{"id":63250,"date":"2025-08-31T06:15:13","date_gmt":"2025-08-31T05:15:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/?p=63250"},"modified":"2026-03-23T12:53:25","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T11:53:25","slug":"review-voigtlander-vm-12mm-5-6-ultra-wide-heliar-mk-iii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-voigtlander-vm-12mm-5-6-ultra-wide-heliar-mk-iii\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 Ultra-Wide-Heliar MK III"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Introduction<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_63401\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-63401\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-63401\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_Ultra-Wide_Heliar_III_M10.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_Ultra-Wide_Heliar_III_M10.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_Ultra-Wide_Heliar_III_M10-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_Ultra-Wide_Heliar_III_M10-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-63401\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 Ultra-Wide-Heliar III on Leica M10<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Between 2015 and 2016 Cosina released three ultra wide angle lenses for M-mount, the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-voigtlander-10mm-5-6-e-hyper-wide-heliar\/\">VM 10mm 5.6 Hyper-Wide Heliar<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-voigtlander-15mm-4-5-e-super-wide-heliar\/\">VM 15mm 4.5 Super-Wide-Heliar III<\/a> and this VM 12mm 5.6 Ultra-Wide-Heliar III. While the 10mm and 15mm are still in production 10 years later, this 12mm has been discontinued after 3 years only. What was the reason for that? Let&#8217;s find out in this review.<br \/>\n<em>Lens is being tested on 42mp Sony A7rII and 24mp Leica M10<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Sample Images<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_64344\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-64344\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-64344\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_11_11.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_11_11.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_11_11-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_11_11-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-64344\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 III | f\/11<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_64342\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-64342\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-64342\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_9_12.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_9_12.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_9_12-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_9_12-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-64342\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 III | f\/11<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_64341\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-64341\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-64341\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_8_11.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_8_11.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_8_11-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_8_11-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-64341\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 III | f\/11<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_64340\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-64340\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-64340\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_8_5.6.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_8_5.6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_8_5.6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_8_5.6-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-64340\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 III | f\/5.6<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_64348\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-64348\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-64348\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_15_8.0.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_15_8.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_15_8.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_15_8.0-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-64348\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 III | f\/8.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_64350\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-64350\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-64350\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_17_8.0.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_17_8.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_17_8.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_17_8.0-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-64350\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 III | f\/8.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><em>Many of the Sample images in this review can be found in full resolution <a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/s\/aHBqjCkj8c\">here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n<h2>Specifications \/ Version History<\/h2>\n<p>So far there have been 4 different versions of this lens:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-voigtlander-12mm-5-6-ultra-wide-heliar\/\"><strong>Voigtlander 12mm 5.6 Ultra-Wide-Heliar<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\nM39 (no rangefinder couling), 162g, 77mm filter thread via adapter ring, MFD 0.3 m, removable hood, 10\/8 design, 9 aperture blades, 2000-2010<\/li>\n<li><strong>Voigtlander VM 12mm 5.6 Ultra-Wide-Heliar II<\/strong><br \/>\nM-mount (rangefinder couling), 230g, 67mm filter thread, MFD 0.5 m, non removable hood, 10\/8 design (unchanged from MK I), 10 aperture blades, 2010-2016<\/li>\n<li><strong>Voigtlander VM 12mm 5.6 Ultra-Wide-Heliar III<\/strong><br \/>\nM-mount (rangefinder coupling), 281g, no filter thread, MFD 0.5 m, non removable hood, 12\/10 design, 10 aperture blades, 2016-2019<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-voigtlander-12mm-5-6-aspherical-ultra-wide-heliar\/\">Voigtlander 12mm 5.6 Ultra-Wide-Heliar E III<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\nE-mount, 350g, no filter thread, MFD 0.3 m, non removable hood, 12\/10 design (unchanged from M-mount MK III version), 10 aperture blades, 2016-2019<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These are the specs of the E-mount version:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Diameter: 65 mm<\/li>\n<li>Field of view: 121\u00b0 (diagonally)<\/li>\n<li>Length: 58 mm<\/li>\n<li>Weight: 281g (without caps)<\/li>\n<li>Filter Diameter: &#8211;<\/li>\n<li>Number of Aperture Blades: 10 (straight)<\/li>\n<li>Elements\/Groups: 12\/10<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-63615\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/VM_12mm_5.6_III_Diagram.