Voigtländer Ultron 35mm f/2 II ASPH.

Voigtländer Ultron 35mm f/2 II ASPH.

What sets the Ultron 35mm f/2 II ASPH apart is less its optics than its dress: introduced in 2021, the Type II is a cosmetic and ergonomic restyling of the existing Ultron 35mm f/2 ASPH, sharing the same optical formula while adopting a vintage-inspired profile and an aluminium hood that openly echoes the look of classic Leica steel-rim accessories [1][3]. It is a small, full-frame M-mount lens aimed at rangefinder users who want modern aspherical performance at a fraction of a Leica Summicron's price [2].

The optical design uses 8 elements in 5 groups, including a double-sided aspherical element and an anomalous partial dispersion glass intended to control chromatic aberration [1]. The barrel is all-metal, with a 10-blade aperture, a 39 mm filter thread and a close-focus limit of 0.58 m that is shorter than the older Leica 35 Summicron ASPH it is often compared against [1][2]. Build quality is well regarded, with a clicked aperture ring and a smooth focusing action; the lens is rangefinder-coupled and carries the standard Voigtländer VM mount, which seats on Leica M bodies and, via adapters, on mirrorless cameras [1][2]. It is not factory six-bit coded. The Type II reintroduced a focusing recess and small lever in place of the Type I focusing knob, a change some users find less comfortable than the earlier control [1][3].

Voigtländer has stated that the Type I and Type II share identical optics, so the distinction is one of finish and handling rather than image quality [3]. The Type II is offered in black and silver, and a vintage-style LH-12 lens hood (an LH-4N is also referenced) is sold separately to complete the retro appearance [1][3]. Reviewers note that the hood deliberately resembles the famous Leica Summilux "Steel Rim" style [3].

Optical qualities

Rendering Independent reviews describe the lens as essentially distortion-free with very low chromatic aberration, comparable in those respects to the Leica 35 Summicron ASPH [2]. It is sharp in the centre wide open and holds resolution well into the corners, with a slight glow reported around bright objects at the edges and an optimum around f/2.8 to f/4 [2].

Bokeh and transitions Background rendering has been characterised by some reviewers as slightly busy, while others find it pleasant; opinions vary, with one comparison drawn to the smoother out-of-focus look associated with the Summicron 35mm f/2 V4 [3].

Distortion and vignetting Vignetting wide open is the most commonly cited shortcoming, alongside visible diffraction softening by around f/8 [3].

History

Development and Launch The Ultron 35mm f/2 ASPH lens family originates from Cosina's Voigtländer VM line of Leica M-compatible optics. Voigtländer redesigned and released the Type II version in March 2021 as a styling and ergonomics update to the existing aspherical Ultron, retaining the same optical formula [3]. The lens sits in the company's mid-tier between the budget options and the faster Nokton line, positioned as an affordable f/2 alternative to Leica's 35 mm Summicron [2].

Production Evolution The principal change from Type I to Type II is the control layout and exterior styling, including a focusing recess and lever in place of the earlier focusing knob, plus the vintage-influenced barrel and hood [1][3]. Both types are documented as optically identical [3].

Collector Notes Buyers should confirm which version they are handling, since Type I and Type II look different but render the same; the distinction matters mainly for handling preference and resale appearance [3]. Some reviews mention occasional reports of sticky focusing or sample defects, so checking focus action before purchase is sensible [3]. The matching LH-12 hood is a separate accessory worth verifying, as it is central to the lens's intended vintage look [1][3]. One published review describes the optics as a nine-element, seven-group design, which conflicts with the manufacturer-confirmed 8 elements in 5 groups; the verified construction should be treated as authoritative [2].

Sources

• [1] L-Camera-Forum. Voigtlander 35 mm F2.0 Ultron Aspherical II. https://www.l-camera-forum.com/voigtlander/35-mm-f2.0-ultron-aspherical-ii/
• [2] Keith Wee. Review of the Voigtlander 35mm F2 Ultron, a contender to the Leica 35mm F2 Summicron ASPH?. https://keithwee.com/2022/01/25/review-of-the-voigtlander-35mm-f2-ultron-a-contender-to-the-leica-35mm-f2-summicron-asph/
• [3] Tahusa. Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f2 ASPH VM, Perfect for Newcomers. https://tahusa.co/lens-review/voigtlander-ultron-35mm-f2-asph-vm-perfect-for-newcomers/