Voigtlander 15mm F4.5 Super Wide Heliar

Leica M-Mount

Review

The Voigtlander 15mm F4.5 Super Wide Heliar is a compelling choice for photographers seeking a high-quality ultra-wide-angle lens for their Leica M mount cameras. This lens offers a unique perspective that can transform ordinary scenes into breathtaking images by capturing more of the environment around you.

Build Quality and Design

One of the striking features of the Voigtlander 15mm is its robust build quality. The lens feels solid and durable, crafted from high-quality materials that give it a premium feel. Its compact and lightweight design makes it a breeze to carry around, which is essential for street photographers and travelers. The classic Leica-style aesthetics will appeal to many enthusiasts who appreciate vintage-inspired optics.

Image Quality

When it comes to image quality, the Voigtlander 15mm F4.5 Super Wide Heliar excels. It delivers impressive sharpness across the frame, even at maximum aperture. Distortion is well-controlled, a crucial aspect for wide-angle lenses, allowing for more natural-looking images. The color rendition is vibrant, with good contrast and minimal chromatic aberration, which translates to stunning landscape and architectural photography.

Usability and Performance

Using this lens on a Leica M camera requires a bit of practice, particularly with its manual focus system. However, the focus ring is smooth, allowing for precise adjustments. The wide angle of view (110 degrees) facilitates creative compositions, making it easy to include more elements within the frame. The f/4.5 aperture, while not exceptionally fast, is enough for most daylight shooting scenarios and gives a nice depth of field control.

Compatibility

The Voigtlander 15mm F4.5 is designed specifically for the Leica M mount, ensuring excellent compatibility and performance with M-series cameras. However, it’s important to note that using this lens on other mounts may not yield optimal results, so make sure to consider your camera system before purchasing.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Impressive image quality with excellent sharpness
• Compact and lightweight design
• High build quality with a premium feel
• Good distortion control
• Vibrant color rendition

Cons

• Manual focus may not appeal to everyone
• f/4.5 maximum aperture limits low-light performance
• Price point may be on the higher side for some buyers

Verdict

The Voigtlander 15mm F4.5 Super Wide Heliar is an outstanding ultra-wide-angle lens that offers both high performance and a classic design, making it a worthy investment for Leica M users. While its manual focus and aperture might not suit all photographers, the image quality and craftsmanship make it highly recommended for those who value precision and creativity in their wide-angle shots. If you're looking to expand your lens collection with a versatile and capable wide-angle option, this lens should certainly be on your radar.