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Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar Review
  
 
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p.1 #1 · Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar Review


Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar Review
Order the Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar:

The Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar is now available for pre-order, with shipping set for March 27th.

Cameraquest: Black | Silver

B&H Photo: Black & Silver



Review Quick Links:

  1. Initial Impressions
  2. Resolution and Contrast at Infinity distance: Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar vs Voigtlander 35mm f/2 Ultron
  3. Resolution and Contrast at Infinity distance: Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar vs Voigtlander 40mm f/2.8 Heliar
  4. Infinity Resolution and Contrast on Sony A7R II E-mount (42MP)
  5. Distortion
  6. Sunstar Rendering
  7. Sunstar Rendering Addendum: Vignetting and Flare Resistance
  8. Field Curvature
  9. Minimal Focus Distance performance and Focus Shift
  10. Rendering compared to Voigtlander 35mm f/2 Ultron
  11. Optical Vignetting and Specular Highlights shape
  12. Chromatic Aberration (CA)

  13. Final Thoughts
  14. Samples 1
  15. Samples 2
  16. Samples 3
  17. Samples 4
  18. Samples 5
  Leica M10-R BP paired with the Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar lens




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Initial impressions of the Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar lens:

Holding the Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar, I immediately felt its precision as the compact build, smooth mechanics, and vintage charm came together in a small frame.

At just 14mm in length, this lens is exceptionally compact, even shorter than the ultra-compact Voigtlander 40mm f/2.8 Heliar and a full 4mm smaller than the Leica 28mm f/5.6 Summaron. Despite its compactness, the aperture clicks feel more distinct than on previous Voigtlander lenses, offering a tactile, precise adjustment. Even with the larger included vintage-style hood, the lens remains noticeably shorter than the Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar and 40mm f/2.8 Heliar when equipped with their small screw-in hoods.
   Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar mounted on a Leica M3 with a 35mm external viewfinder




A unique feature is how the aperture can be adjusted by rotating the hood itself, a thoughtful and functional design. The included 1mm UV filter is also a nice touch, matching the silver finish of the lens I am reviewing.
   From left to right (Without their hoods): CV 35mm f/2 Ultron, CV 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar, CV 40mm f/2.8 Heliar and CV 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar
   From left to right (With their hoods): CV 35mm f/2 Ultron, CV 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar, CV 40mm f/2.8 Heliar and CV 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar




The Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar is not only the smallest Voigtlander lens ever produced but also extremely lightweight, weighing only 99 grams for both Chrome and Glossy Black Paint finishes. Despite being light, the lens feels dense for its size due to its solid brass construction.
   Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar in Chrome and Glossy Black Paint with their included 1mm UV filter attached




Unusual for Cosina, this lens comes with a generous set of accessories. Included are a 1mm UV filter matching the lens finish, two lens caps (one for use with or without the filter), and another for the hood. The beautifully crafted vintage-style hood not only protects the aperture ring but also allows you to adjust the aperture settings by rotating the hood itself. The aperture ring rotates clockwise like most Leica M lenses, with distinct clicks that reflect tight tolerance construction.
   Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar with included 1mm protective filter and Voigtlander 40mm f/2.8 Heliar with a third party (EINS) 1mm protective filter
   Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar with a front cap that protects the aperture ring
   Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar with the included vintage-style hood and dedicated cap. The hood can be attached to display either the Voigtlander brand or the 35/3.5 marking




While the lens looks small when mounted on a Leica M body, its overall size extends further inside the camera. As seen in the images below, several lens elements protrude deeply into the camera body, positioning them close to the sensor.
   Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar in Chrome and Glossy Black Paint with their included hood




Like the Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar Type I and the Voigtlander 40mm f/2.8 Heliar, the aperture ring is mechanically connected to the focusing ring. This design requires setting the aperture first before adjusting focus. The focus ring rotation is smooth, and a small stick provides a similar feel to a traditional focus tab. As with the previous lenses, there is an infinity lock which some will find useful while others may not. Personally, I appreciate lenses with focusing locks.
   Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar adapted to Sony E-mount camera




I will also be testing the Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar adapted to E-mount. Slower lenses with a maximum aperture of f/3.5 or smaller typically perform well on thicker sensor stacks, as seen with other f/3.5 lenses in previous reviews. I expect this lens to follow that trend, but I am curious to observe any performance differences when adapting it to mirrorless cameras.
   Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar adapted to Sony E-mount camera




The focus throw on this lens is relatively long, about 180 degrees from the minimum focus distance to the infinity lock, which is characteristic of vintage Leica M lenses. Cosina markets this lens as a "compact retro-style lens with advanced modern optics," and the inclusion of details like the infinity lock and extended focus throw reinforces this classic aesthetic. The vintage-inspired hood also enhances the retro styling. The question remains: does it deliver modern optical performance?

