Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
p.5 #1Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
tsdevine wrote:
Somewhere in one of the two threads, Fred mentions that the M mount version does not perform well (outside of center) on his a7R IV. So the E mount version is optimized for the thicker Sony stack and the M mount version is optimized for the thinner one.
Here it is.....I don't know if APS-C will help avoid the area that doesn't perform well, or if not what aperture it would perform well.
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1686773/31#15559393
-Tim
gyoung143 wrote
From what I can see in the spec sheet, the M version is thecsame as the E optically? So it hopefully will perform as well on non Leica sensors as the E does on Sony in Fred's tests?I'm interested in using it on Fuji.
Gerry
Thanks, I had missed that. You can usually chop off the corner performance and see what it does mid frame. Fuji stack is similar to Sony I think, so M mount version doesn't look very exciting on thr Fuji.
Gerry
Apr 12, 2021 at 01:55 PM
p.5 #2Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
Image Samples 1:
Leica and Sony versions mixed. (watch the exif)
Leica and Sony versions mixed. (watch the exif)
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Apr 12, 2021 at 02:09 PM
p.5 #3Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
rji2goleez wrote:
Some initial impressions: The f/2 is much sharper across the frame at f/2, with very good corners (especially compared to these other 35s)--they are all sharp in the center. At minimum focus distance the f/2 is much, much sharper. And it's much better controlled for CA.
I think the field curvature of the 35/1.4 affects background bokeh at mid-distance more than the f/2, and at minimum focus, the 35/1.2 has the smoothest bokeh at f/2, but it's also got a shorter min distance (I shot at the same distance).
For my shooting, the APO f/2 is definitely going to be the best choice of these three (I shoot mostly landscapes). I plan to sell the 35/1.2 and keep the 1.4 for it's funky close bokeh and lighter weight. The APO looks like a winner to me.I just received mine and took a few quick snaps. I like the ergonomics. It just 'feels' like an easy lens to use. Smooth slightly resistant rotation of the focus ring. Easy to manual focus. Looks sharp already wide open. This is based on four shots!
Great samples at close range. (Yes, it's sharp there)
Your dog is so charismatic.
kevphoto wrote
I received my e-mount 35/2 today, and did some very quick comparisons to my CV 35/1.2 and CV 35/1.4.Some initial impressions: The f/2 is much sharper across the frame at f/2, with very good corners (especially compared to these other 35s)--they are all sharp in the center. At minimum focus distance the f/2 is much, much sharper. And it's much better controlled for CA.
I think the field curvature of the 35/1.4 affects background bokeh at mid-distance more than the f/2, and at minimum focus, the 35/1.2 has the smoothest bokeh at f/2, but it's also got a shorter min distance (I shot at the same distance).
For my shooting, the APO f/2 is definitely going to be the best choice of these three (I shoot mostly landscapes). I plan to sell the 35/1.2 and keep the 1.4 for it's funky close bokeh and lighter weight. The APO looks like a winner to me.
Great samples at close range. (Yes, it's sharp there)
Your dog is so charismatic.
Apr 12, 2021 at 02:50 PM
p.5 #4Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
Some initial impressions: The f/2 is much sharper across the frame at f/2, with very good corners (especially compared to these other 35s)--they are all sharp in the center. At minimum focus distance the f/2 is much, much sharper. And it's much better controlled for CA.
I think the field curvature of the 35/1.4 affects background bokeh at mid-distance more than the f/2, and at minimum focus, the 35/1.2 has the smoothest bokeh at f/2, but it's also got a shorter min distance (I shot at the same distance).
For my shooting, the APO f/2 is definitely going to be the best choice of these three (I shoot mostly landscapes). I plan to sell the 35/1.2 and keep the 1.4 for it's funky close bokeh and lighter weight. The APO looks like a winner to me.I just received mine and took a few quick snaps. I like the ergonomics. It just 'feels' like an easy lens to use. Smooth slightly resistant rotation of the focus ring. Easy to manual focus. Looks sharp already wide open. This is based on four shots!Great samples at close range. (Yes, it's sharp there)
Your dog is so charismatic.
