Voigtländer makes some of the nicest all-manual lenses in the industry.
Their newest full-frame 35mm Sony E-mount lenses, manufactured by Cosina in Japan (the same company that has made Zeiss still lenses forever), are some of the widest rectilinear (non-fisheye) lenses around, with the 10mm now being the widest in the world. This means that as much as possible, straight lines stay straight, and you don't get the circular warped image that comes from using a fish-eye. The 12mm and 15mm lenses are already available for Leica M mount, and the 10mm will be added later for Leica cameras.
Not only are these incredibly wide, but they are also designed for filmmakers in mind, as they can be de-clicked just by turning a ring on the lens to have a smooth iris. All three have integrated lens hoods, but only the 15mm has a threaded filter ring. In addition, all three lenses communicate with the camera for manual focus assist and other lens data, and transmit info to help the 5-axis sensor stabilization.
We've finally got some confirmation about prices and availability (via Sony Alpha Rumors & Cosina Japan), with the 10mm f/5.6 coming in May (priced around $1,380 if converted from YEN), 12mm f/5.6 coming in August (price TBD), and the 15mm f/4.5 coming in April (around $1,000 converted from YEN). It should be noted that the current Leica mount 12mm and 15mm are $700 and $750, respectively, so these prices may actually be slightly cheaper outside of Japan. We should know for sure once pre-order links go up.
10mm f/5.6 Hyper Wide Heliar Aspherical
News Shooter has posted the first-ever video with the 10mm lens, which is now the widest full-frame rectilinear in the world:
Video is no longer available: vimeo.com/156678222
Specs for the lens:
- 10 mm f/5.6 - f/22
- Sony E-Mount, Covers Full-Frame
- Click-stop: 1/3
- Lens construction: 13 elements in 10 groups
- Angle of view: 130°
- Aperture blades: 10
- Minimum focus: 0.3m
- Maximum diameter: 67.8 mm
- Length: 73.8 mm
- Electrical contact: Exif data transfer from lens to camera body for lens correction available
- Manual focus assist
- Weight: 371 g
- Filter size: Built-in lens hood prevents filters
- Other: Lens hood (non-detachable), Pressure fit cap, Selective aperture control system
- Availability: May 2016
- Price: 155,000 YEN (around $1,380)
12mm f/5.6 Ultra Wide Heliar Aspherical
Specs:
- 10 mm f/5.6 - f/22
- Sony E-Mount, Covers Full-Frame
- Click-stop: 1/3
- Lens construction: 12 elements in 10 groups
- Angle of view: 121°
- Aperture blades: 10
- Minimum focus: 0.3 m
- Maximum diameter: 67.4 mm
- Length: 74.3 mm
- Electrical contact: Exif data transfer from lens to camera body for lens correction available
- Manual focus assist
- Weight: TBD
- Filter size: Built-in lens hood prevents filters
- Other: Lens hood (non-detachable), Pressure fit cap, Selective aperture control system
- Availability: August 2016
- Price: TBD
15mm f/4.5 Super Wide Heliar Aspherical
Specs:
- 15mm f/4.5 - f/22
- Sony E-Mount, Covers Full-Frame
- Click-stop: 1/3
- Lens construction: 11 elements in 9 groups
- Angle of view: 110°
- Aperture blades: 10
- Minimum focus: 0.3 m
- Maximum diameter: 66.4 mm
- Length: 67.5 mm
- Electrical contact: Exif data transfer from lens to camera body for lens correction available
- Manual focus assist
- Weight: 294 g
- Filter size: 58 mm
- Other: Lens hood (non-detachable), 58 mm clip cap, Selective aperture control system
- Availability: April 2016
- Price: 115,000 YEN (around $1,000)
It's too bad that no filters can be used with the first two lenses, but at least the 15mm can take them. These are specialty lenses above all, with the 15mm probably being the most useful for a variety of shooting situations. The video from News Shooter shows some pretty serious distortion in the 10mm, so unless you're shooting a huge landscape, it probably won't be as useful as an everyday lens. Either way, if you're looking for high-performing but also beautiful lenses, these will probably be some of the nicest super wides you'll find for full-frame Sony cameras.
For more info, head on over to the Voigtländer site, or check out Cosina Japan.
Your Comment
6 Comments
Guys, you have a type under the 12mm f/5.6 Ultra Wide Heliar Aspherical specs.
February 25, 2016 at 7:21AM
If they make them for Nikon F mount, I'd buy.
February 25, 2016 at 8:33AM
Oh i want these. I use the 17.5 and the 25 for micro 4/3 and love em.
February 25, 2016 at 10:35PM
Cosina Voigtlander prices usually drop just in a few months. MSRP of the 15mm III Leica mount in Japan is 95,000 yen ($840) but they are sold for 76,000 yen ($670) in store. This means this new 15mm E-mount will be sold around 95,000 yen very shortly, which is only $840 with today's exchange rate. Can't wait!!!!!!
February 25, 2016 at 11:22PM, Edited February 25, 11:22PM
I was all excited and than I wondered when would I ever use a 10mm on a full frame.
Anyone has any practical use other than trying stuff out?
February 26, 2016 at 12:01AM, Edited February 26, 12:01AM
The Canon 11-24mm was the only angle of lens that got me the right FOV I needed on a hood mounted car shot.
If it had less distortion, it would be a must in an architectural photographer's kit.
Gimbal users would love it.
The 11-24mm looks CRAZY when used up close on anything If you like wide angle cinematography, landscapes, it's great. The 10mm is only 10%wider...
February 26, 2016 at 11:00AM
I disagree with the10mm having distortion.
When the camera is panning left and right, notice the framing of the display booth.
the vertical and the top horizontal beams are perfectly straight!!
This is the section of the clip of the man with the green jacket. pause the clip to notice the straight lines. The auditorium ceiling has a dome roof..Its constructed as a dome.
Canon 11mm is horrible in this regard.
There is zero distortion
March 9, 2016 at 7:22PM