Voigtlander 40mm f/2 Septon Aspherical Review
p.19 #1Voigtlander 40mm f/2 Septon Aspherical Review
Some more with Septon 40/2 on my A7CII from yesterday at sunny Kamakura. (Batis naming in EXIF thanks to to C1 Pro).
Full Album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/DSmLTwSyXsTub3Zq5
Full Album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/DSmLTwSyXsTub3Zq5
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ILCE-7CM2 Zeiss Batis 2/40 CF lens 40mm f/5.6 1/500s 100 ISO 0.0 EV
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ILCE-7CM2 Zeiss Batis 2/40 CF lens 40mm f/2.0 1/640s 100 ISO 0.0 EV
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ILCE-7CM2 Zeiss Batis 2/40 CF lens 40mm f/5.6 1/320s 100 ISO 0.0 EV
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ILCE-7CM2 Zeiss Batis 2/40 CF lens 40mm f/5.6 1/500s 100 ISO 0.0 EV
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ILCE-7CM2 Zeiss Batis 2/40 CF lens 40mm f/5.6 1/800s 100 ISO 0.0 EV
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ILCE-7CM2 Zeiss Batis 2/40 CF lens 40mm f/2.0 1/500s 100 ISO 0.0 EV
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ILCE-7CM2 Zeiss Batis 2/40 CF lens 40mm f/5.6 1/500s 100 ISO 0.0 EV
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ILCE-7CM2 Zeiss Batis 2/40 CF lens 40mm f/5.6 1/800s 100 ISO 0.0 EV
May 31, 2026 at 06:58 AM
p.19 #2Voigtlander 40mm f/2 Septon Aspherical Review
Juha Kannisto wrote:
Some more with Septon 40/2 on my A7CII from yesterday at sunny Kamakura. (Batis naming in EXIF thanks to to C1 Pro).
Full Album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/DSmLTwSyXsTub3Zq5
Thanks for sharing so many wonderful samples in your gallery, Juha!
How are you liking the Septon so far? I'm always interested in hearing your thoughts since we seem to share a very similar taste in lenses and rendering.
Some more with Septon 40/2 on my A7CII from yesterday at sunny Kamakura. (Batis naming in EXIF thanks to to C1 Pro).
Full Album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/DSmLTwSyXsTub3Zq5
Thanks for sharing so many wonderful samples in your gallery, Juha!
How are you liking the Septon so far? I'm always interested in hearing your thoughts since we seem to share a very similar taste in lenses and rendering.
May 31, 2026 at 07:59 AM
p.19 #3Voigtlander 40mm f/2 Septon Aspherical Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
Full Album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/DSmLTwSyXsTub3Zq5Thanks for sharing so many wonderful samples in your gallery, Juha!
How are you liking the Septon so far? I'm always interested in hearing your thoughts since we seem to share a very similar taste in lenses and rendering.
Thanks very much Fred! I like a lot of things about the Septon, the size and weight of course as it works well as an "EDC" type of lens. The focus feel is perfect for me, a bit lighter than many other CV lenses but not too light (i.e. not moving on its own). I find that I enjoy the shooting experience a lot with small lenses that have this kind of lighter focus movement, including this and also my 35/1.4 Nokton classic in E-mount. Those 2 are probably the ones with the lightest focus movement among all my CV lenses.
The color output with the lens is very pleasant to my eye and works well with my usual PP (i.e. I get the look I want very easily with my favorite preset(s) without having to do any extra tweaking). I like the rendering a lot too, a nice mix of IQ + some old school character. Never looks sterile. It works well for close range shooting too (including food shots etc.). 0.3m is plenty close. Also like the bonus ability to use it with the Ultron 40/2 Close Up lens (it focuses in the range of 20.5 cm to 43.5 cm with that based on my measurement).
I feel like I will continue keeping the lens in frequent rotation, not getting bored with it at all so far (after 2+ months).
