🔴 Best Leica M Lenses 2021 (Top 3) (Voigtlander)

Here are the 3 lenses that impressed me enough during testing that I had to buy them!
✅ BUY HERE! mrleica.com/ki...
▶️ WATCH NEXT: All Voigtlander Lens Reviews (Leica M Lenses) - bit.ly/38AOFjW
📞 ZOOM: Not sure what camera or lens to buy? Arrange a call today - bit.ly/3lBkdgq
🛎 SUBSCRIBED?: Monthly Giveaways - worth £30/$40 upwards - bit.ly/3qET0ZO
I tested a lot of Voigtlander lenses for Leica M in 2021. My top 3 lenses are the Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f2 (v2), Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f2 and Voigtlander Nokton 75mm f1.5. Visit the blog for full reviews on each lens and see the prices on the "KitList" tab. 4th place was the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f1.5. Lenses tested on Leica CL, Leica SL and Leica M240 + Leica film cameras including Leica M3 and Leica M4-P.
📷 MY KIT: mrleica.com/ki...
▶️ VIDEO PLAYLISTS : mrleica.com/yo...
👤 Where to find me: mrleica.com/so...
💫 LEICA PRESETS - mrleica.com/le...
🚀 LEICA PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS - mrleica.com/le...
📝 BLOG: mrleica.com/fr...
🎞 NEED FILM - mrleica.com/do...
☕️ COFFEE: Thank Matt with a coffee - www.paypal.com...
⭐️ PATREON: More Content? 100+ Videos & Zoom - / mrleicacom
⛔️ INSURANCE - Aaduki UK Photography Insurance - with since 2014 - www.aaduki.com
❕ DISCLAIMER: This description may contain affiliate links. If you purchase an item via clicking a link I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support. Matt
#voigtlander #mmount #leica #leicacamera #mrleicacom #leicam

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

✅ BUY HERE! mrleica.com/kitlist/ ▶️ WATCH NEXT: All Voigtlander Lens Reviews (Leica M Lenses) - bit.ly/38AOFjW 📞 ZOOM: Not sure what camera or lens to buy? Arrange a call today - bit.ly/3lBkdgq 🛎 SUBSCRIBED?: Monthly Giveaways - worth £30/$40 upwards - bit.ly/3qET0ZO 📷 MY KIT: mrleica.com/kitlist/ ➡️ LEICA PRESETS - mrleica.com/leica-lightroom-presets/ 🚀 LEICA PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS - mrleica.com/leica-workshops-uk/ 📝 BLOG: mrleica.com/free-newsletter/ ➡️ NEED FILM - mrleica.com/do-you-need-film/ ☕️ COFFEE: Thank Matt with a coffee - www.paypal.com/paypalme/MrLeica ⭐️ PATREON: Join us today for more videos! From £1/mth - www.patreon.com/mrleicacom

[@Essenence]

The 50mm 1.2 is my personal favorite! Love that lens, no complaints! 🔥🔥🙌

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

If there was 1 50 for portraits, any size, that would be king of those I listed.

[@BackFocus11]

Matt you have been such a wealth of information for us Leicafiles. Thanks a bunch!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Happy to help..and see the blog for more MrLeica.com

[@lonlep1831]

🙏 my best pictures in 2021 are with the lens XC 45p f4 with Hasselblad x1d. This system is a joy to handle. Easy contol over the picture (manual focus, high iso and xpan format are possible). the voigtlander 75mm looks fine. 🙏

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Congrats! Did you see my Xpan videos and posts on MrLeica.Com ? You might be able to relate :)

[@LucyS565]

I bought the Voigtlander 35mm f2. last month after watching one of your videos. I love this lens! It gives a "character" to each image that reminds me of analog photography. I love the size on my CL. Thanks Matt, a great video!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Congrats Lucy! Yes I love it too!

[@iamhassan9943]

Another nice video Matt. And congrats Choy.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks and yes congrats Choy! :)

[@gvz828]

Thanks Matt, excellent info!! Voigtlander makes some wonderful lenses, and this video has helped me finish my lens kit list.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks no problem 👍🏻🙂

[@jc.baptiste]

I don’t even shoot film or own a Leica, I just shoot with Voigtlanders on Nikon D500. Yet, what a pleasure to follow you and watch your videos. Your equipment makes me dream, I like your tone and pace, and, most importantly, your photos are amazing and have a lot of « character ». I am learning a lot, thank you very much.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you Jean-Christophe! Very kind. (And Voigtlander on Nikon is great too..I do this for film)

[@Zetaphotography]

Another great video. I am eyeballing the 35mm F2. I already have the Voigtlander 21mm LTM and it blows me away every time I see my negatives.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Reuben! Yes they make some great lenses!

