Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
p.16 #1Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
highdesertmesa wrote:
Sample 1
The first comparison always show the scene at f/2 with the three lenses in this order
TOP (Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO) | MID (Voigtlander 35mm f/2 Ultron II) | BOTTOM (Voigtlander 40mm f/1.2 Nokton)
Just look at the EXIF data for the lens name. Ignore the f/stop displayed and it's not accurate on the Leica M camera. Just pay attention to the aperture written below the 100% crops.This makes me want the 40 1.2 now, thanks 
IMO, the CV 40mm f/1.2 and CV 75/1.5 Nokton lenses are a powerful combo for the Leica M. (I have both)
....just waiting for the new CV 28/2 Ultron II to finish my set. ;-)
Fred Miranda wrote
Rendering comparison to Voigtlander 35mm f/2 Ultron II and Voigtlander 40mm f/1.2 NoktonSample 1
The first comparison always show the scene at f/2 with the three lenses in this order
TOP (Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO) | MID (Voigtlander 35mm f/2 Ultron II) | BOTTOM (Voigtlander 40mm f/1.2 Nokton)
Just look at the EXIF data for the lens name. Ignore the f/stop displayed and it's not accurate on the Leica M camera. Just pay attention to the aperture written below the 100% crops.
IMO, the CV 40mm f/1.2 and CV 75/1.5 Nokton lenses are a powerful combo for the Leica M. (I have both)
....just waiting for the new CV 28/2 Ultron II to finish my set. ;-)
Apr 26, 2021 at 09:03 PM
p.16 #2Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
LMK when you want to sell your VM 35 APO.
It's early, but I suspect the rendering of the new 28 won't quite be in-line with the other two. However, that's TBC.
Great sets! Very informative. The 35 Ultron at f/2 looks like its images have had NR applied compared to the superb fine detail of the wide open 35 APO, especially with the focus point off-center.
Have you posted test results of the 35 Ultron already in another thread? Just wondering how it does stopped down around f/4-5.6.
It's early, but I suspect the rendering of the new 28 won't quite be in-line with the other two. However, that's TBC.
Great sets! Very informative. The 35 Ultron at f/2 looks like its images have had NR applied compared to the superb fine detail of the wide open 35 APO, especially with the focus point off-center.
Have you posted test results of the 35 Ultron already in another thread? Just wondering how it does stopped down around f/4-5.6.
Apr 26, 2021 at 09:14 PM
p.16 #3Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
So awesome someone did this comparison between the Tammy and the APO. Sonyalphablog charts the Tamron as excellent at 2.8 and outstanding in the center at f4. These comparison samples seem to back that up.
While not quite APO level, for 199.00...I think that's pretty insane performance.
While not quite APO level, for 199.00...I think that's pretty insane performance.
Apr 26, 2021 at 09:19 PM
p.16 #4Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
rscheffler wrote:
LMK when you want to sell your VM 35 APO.
It's early, but I suspect the rendering of the new 28 won't quite be in-line with the other two. However, that's TBC.
Great sets! Very informative. The 35 Ultron at f/2 looks like its images have had NR applied compared to the superb fine detail of the wide open 35 APO, especially with the focus point off-center.
Have you posted test results of the 35 Ultron already in another thread? Just wondering how it does stopped down around f/4-5.6.
Thanks Ron! I was very curious to see how they compared. The 35/2 APO's rendering is smoother compared to the Ultron. I never though the 35/2 Ultron was a particularly sharp lens. The 40/1.2 is the smoothest at f/2 but rendering is not technically perfect either. I tried to frame the 40mm to match the other two as close as possible.
I will compare the Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO VM to the 35mm f/2 Ultron II at infinity tomorrow (resolution/contrast) if the weather cooperates.
Maybe throw in the CV 40/1.2 Nokton as well. :-))
LMK when you want to sell your VM 35 APO.
It's early, but I suspect the rendering of the new 28 won't quite be in-line with the other two. However, that's TBC.
Great sets! Very informative. The 35 Ultron at f/2 looks like its images have had NR applied compared to the superb fine detail of the wide open 35 APO, especially with the focus point off-center.