Juha Kannisto wrote
Some more with Septon 40/2 on my A7CII from yesterday at sunny Kamakura. (Batis naming in EXIF thanks to to C1 Pro).Full Album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/DSmLTwSyXsTub3Zq5
How are you liking the Septon so far? I'm always interested in hearing your thoughts since we seem to share a very similar taste in lenses and rendering.
Thanks very much Fred! I like a lot of things about the Septon, the size and weight of course as it works well as an "EDC" type of lens. The focus feel is perfect for me, a bit lighter than many other CV lenses but not too light (i.e. not moving on its own). I find that I enjoy the shooting experience a lot with small lenses that have this kind of lighter focus movement, including this and also my 35/1.4 Nokton classic in E-mount. Those 2 are probably the ones with the lightest focus movement among all my CV lenses.
The color output with the lens is very pleasant to my eye and works well with my usual PP (i.e. I get the look I want very easily with my favorite preset(s) without having to do any extra tweaking). I like the rendering a lot too, a nice mix of IQ + some old school character. Never looks sterile. It works well for close range shooting too (including food shots etc.). 0.3m is plenty close. Also like the bonus ability to use it with the Ultron 40/2 Close Up lens (it focuses in the range of 20.5 cm to 43.5 cm with that based on my measurement).
I feel like I will continue keeping the lens in frequent rotation, not getting bored with it at all so far (after 2+ months).
May 31, 2026 at 09:55 AM
p.19 #4Voigtlander 40mm f/2 Septon Aspherical Review
I realy like the Septon on my Zf, it's sharper at the focus point than the Ultron which is important to me. First three photos are at F2.0, the fourth at F5,6. SOOC Jpegs, only resized.
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 DSC_8468_sept_small by Jesper Ericson, on Flickr |
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 DSC_8474_sept_small by Jesper Ericson, on Flickr |
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 DSC_8396_sept_small by Jesper Ericson, on Flickr |
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 DSC_8442_sept_small by Jesper Ericson, on Flickr |
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Jun 02, 2026 at 04:47 PM
p.19 #5Voigtlander 40mm f/2 Septon Aspherical Review
Mark at sony alpha blog did a review. I like the rendering of the closeup headshots done with this lens.
https://sonyalpha.blog/2026/04/01/voigtlander-40mm-f2-septon/
https://sonyalpha.blog/2026/04/01/voigtlander-40mm-f2-septon/
Jun 06, 2026 at 07:06 AM
p.19 #6Voigtlander 40mm f/2 Septon Aspherical Review
With it's compromises I still think the Septon is a great every-day lens for Nikon Zf. As a perfect match as the Ultron 40mm been for years on my FM2. Pcture control auto or B/W jpegs
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 DSC_9187_sept_small by Jesper Ericson, on Flickr |
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 DSC_9190_sept_small by Jesper Ericson, on Flickr |
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 DSC_9157_sept_small by Jesper Ericson, on Flickr |
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 DSC_9161_sept_small by Jesper Ericson, on Flickr |
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 DSC_8859_sept_small2 by Jesper Ericson, on Flickr |
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Jun 13, 2026 at 05:51 AM
p.19 #7Voigtlander 40mm f/2 Septon Aspherical Review
Jepser wrote:
I realy like the Septon on my Zf, it's sharper at the focus point than the Ultron which is important to me. First three photos are at F2.0, the fourth at F5,6. SOOC Jpegs, only resized.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55311179270_6e4471dd2b_b.jpgDSC_8468_sept_small by Jesper Ericson, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55309860817_e13f382eb5_b.jpgDSC_8474_sept_small by Jesper Ericson, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55310764196_4b08fa0fe0_b.jpgDSC_8396_sept_small by Jesper Ericson, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55309861107_d70d041b07_b.jpgDSC_8442_sept_small by Jesper Ericson, on Flickr
Why are you processing the black and white photos of people to emulate infrared film - with pale colorless lips? A little corpse-like isn’t it?