Nora is the most charismatic being in our household . . . certainly much better than I. More to come for sure!
rji2goleez wrote
kevphoto wrote
I received my e-mount 35/2 today, and did some very quick comparisons to my CV 35/1.2 and CV 35/1.4.Some initial impressions: The f/2 is much sharper across the frame at f/2, with very good corners (especially compared to these other 35s)--they are all sharp in the center. At minimum focus distance the f/2 is much, much sharper. And it's much better controlled for CA.
I think the field curvature of the 35/1.4 affects background bokeh at mid-distance more than the f/2, and at minimum focus, the 35/1.2 has the smoothest bokeh at f/2, but it's also got a shorter min distance (I shot at the same distance).
For my shooting, the APO f/2 is definitely going to be the best choice of these three (I shoot mostly landscapes). I plan to sell the 35/1.2 and keep the 1.4 for it's funky close bokeh and lighter weight. The APO looks like a winner to me.
Your dog is so charismatic.
Nora is the most charismatic being in our household . . . certainly much better than I. More to come for sure!
Apr 12, 2021 at 02:52 PM
p.5 #5Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
Is the 35 apo 35mm or wider or longer by chance
Apr 12, 2021 at 03:02 PM
p.5 #6Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
Fred thinks it's pretty close to 35...
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1695782/0#15561483
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1695782/2#15562557
GMPhotography wrote:
Is the 35 apo 35mm or wider or longer by chance
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1695782/0#15561483
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1695782/2#15562557
GMPhotography wrote:
Is the 35 apo 35mm or wider or longer by chance
Apr 12, 2021 at 03:05 PM
p.5 #8Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
Specular Highlights
The Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO' specular highlights inner structure is a little busy and outlining is noticeable wide open. There are traces of onion pattern but it would be hard to see it in real world images.
The aperture mechanism is very clever because it's possible to achieve round specular highlights wide open, f/2.8, f/5.6 and f/16.
Here is a sequence showing what to expect at center from specular highlights from f/2 until f/5.6 in third stops increments:
f/2 (round)
f/2.8 (round)
f/5.6 (round)
The Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO' specular highlights inner structure is a little busy and outlining is noticeable wide open. There are traces of onion pattern but it would be hard to see it in real world images.
The aperture mechanism is very clever because it's possible to achieve round specular highlights wide open, f/2.8, f/5.6 and f/16.
Here is a sequence showing what to expect at center from specular highlights from f/2 until f/5.6 in third stops increments:
f/2 (round)
f/2.8 (round)
f/5.6 (round)
Apr 12, 2021 at 03:34 PM
p.5 #9Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
Optical Vignetting:
Optical vignetting is moderate with distinctive cat's eye specular highlights towards the corners of the frame.
Not much improves at f/2.2 but it does look better at f/2.5 and especially at f/2.8. We know that optical vignetting not only affects the specular highlights' shape but it also causes a deepening of DOF off-axis making the overall rendering less uniform.
close-focus: f/2 vs f/2.5
close-focus: f/2.5 vs f/2.8
close-focus: f/2.8 vs f/4
Long distance: f/2 vs f/2.5
Long distance: f/2.5 vs f/2.8
Long distance: f/2.8 vs f/4
Optical vignetting is moderate with distinctive cat's eye specular highlights towards the corners of the frame.
Not much improves at f/2.2 but it does look better at f/2.5 and especially at f/2.8. We know that optical vignetting not only affects the specular highlights' shape but it also causes a deepening of DOF off-axis making the overall rendering less uniform.
close-focus: f/2 vs f/2.5
close-focus: f/2.5 vs f/2.8
close-focus: f/2.8 vs f/4
Long distance: f/2 vs f/2.5
Long distance: f/2.5 vs f/2.8
Long distance: f/2.8 vs f/4
Apr 12, 2021 at 03:34 PM
p.5 #10Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
Specular Highlights' shape compared to Sigma 35/2 DG DN at long distance:
f/2
f/2.8
f/4
1:1 crop from f/2 sample above (Sigma vs Voigtlander)
1:1 crop from f/2 sample above (Sigma vs Voigtlander)
1:1 crop from f/2 sample above (Sigma vs Voigtlander)
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f/2
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f/2.8
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f/4
1:1 crop from f/2 sample above (Sigma vs Voigtlander)
1:1 crop from f/2 sample above (Sigma vs Voigtlander)
1:1 crop from f/2 sample above (Sigma vs Voigtlander)
Apr 12, 2021 at 03:34 PM
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p.5 #11Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
FYI: Just received my second copy of the Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO and it's just as well centered as the first one.