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"350\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/VM_12mm_5.6_III_Diagram.jpg 350w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/VM_12mm_5.6_III_Diagram-300x129.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Close Focusing Distance: 0.50 m<\/li>\n<li>Maximum Magnification: 1:27<\/li>\n<li>Mount: Leica M, Sony E<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>buy from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.com\/sch\/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&amp;_nkw=voigtl%C3%A4nder+12mm+5.6+iii+vm&amp;_sacat=0&amp;_odkw=voigtl%C3%A4nder+12mm+5.6+-iii+-e&amp;_osacat=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&amp;siteid=0&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=20008&amp;mkevt=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ebay.com<\/a> |&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.de\/sch\/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&amp;_nkw=voigtl%C3%A4nder+12mm+5.6+iii+vm&amp;_sacat=0&amp;_odkw=voigtl%C3%A4nder+12mm+5.6+iii&amp;_osacat=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;mkrid=707-53477-19255-0&amp;siteid=77&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=20008&amp;mkevt=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ebay.de<\/a> starting at <strong>$500<\/strong> (advertisement\/affiliate links)<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Disclosure<span id=\"Disclosure\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 Ultra-Wide-Heliar III was kindly provided by our reader Olaf Leismann for review purposes. Thanks a lot!<\/p>\n<h2>Handling \/ Build Quality<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_63400\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-63400\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-63400\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_Ultra-Wide_Heliar_III.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_Ultra-Wide_Heliar_III.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_Ultra-Wide_Heliar_III-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_Ultra-Wide_Heliar_III-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-63400\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 Ultra-Wide-Heliar III<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>This Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 Ultra-Wide-Heliar III features Cosina&#8217;s most common casing design: anodized matte black aluminium with red\/white markings that are engraved and filled with paint and a small red dot for easier mounting.<\/p>\n<p>The hill\/valley focus ring has perfectly even resistance and travels almost exactly 90\u00b0 from the minimum focus distance of 0.5 m to infinity.<\/p>\n<p>The aperture ring has half-stop click stops that are spaced equidistantly as it should be.<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-1-review-voigtlander-vm-12mm-5-6-ultra-wide-heliar-mk-iii-26568\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane1-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">infinity<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane1-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">MFD<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-1-review-voigtlander-vm-12mm-5-6-ultra-wide-heliar-mk-iii-26568\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane1-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-64059\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/VM_12mm_5.6_III_RF_Block_Infinity.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/VM_12mm_5.6_III_RF_Block_Infinity.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/VM_12mm_5.6_III_RF_Block_Infinity-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/VM_12mm_5.6_III_RF_Block_Infinity-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane1-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-64060\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/VM_12mm_5.6_III_RF_Block_MFD.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/VM_12mm_5.6_III_RF_Block_MFD.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/VM_12mm_5.6_III_RF_Block_MFD-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/VM_12mm_5.6_III_RF_Block_MFD-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><span style=\"color: #999999;\"><em>Rangefinder blockage<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>There is a significant amount of rangefinder blockage with this lens, but if you are using this lens on a rangefinder camera without liveview you need an external finder for framing anyway.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_63399\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-63399\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-63399\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_Laowa_15mm_4.5_II.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"276\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_Laowa_15mm_4.5_II.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_Laowa_15mm_4.5_II-300x104.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_Laowa_15mm_4.5_II-768x265.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-63399\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Laowa 9mm 5.6 | Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 III | Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 15mm 4.5 II<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Mark III version of this 12mm 5.6 and also the 15mm 4.5 are significantly bigger than their predecessors. I don&#8217;t have a sample of the 12mm 5.6 II here, but I added my <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-voigtlander-vm-15mm-4-5-ii-super-wide-heliar\/\">15mm 4.5 II<\/a> with shaved-off hood for a comparison. The 12mm 5.6 II has a similar casing length, only its front diameter is a a bit higher. Taking into account the non removable hoods, we also see that this 12mm 5.6 III is barely any smaller than the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-laowa-9mm-5-6-ff-rl\/\">Laowa 9mm 5.6<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_63404\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-63404\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-63404\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_Ultra-Wide_Heliar_III_Nikon_Zf.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_Ultra-Wide_Heliar_III_Nikon_Zf.