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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Voigtlander 50mm f/2.2 Color-Skopar Review | |
The Voigtlander 50mm f/2.2 Color-Skopar is in stock:
Cameraquest | B&H Photo
Review Quick Links:- About the lens
- Infinity Resolution and Contrast on Leica M10-R (41MP)
- Infinity Resolution and Contrast on Sony A7R II UT (42MP)
- Infinity Resolution and Contrast: Voigtlander 50/2.2 Color-Skopar vs Leica 50/2 Summicron
- Field Curvature
- Sunstar rendering
- Distortion
- Minimal Focus Distance: Resolution and Contrast
- Rendering
- Flare Resistance
- Chromatic aberration control
- Final Thoughts
- Samples 1 2 3 4
Voigtlander 50mm f/2.2 Color-Skopar sample shots contributed by FM members:- @Desmolicious: Sample 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
- @BrandonSi: Sample 1,2
- @mark1958: Sample 1
- @hmzimelka: Sample 1,2,3
- @Matt White: Sample 1
- @junglialoh: Sample 1, 2
- @Juha Kannisto: Sample 1
Voigtlander 50mm f/2.2 Color-Skopar - Intro:
Is the Voigtlander 50mm f/2.2 Color-Skopar the most compact high-performance lens in its class?
Leica M10-R Black Paint with Voigtlander 50mm f/2.2 Color-Skopar
Cosina has revealed the impressively compact Voigtlander 50mm f/2.2 Color-Skopar lens, which was announced back in February 2024. I had the privilege of testing the first prototype. Similar to the Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar, it places a strong emphasis on portability and image quality. Although I will only scrutinize this lens in terms of resolution, contrast, and color aberration once I receive a production model, my initial tests indicate it is a high-performing lens with modern rendering and very good control of color errors. This makes it an attractive choice for photographers seeking a modern, ultra-compact normal lens option.
Voigtlander 50mm f/2.2 Color Skopar without caps
In this review, I'll explore the technical aspects of the Voigtlander 50mm f/2.2 Color-Skopar, testing its resolution, contrast, and optical aberrations. I will also compare its aesthetic rendering qualities with some of the leading 50mm lenses available, such as the Voigtlander 50mm f/2 APO-Lanthar.
Voigtlander 50mm f/2.2 Color-Skopar with included screw-in hood
The Voigtlander 50mm f/2.2 Color-Skopar is available in both black anodized and silver finishes. Its aluminum barrel makes it impressively lightweight at only 135 grams, and it is ultra-compact with an overall length from the mount surface of just 30mm.
Voigtlander 50mm f/2.2 Color-Skopar in silver and black anodized
The optical design consists of 7 elements in 6 groups, including 3 elements of anomalous partial dispersion glass, and surprisingly, no aspherical elements, which usually benefit rendering. Interestingly, the optical design appears to be a combination of Planar and Sonnar designs.
Unusually for a 50mm f/2 lens, Cosina has made the new Voigtlander 50mm f/2.2 Color-Skopar capable of focusing down to 0.5m. This expands the lens's flexibility when using live view for close-up shots. When shooting with the rangefinder, M10 and M11 series cameras allow the lens to be focused down to about 0.62m using the rangefinder.
Voigtlander 50mm f/2.2 Color-Skopar with included screw-in hood
Like previous Cosina lenses, the Voigtlander 50mm f/2.2 Color-Skopar features an all-metal design and a robust helicoid unit. The focus ring operates smoothly, allowing for precise adjustments. Its compact screw-in hood doesn't interfere with the 50mm framelines, which is great for rangefinder shooters. The aperture ring rotates firmly with clear half-stop indentations. Its small size, ideal balance, and lightweight design make it an excellent companion for Leica M bodies, especially for those seeking a normal lens for rangefinder focusing.
The aperture mechanism is equipped with 10 blades offering 10-point sunstars one of two stops from wide open.
Voigtlander 50mm f/2.2 Color-Skopar protruding rear element
I've noticed that the focusing tab on the new CV 50/2.2 is slightly larger than on any previous Cosina lens. It's as thin as the Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 Nokton but noticeably wider, which enhances focusing ease. Despite being a prototype, I appreciate the smooth rotation of the focusing ring and how well the lens focus is perfectly aligned with my rangefinder. If there are any changes when I receive the production model, I'll be sure to update you.
Let's take a closer look at the full specifications of the Voigtlander 50mm f/2.2 Color-Skopar:
Voigtlander Voigtlander 50mm f/2.2 Color-Skopar Specifications:- Focal Length: 50mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/2.2
- Minimum Aperture: f/16
- Angle of View: 47.3°
- Minimum Focus Distance: 0.5 m
- Optical Design: 6 groups 7 elements
- Special Glass: 7 elements in 6 groups, including 3 elements of anomalous partial dispersion glass
- Filter Size: 39mm
- Aperture blades: 10 (straight)
- Focus throw: ~120 degrees
- Dimensions (ø x L): φ51.4×30.0mm
- Weight: 135 grams (142g with hood)
- Hood: Screw-in hood included
Leica M10-R BP with Voigtlander 50mm f/2.2 Color-Skopar without hood
It's worth noting that the Voigtlander 50mm f/2.2 Color-Skopar's black finish was altered from the initial February announcement. The lower part of the lens with the distance markings is no longer black anodized like the rest of the lens barrel. It's now silver, giving the lens a unique appearance.
When I first saw the updated image of the CV 50/2.2 posted by Cosina, I wasn't really fond of it, but I had a change of heart when I saw it mounted on the camera. The silver section of the lens matches the Leica M silver mount, providing a pleasant aesthetic look.
Voigtlander 50mm f/2.2 Color-Skopar "Silver Edition" mounted on the Leica M-P
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