Voigtlander 10mm F5.6 Hyper Wide Heliar

Sony E

Review

The Voigtländer 10mm F5.6 Hyper Wide Heliar for Sony E mount is a fascinating lens that pushes the boundaries of ultrawide photography. Designed primarily for landscape, architecture, and creative photography, this lens provides an extreme field of view that is revered by enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Build Quality and Design

This lens is constructed with the meticulous craftsmanship Voigtländer is known for. The build feels robust and durable, crafted primarily from metal, giving it a high-end feel. It has a compact and lightweight design which makes it easy to carry around, especially considering it's an ultrawide lens. The manual focus mechanism operates smoothly and allows for precise adjustments, making it suitable for those who prefer complete control over their shots.

Optical Performance

The optical performance of the Voigtländer 10mm Heliar is commendable for such a wide angle. The lens delivers sharp images at the center with acceptable sharpness towards the edges, especially when stopped down to around F8. It has minimal distortion, which is often a concern with ultrawide lenses, and chromatic aberration is well controlled, ensuring color accuracy across the frame. The lens also produces beautiful bokeh when isolating subjects, making it versatile beyond just landscape shots.

Usability and Features

Being a manual focus lens, it might not be suitable for everyone, particularly for those who rely heavily on autofocus. However, for photographers who appreciate the tactile nature of manual focusing, this lens provides a rewarding experience. The lack of electronic aperture control might also deter some users, as shutter speed adjustments on the fly can require more thought and practice. Additionally, the F5.6 maximum aperture means that low-light performance is somewhat limited, so users need to be mindful of their shooting conditions.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional build quality with a robust, metal construction.
• Minimal distortion and chromatic aberration.
• Sharp images at the center, good performance at edges when stopped down.
• Compact and lightweight design.
• Smooth manual focus that allows precise adjustments.

Cons

• Manual focus may not appeal to all users, particularly those accustomed to autofocus.
• Limited low-light capabilities due to F5.6 maximum aperture.
• No electronic control for aperture adjustment.

Verdict

The Voigtländer 10mm F5.6 Hyper Wide Heliar is an impressive piece of glass that caters to niche photography styles. Its exceptional build quality, optical performance, and compactness make it highly desirable for ultrawide enthusiasts. However, potential users need to be aware of its manual operation and moderate low-light limitations. If you're a photographer who enjoys the hands-on feel of manual lenses and seeks a unique perspective in your photography, this lens could be an excellent addition to your kit.