Japanese Review of Voigtlander 40/2.8 Heliar

[CameraQuest]

OK, I don't read Japanese, but I certainly like the pics!

http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/review/lens_review_2/20141010_670547.html

google translation to English is here
https://translate.google.com/transl...ocs/review/lens_review_2/20141010_670547.html

At this time the 40/2.8 lens head is available only to mount on the Voigtlander VM Close up to NEX focusing helical adapter for full frame or smaller NEX cameras. Time will tell if the lens is made available for other mounts, or the lens head idea is used by Voigtlander for other focal lengths as well. Personally I am hoping a 40/2.8 success story could mean a whole series of super compact Voigtlander lens heads designed for the VM E Close up adapter, which in time could be added other Voigtlander focusing helicals for other mirrorless cameras. M43 and Fuji X are obvious candidates.

Notice the lens includes both the dome and straight lens hoods, and that it marks a return to the metal push over metal lens cap. Congrats to Mr. Kobayashi for such an innovative design- a very compact, lightweight lens with nice bokeh.

The new 40/2.8 will start shipping to customers towards the end of October 2014.

Stephen

 

[hipsterdufus]

Couldn't this then be used on a Fuji X camera with a Leica M helicoid close-focus adapter on it? Just curious, as I like the idea of this lens.

 

[CameraQuest]

Couldn't this then be used on a Fuji X camera with a Leica M helicoid close-focus adapter on it? Just curious, as I like the idea of this lens.

Only if there is a NEX to Fuji X adapter - I am aware of none.

Stephen

 

[hipsterdufus]

It is M-mount, I thought? Could it not be attached to something like this?

Perhaps I'm being a bit thick...

 

[YYV_146]

It is M-mount, I thought? Could it not be attached to something like this?

Perhaps I'm being a bit thick...

In theory, yes. But you might not reach infinity or go over it when focusing. I don't know if different macro adapters are designed with different extension lengths in mind - my guess is that some are designed to deliver closer focus at the cost of durability.

 

[CameraQuest]

It is M-mount, I thought? Could it not be attached to something like this?

Perhaps I'm being a bit thick...

I'm not sure that would work.

Yes, the lens head would fit that adapter. I doubt if the back focus would be right to allow a full range of focusing, but its worth giving it a try to find out.


Stephen

 

[hipsterdufus]

If I get a decent bonus at the end of the year, I might give it a try. I see no reason why it wouldn't work. After all, infinity focus on a Leica M lens is a set distance to the film/sensor plane. My adapter reaches it with regular Leica lenses; I see no reason why it wouldn't work with this one.

 

[CameraQuest]

any one else take a look at the article and pics?

What do you think ?

 

[GaryLH]

I think it is a nice setup.. I read the article. My only negative is no focus scale and depth of field info. I sometimes zone focus. I think if Sony ever makes a ff in a a6000 like body, that would be the perfect combo.

Gary

 

[YYV_146]

any one else take a look at the article and pics?

What do you think ?

Hi Stephen,

The pics look all right. Can't really tell at internet display sizes, but sharpness seems fine. Bokeh looks nice as well, even if there isn't much of it at 40mm and F2.8.

My only gripe with a lens like this one is that I already have more adapters for M-mount than I need, and have opted for really nice fixed adapters and a cheap macro one because I don't want to lose shots because of accidentally turning the adapter. If I use the new Voigtlander one the lense falls somewhere close to the "impulse buy" range - not so much if the adapter gets thrown in.

 

[jarski]

any one else take a look at the article and pics?

What do you think ?

looks nice lens 🙂 not much to add. interesting to have native mount, collapsible lens for modern mirrorless like Sony.

f2.8 feels a bit slow for standard fl like 40 though. sure they could have made it f2 without adding size much.

 

[jsrockit]

I'm interested in it... we will see how I feel later about buying it.

 

[taemo]

looks great but not interested at all.
I went with a Novoflex M-NEX adapter since The Camera Store didnt have the Voigtlander adapter in stock, will it work with it?

the lens is sure tiny but how smaller is it compared to the Nokton 40mm 1.4? I would rather get that one personally due to being 2 stops faster at a slightly bigger size

 

[jsrockit]

the lens is sure tiny but how smaller is it compared to the Nokton 40mm 1.4? I would rather get that one personally due to being 2 stops faster at a slightly bigger size

While I get that, will the 1.4 work as well on the Sony? Will it focus as close, give the same performance across the frame etc? Let's remember that the Sony has very good high ISO capabilities, so 2 extra stops might not matter in many people's photography.

 

[Particular]

Is this the first new lens designed for the visoflex in 30+ years?

 

[Range-rover]

Looks like a nice lens, the pictures a pretty shape and the color looks good.

Range

 

[raid]

Is this lens somehow special? I mean, what is the purpose for having this particular lens, compared with buying other new lenses on the market?

 

[jsrockit]

Is this lens somehow special? I mean, what is the purpose for having this particular lens, compared with buying other new lenses on the market?

There is no other native 40mm FF manual focus lens for the Sony?

 

[YYV_146]

Is this lens somehow special? I mean, what is the purpose for having this particular lens, compared with buying other new lenses on the market?

IMO the point is to let the macro adapter do the focusing. This allows a lens to be made this small.

 

[taemo]

While I get that, will the 1.4 work as well on the Sony? Will it focus as close, give the same performance across the frame etc? Let's remember that the Sony has very good high ISO capabilities, so 2 extra stops might not matter in many people's photography.

you're right, 0.5m vs 0.7m

not sure on performance as I didn't have a Nokton 40mm when I bought my A7 but from reviews/blogs it looks like a great performer

size wise, the 40/2.8 wins hands down though
A7 + Nokton 40
http://bartwronski.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/dscf0861.jpg
A7 + Heliar 40
http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/img/dcw/docs/670/547/001.jpg

how much is this lens going to cost though considering that you may need to shell out an additional $300 if you don't own the VM-E Close Focus Adapter already