[@LeicaM82]

Nice selections. My favorite for the year, and best for the past several years, is the 35 APO Summicron M. Shudder the thought, it would be the one-camera, one-lens choice for me.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you. Very nice! When I hit 100K subs I will try to get one to try :)

[@andrewfishkin6559]

Great video. I own the 28/2.8 and 50/1.5 v2 and agree completely. I also have the 35/2 APO Lanthar and love it. Voigtlander has really been on a roll lately, with their new releases equal or at least extremely close to Leica, at a vastly lower price point.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Andrew! Thanks for stopping by and yes I completely agree.

[@jeromearnould9940]

Great selection, good choice ... 3 great winners. Before jummping on the 50 Nokton 1.5 I'll wait for your review of the Nokton 50mm 1.0 🙂

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Jerome. I think you'll need both haha as the f1.0 will be bigger.

[@jeromearnould9940]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom aahaha good point !

[@SC-km5qv]

Agreed on the 2.0/28 (bought) and 1.5/75 (next purchase). 50mm f1.5 II also seems a great lens at the intersection of performance and expressivity.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nice Steve! Not just me then :) Thanks

[@stevenjohnson9714]

I just put my first two rolls through the new 28mm f2 ultron and am loving it so far. 35mm f2 ultron is next. I can’t make up my mind on a 50mm either. I really wish voigtlander would make a small 50mm f2 with 39mm filters and a focus tab that performed like the 28, and 35. It would be my ideal street/walk around/almost everything kit. I may end up with a 50mm summicron.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Steven, the Nokton I mention is close to your needs. Same exterior as Ultrons and small.

[@stevenjohnson9714]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks for the reply. That lens is definitely on my list of possibilities. Thanks for all your videos, they are all helpful!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@stevenjohnson9714 no problem 👍🏻

[@ginobartali9338]

Hi Matt, It's interessting. In my feel more and more seriously photographers using voigtländer lenses on M and SL cameras. The quality made from Cosina to Leica Lenses are getting closer. Great review and all details are bespoken. Top Job Matt!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Gino!

[@james.shafiei]

I have the 28/2 Ultron II and 35/2 Ultron both in Type I and 50/1.5 Norton MC mentioned and I love them. I don’t have access to a million lenses to test before I buy them so I’m happy to see that I somehow got it right first shot! 🤣 I’m putting the cash I saved from not buying Leica glass towards a monochrom body. Thanks for the video!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks James, yes you did well! :) Great little lenses

[@FarEastSurvival]

I have been completely happy with my Leica M lenses on Leica cameras (I use a M10R, CL and SL2-S). I did try the Voigtlander 40/1.2, 35/1.4 and the 50/1.2 but I found them a bit lacking in sharpness or color rendering so I sold them off and upgraded them for M lenses which were obviously much more expensive. I'm no expert but I haven't regretted the decision. I do have the 21mm/F4 voigtlander for street shooting on my CL. I'm looking for a 28mm focal length so I will take your recommendation and try out the 28mm/f2 from Voigtlander thank you for the video.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks and interesting what you say about the Voigtlander lenses. 35 1.4 - yes that is soft. The 40&50 are quite sharp at f2 but I bought the APO for even more sharpness. If you like Leica the Elmarit 2.8 28mm is hard to beat for size and performance but for f2 I like the Ultron.

[@FarEastSurvival]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks Matt. I just tried the 28/2.8 but I wasn't really convinced it was as good as the Summilux's I have. I wound up buying an old 75MM 1.4 Summilux instead. I will take your advice and go look out for the F2 Ultron

[@joechan4447]

Thanks for your time explaining each lens, what would you recommend for an m9 ?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Joe! That's too broad a question! :) I help people a lot with stuff like this - mrleica.com/zoom/

[@weisserth]

I am really curious as to what you'll make of the upcoming Voigtlaender 50mm f1. I just ordered the Voigtlaender 50mm APO for my M10. I might add a Nokton for a different look as well.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank, I have one coming once available in the UK, to test. Stay tuned!

[@j.h.5718]

Hi Matt. Here in NYC. Thank you for your reviews man, big help! Quick question on you you’re first two lens- is it the 35mm, and 28mm ii ASPH. versions? Thanks again! ✌️

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi, they are the 2 new Ultron lenses from Voigtlander and yes version 2 for the 28mm

[@j.h.5718]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom thank you sir!