Have you posted test results of the 35 Ultron already in another thread? Just wondering how it does stopped down around f/4-5.6.
Thanks Ron! I was very curious to see how they compared. The 35/2 APO's rendering is smoother compared to the Ultron. I never though the 35/2 Ultron was a particularly sharp lens. The 40/1.2 is the smoothest at f/2 but rendering is not technically perfect either. I tried to frame the 40mm to match the other two as close as possible.
I will compare the Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO VM to the 35mm f/2 Ultron II at infinity tomorrow (resolution/contrast) if the weather cooperates.
Maybe throw in the CV 40/1.2 Nokton as well. :-))
Apr 26, 2021 at 10:07 PM
p.16 #5Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
I do think that on average this lens made by Cosina has less variation than many other designs. It's early days and production is under a lot of pressure. I also acknowledge that many aspects of the lens are handmade. All things considered, it's remarkable.
Fascinating also to see the widely varying opinions on sunstars. I personally love the V35's sunstars, subtle and not present at the apertures I care about (not that big a fan of them). Sorry for those who were wishing for more distinct stars.Hi Samuel,
At what apertures, you like the CV 35/2 APO's sunstars?
Hi Fred, I really like them at F2, 2.8 and 5.6 where it's just a soft glow without long spokes. And everything else is also very nice, until about F8. Yet beyond that, the defined spokes are also not offensive at all. I want to use it for stars at F2.8, and I don't really want spokes for that. The CV50/2 is nice that way, while the CV65/2 has strong spokes at that aperture, but it's also fine.
inksandpaper wrote
Thank you Fred, that is wonderful indeed. The CV 35/2 is sharp enough for me in the center. I'm glad to hear that the GM is a match for it off-axis. More excellent options for everyone! Not everyone wants a MF-only F2 lens, so good for them!I do think that on average this lens made by Cosina has less variation than many other designs. It's early days and production is under a lot of pressure. I also acknowledge that many aspects of the lens are handmade. All things considered, it's remarkable.
Fascinating also to see the widely varying opinions on sunstars. I personally love the V35's sunstars, subtle and not present at the apertures I care about (not that big a fan of them). Sorry for those who were wishing for more distinct stars.
At what apertures, you like the CV 35/2 APO's sunstars?
Hi Fred, I really like them at F2, 2.8 and 5.6 where it's just a soft glow without long spokes
. And everything else is also very nice, until about F8. Yet beyond that, the defined spokes are also not offensive at all. I want to use it for stars at F2.8, and I don't really want spokes for that. The CV50/2 is nice that way, while the CV65/2 has strong spokes at that aperture, but it's also fine.Apr 26, 2021 at 11:06 PM
p.16 #6Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
Wow, I'm surprised that APO-Lanthar has smoother bokeh than the Ultron.
Seems the only advantage of Ultron is the very compact size.
Seems the only advantage of Ultron is the very compact size.
Apr 27, 2021 at 12:09 AM
p.16 #7Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
No luck with this lens. Second copy is tilted and decentered. I am not that patient to try every copy available to find one that comes close to the product description by Voigtländer. (MTF, best CV wide angle ever)
1. Copy: Centre sharpness CV 35 ApoLanthar vs CV 40 Nokton @ f2
Test Voigtländer ApoLanthar 35 vs Nokton 40 by Albrecht Ziburski, auf Flickr
2. copy: Test Tilt. Lens flipped 180° @ f2. Midframe crop.
Test Voigtländer ApoLanthar 35 Tilt by Albrecht Ziburski, auf Flickr
1. Copy: Centre sharpness CV 35 ApoLanthar vs CV 40 Nokton @ f2
Test Voigtländer ApoLanthar 35 vs Nokton 40 by Albrecht Ziburski, auf Flickr2. copy: Test Tilt. Lens flipped 180° @ f2. Midframe crop.
Test Voigtländer ApoLanthar 35 Tilt by Albrecht Ziburski, auf FlickrApr 27, 2021 at 07:15 AM
p.16 #8Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
peter.d.huang wrote:
Wow, I'm surprised that APO-Lanthar has smoother bokeh than the Ultron.
Seems the only advantage of Ultron is the very compact size.