Examining its optical design, the lens features a simple 4-group, 6-element construction. This includes one double-sided aspheric element and three anomalous partial-dispersion glass elements. While the 6-element formula is straightforward, the use of specialized glass suggests high optical performance.
   The lens features a simple 4-group, 6-element lens construction with one double-sided aspheric lens and three anomalous partial-dispersion glass elements




The lens also includes 10 straight aperture blades. Cosina is known for designing lenses that produce distinctive and well-defined sunstars, even at wider apertures. I plan to test this characteristic further to determine which apertures yield the most appealing sunstars.
   Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar with a 1mm protective filter mounted on a Leica M3 with a 35mm external viewfinder
   Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar with a 1mm protective filter mounted on a Leica M3 with a 35mm external viewfinder




Specifications:

  1. Focal Length: 35mm
  2. Minimal Aperture: F22
  3. Angle of View: 61.6°
  4. Minimum Focus: 0.7m
  5. Diameter × Length: φ52.0×14.0mm
  6. Weight: Measured exactly 99 grams without the protective filter
  7. Accessory: With Protect UV filter and 2 front caps
  8. Aperture Ratio: 1 : 3.5
  9. Lens Construction: 4 groups 6 elements (one double-sided aspheric lens and three anomalous partial-dispersion)
  10. Aperture Blade: 10
  11. Filter size: φ34mm
  12. Hood: Included
  13. Finish: Chrome and Glossy Black Paint (brass body)
  14. Compatible with all digital and film M-mount cameras





Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar paired with Leica M10-R Black Paint
Feb 22, 2025 at 12:26 PM
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p.1 #2 · Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar Review



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Infinity Resolution and Contrast compared to Voigtlander 35mm f/2 Ultron (60MP)

I have owned the Voigtlander 35mm f/2 Ultron for many years, and it remains one of my favorite 35mm lenses, mainly due to its rendering. It also performs well on lower-megapixel sensors like 24MP and 40MP. However, on the M11’s 60MP sensor, its weaknesses become more apparent, especially when shooting wide open. As I have pointed out in many of my recent reviews, resolution differences become much clearer at 60MP.

While the Voigtlander 35mm f/2 Ultron is impressively compact for its aperture, the newer Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar takes portability even further. With its smaller f/3.5 maximum aperture, it is almost half the length and significantly lighter. But how do they compare in real-world performance when shooting wide open, at f/3.5, and at smaller apertures?

I tested both lenses side by side, and the results were surprising. At similar apertures, the ultra-compact 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar holds its own against the Ultron in center sharpness. The Ultron shows a slight edge away from the center, but from f/4 across most of the frame and f/8 in the extreme corners, both lenses deliver very similar resolution and contrast.

It is also worth mentioning that neither lens suffers from significant field curvature. This means that focusing on the corners does not noticeably affect fine detail, which adds to their practical usability across the frame.










  1. Distance: Infinity
  2. Focus: Center - Best of three shots at maximum magnification
  3. White Balance: Daylight
  4. Both lenses are perfectly centered, as verified with my decentering test.
  5. Software used: Lightroom with FM Default Landscape Sharpening; all other settings are at default.

    PS: Vignetting, Chromatic Aberration (CA), and distortion were not corrected either in post-processing or in-camera.



    Center Resolution and Contrast
    Infinity Resolution and Contrast compared to Voigtlander 35mm f/2 Ultron (60MP)





    Both lenses wide open (f/2 vs f/3.5)







    f/3.5







    f/4







    f/5.6







    f/8
Feb 23, 2025 at 05:29 PM
Fred Miranda
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p.1 #3 · Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar Review


Mid-field Resolution and Contrast
Infinity Resolution and Contrast compared to Voigtlander 35mm f/2 Ultron (60MP)





Both lenses wide open (f/2 vs f/3.5)







f/3.5







f/4







f/5.6







f/8
Feb 23, 2025 at 05:32 PM
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p.1 #4 · Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar Review


Extreme Corner Resolution and Contrast
Infinity Resolution and Contrast compared to Voigtlander 35mm f/2 Ultron (60MP)





Both lenses wide open (f/2 vs f/3.5)







f/3.5







f/4







f/5.6







f/8
Feb 23, 2025 at 05:33 PM
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p.1 #5 · Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar Review



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Infinity Resolution and Contrast compared to Voigtlander 40mm f/2.8 Heliar (60MP)

The Voigtlander 40mm f/2.8 Heliar VM shares the same optical design as the Voigtlander 40mm f/2.8 Heliar released in 2014. The original model lacked a helicoid, meaning it was not designed for use on a Leica rangefinder. It was also collapsible and required the Voigtlander VM-E Close Focus Adapter for focusing when mounted on a mirrorless camera.

