Initial Impression: Voigtländer 28 mm/1:2.0 Ultron VM
I own the first generation Ultron 28mm f2 VM lens and still use it every now and then. Voigtländer has updated their 28 mm/1:2.0 Ultron VM lens by making it smaller and lighter. This is my first impressions of the revised lens (I reviewed the silver Type II variant).
The original Ultron 28mm was a nice lens, and intended to be a budget-conscious alternative to the Leica Summicron 28mm. Of course, the performance is not quite up to that of the legendary Summicron, and the size and weight are a bit more than what one would expect from a Leica lens. However, it was genuinely useful and handy to have around, and will produce decent images if stopped down from the widest aperture.
Voigtländer has now decided to refresh the design and make it closer in terms of look and feel (weight) as the Summicron, and hopefully with increased performance. In addition, there are two design variants, Type I and Type II. The “Vintage” version shines in chrome and matt black and has a filigree focusing lever, which will especially appeal to fans of a very classic look. Type II is monochrome (silver or black) and has a pronounced recessed grip for quick and intuitive focusing.
The inner workings are always identical. This consists of 10 lens elements in 7 groups, one of which has an aspherical surface. The sharpness performance has been improved compared to its predecessor, and it has also been adapted to the requirements of modern image sensors (the original version produced soft out of centre images for non-film cameras).
It should be suitable for general use and hopefully provides good image results under multiple lighting situations. The 10 aperture blades ensure an extremely appealing and smooth bokeh.
With a weight of 190g (Type I) or 230g (Type II) it will hopefully not feel too out of place next to a Leica lens.
Two lens hoods are optionally available, LH-4N in a circular shape and LH-12 in a rectangular design, which, due to the construction depth, enables a slightly higher level of stray light shielding.
Specifications
| Focal Length | 28 mm |
| Aperture Ratio | 1:2.0 |
| Minimum Aperture | F 22 |
| Lens Construction | 10 elements in 7 groups |
| Angle of View | 74.51° |
| Aperture Blades | 10 |
| Minimum Focus | 0.5 m |
| Maximum Diameter | 52 mm (Type I), 51.4 mm (Type II) |
| Length | 36 mm |
| Mount | M-mount (VM) |
| Weight | 190g (Type I), 230g (Type II) |
| Filter Size | 39 mm |
| Color | black/chrome, black, silver |
| Others | optional lens hood LH-4N / LH-12 |
Unboxing and Lens Detail
As is typical for Voigtländer, the lens comes packaged in plastic wrapping surrounded by styrofoam in a relatively small box. An owner’s manual is also included, but no lens hood (this is an optional purchase).
Lens mounted on a Leica M10
Comparing the lens with the first generation Ultron 28mm and Summicron 28mm.
The new design is substantially smaller than the first generation lens, and it’s actually slightly smaller than a Leica Summicron 28mm, which is a remarkable achievement for Voigtländer.
Initial Impressions
I love the “classic” look of the lens, and it reminds me of vintage Leica or Zeiss M-mount lenses. The revised design is a lot smaller and lighter than the first generation, with a minimum focusing distance at 0.5m which is slightly closer than typical Leica lenses. It accepts 39mm filters intended for Leica lenses so should fit well and won’t look out of place next to Leica lenses in a camera bag. Stay tuned for future articles as I capture some images using this lens.
Related Articles in this Series
Sydney Harbour with the Voigtländer Ultron Vintage 28mm/1:2 and Leica M10
Queen Victoria Building with the Voigtländer Ultron Vintage 28mm/1:2 and Leica M10
Real Life Review: Voigtländer 28 mm/1:2.0 Ultron Vintage Line VM