I was not surprised about that. The Ultron has harsher rendering than the CV 35/2.5 Color-Skopar II, Zeiss 35/2.8 ZM and Leica 35/2 asph which are not lenses famous for their smooth rendering. (The CV 35/1.7 Ultron was...)
Without inspecting rendering at pixel level, I'd say the APO and Ultron are not that different although we know the APO's rendering is smoother. The CV 40/1.2 takes the cake even at same framing which does not give it any blur advantage. It can also be used in much wider apertures than f/2.
Wow, I'm surprised that APO-Lanthar has smoother bokeh than the Ultron.
Seems the only advantage of Ultron is the very compact size.
I was not surprised about that. The Ultron has harsher rendering than the CV 35/2.5 Color-Skopar II, Zeiss 35/2.8 ZM and Leica 35/2 asph which are not lenses famous for their smooth rendering. (The CV 35/1.7 Ultron was...)
Without inspecting rendering at pixel level, I'd say the APO and Ultron are not that different although we know the APO's rendering is smoother. The CV 40/1.2 takes the cake even at same framing which does not give it any blur advantage. It can also be used in much wider apertures than f/2.
Apr 27, 2021 at 08:38 AM
p.16 #9Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
GartenMoorriem wrote:
No luck with this lens. Second copy is tilted and decentered. I am not that patient to try every copy available to find one that comes close to the product description by Voigtländer. (MTF, best CV wide angle ever)
1. Copy: Centre sharpness CV 35 ApoLanthar vs CV 40 Nokton @ f2
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51141369882_9bcecdb13f_o.jpgTest Voigtländer ApoLanthar 35 vs Nokton 40 by Albrecht Ziburski, auf Flickr
2. copy: Test Tilt. Lens flipped 180° @ f2. Midframe crop.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51141369902_2ab697e0a6_o.jpgTest Voigtländer ApoLanthar 35 Tilt by Albrecht Ziburski, auf Flickr
Hi Albrecht,
A good copy should have similar resolution/contrast compared to the 40/1.2 @f/2. This is the first time I see a tilted/swung copy and yours definitely is.
I tried 4 copies and they were all well centered. However, the first was not very sharp off-axis while the second was not optimal on-axis. My 35/2 APO M-mount loan was perfect from the start and my third copy of the E-mount performed similarly the M-mount.
No luck with this lens. Second copy is tilted and decentered. I am not that patient to try every copy available to find one that comes close to the product description by Voigtländer. (MTF, best CV wide angle ever)
1. Copy: Centre sharpness CV 35 ApoLanthar vs CV 40 Nokton @ f2
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51141369882_9bcecdb13f_o.jpgTest Voigtländer ApoLanthar 35 vs Nokton 40 by Albrecht Ziburski, auf Flickr
2. copy: Test Tilt. Lens flipped 180° @ f2. Midframe crop.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51141369902_2ab697e0a6_o.jpgTest Voigtländer ApoLanthar 35 Tilt by Albrecht Ziburski, auf Flickr
Hi Albrecht,
A good copy should have similar resolution/contrast compared to the 40/1.2 @f/2. This is the first time I see a tilted/swung copy and yours definitely is.
I tried 4 copies and they were all well centered. However, the first was not very sharp off-axis while the second was not optimal on-axis. My 35/2 APO M-mount loan was perfect from the start and my third copy of the E-mount performed similarly the M-mount.
Apr 27, 2021 at 08:46 AM
p.16 #10Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
These were two copies. The first one was on centre sharpness @ f2 equal to the Nokton @ f1.2. The second copy was the tilted one. A bit disappointing.
Apr 27, 2021 at 08:54 AM
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p.16 #11Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
For me it would be interesting to compare the 35 F2 APO-Lanthar with the Loxia 35mm....I'm very aware the APO- Lanthar would smoke it wide open but at half the price for a used copy I could deal with the fiddly focus knob and less pleasing mounting lock if the distortion for straight lines near the edges of the frames was similar between the two.
I find the heavy distortion of the Sigma contemporary lenses unusable for any pictures of buildings or walls that have straight lines in them.
I find the heavy distortion of the Sigma contemporary lenses unusable for any pictures of buildings or walls that have straight lines in them.