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_Ultra-Wide_Heliar_III_Nikon_Zf-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_Ultra-Wide_Heliar_III_Nikon_Zf-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-63404\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 Ultra-Wide-Heliar III via adapters on Nikon Zf<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Being an M-mount lens, you can adapt it to all kinds of mirrorless cameras.<\/p>\n<h2>Vignetting<\/h2>\n<h3><strong>light falloff<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-63323\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_Vignetting_5.6_R2.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_Vignetting_5.6_R2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_Vignetting_5.6_R2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_Vignetting_5.6_R2-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Because of the non removable hood it is harder to get decent values on light fall off with our usual method that yields those nice charts.<\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-205\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-205\">\n<tbody class=\"row-striping\">\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">f\/5.6<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">3.5 EV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">f\/8.0<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">3.4 EV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">f\/11<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">3.4 EV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-205 from cache -->\n<p>The problem with these compact ultra wide angle lenses designed for M-mount is, that stopping down often doesn&#8217;t help with reducing the vignetting, and this is exactly the case here.<\/p>\n<p>These vignetting figures are still similar to other compact ultra wide angle lenses for M-mount. If this is something that bothers you, I recommend having a closer look at the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-laowa-15mm-2-0-zero-d-m-mount\/\">Laowa 15mm 2.0 M<\/a>, which stopped down to f\/5.6 or further &#8220;only&#8221; has 2 EV vignetting.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>color cast<\/strong><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_64330\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-64330\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-64330\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_Color_Cast.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_Color_Cast.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_Color_Cast-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_Color_Cast-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-64330\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 III | f\/5.6<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>One of the reasons for Cosina updating these Mk II ultra wide angle lenses must have been the &#8220;italian flag&#8221; color cast on Leica&#8217;s sensors (have a look at my <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-voigtlander-vm-15mm-4-5-ii-super-wide-heliar\/\">Voigtlander VM 15mm 4.5 II<\/a> review) that occured with them. Luckily that is indeed gone, but there is still some greenish color cast in the corners on Sony&#8217;s BSI sensors as well as on the Leica M10\/M11.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_64349\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-64349\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-64349\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_16_5.6.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_16_5.6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_16_5.6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_16_5.6-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-64349\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 III | f\/5.6<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>You can check out my article <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/how-to-correcting-color-cast-in-lightroom\/\">How to: Correcting Color Cast in Lightroom<\/a> where I explain different methods to fix this.<\/p>\n<h2>Sharpness<\/h2>\n<h3>infinity (24mp Leica M10, 42mp Sony A7rII)<\/h3>\n<div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-2-review-voigtlander-vm-12mm-5-6-ultra-wide-heliar-mk-iii-59453\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane2-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">Leica M10<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane2-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">Sony A7rII<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-2-review-voigtlander-vm-12mm-5-6-ultra-wide-heliar-mk-iii-59453\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane2-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-63788\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Sharpness_Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"926\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Sharpness_Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Sharpness_Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10-259x300.jpg 259w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Sharpness_Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10-768x889.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane2-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-64156\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Sharpness_Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_R2.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"924\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Sharpness_Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_R2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Sharpness_Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_R2-260x300.jpg 260w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Sharpness_Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_R2-768x887.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_63793\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-63793\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-63793\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_Sharpness_Infinity_11.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_Sharpness_Infinity_11.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_Sharpness_Infinity_11-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_Sharpness_Infinity_11-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-63793\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 III | f\/11<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>On the Leica M10 the Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 III shows a decent, but not a great peformance. While center and midframe look good from f\/5.6, the corners do benefit from stopping down, but they never look great.<\/p>\n<p>One would think that the performance would be worse on the Sony A7rII because of its thicker filter stack, but except for a more pronounced midzone dip the lens performs very similar here. This is why I am guessing the M-mount and E-mount versions of this lens share the same exact optics.