Jun 13, 2026 at 07:02 AM
p.19 #8Voigtlander 40mm f/2 Septon Aspherical Review
OscarF wrote:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55311179270_6e4471dd2b_b.jpgDSC_8468_sept_small by Jesper Ericson, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55309860817_e13f382eb5_b.jpgDSC_8474_sept_small by Jesper Ericson, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55310764196_4b08fa0fe0_b.jpgDSC_8396_sept_small by Jesper Ericson, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55309861107_d70d041b07_b.jpgDSC_8442_sept_small by Jesper Ericson, on FlickrWhy are you processing the black and white photos of people to emulate infrared film - with pale colorless lips? A little corpse-like isn’t it?
Wow what a rude comment.
Many people like the look of BW portraits with a red / orange filter as it smoothens skin. I personally prefer a different look, but I respect other people's aesthetic preferences. Seems like you don't..
And btw this is not an infrared look at all. Infrared (720nm and up) would look much more extreme with black pupils and almost white skin.
Jepser wrote
I realy like the Septon on my Zf, it's sharper at the focus point than the Ultron which is important to me. First three photos are at F2.0, the fourth at F5,6. SOOC Jpegs, only resized.https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55311179270_6e4471dd2b_b.jpgDSC_8468_sept_small by Jesper Ericson, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55309860817_e13f382eb5_b.jpgDSC_8474_sept_small by Jesper Ericson, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55310764196_4b08fa0fe0_b.jpgDSC_8396_sept_small by Jesper Ericson, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55309861107_d70d041b07_b.jpgDSC_8442_sept_small by Jesper Ericson, on Flickr
Wow what a rude comment.
Many people like the look of BW portraits with a red / orange filter as it smoothens skin. I personally prefer a different look, but I respect other people's aesthetic preferences. Seems like you don't..
And btw this is not an infrared look at all. Infrared (720nm and up) would look much more extreme with black pupils and almost white skin.
Jun 13, 2026 at 08:03 AM
p.19 #9Voigtlander 40mm f/2 Septon Aspherical Review
I don’t think they look infrared at all. I also don’t see the lips as lifeless.
You could use a little tact and still be honest at the same time.
You could use a little tact and still be honest at the same time.
Jun 13, 2026 at 08:15 AM
p.19 #10Voigtlander 40mm f/2 Septon Aspherical Review
They are not edited or processed. My friend looks a bit pale, but it is quite accurate to a very bright and harsh day. On my phone, so I wont get into a more detailed answer right now ...
OscarF wrote:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55311179270_6e4471dd2b_b.jpgDSC_8468_sept_small by Jesper Ericson, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55309860817_e13f382eb5_b.jpgDSC_8474_sept_small by Jesper Ericson, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55310764196_4b08fa0fe0_b.jpgDSC_8396_sept_small by Jesper Ericson, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55309861107_d70d041b07_b.jpgDSC_8442_sept_small by Jesper Ericson, on FlickrWhy are you processing the black and white photos of people to emulate infrared film - with pale colorless lips? A little corpse-like isn’t it?
OscarF wrote:
Jepser wrote
I realy like the Septon on my Zf, it's sharper at the focus point than the Ultron which is important to me. First three photos are at F2.0, the fourth at F5,6. SOOC Jpegs, only resized.https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55311179270_6e4471dd2b_b.jpgDSC_8468_sept_small by Jesper Ericson, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55309860817_e13f382eb5_b.jpgDSC_8474_sept_small by Jesper Ericson, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55310764196_4b08fa0fe0_b.jpgDSC_8396_sept_small by Jesper Ericson, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55309861107_d70d041b07_b.jpgDSC_8442_sept_small by Jesper Ericson, on Flickr
Jun 13, 2026 at 09:40 AM
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p.19 #11Voigtlander 40mm f/2 Septon Aspherical Review
I’m sorry if I sounded overly harsh. I wasn’t consciously trying to insult. I guess part of it is 2 hours sleep. And possibly a touch of Asperger’s. So again I’m sorry for my bluntness.
So these are straight out of camera JPEGs? I assumed they were raws that he’d post-converted to black and white.
The last portrait of the man also has very pale lips.