Apr 27, 2021 at 09:18 AM
p.16 #12Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
Irving wrote:
For me it would be interesting to compare the 35 F2 APO-Lanthar with the Loxia 35mm....I'm very aware the APO- Lanthar would smoke it wide open but at half the price for a used copy I could deal with the fiddly focus knob and less pleasing mounting lock if the distortion for straight lines near the edges of the frames was similar between the two.
I find the heavy distortion of the Sigma contemporary lenses unusable for any pictures of buildings or walls that have straight lines in them.
It's true that the main advantage for the APO is wide open resolution across the field and CA correction but it would still be significant superior even at f/8 compared to the Loxia 35. I've used the later for many years and like you, I used it for stopped down landscapes.
I will try to find some infinity shots (same scene with different lighting) to show you the difference.
For me it would be interesting to compare the 35 F2 APO-Lanthar with the Loxia 35mm....I'm very aware the APO- Lanthar would smoke it wide open but at half the price for a used copy I could deal with the fiddly focus knob and less pleasing mounting lock if the distortion for straight lines near the edges of the frames was similar between the two.
I find the heavy distortion of the Sigma contemporary lenses unusable for any pictures of buildings or walls that have straight lines in them.
It's true that the main advantage for the APO is wide open resolution across the field and CA correction but it would still be significant superior even at f/8 compared to the Loxia 35. I've used the later for many years and like you, I used it for stopped down landscapes.
I will try to find some infinity shots (same scene with different lighting) to show you the difference.
Apr 27, 2021 at 09:28 AM
p.16 #13Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
Flare Resistance
The Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO has excellent flare resistance for both ghosting and veiling. In backlit situations, a little ghosting and loss of contrast could be noticeable though.
Compared to other 35mm lenses like the Sigma 35/2 DG DN and Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM, it does a much better job suppressing flare compared to them. For those shooting backlight scenes (landscapes) where superior flare resistance is desired, the Voigtlander should be a top contender.
Here are some side by side comparisons to the Sigma and Sony lenses:
Sample 1
Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM
Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN
Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO
The Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO has excellent flare resistance for both ghosting and veiling. In backlit situations, a little ghosting and loss of contrast could be noticeable though.
Compared to other 35mm lenses like the Sigma 35/2 DG DN and Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM, it does a much better job suppressing flare compared to them. For those shooting backlight scenes (landscapes) where superior flare resistance is desired, the Voigtlander should be a top contender.
Here are some side by side comparisons to the Sigma and Sony lenses:
Sample 1
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Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM
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Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN
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Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO
Apr 27, 2021 at 11:26 AM
p.16 #14Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
Sample 2
Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM
Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN
Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO
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Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM
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Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN
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Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO
Apr 27, 2021 at 11:27 AM
p.16 #15Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
@FredMiranda Thanks for testing. Interesting to see, but not surprised. People have to understand at f2 and the Ultron’s size, IQ has to give, so rendering is a bit wild. The APO looks harsh, but not as harsh as the Ultron. Looks much harsher than the 35/1.7 and 35/1.2iii I’ve owned.
Very curious where the new 28/2 lands...I suspect closer to the 35/2 Ultron and APO.
Are you (or can you please) post how the 35/2 Ultron and APO stopped down at infinite? I wouldn’t use either much WO or near/mid distance, or I’ll anticipate the coarser draw, but very curious to see differences at f8 (landscape).
Very curious where the new 28/2 lands...I suspect closer to the 35/2 Ultron and APO.
Are you (or can you please) post how the 35/2 Ultron and APO stopped down at infinite? I wouldn’t use either much WO or near/mid distance, or I’ll anticipate the coarser draw, but very curious to see differences at f8 (landscape).
Apr 27, 2021 at 11:52 AM
p.16 #16Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
The Voigtlander does much better especially in Sample 1.
Fred
Based on what you have evaluated so far, do you have a favorite.. if you could only own one?
Seems like for landscapes only the Voigtlander is the way to go but for all around 35mm -- the Sony GM?
I like the rendering on the 40mm Nokton. Seems like fringing is a bit more severe though
Fred
Based on what you have evaluated so far, do you have a favorite.. if you could only own one?