<\/p>\n<p>Compared to my experiences with the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-voigtlander-10mm-5-6-e-hyper-wide-heliar\/\">Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 10mm 5.6<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-voigtlander-15mm-4-5-e-super-wide-heliar\/\">VM 15mm 4.5 III<\/a>, this 12mm&#8217;s performance is closer to the 10mm&#8217;s, which also isn&#8217;t that great. In terms of sharpness I also hardly see an improvement over the earlier versions of this lens.<\/p>\n<h3>close (0.5 m, 1:27)<em><br \/>\n<\/em><\/h3>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-3-review-voigtlander-vm-12mm-5-6-ultra-wide-heliar-mk-iii-28916\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane3-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/5.6<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane3-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/8.0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane3-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/11<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-3-review-voigtlander-vm-12mm-5-6-ultra-wide-heliar-mk-iii-28916\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane3-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-64162\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_Sharpness_Close_R2_5.6.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_Sharpness_Close_R2_5.6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_Sharpness_Close_R2_5.6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_Sharpness_Close_R2_5.6-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane3-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-64163\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_Sharpness_Close_R2_8.0.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_Sharpness_Close_R2_8.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_Sharpness_Close_R2_8.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_Sharpness_Close_R2_8.0-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane3-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-64164\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_Sharpness_Close_R2_11.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_Sharpness_Close_R2_11.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_Sharpness_Close_R2_11-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_Sharpness_Close_R2_11-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em>100% crops from center, A7rII<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>While the E-mount version features a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m, this M-mount version only offers 0.5 m, leading to an even worse maximum magnification. For comparison, the Laowa 9mm 5.6 offers a minimum focus distance of 0.12 m, leading to a maximum magnification of 1:4.8 and thanks to its floating elements design almost perfectly corrects field curvature even at these close distances.<\/p>\n<h2>Flare resistance<\/h2>\n<p>As always evaluating flare is a complex matter since you can get any lens to look bad if you push it hard enough and a slight change of scenario can affect results a lot.<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-4-review-voigtlander-vm-12mm-5-6-ultra-wide-heliar-mk-iii-26604\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane4-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">Position 1<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane4-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">Position 2<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane4-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">Position 3<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane4-3\" data-toggle=\"tab\">Position 4<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane4-4\" data-toggle=\"tab\">Position 5<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-4-review-voigtlander-vm-12mm-5-6-ultra-wide-heliar-mk-iii-26604\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane4-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-64157\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Flare_11_Pos1.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Flare_11_Pos1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Flare_11_Pos1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Flare_11_Pos1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane4-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-64158\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Flare_11_Pos2.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Flare_11_Pos2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Flare_11_Pos2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Flare_11_Pos2-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane4-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-64159\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Flare_11_Pos3.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Flare_11_Pos3.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Flare_11_Pos3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Flare_11_Pos3-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane4-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-64160\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Flare_11_Pos4.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Flare_11_Pos4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Flare_11_Pos4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Flare_11_Pos4-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane4-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-64161\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Flare_11_Pos5.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Flare_11_Pos5.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Flare_11_Pos5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Flare_11_Pos5-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><span style=\"color: #999999;\"><em>Leica M10 | Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 III | f\/11<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Modern Voigtl\u00e4nder lenses often perform well in this category and this 12mm 5.6 is no exception. As ghosting hardly is an issue at all and there is only a specific position of the sun at the corner of the frame that leads to some veiling flare.<\/p>\n<h2>Coma<\/h2>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-5-review-voigtlander-vm-12mm-5-6-ultra-wide-heliar-mk-iii-79267\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane5-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/5.6<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane5-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/8.0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-5-review-voigtlander-vm-12mm-5-6-ultra-wide-heliar-mk-iii-79267\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane5-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-63711\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Coma_5.6.