I’ve never shot straight out of camera B+W - are there in camera controls to adjust how colors are converted to grays?
I like everything about the portraits except for the strangely pale lips.
So these are straight out of camera JPEGs? I assumed they were raws that he’d post-converted to black and white.
The last portrait of the man also has very pale lips.
I’ve never shot straight out of camera B+W - are there in camera controls to adjust how colors are converted to grays?
I like everything about the portraits except for the strangely pale lips.
Jun 13, 2026 at 11:24 AM
RoamingScott
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p.19 #12Voigtlander 40mm f/2 Septon Aspherical Review
OscarF wrote:
I’m sorry if I sounded overly harsh. I wasn’t consciously trying to insult. I guess part of it is 2 hours sleep. And possibly a touch of Asperger’s. So again I’m sorry for my bluntness.
So these are straight out of camera JPEGs? I assumed they were raws that he’d post-converted to black and white.
The last portrait of the man also has very pale lips.
I’ve never shot straight out of camera B+W - are there in camera controls to adjust how colors are converted to grays?
I like everything about the portraits except for the strangely pale lips.
Assuming you are using a stock Nikon B/W picture profile, or a custom one BASED on one, you can change the digital filter between Orange, Red, Yellow, Green, or off.
I’m sorry if I sounded overly harsh. I wasn’t consciously trying to insult. I guess part of it is 2 hours sleep. And possibly a touch of Asperger’s. So again I’m sorry for my bluntness.
So these are straight out of camera JPEGs? I assumed they were raws that he’d post-converted to black and white.
The last portrait of the man also has very pale lips.
I’ve never shot straight out of camera B+W - are there in camera controls to adjust how colors are converted to grays?
I like everything about the portraits except for the strangely pale lips.
Assuming you are using a stock Nikon B/W picture profile, or a custom one BASED on one, you can change the digital filter between Orange, Red, Yellow, Green, or off.
Jun 13, 2026 at 11:26 AM
p.19 #13Voigtlander 40mm f/2 Septon Aspherical Review
RoamingScott wrote:
Assuming you are using a stock Nikon B/W picture profile, or a custom one BASED on one, you can change the digital filter between Orange, Red, Yellow, Green, or off.
OK. So is that look consistent with having the red or possibly
orange filter activated in the camera?
Jun 13, 2026 at 11:48 AM
RoamingScott
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p.19 #14Voigtlander 40mm f/2 Septon Aspherical Review
OscarF wrote:
OK. So is that look consistent with having the red or possibly
orange filter activated in the camera?
I agree that the processing on the skin is rendering it all more flatly pale than I'd prefer for portraits, consistent with having the Red filter enabled.
RoamingScott wrote
Assuming you are using a stock Nikon B/W picture profile, or a custom one BASED on one, you can change the digital filter between Orange, Red, Yellow, Green, or off.orange filter activated in the camera?
I agree that the processing on the skin is rendering it all more flatly pale than I'd prefer for portraits, consistent with having the Red filter enabled.
Jun 13, 2026 at 11:53 AM
p.19 #15Voigtlander 40mm f/2 Septon Aspherical Review
Just ordered the Septon for use with my A7CR, using Fred’s B&H link on page 1. Thanks to @Fred Miranda and @Juha and others for all the posted photos. They showed me that the far majority of the photos were just excellent and far outweighed the minor numbers of possible negatives when using such a small pancake sized prime on my Sony.
Returned home last Thursday from a 10 week trip to Thailand where I took for the 1st time my Fuji gear, the X-T5 and X-E5, the 2 C/V pancakes 18mm f2.8 CS and 27mm f2 Ultron and 3 others XF primes. Was kinda shocked that I took to the C/V pancakes so well, as 2 of the other primes were fast f1.4 XF AF lenses, and the 27mm Ultron turned out to be my most used lens on the trip by far. Really liked the small form factor of that F/L for my mostly street type shooting, and I kept thinking I wanted the same for my Sony gear, as the only other 40mm (FF eq) lens I have is the Batis.
