p.41 #1 · Pre-order: Voigtlander 110/2.5 Macro APO for $1,099
My initial results are excellent. In my quick tests in fading light, I'm surprised how well the Sony 90 macro holds up sharpness wise, especially at longer distances where I would expect more differentiation. I do have an excellent copy of the 90 that handily beat the well centered 85/1.8 I had at non-macro distances. Hope to do a proper test tomorrow.
I'm also struggling to get use to the mechanics. Testing it against the Oly 100/2 makes me wish the aperture ring was in the front of the lens like the Oly 100/2 and CV 65. The size difference also makes me realize what a special lens the Olympus 100/2 is.
p.41 #2 · Pre-order: Voigtlander 110/2.5 Macro APO for $1,099
I think that the aperture ring on the CV 110/2.5 has been moved to its position nearest the lens mount due to mechanical difficulties in having it placed nearest the filter thread, arising from the long extension required in a life size magnification macro lens. Note that most Olympus OM prime lenses and most CV FE lenses have their aperture ring nearest the filter thread, including the Olympus OM 50/2 macro and CV 65/2 macro, both which go to half life size magnification. The Olympus OM 90/2 macro has the aperture ring nearest the lens mount just like the CV 110/2.5, though the OM 90/2 only goes to half life size magnification.
p.41 #3 · Pre-order: Voigtlander 110/2.5 Macro APO for $1,099
pdmphoto wrote:
Apologies to Stephen/Cameraquest, and anyone else here who I may have offended
I was wrong. Not just in the outcome but my actions. The lens did arrive today, but I wasn't home because USPS said it wasn't going to get delivered until Monday. I should know better than to put any trust in USPS or UPS (FedEx does seem to have more reliable tracking). I was not having the best day, had some recent bad mail order experiences, and took it out here. How old am I? I definitely didn't act my age.
I have dealt with Cameraquest since my Canon days and they have always came through for me (most recently CV21, Loxia 21, CV110 for Sony). Always great product, and on time. Stephen has always been a stand up guy and handled the tough position I wrongly put him in with professionalism. Sorry about that Stephen.
p.41 #4 · Pre-order: Voigtlander 110/2.5 Macro APO for $1,099
CameraQuest wrote:
No problem. The USPS tracking could have been a lot better. Glad the lens did arrive on time.
Best to All,
Stephen
I sold several items this past week and shipped USPS “2 Day Priority”. It has been a nightmare. Six days to go 12 miles (from my Post Office to the Distribution center) in one instance. Another, nothing, no scan or anything and then 5 days later it shows up in the correct state at least. I sent a gift across town, 20 miles, 5 days later it finally shows up. If you want something to get there, I wouldn’t recommend USPS this time of year. They seem to be overwhelmed.
p.41 #5 · Pre-order: Voigtlander 110/2.5 Macro APO for $1,099
Phillip Reeve wrote:
Cosina has used the APO label for non-macros like the 3.5/90 or 4/180 in the past so there is a good chance I think. Especially that 4/180 would be really handy since there are no compact high performance lenses in that range. The old 4/180 fetches really high used market prices even though it hasa few shortcomings.
It would be another home run if they resurrected the 180/4 APO in native E mount, especially if they tweaked the optical design just a bit to increase the sharpness at infinity and/or made hitting infinity focus not as fiddly as it is.
The 180/4 is my vacation tele lens when I go with 21mm, 35mm, 85mm, and 180mm primes.
p.41 #6 · Pre-order: Voigtlander 110/2.5 Macro APO for $1,099
ScottUPPSALA wrote:
65 is my favourite lens so I know how you're feeling 😉
I haven't shot any macro yet but this lens has quickly become my favourite as well. I am now torn between the new 110/2.5 and the Batis 135/2.8 as my next lens addition, especially after Fred's recent comparison on the two. Good times for us E-mount shooters, not so much for the bank account however....
p.41 #7 · Pre-order: Voigtlander 110/2.5 Macro APO for $1,099
I've done some indoor macro tests and the results are consistent. At the tested apertures, f/2.8- 5.6, the 110 macro is just a tad sharper than my excellent Sony 90. I am splitting hairs when it comes to sharpness, even in the corners. They are both superb for sharpness. The Sony 90 has slightly higher contrast. The Sony 90 tends to be a little red, while the VC 110 tends to be a little yellow/green (same as I saw with the 65 APO). The one place where the VC 100 stands out is its APO qualities. The OOF areas of the Sony 90 have red/green fringing, where the VC 100 have much lower color fringing.
