Voigtländer 27mm F2.0 Ultron

Leica L-Mount

Review

The Voigtländer 27mm F2.0 Ultron is a prime lens designed specifically for the Fujifilm X mount, delivering a classic focal length that is perfect for a variety of shooting situations, from street photography to landscapes. This lens provides a solid combination of compact size, exceptional build quality, and impressive optical performance, making it a popular choice among X-series users.

Build Quality and Design

Voigtländer has a reputation for crafting high-quality manual focus lenses, and the 27mm Ultron is no exception. The lens features a robust metal construction with a classic design that feels both sturdy and elegant in hand. Weighing only about 200 grams, it adds minimal bulk to your camera setup, making it an excellent everyday carry option. The compact size and lightweight design allow for easy portability, making it suitable for traveling photographers who appreciate a small but powerful lens.

Optical Performance

In terms of optical performance, the Voigtländer 27mm F2.0 Ultron is remarkable. It delivers sharp images across the frame, even at wide open apertures. The lens exhibits minimal distortion and chromatic aberration, with beautifully rendered colors and contrast that are characteristic of high-quality glass. The 9-blade aperture diaphragm helps create pleasing bokeh, making this lens suitable for portraits applications as well.

Manual Focus Experience

One of the defining features of the Ultron is its manual focus operation. The focus ring is smooth and well-damped, allowing for precise adjustments. However, this may be a downside for some users who prefer the speed and convenience of autofocus. Manual focusing can be a rewarding experience, but it requires practice and may not be suitable for fast-paced shooting situations. The lack of autofocus is a significant consideration for those who value speed and convenience.

Lens Flare and Ghosting

Due to the lens's design, some users might experience flare and ghosting when shooting directly into bright light sources. While the included lens hood provides some protection, it may not completely eliminate these artifacts in certain conditions. Careful composition and choosing the right lighting situations will help mitigate this issue.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Compact and lightweight design
• Exceptional optical quality with sharp images
• Beautiful bokeh and color rendition
• Solid build quality with a classic aesthetic

Cons

• Manual focus only, which may not suit all photographers
• Potential for lens flare and ghosting in bright light conditions

Verdict

The Voigtländer 27mm F2.0 Ultron is an excellent choice for Fujifilm X mount users seeking a high-quality prime lens with a classic focal length. Its combination of sharpness, compactness, and robust build quality makes it a standout option for various photographic genres. While the manual focus and occasional flare may be drawbacks for some, those who appreciate the art of manual photography will find this lens to be a worthy addition to their kit. Whether you're capturing the hustle and bustle of the streets or the tranquility of a landscape, the Ultron is poised to deliver outstanding results.