Seems like for landscapes only the Voigtlander is the way to go but for all around 35mm -- the Sony GM?
I like the rendering on the 40mm Nokton. Seems like fringing is a bit more severe though
Apr 27, 2021 at 11:54 AM
p.16 #17Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
What is the consensus for the best 35mm for astro? The Voigtlander APO seems perfect wide open but the GM does let more light in and could be as good stopped down to f2?
Apr 27, 2021 at 01:48 PM
p.16 #18Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
nehemiahphoto wrote
@FredMiranda Thanks for testing. Interesting to see, but not surprised. People have to understand at f2 and the Ultron’s size, IQ has to give, so rendering is a bit wild. The APO looks harsh, but not as harsh as the Ultron. Looks much harsher than the 35/1.7 and 35/1.2iii I’ve owned.
Very curious where the new 28/2 lands...I suspect closer to the 35/2 Ultron and APO.
Me too!
Are you (or can you please) post how the 35/2 Ultron and APO stopped down at infinite? I wouldn’t use either much WO or near/mid distance, or I’ll anticipate the coarser draw, but very curious to see differences at f8 (landscape).
Planning on doing this today.
@FredMiranda Thanks for testing. Interesting to see, but not surprised. People have to understand at f2 and the Ultron’s size, IQ has to give, so rendering is a bit wild. The APO looks harsh, but not as harsh as the Ultron. Looks much harsher than the 35/1.7 and 35/1.2iii I’ve owned.
Very curious where the new 28/2 lands...I suspect closer to the 35/2 Ultron and APO.
Me too!
Are you (or can you please) post how the 35/2 Ultron and APO stopped down at infinite? I wouldn’t use either much WO or near/mid distance, or I’ll anticipate the coarser draw, but very curious to see differences at f8 (landscape).
Planning on doing this today.
Apr 27, 2021 at 01:48 PM
p.16 #19Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
aldburg wrote:
What is the consensus for the best 35mm for astro? The Voigtlander APO seems perfect wide open but the GM does let more light in and could be as good stopped down to f2?
Whenever the weather cooperates, I will test the CV 35mm f/2 APO for coma and will compare it to the GM.
What is the consensus for the best 35mm for astro? The Voigtlander APO seems perfect wide open but the GM does let more light in and could be as good stopped down to f2?
Whenever the weather cooperates, I will test the CV 35mm f/2 APO for coma and will compare it to the GM.
Apr 27, 2021 at 01:49 PM
p.16 #20Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
mark1958 wrote:
The Voigtlander does much better especially in Sample 1.
Fred
Based on what you have evaluated so far, do you have a favorite.. if you could only own one?
Seems like for landscapes only the Voigtlander is the way to go but for all around 35mm -- the Sony GM?
I like the rendering on the 40mm Nokton. Seems like fringing is a bit more severe though
Very tough to decide Mark.
For landscapes, the Voigtlander has excellent flare resistance, it's compact and has very nice sunstars starting at f/11.
The GM performs similarly across the field (resolution/contrast) but it's bigger and flare resistance is not as great. (Although very good)
The Sigma is another contender having similar resolution performance to both Voigt and Sony at center and starting at f/5.6, it's comparable off-axis (although not as good). Flare resistance is worse than the other too...but it's very compact with AF...
...like I wrote, it's not an easy decision to pick only one.
The Voigtlander does much better especially in Sample 1.
Fred
Based on what you have evaluated so far, do you have a favorite.. if you could only own one?
Seems like for landscapes only the Voigtlander is the way to go but for all around 35mm -- the Sony GM?
I like the rendering on the 40mm Nokton. Seems like fringing is a bit more severe though
Very tough to decide Mark.
For landscapes, the Voigtlander has excellent flare resistance, it's compact and has very nice sunstars starting at f/11.
The GM performs similarly across the field (resolution/contrast) but it's bigger and flare resistance is not as great. (Although very good)
The Sigma is another contender having similar resolution performance to both Voigt and Sony at center and starting at f/5.6, it's comparable off-axis (although not as good). Flare resistance is worse than the other too...but it's very compact with AF...
...like I wrote, it's not an easy decision to pick only one.
Apr 27, 2021 at 01:52 PM