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 p.3 #3 · p.3 #3 · Voigtlander 18mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar X-mount Review | |
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Final Thoughts:
After extensively shooting with the Voigtländer 18mm f/2.8 for nearly a month, I must say that the lens was meticulously designed with the right compromises in mind. Many pancake design lenses I've used across various camera systems often suffer from significant drawbacks in image quality, especially wide-angle lenses. However, this lens breaks that trend with solid performance in a small size.
Many photographers might prefer an 18mm f/2 lens for the extra stop of light and increased blur. However, Cosina opted to provide an even smaller alternative to the Fujifilm 18mm f/2 R, which is one stop brighter but also almost twice as long (23.5mm vs. 40.5mm in length).
Because of its slower f/2.8 aperture and f/4 depth of field full-frame equivalency, you shouldn't expect significant blur, even when shooting wide open. However, when focusing on subjects at close distances, it can isolate the subject and offer a pleasing rendering with increased blur, especially when shooting at its minimum focus distance (0.17m), where it provides a high level of blur.
The lens's 7-element optical design excels in correcting color aberration, distortion, and demonstrates remarkable flare resistance. All of these qualities are packaged in a super compact design that makes it an absolute pleasure to use in the field.
In terms of resolution and contrast, the lens performs quite well for a pancake design, although it's not setting any records. It's worth noting that the lens performs at its best at f/2.8 and reaches optimal performance at f/4. However, stopping down doesn't notably improve the corners. At close range, the lens performs exceptionally well, even without a floating system.
The build of the lens is superb, offering a satisfying feel in hand. It's constructed with tight tolerances, ensuring both durability and aesthetic appeal, much like the Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron. The focusing tab offers just the right amount of resistance, while the aperture mechanism clicks firmly, making each third of a stop easy to discern. Additionally, the slim hood, a hidden treasure of this lens, complements the overall design, preserving its compact form and often escaping notice by casual observers. I even took the step of attaching a UV glass behind the hood, resulting in an extremely slim profile hood combined with UV protection in one!
One advantage of using Cosina lenses is their straight blade aperture mechanism, renowned for its performance in Leica M lenses. This feature is evident in this lens, delivering well-defined 10-point sunstars even at wide apertures, including f/2.8. I've shared numerous images showcasing this characteristic.
There are a few drawbacks to consider. Barrel distortion is present but mild, and there's noticeable field curvature. This curvature starts outward at close distances and becomes inward towards infinity. Also, significant vignetting and noticeable coma are expected when shooting wide open with this lens. The good news is that Lightroom already offers a custom profile for this lens, effectively reducing vignetting.
I've tested the Voigtlander 18mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar on my X-Pro3 optical viewfinder. As some may already know, this camera doesn't have a dedicated 18mm (28mm equiv.) frameline. However, by looking through the viewfinder without shifting your gaze, one can still estimate the correct framing for this lens.
In conclusion, despite a few drawbacks, I highly recommend the Voigtlander 18mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar. Fujifilm photographers who prefer manual focusing with a true mechanical helicoid will appreciate its tactile feel compared to the electronic focus-by-wire system found in autofocus Fujifilm lenses. Although there are minor issues with vignetting, coma correction, and field curvature, this lens still offers exceptional and distinctive performance, making it a must-have for the Fujifilm system. When paired with the Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron, the Voigtlander 18mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar creates an incredibly compact yet powerful combination.
Pros:- Ultra-compact pancake size and lightweight build
- High resolution and contrast even when shooting wide open, with optimal performance at f/2.8 in the center and f/4 in the corners
- Low distortion
- Impressive minimal focus distance of 0.17m for creative close-up shots and high blur
- Excellent build quality with low tolerance, featuring metal construction that enhances its overall appeal
- Electronic communication for EXIF, Auto-magnification and distance
- Aperture mechanism creates beautifully defined 10-pointed sunstars, adding a creative touch to images (even wide open!)
- Virtually no axial chromatic aberration for clean and crisp images
- Genuine helicoid manual focus system featuring a tab for simple and accurate focusing
- Very good flare resistance, particularly when used with the slim hood.
Cons:- Coma (Sagittal flare) visible when shooting at wide apertures
- Outwards field curvature at close distance and inwards at infinity, requiring careful consideration for specific shooting scenarios
- High vignetting
- Some lateral CA
- Short focusing throw may make focus adjustments more sensitive, requiring precise handling
X-E4 VOIGTLANDER COLOR-SKOPAR 18mm F2.8 lens 18mm f/2.8 1/60s 640 ISO -0.3 EV
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Voigtlander has definitely been spoiling us recently so hopefully there is more to come.