In terms of performance, the Voigtlander 40mm f/2.8 Heliar delivers impressive detail across most of the frame from wide open, with smooth and pleasant rendering. It is well corrected, so spherical and chromatic aberrations are minimal, even at its widest aperture. However, the lens exhibits noticeable field curvature, which can cause uneven out-of-focus areas near the corners. Depending on subject distance, the corners may appear sharper than the center. Because of this curvature, focusing on the corners improves their sharpness but comes at the expense of center resolution.

So how does the even more compact Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar compare? Based on the side-by-side test below at infinity, the 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar shows a much flatter field curvature, along with higher resolution and contrast in the center. It also performs even better away from the center, especially in the corners.










  1. Distance: Infinity
  2. Focus: Center - Best of three shots at maximum magnification
  3. White Balance: Daylight
  4. Both lenses are perfectly centered, as verified with my decentering test.
  5. Software used: Lightroom with FM Default Landscape Sharpening; all other settings are at default.

    PS: Vignetting, Chromatic Aberration (CA), and distortion were not corrected either in post-processing or in-camera.



    Center Resolution and Contrast
    Infinity Resolution and Contrast compared to Voigtlander 40mm f/2.8 Heliar (60MP)





    Both lenses wide open (f/2.8 vs f/3.5)







    f/3.5







    f/4







    f/5.6







    f/8
Feb 23, 2025 at 05:39 PM
Fred Miranda
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p.1 #6 · Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar Review


Mid-field Resolution and Contrast
Infinity Resolution and Contrast compared to Voigtlander 40mm f/2.8 Heliar (60MP)





Both lenses wide open (f/2.8 vs f/3.5)







f/3.5







f/4







f/5.6







f/8
Feb 23, 2025 at 05:40 PM
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p.1 #7 · Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar Review


Extreme Corner Resolution and Contrast
Infinity Resolution and Contrast compared to Voigtlander 40mm f/2.8 Heliar (60MP)





Both lenses wide open (f/2.8 vs f/3.5)







f/3.5







f/4







f/5.6







f/8
Feb 23, 2025 at 05:41 PM
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p.1 #8 · Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar Review



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Infinity Resolution and Contrast on Sony A7R II E-mount (42MP)

The Sony sensor has a thicker cover glass compared to the Leica M, which typically causes performance degradation with certain lenses. In most cases, lenses with an f/3.5 maximum aperture are more forgiving of thicker sensor stacks, allowing them to perform well on other mirrorless cameras without noticeable impact on image quality. However, this is not true for the Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar. When adapted to the Sony A7R II E-mount camera, the thicker sensor induces a substantial increase in outward field curvature.

The good news is that the main issue is the exaggerated field curvature, while astigmatism remains largely unaffected. By focusing on the corners, you can achieve sharpness in that area similar to shooting on a Leica M body with a thinner sensor, though this comes at the expense of center performance.

This behavior contrasts with the Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar, which performs optimally on other mirrorless bodies even when used wide open. Clearly, factors beyond maximum aperture are at play. Focal length and optical design also significantly influence how a lens interacts with different sensor thicknesses.
   Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar adapted to Sony A7R II


  1. Distance: Infinity
  2. Focus: Center - Best of three shots at maximum magnification
  3. White Balance: Daylight
  4. Both lenses are perfectly centered, as verified with my decentering test.
  5. Software used: Lightroom with FM Default Landscape Sharpening; all other settings are at default.

    PS: Vignetting, Chromatic Aberration (CA), and distortion were not corrected either in post-processing or in-camera.



    Center Resolution and Contrast
    Infinity Resolution and Contrast on Sony A7R II E-mount (42MP)





    f/3.5: Sony A7R II (LEFT) | Leica M11 (RIGHT)







    f/4: Sony A7R II (LEFT) | Leica M11 (RIGHT)







    f/5.6: Sony A7R II (LEFT) | Leica M11 (RIGHT)







    f/8: Sony A7R II (LEFT) | Leica M11 (RIGHT)
Feb 24, 2025 at 12:01 PM
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p.1 #9 · Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar Review


Mid-Field Resolution and Contrast
Infinity Resolution and Contrast on Sony A7R II E-mount (42MP)





f/3.5: Sony A7R II (LEFT) | Leica M11 (RIGHT)







f/4: Sony A7R II (LEFT) | Leica M11 (RIGHT)







f/5.6: Sony A7R II (LEFT) | Leica M11 (RIGHT)







f/8: Sony A7R II (LEFT) | Leica M11 (RIGHT)
Feb 24, 2025 at 12:02 PM
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p.1 #10 · Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar Review