[@j.h.5718]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Hi. Quick question, after you reviewing the 35mm f/1.2 iii, would you still have chosen this version 35mm f/2 ii, for one of your top three? This will be my first VL.

[@anthonyfarmer6811]

Was waiting for you to "Drop the Bass !"

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha thanks Anthony, I might have to ditch the headphones! (Using a new podcast mic for audio)

[@godscola]

The 28 F2 Ultron v2 would be a perfect lens IF it had a detent at 0.7m so you know when you're going uncoupled! That bothers me so much that I'm not even upgrading from the v1.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

YES!!! I keep meaning to write to Voigtlander. Such a massive oversight on their part. (Just see my last video for example where Nikkor did it right). I'll make sure I write next week.

[@matte-d349]

Agreed, although I think I'm still going to get one and see how I make out. I wonder if a skilled technician (DAG?) could file a notch or something in the helicoid to get some haptic feedback at 0.7m?

[@dlyon9673]

Thank you for this very interesting video. Re the 35mm f2 Ultron is the lens you like the Voigtlander Ultron Vintage Line 35mm f/2 Aspherical Type II VM? Or the more simply denominated Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f/2 Aspherical Lens? Thanks again!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hello, yes it is the new vintage line. There is only one optical design but 2 types - 1 & 2. I have vintage styled one shown in video but for street the modern lens tab design is probably better for most people.

[@dlyon9673]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks for the clarification. I find Voitlander's naming a bit confusing but am always impressed by their lenses!

[@obscur_yoann]

That 75mm always come back to my list... I don't really need one now, but I like the rendering so much. I am more searching for a 50mm these days, but the Voigtlanders have a vintage look wide open that I don't want (I already have plenty vintage at 1.4 with my old Pentax Takumar). Because I shoot mainly at night, I need that 1.x aperture. I am leaning toward the 50 Summilux Asph (second hand... too pricey otherwise 😅). Do you think it's a good idea, or do you think of another 50mm that will fit my needs? Thanks 😉

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

The Summilux is still unmatched wide open for sure. (and yes 75mm is nice!)

[@obscur_yoann]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Crazy when you think how old this design is... 😅

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@obscur_yoann yes!

[@euroyank860]

I agree on the 75mm !

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Eric! With your official approval I think I must be on the right track :)

[@euroyank860]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom You are at the realm of the metaphysical my friend :-)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@euroyank860 😆👍🏻

[@wilfredshum3703]

I recently bought the 35 mm f/2 Ultron v.2, my first Voigtlander lens, for my M and SL2. I like its performance and size. Do you always use a hood on this lens?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great! I normally don’t use a hood to keep it small. You can use UV filter yo keep it smaller and protect lens.

[@sebastiang7183]

Voigtlander seems to be kicking ass lately. Ouch for Leica.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes I agree! You know I love Leica but Voigtlander are killing it.

[@JoostDuppendefotograaf]

on 3.42min. the elmarit 28mm is 2.8 the image your shown sayw elmarit m 28mm/f2 :-)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks yes sorry I need to correct it, apologies! It is 2.8 as you probably know :)

[@michaelc4917]

Hey Matt, what is the best lens for Leica M8? I am using a voigtlander nokton 35mm f1.2 version 1 and voigtlander 50mm f1.5 version 1 Ltm. While both are good, I don't see the grogeous 3D pop that every one is talking about. Would the Zesis 50mm planar be better ? Or the Ultron you talked about here better for M8?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Michael, you will get less pop from the M8 as it is not FF. From all lenses. That said yes some lenses have a crisper look. The Planar is good for the money but there are better lenses so I send mine back (see it in the Voigtlander 50 APO video). The APO lenses do have pop.

[@sebastianadam294]

What about TTArtisan lenses? Which one do you prefer?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Voigtlanders are better in all respects BUT Chinese lenses offer great value and give a nice less perfect look. Videos coming for some of these.

[@---us7qf]

I only want the Heliar Classic 50mm.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

That's the most unique of the modern Voigtlanders.

[@zatoichiable]

which one has the best contrast and saturation of them all? i dont mind the sharpness only character..

