Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR 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 DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR is 18-140mm, 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 DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR for standard zoom, the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III (Nikon Z) for wide-angle.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/3.5 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 140mm vs 15mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 18-140mm zoom covers what the fixed 15mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Choose the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 15mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 193g (6.8 oz) it's lighter than the 315g (11.1 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR opens to f/3.5 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 DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR is 18-140mm, Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III (Nikon Z) is 15mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR is a zoom (flexible framing), the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III (Nikon Z) a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Stabilisation: only the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Close-up: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR reaches 0.36x magnification vs 0.08x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III (Nikon Z) is 193g (6.8 oz) vs 315g (11.1 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR or the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III (Nikon Z) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR is 18-140mm, 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 DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR for standard zoom, the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III (Nikon Z) for wide-angle.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR if you want more light and background blur — f/3.5 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 140mm vs 15mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 18-140mm zoom covers what the fixed 15mm can't reframe. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn'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 prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 15mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 193g (6.8 oz) it's lighter than the 315g (11.1 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR and the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III (Nikon Z)?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR opens to f/3.5 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 | 18-140mm | 15mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 16 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 | f/4.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 10 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 76° – 12° | 111° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 27-210mm | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | No |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | − |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 20 cm | 30 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.36x | 0.08x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | 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 | 70mm | 72mm |
| Length | 88.5mm | 64mm |
| Weight | 315g (11.1 oz) | 193g (6.8 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