Extreme Corner Resolution and Contrast
Infinity Resolution and Contrast on Sony A7R II E-mount (42MP)





f/3.5: Sony A7R II (LEFT) | Leica M11 (RIGHT)







f/4: Sony A7R II (LEFT) | Leica M11 (RIGHT)







f/5.6: Sony A7R II (LEFT) | Leica M11 (RIGHT)







f/8: Sony A7R II (LEFT) | Leica M11 (RIGHT)
Feb 24, 2025 at 12:05 PM
 


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p.1 #11 · Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar Review


Since the main issue when adapting the Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar to a Sony E-mount body is the increased field curvature, what happens if we focus on the corners instead of the center? By doing so, the corners become sharp, but the center falls out of focus due to the "induced" field curvature caused by the thicker sensor stack.

Here are sample crops to illustrate this:





At f/3.5, when focusing on the corner (this area): Sony A7R II (LEFT) | Leica M11 (RIGHT)







At f/3.5, focusing on the corner causes the center to go out of focus due to the induced field curvature: : Sony A7R II (LEFT) | Leica M11 (RIGHT)
Feb 24, 2025 at 12:10 PM
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p.1 #12 · Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar Review



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Samples 1
All shot wide open at f/3.5, with varying distances and lighting conditions.

These images have minimal processing with added sharpening and either the Adobe Standard or Color profile. Black-and-white images are converted to Monochrome in Lightroom. All images are shot wide open at f/3.5.




  LEICA M10-R    Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar lens    35mm    1/800s    100 ISO    0.0 EV  






  LEICA M10-R    Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar lens    35mm    1/15s    100 ISO    0.0 EV  






  LEICA M10-R    Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar lens    35mm    1/1250s    100 ISO    -0.3 EV  






  LEICA M10-R    Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar lens    35mm    1/320s    100 ISO    0.0 EV  






  LEICA M10-R    Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar lens    35mm    1/40s    100 ISO    0.0 EV  






  LEICA M10-R    Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar lens    35mm    1/20s    100 ISO    0.0 EV  






  LEICA M10-R    Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar lens    35mm    1/50s    100 ISO    0.0 EV  






  LEICA M10-R    Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar lens    35mm    1/200s    100 ISO    -0.3 EV  
Feb 24, 2025 at 05:03 PM
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p.1 #13 · Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar Review


I think this would be an 'f/8 and be there' kind of lens for me. The Ultron looks better in the midfield and periphery, even at f/8... but on 24MP, there might not be a relevant difference in actual use in situations when the smaller size of the 35/3.5 has an advantage.
Feb 24, 2025 at 05:09 PM
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p.1 #14 · Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar Review



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Distortion

Most 35mm lenses I’ve reviewed exhibit some level of distortion, typically in the form of barrel distortion. Interestingly, the Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar shows mild pincushion distortion instead. Applying a "-3" correction in Lightroom effectively addresses this without noticeably affecting image quality.

Below is a resized image without any correction, followed by a second image with the Lightroom -3 distortion adjustment for comparison.




Before pincushion correction

  LEICA M10-R    Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar lens    35mm    1/125s    100 ISO    -1.3 EV  






After pincushion correction

  LEICA M10-R    Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar lens    35mm    1/125s    100 ISO    -1.3 EV  
Feb 24, 2025 at 08:00 PM
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p.1 #15 · Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar Review



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Sunstar rendering

For photographers who prioritize capturing distinct and well-defined sunstars, Voigtlander lenses are a compelling choice. Most of their M-mount lenses use straight aperture blades, and their precise mechanical tolerances consistently produce sharp, symmetrical sunstar rays.

The Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar follows this tradition, delivering defined sunstars that become visible just 1/3 stop down at f/4. While 10-point sunstars remain well-formed across most apertures, they lose some definition and symmetry when shot wide open at f/3.5 or fully stopped down to f/22. For the sharpest and most distinct rays, the mid-aperture range offers the best results.

The Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar produces well-defined sunstars from f/4 through f/16.