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Maybe the 75mm. That really pops at 1.5

[@allena3430]

Happy new year Matt, how do you shoot weddings with purely just leica M bodies? I have always only shoot professional jobs with at least 1 autofocus body and have a leica M on the secondary for slower paced moments. Have you ever purely shot leica Ms only on weddings where you have shallow depth of field in play most of the time?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi I guess you get used to it. I shot many weddings with 2 Ms, even some with only the Noctilux lens!! Now I have the CL and SL so I have more options. RF cameras work at f1.4 just the same as autofocus. I'm very anti autofocus as it misses. If you focus yourself you get (I get) mostly in focus, it's just all the blinks and usual candid wedding faces to then cull after :)

[@allena3430]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thank you, how do you tell your clients or muster up the courage to purely shoot with M bodies? Any advice to push this doubts out of my head. 😂

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@allena3430 they normally don’t care about cameras (maybe mine do if they want Leica) but normally they just want photos. Use whatever let’s you take the best photos. If you’ll miss shots with a M then use an autofocus body or whatever your thing is. They just need nice shots and don’t care how you achieve them.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@allena3430 in terms of help, practice a lot and only use M cameras for all non weddings work. Once you’re really fast with M and it’s the norm then use for weddings.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@allena3430 organise a Zoom call with me at MrLeica.com/zoom if you need more structured help.

[@ericgreen7880]

Fantastic 🤝

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Eric!

[@balthias]

The 35mm f2 ultron in your hand (vers i) is different from the one you show in the photos (vers ii). Which one is better?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

If you shoot street/ like tabs get the one with the modern thumb tab. I use the retro one as I don't need that and they look nice.

[@j.k5654]

One day, every one will wake up to realize that the Voigtlander lenses are on same level if not better than these expensive Leica lenses. I see people buy a lense for 12k and then always push the film by 2 stops… Just get a Voigtlander for 1/10 the price and get same results.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Voigtlander have definitely upped their game in recent years. Hats off to them!

[@matte-d349]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Indeed they have! When I got into Leica M 10 years ago they were "pretty good, but still not a Leica" and I couldn't see myself ever seriously considering them, but they have a number of real winners in their lineup now, and I can buy a bunch of them instead of one Leica lens. I never would have considered buying the Leica APO 50 or 75 Noctilux, but 90-95% of their performance at 1/10th of the price? Done! Thanks for the videos and for turning me onto some of these gems.

[@hughvanthoff7144]

V interesting, thanks. There’s a dearth of reviews generally on Zeiss lenses. My 50/2 is v honest and sharp. You haven’t commented much on these lenses - even if only to dismiss them (for instance wd like to know non Leica comparison between Ziess and VM 35/2’s). Great site, thanks. Hugh

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Hugh. I'm not anti Zeiss. They've justnot released new lenses for ages. I have the 21 and 25 Biogons (ZM) and used to own the 1.5 and f2 50s. All are nice!

[@digipak07]

Greetings from Pakistan. Excellent video.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you!

[@freekdeniro8623]

the zeiss sonnar 1.5

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great lens, I used to use one! I shouldn't have sold it but I find the Lux is usually better for a fast 50. (though less character)

[@alexgoeke]

Did you buy the first or second versions of the 28 & 35 mm Ultron?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

The old style black and nickel ones (I like the design)

[@alexgoeke]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom i just bought an m10p and I’m looking for a sharp 28mm for street and environmental portraits would you recommend I get the 1st or second version??

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@alexgoeke latest v2, either v2 design is ok or elmarit M 2.8

[@datsch_]

I like that the 75/1.5 is the best 50! Is it sharper than my 50/1.5 v2 at 0.7m? I love it to bits overall but I am at MFD a lot and I agree it's a bit soft there ...

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! :D Yes the 50 1.5 was soft for me to at MFD. I've not noticed this with the 75.

[@EricMilewski]

Hey Matt Can we get an update to this video ;)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Eric, I did a top 10 of 2023 which includes lenses but yes I have another top lenses video planned for the coming months too.

[@EricMilewski]

Nice I can't wait, Thanks@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom

[@philipnikolaidis4338]

Zeiss are better :)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Ha thanks Philip. I have some Zeiss. I love the Biogon rendering, pre-war, post-war and ZM :)

[@hughvanthoff7144]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom see my recent comment - both Zeiss and VMs are cheaper than Leica so there would seem to be a good case for direct comparison of the Leica alternatives. Am surprised to find these relatively difficult to find (and mostly not that objective or useful when I do find them). Your attention here would be appreciated.....

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@hughvanthoff7144 see my mass shoot out videos. If I own it I’ve compared it somewhere