Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S vs Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is 50mm, the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III (Nikon Z) is 15mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S for short-telephoto / portrait, the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III (Nikon Z) for wide-angle.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 15mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.15x magnification vs 0.08x.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Choose the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 15mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 193g (6.8 oz) it's lighter than the 415g (14.6 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S opens to f/1.8 vs the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III (Nikon Z)'s f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is 50mm, Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III (Nikon Z) is 15mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Weight: the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III (Nikon Z) is 193g (6.8 oz) vs 415g (14.6 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S or the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III (Nikon Z) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is 50mm, the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III (Nikon Z) is 15mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S for short-telephoto / portrait, the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III (Nikon Z) for wide-angle.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S if you want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 15mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.15x magnification vs 0.08x. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Who should choose the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III (Nikon Z) if you shoot wide — it starts at 15mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 193g (6.8 oz) it's lighter than the 415g (14.6 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S and the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III (Nikon Z)?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S opens to f/1.8 vs the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III (Nikon Z)'s f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 50mm | 15mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/4.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 10 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 47° – 47° | 111° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | No |
| Focus Motor | Multi-focus Stepping | − |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 40 cm | 30 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.15x | 0.08x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $599 | $599 |
| Filter Size | 62mm | 58mm |
| Diameter | 76mm | 72mm |
| Length | 86.5mm | 64mm |
| Weight | 415g (14.6 oz) | 193g (6.8 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