Here is a shot near the corner of both lenses at 1:1 at f/5.6. Because of the differences in focal length and the physical extension of the 110 at 1:1 it is nearly impossible to get exact pictures. Because of the limited DOF, you might see one area that looks a little sharper than the other pic. I've done a few tests and the result are consistent concerning sharpness, contrast, and color. Not sure why the Sony came out at 1/125 sec, while the VC came in at 1/250. I didn't see much difference in my other tests. I would be inclined to believe the Sony may have some camera shake which could affect sharpness in this example, but I don't think I am seeing any here.
p.41 #9 · Pre-order: Voigtlander 110/2.5 Macro APO for $1,099
Here is where the real difference shows up. Worst case - black against a white background. The color fringing on the Sony becomes apparent. One might notice the red tendency in the Sony and the green/yellow in the VC. it looks like the 110 wasn't quite at 1:1 here, and it also looks to have a slightly higher exposure. That along with the lower contrast helps with detail in the darker areas. These were taken in manual mode at the same aperture and shutter speed with daylight white balance; handheld with SS on, and taken at different angles, so I wouldn't judge them too much for sharpness.
p.41 #10 · Pre-order: Voigtlander 110/2.5 Macro APO for $1,099
Did a few tests for my copy today and loved it so far https://flic.kr/s/aHsmohb7Dj
*Noob Alert I forgot to shoot raw + jpeg so they are not SOOC. Did minimal processing of the photos Highlights -20 / Shadows +20 - Adobe Standard. I hope that is lesser processing than Sony SOOC and will do justice to the lens rendering.
p.41 #11 · Pre-order: Voigtlander 110/2.5 Macro APO for $1,099
sauravdg wrote:
Did a few tests for my copy today and loved it so far https://flic.kr/s/aHsmohb7Dj
*Noob Alert I forgot to shoot raw + jpeg so they are not SOOC. Did minimal processing of the photos Highlights -20 / Shadows +20 - Adobe Standard. I hope that is lesser processing than Sony SOOC and will do justice to the lens rendering.
-Saurav
Love the sunstar in the #eye photo 😉 This lens is on my 2019 want list!
p.41 #12 · Pre-order: Voigtlander 110/2.5 Macro APO for $1,099
ScottUPPSALA wrote:
Love the sunstar in the #eye photo 😉 This lens is on my 2019 want list!
Thanks Scott.. Sunstars are pretty good with this lens. Except for the front heaviness at macro, I loved this guy. Maybe with practice and nicotine detox I can do better I did hold my breath to be on the focus plane but really felt the micro shakes in my hand
p.41 #13 · Pre-order: Voigtlander 110/2.5 Macro APO for $1,099
The lack of defocus color fringing is truly impressive—and I'm an asshole about this optical aspect. Will be a challenge to justify this C/V APO with three CZ C/Y 100mm primes and the 100 STF already in my inventory.
p.41 #15 · Pre-order: Voigtlander 110/2.5 Macro APO for $1,099
rico wrote:
The lack of defocus color fringing is truly impressive—and I'm an asshole about this optical aspect. Will be a challenge to justify this C/V APO with three CZ C/Y 100mm primes and the 100 STF already in my inventory.
Agree, this is often overlooked while it can ruin certain images. I'm currently using Canon 100L macro and not happy with its performance in this area; the Sigma 150 APO I used before was better (but way worse for infinity corner sharpness ...). I'm looking for a better alternative when I switch to Sony or Nikon body next year, the new Irix 150 mm macro might be an option too (I prefer longer focal length). Would be good to see several of these alternatives compared in practice, with non-flat subjects
p.41 #17 · Pre-order: Voigtlander 110/2.5 Macro APO for $1,099
technic wrote:
Agree, this is often overlooked while it can ruin certain images. I'm currently using Canon 100L macro and not happy with its performance in this area; the Sigma 150 APO I used before was better (but way worse for infinity corner sharpness ...). I'm looking for a better alternative when I switch to Sony or Nikon body next year, the new Irix 150 mm macro might be an option too (I prefer longer focal length). Would be good to see several of these alternatives compared in practice, with non-flat subjects
The new Irix does look good, especially for $595. It has a nice working distance and rounded 11-blade aperture. However it's not APO and weights about 200g more than the CV 110 with adapter. It would be hard to imagine at lens at this price range coming close to the CV 110's infinity performance but anything is possible.
The Irix with adapter will be about 1 inch longer than the FE 90/2.8 G, which was already a long lens...
and will do justice to the lens rendering.