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Coma_5.6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Coma_5.6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Coma_5.6-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane5-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-63712\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Coma_8.0.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Coma_8.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Coma_8.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Coma_8.0-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em>Leica M10 | Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 III | 100% crops from extreme corner<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>In the sharpness section we have seen that the corner performance isn&#8217;t amazing and that is still visible here. Coma isn&#8217;t really an issue though &#8211; considering this lens&#8217; maximum aperture of f\/5.6 that doesn&#8217;t come as a big surprise though.<\/p>\n<h2>Distortion<\/h2>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-6-review-voigtlander-vm-12mm-5-6-ultra-wide-heliar-mk-iii-47209\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane6-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">uncorrected<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane6-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">corrected<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-6-review-voigtlander-vm-12mm-5-6-ultra-wide-heliar-mk-iii-47209\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane6-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-64332\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Distortion_Uncorrected.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Distortion_Uncorrected.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Distortion_Uncorrected-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Distortion_Uncorrected-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane6-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-64331\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Distortion_corrected.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Distortion_corrected.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Distortion_corrected-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Distortion_corrected-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em>Leica M10 | Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 III | f\/11<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The lens shows low yet slightly wavy distortion. Lightroom\/Photoshop features a correction profile (for the E-mount version of this lens) which I used for many of the sample pictures in this review.<\/p>\n<h2>Sunstars<\/h2>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-7-review-voigtlander-vm-12mm-5-6-ultra-wide-heliar-mk-iii-93934\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane7-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/5.6<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane7-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/8.0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane7-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/11<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane7-3\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/16<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane7-4\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/22<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-7-review-voigtlander-vm-12mm-5-6-ultra-wide-heliar-mk-iii-93934\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane7-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-63527\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_R2_33_Sunstars_5.6.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_R2_33_Sunstars_5.6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_R2_33_Sunstars_5.6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_R2_33_Sunstars_5.6-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane7-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-63528\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_R2_33_Sunstars_8.0.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_R2_33_Sunstars_8.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_R2_33_Sunstars_8.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_R2_33_Sunstars_8.0-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane7-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-63529\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_R2_33_Sunstars_11.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_R2_33_Sunstars_11.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_R2_33_Sunstars_11-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_R2_33_Sunstars_11-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane7-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-63530\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_R2_33_Sunstars_16.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_R2_33_Sunstars_16.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_R2_33_Sunstars_16-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_R2_33_Sunstars_16-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane7-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-63531\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_R2_33_Sunstars_22.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_R2_33_Sunstars_22.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_R2_33_Sunstars_22-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_R2_33_Sunstars_22-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em>Sony A7rII | Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 III | 33% crops<br \/>\n<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>As is the case for many of Cosina&#8217;s VM lenses also this 12mm 5.6 III creates well defined 10-pointed sunstars from f\/5.6 to f\/16. At f\/22 the opening becomes perfectly round, so no sunstars at that setting. Not that I recommend anyone using f\/22 anyway&#8230;<\/p>\n<h2>Chromatic Aberrations<\/h2>\n<h3><strong>lateral<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-8-review-voigtlander-vm-12mm-5-6-ultra-wide-heliar-mk-iii-20539\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane8-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">uncorrected<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane8-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">corrected<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-8-review-voigtlander-vm-12mm-5-6-ultra-wide-heliar-mk-iii-20539\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane8-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-63792\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_laCA_M10_Uncorrected.