One exception though: This copy shows noticeably less astigmatism towards the corners! I will update the infinity resolution test. It's sharp to the very edges even at f/2. The best 35mm performance I've tested to date. (resolution)
One exception though: This copy shows noticeably less astigmatism towards the corners! I will update the infinity resolution test. It's sharp to the very edges even at f/2. The best 35mm performance I've tested to date. (resolution)
Apr 12, 2021 at 05:03 PM
p.5 #12Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
That is awesome news Fred!
Fred Miranda wrote:
FYI: Just received my second copy of the Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO and it's just as well centered as the first one.
One exception though: This copy shows noticeably less astigmatism towards the corners! I will update the infinity resolution test. It's sharp to the very edges even at f/2. The best 35mm performance I've tested to date. (resolution)
Apr 12, 2021 at 05:06 PM
p.5 #13Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
Fred, great to hear of the consistency in your copies. Meanwhile, here are some more random shots from around the neighborhood. This lens reminds me of the Zeiss 35/2 ZE. I loved that lens . . .
Apr 12, 2021 at 05:21 PM
p.5 #14Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
I've updated the resolution crops with the new copy and the difference is big compared to the first copy at the corners. At the extreme corners, the Voigtlander shows the highest resolution/contrast I've seen to date. (A7R IV)
On top of that, it's flat-field with negligible CA and without any weakness at mid-field. I have not tested it for flare resistance or MFD but perhaps it is the ultimate 35mm lens for landscapes at the moment.
On top of that, it's flat-field with negligible CA and without any weakness at mid-field. I have not tested it for flare resistance or MFD but perhaps it is the ultimate 35mm lens for landscapes at the moment.
Apr 12, 2021 at 06:06 PM
p.5 #15Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
Of course. But I’m still glad I cancelled the Sony. I may get this instead . I know I thought about the 50 apo but I need a Voightlander in my tool kit. Fred’s changing his tune. 
Seriously Fred’s been helping me as I’ve really been out of the loop. That’s what friends are for and a big thank you
So a one lens out the door
Seriously Fred’s been helping me as I’ve really been out of the loop. That’s what friends are for and a big thank you
So a one lens out the door
Apr 12, 2021 at 07:18 PM
p.5 #16Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
Ordered need new cocktail now.
Actually folks I’m feeling quite lucky that I’m not seriously hurt but being a Golf Ranger I drove over a sand trap 6 ft high . Flew out of the cart it landed on top of me . Pinned my legs in the sand I had to shimmy out but I hit my shoulder really hard and I’m bruised pretty bad. I got up and went back to work. I’m a bad ass but I’m feeling it
Btw this is fun for me some money but I get to play one of the best clubs in Arizona. I’ll take some shots with the Sigma this week. Course is gorgeous
Actually folks I’m feeling quite lucky that I’m not seriously hurt but being a Golf Ranger I drove over a sand trap 6 ft high . Flew out of the cart it landed on top of me . Pinned my legs in the sand I had to shimmy out but I hit my shoulder really hard and I’m bruised pretty bad. I got up and went back to work. I’m a bad ass but I’m feeling it
Btw this is fun for me some money but I get to play one of the best clubs in Arizona. I’ll take some shots with the Sigma this week. Course is gorgeous
Apr 12, 2021 at 07:29 PM
p.5 #17Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
GMPhotography wrote:
Ordered need new cocktail now.
Actually folks I’m feeling quite lucky that I’m not seriously hurt but being a Golf Ranger I drove over a sand trap 6 ft high . Flew out of the cart it landed on top of me . Pinned my legs in the sand I had to shimmy out but I hit my shoulder really hard and I’m bruised pretty bad. I got up and went back to work. I’m a bad ass but I’m feeling it
Btw this is fun for me some money but I get to play one of the best clubs in Arizona....Show more →
Glad you're OK! Yes, golf can be dangerous!
