At CP+ 2026, manufacturer SG-image unveiled a limited edition of its 18 mm f/6.3 pancake lens, paying tribute to an icon of Japanese pop culture: Ultraman. What’s more, this lens for APS-C hybrid cameras stands out for its weight of just 78 grams.
Sommaire
A tribute to one of Japan’s most popular superheroes
A silver mask, oval eyes, and an instantly recognizable red and silver costume. You may not be familiar with him, but Ultraman is to Japan what Superman or Spider-Man are to the United States or Europe. Created in 1966 by Eiji Tsuburaya (who was behind the special effects for Godzilla), the hero of this television series is celebrating his 60th anniversary in 202, and tributes are pouring in.
This is why Chinese manufacturer SG-image decided to produce a limited edition of its 18 mm f/6.3 pancake lens. The lens features the name Ultraman written in Japanese, a commemorative logo, and a drawing of the character in flight on the front of the lens. Similarly, the focus mark is intended to resemble the “Color Timer” (an important device used to measure the hero’s residual energy).
The lens is available in two colors: black and silver. It will come in packaging featuring Ultraman colors.
SG-image 18 mm f/6.3: wide-angle pancake lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras
Furthermore, this Ultraman lens has the same specifications as the SG-image 18 mm f/6.3, launched in January 2025. Available in Sony E, Fujifilm X, Nikon Z, and Micro 4/3 mounts, it offers a 27 mm equivalent (or 36 mm for MFT) in full frame. The aperture is fixed at f/6.3. The minimum focusing distance is 20 cm.
Entirely manual, it also stands out for its ultra-compact design: only 1.4 cm tick, and weighing 78 g. The filter diameter is 37 mm (at the lens) or 49 mm (at the lens hood).
Focusing is done using the small push button on the side. In terms of optical design, there are 6 lenses divided into 4 groups, including 2 high refractive index elements to increase sharpness.
Here is a list of the features of the SG-image 18 mm f/6.3:
- focal length: 18 mm (equivalent to 27 mm in full frame)
- lens for APS-C sensor
- maximum aperture: f/6.3
- minimum aperture: f/6.3
- field of view: approximately 64°
- Optical construction: 6 lenses in 4 groups (including 2 high refractive index elements)
- diaphragm: N/A
- minimum focusing distance: 20 cm
- image stabilization: no
- tropicalization: no
- Maximum magnification: N/A
- focus: manual
- Filter diameter: 37 mm (optical) / 49 mm (sunshade)
- dimensions: ø 60 x 14 mm
- weight: 78 g
- accessories included: front and rear caps, sun visor
- Compatible mounts: Sony E, Fujifilm X, Nikon Z, and Micro 4/3.
- launch price: €63
Price and availability of the SG-image 18 mm f/6.3 Ultraman
The SG-image 18 mm f/6.3 Ultraman lens is available in a limited edition on the 2nd Focus store website for ¥16,800 (approximately €107) with Sony E, Fujifilm X, and Micro 4/3 mounts.
The “classic” version of the lens is priced at €63, with Sony E, Fujifilm X, Nikon Z, and Micro 4/3 mounts.
Our initial opinion
Ultra-lightweight, this pancake lens is a beautiful tribute to Japan’s most iconic superhero. Photography and Ultraman fans will love it. What’s more, this lens is appealing for its wide-angle focal range and compact size. It’s a great replacement for the cap that protects the sensor on your camera body!