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_laCA_M10_Uncorrected.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_laCA_M10_Uncorrected-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_laCA_M10_Uncorrected-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane8-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-63791\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_laCA_M10_corrected.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_laCA_M10_corrected.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_laCA_M10_corrected-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_laCA_M10_corrected-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><em><span style=\"color: #999999;\">Leica M10 | Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 III | f\/11 | 100% crops from corner<\/span><br \/>\n<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Many ultra wide angle lenses show some lateral CA in the corners and this VM 12mm 5.6 III is no exception. They are not very strong though and still easily corrected in post.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>longitudinal<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>As this is a very wide and rather slow lens longitudinal CA (loCA) are nothing to worry about.<\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>good<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">good to very good sharpness and contrast over most of the frame<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">flare resistance<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">coma correction<\/span><span style=\"color: #339966;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">sunstars<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">build quality and handling<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td><strong>average<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>correction of lateral CA<\/li>\n<li>distortion<\/li>\n<li>size \/ weight<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td><strong>not good<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">high vignetting even stopped down<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">extreme corners never look great<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">minimum focus distance only 0.5 m<\/span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">slight green color cast in the corners<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">no filter thread<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>As said in the beginning, Cosina released the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-voigtlander-10mm-5-6-e-hyper-wide-heliar\/\">VM 10mm 5.6 Hyper-Wide Heliar<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-voigtlander-15mm-4-5-e-super-wide-heliar\/\">VM 15mm 4.5 Super-Wide-Heliar III<\/a> and this VM 12mm 5.6 Ultra-Wide-Heliar III at roughly the same time.<\/p>\n<p>I know many people who bought the 15mm 4.5, as its focal length is not that extreme, it is a bit faster and could take normal filters. It also has the best corner sharpness of all three.<\/p>\n<p>I also know some people who bought the 10mm 5.6 (me included) as it was the widest rectilinear lens at that time.<\/p>\n<p>But when it comes to this 12mm 5.6, it has all the disadvantages of the 10mm 5.6 (not great corner sharpness, f\/5.6 maximum aperture, no filter thread), but it didn&#8217;t have the the world record focal length. So next to the 10mm 5.6 and the 15mm 4.5, it didn&#8217;t look very appealing to me, and I guess I wasn&#8217;t alone with that.<\/p>\n<p>Now, almost a decade after its release, there are also some new options available that you might want to have a look at, so check out the next section.<\/p>\n<p><em>buy from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.com\/sch\/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&amp;_nkw=voigtl%C3%A4nder+12mm+5.6+iii+vm&amp;_sacat=0&amp;_odkw=voigtl%C3%A4nder+12mm+5.6+-iii+-e&amp;_osacat=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&amp;siteid=0&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=20008&amp;mkevt=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ebay.com<\/a> |<\/em><em>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.de\/sch\/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&amp;_nkw=voigtl%C3%A4nder+12mm+5.6+iii+vm&amp;_sacat=0&amp;_odkw=voigtl%C3%A4nder+12mm+5.6+iii&amp;_osacat=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;mkrid=707-53477-19255-0&amp;siteid=77&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=20008&amp;mkevt=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ebay.de<\/a> starting at <strong>$500<\/strong> (advertisement\/affiliate links)<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Alternatives<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-laowa-9mm-5-6-ff-rl\/\"><b>Laowa 9mm 5.6:<\/b><\/a><br \/>\nDespite being wider, the Laowa 9mm 5.6 performs better than either, the Voigtl\u00e4nder 10mm 5.6 or this 12mm 5.6, which is why it is my personal lens of choice in this focal length range. The difference between 9mm and 12mm is rather massive though.<br \/>\n<em>buy from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.venuslens.net\/product\/laowa-9mm-f-5-6-ff-rl\/ref\/57\/\">manufacturer&#8217;s homepage<\/a> |&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bhpho.to\/3jnhRPw\">B&amp;H<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.com\/sch\/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC1.A0.H0.Xlaowa+9mm+5.6.TRS1&amp;_nkw=laowa+9mm+5.6&amp;_sacat=0&amp;mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&amp;siteid=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=10001&amp;customid=&amp;mkevt=1\">ebay.com<\/a> |&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.de\/sch\/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313.TR12.TRC2.A0.H0.Xlaowa+9mm+5.6.TRS0&amp;_nkw=laowa+9mm+5.6&amp;_sacat=0&amp;mkrid=707-53477-19255-0&amp;siteid=77&amp;mkcid=1&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=10001&amp;customid=&amp;mkevt=1\">ebay.de<\/a> for <strong>$699<\/strong> (M-mount) and <strong>$599<\/strong> (E\/Z\/L-mount) (advertisement\/affiliate links)<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-voigtlander-10mm-5-6-e-hyper-wide-heliar\/\">Voigtlander 10mm 5.6 E Hyper Wide Heliar:<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\nSimilar performance as this 12mm 5.6 while being a bit wider, still in production. As the aforementioned Laowa 9mm 5.6 is the better performer I cannot really recommend this 10mm lens anymore.