That vignette on the Voigtlander is pretty intense, but hopefully easy to remove in LR. I preferred the Leica bokeh (Voigtlander is rather busy), but otherwise, the rendering is very similar. Some colors are a bit punchier on the Voigtlander (yellows) but others are richer with the Leica (reds). A material size difference between the two as well, especially if you put the hoods on.
Aug 13, 2023 at 01:02 PM
Fred Miranda
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p.7 #17 · p.7 #17 · Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar Review



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Final Thoughts:

Summing up, the Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar by Cosina is an impressively compelling choice. It's an incredibly compact, lightweight, and affordable lens that excels as a versatile wide-angle option. With a modern optical design, it captures images featuring high resolution and contrast across most of the frame, even though there's a minor resolution dip in the mid-field. Ideal for street photography and landscapes, its optimal performance lies at f/4 for achieving sharp corners.

When focusing on subjects at the minimal focus distance (MFD), it surpasses expectations in performance. Additionally, when focusing on subjects at a mid-distance, it exhibits a distinctive and classic rendering style.

The Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar maintains its position as a category leader, all at an affordable price, despite a few minor drawbacks, including 'cats-eye' shaped specular highlights, significant vignetting, and noticeable purple color at the edges.

This lens produces well-defined 10-pointed sunstars starting at f/4 and boasts excellent resistance to ghosting flare, although veiling flare remains slightly less controlled. Its performance matches that of the higher-priced Leica 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH and the faster Voigtlander 28/2 Ultron II lenses. However, the latter maintains a slight advantage in terms of resolution, lateral chromatic aberration control, and vignetting.

For those who prioritize compactness with the right compromises, the Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar stands out as an enticing option at $699. When you put the Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar up against the Leica 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M, which costs a lot more at four times the price, the biggest difference becomes apparent in terms of size and weight. This is something that works to the advantage of the Voigtlander lens. You'll especially notice the size difference between these two lenses when you attach the lens hoods.


Pros:
  1. Modern, ultra-compact, and lightweight design.
  2. High resolution and contrast across the image field from wide open.
  3. Very low distortion.
  4. Great performance at MFD (0.5m).
  5. Solid build with tight tolerance construction.
  6. Aperture mechanism creates defined 10-pointed sunstars.
  7. Low chromatic aberration.
  8. Great ghosting flare resistance.

Cons:
  1. Specular highlights may show "cats-eye" shape.
  2. High vignetting.
  3. Slight dip in resolution at mid-field.
  4. Purple color towards the edges when shooting at large apertures
Aug 13, 2023 at 01:11 PM
madNbad
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p.7 #18 · p.7 #18 · Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar Review


Thank you for all the testing and comparisons. I was out this morning with a couple of rolls of Tri-X in the M4-2. It focuses quickly and the aperture ring clicks solidly into place. I'm using it with a finder but for those with the 28 framelines, it barely shows in the finder.
It may not perform to the same level as the Elmarit-M at every level but Cosina is offering a well made option.
Aug 13, 2023 at 01:32 PM
Fred Miranda
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p.7 #19 · p.7 #19 · Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar Review


TheEyesHaveIt wrote:
Thanks Fred - very helpful! That vignette on the Voigtlander is pretty intense, but hopefully easy to remove in LR. I preferred the Leica bokeh (Voigtlander is rather busy), but otherwise, the rendering is very similar. Some colors are a bit punchier on the Voigtlander (yellows) but others are richer with the Leica (reds). A material size difference between the two as well, especially if you put the hoods on.

You're welcome! It's interesting how photographers have varying preferences. Some might prefer the smoother transition zone appearance of the Leica 28/2.8 Elmarit, while others could be drawn to the more structured rendering of the Color-Skopar. Surprisingly, this can go against expectations. For instance, when comparing the Leica 28mm f/2 Summicron (v2) to the Voigtlander 28mm f/2 Ultron II, this time the Leica lens shows more character in the bokeh, with more visible outlining and other qualities compared to the Voigtlander 28mm f/2 Ultron II lens.

By the way, in terms of rendering, the Voigtlander 28mm f/2 Ultron II produces a similar look to the Elmarit lens when used at f/2.8 and beyond. The Ultron will be sharper at similar apertures, though.

From my view, I think the Elmarit and Color-Skopar have quite a bit in common in performance and even rendering. In terms of resolution and contrast, the Voigtlander lens appears sharper at the center, while the Leica lens is better in the mid-field. At the corners, both lenses perform similarly. The most noticeable difference is in the vignetting effect. Also, the Leica lens is known for making circular-shaped highlights and a slightly smoother rendering, which some photographers might like.
Aug 13, 2023 at 05:19 PM
Desmolicious
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p.7 #20 · p.7 #20 · Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar Review


Excellent test as always Fred. For me the only difference I would actually notice is the vignetting. And for that I prefer the Leica lens. But for that price difference? That’s the equalizer.
Aug 13, 2023 at 10:25 PM
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