Returned home last Thursday from a 10 week trip to Thailand where I took for the 1st time my Fuji gear, the X-T5 and X-E5, the 2 C/V pancakes 18mm f2.8 CS and 27mm f2 Ultron and 3 others XF primes. Was kinda shocked that I took to the C/V pancakes so well, as 2 of the other primes were fast f1.4 XF AF lenses, and the 27mm Ultron turned out to be my most used lens on the trip by far. Really liked the small form factor of that F/L for my mostly street type shooting, and I kept thinking I wanted the same for my Sony gear, as the only other 40mm (FF eq) lens I have is the Batis.
Jul 28, 2026 at 08:19 AM
p.19 #16Voigtlander 40mm f/2 Septon Aspherical Review
I ordered for A7CII. I have 35GM, Zeiss 35 2.8 as compact point and shoot, but I'm thirty for a high quality compact lens with f2 speed. Considered Sony 40 2.5 also, but this is shorter, has f2 aperture, and premium build quality with excellent MF for street. The value is not so good considering the price, but I just couldn't find better f2 lens with same size. RX1RIII is very expensive, but the real deal breaker are the fixed screen and lack of ibis in such small body.
Aug 19, 2026 at 03:06 AM
p.19 #18Voigtlander 40mm f/2 Septon Aspherical Review
Nikon ZR and 40 f/2 Septon Z. Killer combination of lightweight small form factor.
NZR_0319 by jammit500, on Flickr
NZR_0317 by jammit500, on Flickr
NZR_0315 by jammit500, on Flickr
NZR_0297 by jammit500, on Flickr
NZR_0295 by jammit500, on Flickr
NZR_0294 by jammit500, on Flickr
NZR_0290 by jammit500, on Flickr
NZR_0287 by jammit500, on Flickr
NZR_0271 by jammit500, on Flickr
NZR_0266 by jammit500, on Flickr
NZR_0258 by jammit500, on Flickr
NZR_0249 by jammit500, on Flickr
NZR_0248 by jammit500, on Flickr
NZR_0319 by jammit500, on FlickrNZR_0317 by jammit500, on FlickrNZR_0315 by jammit500, on FlickrNZR_0297 by jammit500, on FlickrNZR_0295 by jammit500, on FlickrNZR_0294 by jammit500, on FlickrNZR_0290 by jammit500, on FlickrNZR_0287 by jammit500, on FlickrNZR_0271 by jammit500, on FlickrNZR_0266 by jammit500, on FlickrNZR_0258 by jammit500, on FlickrNZR_0249 by jammit500, on FlickrNZR_0248 by jammit500, on FlickrSep 06, 2026 at 02:25 PM
p.19 #19Voigtlander 40mm f/2 Septon Aspherical Review
Nikon ZR with Voightlander 40mm Z f/2 Septon . Cross posted in Voigtlander for Nikon Z
Premium Nostalgic recipe. SOOC. No edits.
NZR_0500 by jammit500, on Flickr
NZR_0484 by jammit500, on Flickr
NZR_0479 by jammit500, on Flickr
NZR_0478 by jammit500, on Flickr
NZR_0470 by jammit500, on Flickr
NZR_0468 by jammit500, on Flickr
NZR_0465 by jammit500, on Flickr
NZR_0460 by jammit500, on Flickr
NZR_0443 by jammit500, on Flickr
NZR_0435 by jammit500, on Flickr
NZR_0429 by jammit500, on Flickr
Premium Nostalgic recipe. SOOC. No edits.
NZR_0500 by jammit500, on FlickrNZR_0484 by jammit500, on FlickrNZR_0479 by jammit500, on FlickrNZR_0478 by jammit500, on FlickrNZR_0470 by jammit500, on FlickrNZR_0468 by jammit500, on FlickrNZR_0465 by jammit500, on FlickrNZR_0460 by jammit500, on FlickrNZR_0443 by jammit500, on FlickrNZR_0435 by jammit500, on FlickrNZR_0429 by jammit500, on FlickrSep 14, 2026 at 01:53 PM