Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G vs Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G is 40mm, the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III is 15mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G for standard, the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III for wide-angle.
Choose the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.5 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 40mm vs 15mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.23x 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 if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 15mm vs 40mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G opens to f/2.5 vs the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G is 40mm, Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III is 15mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Durability: the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G or the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G is 40mm, the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III is 15mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G for standard, the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III for wide-angle.
Who should choose the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G?
Choose the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G if you want more light and background blur — f/2.5 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 40mm vs 15mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.23x 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?
Choose the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III if you shoot wide — it starts at 15mm vs 40mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
What is the main difference between the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G and the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III?
Aperture: the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G opens to f/2.5 vs the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 40mm | 15mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 8 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.5 | f/4.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 10 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 57° | 111° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | No |
| Focus Motor | XD Linear | − |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 25 cm | 30 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.23x | 0.08x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | Yes | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $599 | $599 |
| Filter Size | 49mm | 58mm |
| Diameter | 68mm | 72mm |
| Length | 45.5mm | 64mm |
| Weight | 173g (6.1 oz) | 193g (6.8 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
