Street photography is a genre that requires one to be quick, sharp, and be able to make poetic images as well. While there are many systems that create stunning photographs, the Micro Four Thirds is a good option given how you can get results that interesting. If you are someone who is looking to buy a new lens, this third-party option is pretty great.
The lens we are talking about is the Voigtlander 17.5mm f0.95, which offers a 35mm focal range. It features a 5.9-inch focusing distance, a 1:4.0 maximum ratio, and 13 elements in 9 groups. The lens is quite large, has a big front element, and that has to do with the bright aperture. It also has a nice metal design.
One can easily focus with the lens, thanks to the VF2 viewfinder or something like the OMD EM5’s electronic one built in. Lots of Micro Four Thirds cameras have built in viewfinders so using this manual focus gem of a lens isn’t all that difficult. This applies when you want to shoot images at f0.95, which results in really exceptional background blur. But things become better when you stop down to f2. Otherwise, use the magnify function.
However, what one must remember is that if you are not into shooting with manual lenses, this lens can be daunting for you. Street photographers will lose a chance of getting a candid moment because they will continue to fidget with the focusing ring.
Speaking about the images, you will fall in love with the lens has to offer. If you use it with EP2 or EPM1, you will be motivated to go out and make photos.
Some of the things it does well are the color rendition. This is what you are paying for. The colors change with the aperture though. If you are shooting wide open, you will get saturated images, but if you stop down, they become softer. However, the best way to balance sharpness and focus is f2.8.
This lens was ultimately designed for street photographers and photojournalists. And if you love photographing people, you’ll be pleasantly content to hear that the skin tone rendering with this lens in second to none even in the lowest of lighting situations.
Since the lens offers a wide aperture, you can pair it with older cameras so that you don’t have to shoot at higher ISOs and still get a great result.
If you are someone who is thinking about taking cinematic photographs, this is the lens that is worth getting. It may not be easy given the manual focus, but you get the best results at just a quater of the price. Micro Four Third photographers, who are keen on shallow depth of field, finally get a stunning offering at just under $800.