Below is a visual progression showcasing the sunstar shape at each full-stop aperture from f/3.5 to f/22. This lens employs 10 straight aperture blades, creating 10-point sunstars. The sunstar rendering closely resembles that of the Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar, reflecting a consistent design approach across their lineup.




f/3.5






f/4






f/5.6






f/8






f/11






f/16






f/22
Feb 24, 2025 at 08:22 PM
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p.1 #16 · Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar Review


I'm starting to get into the Leica ecosystem and I've bookmarked this as I look for lenses. So much knowledge thank you for sharing!
Feb 24, 2025 at 11:10 PM
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p.1 #17 · Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar Review


Thanks for this comprehensive review! Its so nice to have a brand new option in the M system.
Feb 25, 2025 at 12:23 AM
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p.1 #18 · Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar Review



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Sunstar Rendering Addendum: Vignetting and Flare Resistance Tests

I always like to present sunstars in a way that many landscape photographers would appreciate. In most of my reviews, I include a sunstar sequence from a sunrise to mimic how this lens would typically be used for landscapes.

As shown in the previous sunstar test, the rays begin to take shape just one-third stop down at f/4. While the 10-point sunstars remain well-formed across most apertures, they lose some definition and symmetry when shot wide open at f/3.5 or fully stopped down at f/22.

However, this test confirms that even at f/3.5 and f/22, the sunstars still show some definition, although the rays are not as symmetric as at other aperture settings. They are still usable if absolutely necessary. For the sharpest and most distinct rays, the mid-aperture range delivers the best results.

This test also demonstrates the amount of vignetting from f/3.5 to f/22, giving a clear idea of what to expect from this lens. Vignetting is most noticeable when shooting wide open at f/3.5, though it is still acceptable for such an ultra-compact lens. The best vignetting performance is achieved starting at f/8, where the darkening in the corners becomes minimal.

Also, this test reveals how the lens handles shooting directly into the sun, particularly in terms of flare resistance. In a word, it is outstanding. There is no ghosting or veiling flare visible in any of the samples. I even extended the test with the sun positioned higher in the sky, and the results remained free of ghosting.

The Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar produces well-defined sunstars from f/4 through f/16.

Below is a visual progression showcasing the sunstar shape at each full-stop aperture from f/3.5 to f/22. This lens employs 10 straight aperture blades, creating 10-point sunstars.




f/3.5

  LEICA M10-R    Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar lens    35mm    f/1.7    1/1500s    100 ISO    -2.0 EV  






f/4

  LEICA M10-R    Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar lens    35mm    f/1.7    1/1000s    100 ISO    -2.0 EV  






f/5.6

  LEICA M10-R    Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar lens    35mm    f/2.4    1/500s    100 ISO    -2.0 EV  






f/8

  LEICA M10-R    Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar lens    35mm    f/3.4    1/250s    100 ISO    -2.0 EV  






f/11

  LEICA M10-R    Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar lens    35mm    f/4.8    1/125s    100 ISO    -2.0 EV  






f/16

  LEICA M10-R    Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar lens    35mm    f/5.6    1/60s    100 ISO    -2.0 EV  






f/22

  LEICA M10-R    Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar lens    35mm    f/8.0    1/45s    100 ISO    -2.0 EV  
Feb 25, 2025 at 11:52 AM
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p.1 #19 · Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar Review



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Field Curvature

The Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar displays a consistent curvature from close distances to infinity, though it doesn’t offer the same flat field as some lenses known for this characteristic. Instead, the curvature starts slightly inward at close distances, flattens out in the mid-range, and then curves slightly inward again at longer distances. Overall, the shape remains fairly flat throughout.

Unlike most 35-50mm lenses, which tend to display outward field curvature, Cosina has designed this lens to be compact without compromising flatness. Inward curvature is preferred over outward curvature because it helps maintain better sharpness from infinity to the foreground. Also, this curvature contributes to a pleasing rendering, ensuring the out-of-focus areas in the corners remain smoothly blurred.

Here's a GIF animation showing the focus transition from close distance to infinity in seven stages. You'll notice that the depth of field is quite expansive, due to the f/3.5 aperture.
Feb 25, 2025 at 12:49 PM
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p.1 #20 · Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar Review


rscheffler wrote:
I think this would be an 'f/8 and be there' kind of lens for me. The Ultron looks better in the midfield and periphery, even at f/8... but on 24MP, there might not be a relevant difference in actual use in situations when the smaller size of the 35/3.5 has an advantage.

I agree that it is an excellent choice for street and landscape photography. Stopping down to f/8 for zone focusing provides a discreet, lightweight setup with high performance across the entire frame, from the center to the edges. It also offers low distortion and strong flare resistance, which is a bonus.

For landscapes, this lens is incredibly useful at f/8 and f/11, especially on demanding hikes where every ounce matters. The only drawback is the 34mm filter thread.

When compared to the Ultron at f/8, I’d say their performance is equivalent, and it would be difficult to notice any real-world differences.
Feb 27, 2025 at 12:28 PM
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