Ordered need new cocktail now.
Actually folks I’m feeling quite lucky that I’m not seriously hurt but being a Golf Ranger I drove over a sand trap 6 ft high . Flew out of the cart it landed on top of me . Pinned my legs in the sand I had to shimmy out but I hit my shoulder really hard and I’m bruised pretty bad. I got up and went back to work. I’m a bad ass but I’m feeling it
Btw this is fun for me some money but I get to play one of the best clubs in Arizona....Show more →
Glad you're OK! Yes, golf can be dangerous!
Apr 12, 2021 at 07:31 PM
p.5 #18Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
Unofficial star rendering test.
Went to take out the garbage and thought to use the street light to check out star rendering. I was surprised to see rather low performance at f/8. Here's an aperture series from f/8 to f/16. This may not be the best test and I didn't compare with another lens known to give good stars so take this with a small grain of salt.
Went to take out the garbage and thought to use the street light to check out star rendering. I was surprised to see rather low performance at f/8. Here's an aperture series from f/8 to f/16. This may not be the best test and I didn't compare with another lens known to give good stars so take this with a small grain of salt.
Apr 12, 2021 at 07:55 PM
p.5 #19Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
I wonder if the light is too large a 'point' source? Maybe it will be different with smaller, more specular point light sources farther away? I also wonder, if it's an LED street light, it might consist of multiple smaller LEDs ganged together, but still separate. The sunstars from each LED might blend together into a messy blob.
Fred Miranda wrote:
I've updated the resolution crops with the new copy and the difference is big compared to the first copy at the corners. At the extreme corners, the Voigtlander shows the highest resolution/contrast I've seen to date. (A7R IV)
On top of that, it's flat-field with negligible CA and without any weakness at mid-field. I have not tested it for flare resistance or MFD but perhaps it is the ultimate 35mm lens for landscapes at the moment.
Wow. I still had the first page loaded on my browser with the crops from the first copy and was underwhelmed by the corners. But the second copy - wow! It's like center resolution. Hopefully this is how most shipping copies will perform and won't be a repeat of the 15/4.5III corner performance copy inconsistency...
Fred Miranda wrote:
I've updated the resolution crops with the new copy and the difference is big compared to the first copy at the corners. At the extreme corners, the Voigtlander shows the highest resolution/contrast I've seen to date. (A7R IV)
On top of that, it's flat-field with negligible CA and without any weakness at mid-field. I have not tested it for flare resistance or MFD but perhaps it is the ultimate 35mm lens for landscapes at the moment.
Wow. I still had the first page loaded on my browser with the crops from the first copy and was underwhelmed by the corners. But the second copy - wow! It's like center resolution. Hopefully this is how most shipping copies will perform and won't be a repeat of the 15/4.5III corner performance copy inconsistency...
Apr 12, 2021 at 11:01 PM
p.5 #20Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review
rscheffler wrote:
On top of that, it's flat-field with negligible CA and without any weakness at mid-field. I have not tested it for flare resistance or MFD but perhaps it is the ultimate 35mm lens for landscapes at the moment.Wow. I still had the first page loaded on my browser with the crops from the first copy and was underwhelmed by the corners. But the second copy - wow! It's like center resolution. Hopefully this is how most shipping copies will perform and won't be a repeat of the 15/4.5III corner performance copy inconsistency...
My CV 35/2 APO M-mount performs similarly to my second E-mount version. The former on the Leica of course.
So 2 great against 1 bad. Good odds so far.
Fred Miranda wrote
I've updated the resolution crops with the new copy and the difference is big compared to the first copy at the corners. At the extreme corners, the Voigtlander shows the highest resolution/contrast I've seen to date. (A7R IV)On top of that, it's flat-field with negligible CA and without any weakness at mid-field. I have not tested it for flare resistance or MFD but perhaps it is the ultimate 35mm lens for landscapes at the moment.
My CV 35/2 APO M-mount performs similarly to my second E-mount version. The former on the Leica of course.
So 2 great against 1 bad. Good odds so far.
Apr 12, 2021 at 11:09 PM