<br \/>\n<em>buy from&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.com\/sch\/i.html?LH_CAds=&amp;_ex_kw=&amp;_fpos=&amp;_fspt=1&amp;_mPrRngCbx=1&amp;_nkw=voigtlander+10mm+5.6&amp;_sacat=625&amp;_sadis=&amp;_sop=12&amp;_udhi=&amp;_udlo=&amp;_fosrp=1&amp;mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&amp;siteid=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=10001&amp;customid=&amp;mkevt=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ebay.com<\/a> |<\/em><em>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.de\/sch\/i.html?_ex_kw=&amp;_mPrRngCbx=1&amp;_nkw=Voigtl%25E4nder+10mm&amp;_sacat=625&amp;_sop=12&amp;_udhi=&amp;_udlo=&amp;_fosrp=1&amp;mkrid=707-53477-19255-0&amp;siteid=77&amp;mkcid=1&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=10001&amp;customid=&amp;mkevt=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ebay.de<\/a> |&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2sdNPWm\">amazon.com<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2yf81eV\">amazon.de<\/a> |<\/em><em>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bhpho.to\/2JNXUDm\">B&amp;H<\/a> for <strong>749$<\/strong> (advertisement\/affiliate links)<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-voigtlander-12mm-5-6-ultra-wide-heliar\/\">Voigtlander 12mm 5.6 Ultra Wide Heliar I and II:<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\nIf you are shooting with an analogue M-mount camera or the latest M11 with BSI sensor, the earlier versions of this 12mm 5.6 are actually the better choice. The optical performance is very similar, but the older models are smaller, a bit cheaper and feature normal filter threads.<br \/>\nIf you are using an M8\/9\/10 you have to deal with the ugly italian flag vignetting though, which this latest MK III version got rid of.<br \/>\n<em>buy from<\/em> <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.com\/sch\/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p4432023.m570.l1313&amp;_nkw=voigtl%C3%A4nder+12mm+5.6+-iii+-e&amp;_sacat=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&amp;siteid=0&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=20008&amp;mkevt=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ebay.com<\/a> |<\/em><em>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.de\/sch\/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p4432023.m570.l1313&amp;_nkw=voigtl%C3%A4nder+12mm+5.6+-iii+-e&amp;_sacat=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;mkrid=707-53477-19255-0&amp;siteid=77&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=20008&amp;mkevt=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ebay.de<\/a> starting at <strong>$400<\/strong> (advertisement\/affiliate links)<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-laowa-11mm-4-5-ff-rl\/\"><strong>Laowa 11mm 4.5 C-Dreamer:<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\nAnother very interesting alternative to this 12mm 5.6. While their price is similar the 11mm has some advantages: it is a bit faster and has a normal 62mm filter thread.<br \/>\nDeciding between these two, I would go for the 11mm Laowa.<br \/>\n<em>buy from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.venuslens.net\/product\/laowa-11mm-f-4-5-ff-rl\/ref\/57\/\">manufacturer&#8217;s homepage<\/a> for <strong>$539<\/strong> (M-mount) and <strong>$489<\/strong> (E\/Z\/L-mount) (advertisement\/affiliate links)<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-laowa-12-24mm-5-6\/\"><b>Laowa 12-24mm 5.6:<\/b><\/a><br \/>\nIn the M-mount world zoom lenses are very rare and the so far most appealing one comes from Laowa. In terms of sharpness it performs better at 12mm than this Voigtl\u00e4nder prime and brings a whole lot of versatility to the table. A lens that doesn&#8217;t get nearly the love from the M users that it actually deserves.<br \/>\n<em>buy from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.venuslens.net\/product\/laowa-12-24mm-f-5-6-zoom\/ref\/57\">manufacturer&#8217;s homepage<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3k9spql\">amazon.com<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3IEcv1l\">amazon.de<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.com\/sch\/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&amp;_nkw=laowa+12-24mm&amp;_sacat=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&amp;siteid=0&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=20008&amp;mkevt=1\">ebay.com<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.de\/sch\/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&amp;_nkw=laowa+12-24mm&amp;_sacat=0&amp;LH_TitleDesc=0&amp;_odkw=laowa+12-24&amp;_osacat=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;mkrid=707-53477-19255-0&amp;siteid=77&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=20008&amp;mkevt=1\">ebay.de<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/bhpho.to\/3IGvk3Q\">B&amp;H<\/a> for <strong>$649 <\/strong>(E\/RF\/Z) to<strong> 699$<\/strong> (M-mount) (advertisement\/affiliate links)<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Further Sample Images<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_64345\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-64345\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-64345\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_12_11.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_12_11.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_12_11-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_12_11-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-64345\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 III | f\/11<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_64343\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-64343\" style=\"width: 635px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-64343\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_10_11.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"635\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_10_11.jpg 635w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_10_11-238x300.jpg 238w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 635px) 100vw, 635px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-64343\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 III | f\/11<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_64346\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-64346\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-64346\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_13_11.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_13_11.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_13_11-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_13_11-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-64346\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 III | f\/11<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_64337\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-64337\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-64337\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_5_5.6.