Voigtländer Macro APO-Ultron 35mm f/2

Fujifilm X

Review

The Voigtländer Macro APO-Ultron 35mm f/2 is a unique lens designed for the Fujifilm X mount, offering photographers a blend of macro capabilities with exceptional optical performance. This lens is an intriguing option for those who seek to explore the world of close-up photography while retaining the versatility of a standard focal length.

Build Quality and Design

The Voigtländer Macro APO-Ultron 35mm f/2 boasts a solid metal construction that feels robust and durable. The lens has a classic design with a sleek, compact profile that not only looks good but also makes it easy to carry around. The focus ring is smooth and offers a nice tactile feedback, allowing for precise manual focusing—ideal for macro photography where every small detail counts.

Optical Performance

Optically, this lens delivers incredible sharpness and color rendition. The APO (Apochromatic) design helps in minimizing chromatic aberration, which is a significant advantage when shooting at close distances where color fringing can be more pronounced. Images produced with the Macro APO-Ultron are rich in detail and contrast, ensuring that every macro shot is compelling.

However, while it excels in many aspects, the lens does exhibit some softness at its maximum aperture of f/2 when shooting at the closest focusing distances. To achieve optimal sharpness, especially for critical macro work, you may find yourself stopping down to around f/4 or f/5.6.

Close-Up Capabilities

The macro capabilities of the 35mm focal length allow for impressive close-up shots, with a maximum magnification of 1:2. This makes it great for capturing intricate details of flowers, insects, or small objects. The working distance, however, can feel a bit cramped, especially for skittish subjects. This means you may need to get quite close, which can be a limiting factor depending on your shooting style.

Compatibility with Fujifilm X

Being a manual focus lens, the Macro APO-Ultron 35mm f/2 may not appeal to everyone, particularly those accustomed to autofocus systems. However, with Fujifilm’s focus peaking and magnification features, manual focusing becomes a more intuitive process. Additionally, the lens plays well with Fujifilm’s color science, allowing photographers to fully exploit the camera's capabilities.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional build quality with a classic design
• Impressive optical performance with minimal chromatic aberration
• Excellent sharpness and color rendition
• Useful focal length for both macro and general photography

Cons

• Softness at f/2 when shooting at close focus distances
• Manual focus only, which may be off-putting for some users
• Limited working distance for macro shots

Verdict

The Voigtländer Macro APO-Ultron 35mm f/2 for Fujifilm X is a beautifully crafted lens that combines durability and stellar optics, making it an appealing choice for macro enthusiasts and photographers who appreciate manual focus. While it does present some challenges in terms of maximum aperture softness and the learning curve associated with manual focusing, the positive aspects significantly outweigh these drawbacks. If you're in the market for a macro lens that delivers exceptional image quality and you’re comfortable using a manual focus lens, the Macro APO-Ultron is definitely worth considering.