Featuring a slender profile and a slightly wider-than-normal focal length, the black-rimmed Ultron 40mm f/2 SL IIS Aspherical from Voigtlander
is a versatile prime lens well-suited to everyday shooting. Designed
for use with FX-format Nikon F-mount DSLRs, it can also be used with DX
models where it will offer a 60mm equivalent focal length. Its slightly
wide focal length pairs with a bright f/2 maximum aperture to benefit
working with shallow depth of field techniques as well as working in
low-light conditions.
The double Gauss-type optical design uses a single aspherical element,
as well as ultra-high refractive index glass, to reduce spherical
aberrations and distortion for greater sharpness and clarity. The
smooth manual focus design permits working with subjects as close as
25cm away with a maximum magnification ration of 1:4, and both depth of
field and focus distance scales are featured on the metal lens barrel
to aid in pre-focusing or setting hyperfocal distance. A nine-blade
diaphragm contributes to a smooth and pleasing bokeh quality.
This lens' physical design also features a scalloped focus ring to
recall classic lens designs of the 1960s as well as afford more secure
handling during use. Mixing the classic-inspired design with
contemporary usage, the lens also sports an AI-S type CPU to permit
in-camera adjustment of the aperture setting for faster, more intuitive
exposure control.