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_5_5.6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_5_5.6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_5_5.6-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-64337\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 III | f\/5.6<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_64338\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-64338\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-64338\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_6_5.6.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_6_5.6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_6_5.6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_6_5.6-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-64338\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 III | f\/5.6<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_64339\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-64339\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-64339\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_7_5.6.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_7_5.6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_7_5.6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_7_5.6-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-64339\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 III | f\/5.6<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_64336\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-64336\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-64336\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_4_5.6.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_4_5.6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_4_5.6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_4_5.6-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-64336\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 III | f\/5.6<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_64334\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-64334\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-64334\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_2_5.6.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_2_5.6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_2_5.6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_2_5.6-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-64334\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 III | f\/5.6<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_64347\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-64347\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-64347\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_14_11.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_14_11.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_14_11-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_14_11-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-64347\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 III | f\/11<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_64333\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-64333\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-64333\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_1_11.jpg\" alt=\"voigtl\u00e4nder vm 12mm 5.6 iii mk mark 3 resolution contrast flare resistance distortion vignetting coma leica m10 m9 m11 monochrome mono sony nikon a7rv z6 z6 z8 z9 zf\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_1_11.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_1_11-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Voigtlander_VM_12mm_5.6_III_M10_Sample_1_11-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-64333\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 III | f\/11<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><em>Many of the sample images in this review can be found in full resolution <a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/s\/aHBqjCkj8c\">here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Further Reading<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/lenses\/leica-lenses\/\">All M-mount Reviews<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-laowa-15mm-5-0-cookie-tiny-and-useful\/\">Review: Laowa 15mm 5.0 M Cookie<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-thypoch-simera-28mm-1-4\/\">Review: Thypoch 28mm 1.4 Simera M<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-voigtlander-50mm-1-1-nokton-better-than-its-reputation\/\">Review: Voigtl\u00e4nder 50mm 1.1 Nokton<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-leica-90mm-2-0-summicron-m\/\">Review: Leica 90mm 2.0 Summicron-M pre Asph<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Support Us<\/h2>\n<p>Did you find this article useful or just liked reading it? Treat us to a coffee!<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/donate\/?hosted_button_id=3K9EJRRQVXT4J\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-40345 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/donate2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"103\" height=\"29\"><\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/en_SE\/i\/scr\/pixel.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\"> <span style=\"color: #999999;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/en_SE\/i\/scr\/pixel.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\"><em>via Paypal<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>This site contains advertisement\/affiliate links. If you make a purchase using any of the links marked as advertisement\/affiliate links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the creation of future content.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction Between 2015 and 2016 Cosina released three ultra wide angle lenses for M-mount, the VM 10mm 5.6 Hyper-Wide Heliar, the VM 15mm 4.5 Super-Wide-Heliar III and this VM 12mm 5.6 Ultra-Wide-Heliar III. While the 10mm and 15mm are still in production 10 years later, this 12mm has been discontinued after 3 years only. What &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-voigtlander-vm-12mm-5-6-ultra-wide-heliar-mk-iii\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Review: Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 Ultra-Wide-Heliar MK III<\/span> <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4708,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[57,157],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-63250","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-leica-m","category-voigtlander"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Review: Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 Ultra-Wide-Heliar MK III - phillipreeve.net<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 12mm 5.6 Ultra-Wide-Heliar III was discontinued after only 3 years. 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