Home · Register · Join Upload & Sell

Moderated by: Fred Miranda

New fredmiranda.com Mobile Site

New Feature: SMS Notification alert

New Feature: Buy & Sell Watchlist

FM Forums | Sony Forum | Join Upload & Sell

1 2 3 … 43

45 … 50 51 end

Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review

tsdevine
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.44 #1 · p.44 #1 · Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1695782/23#15586391

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1698397/3#15580864

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1698397/7#15586753

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1698397/11#15592746

newtophoto wrote:
Anyone able to compare this lens vs 35gm in terms of image quality?

Feb 04, 2023 at 07:35 AM

Peire
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.44 #2 · p.44 #2 · Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review

Sony A7R2 reports Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 35/2 as Zeiss Loxia 35/2

ILCE-7RM2 Zeiss Loxia 2/35 lens 35mm f/8.0 1/400s 100 ISO 0.0 EV

ILCE-7RM2 Zeiss Loxia 2/35 lens 35mm f/8.0 1/320s 100 ISO 0.0 EV

ILCE-7RM2 Zeiss Loxia 2/35 lens 35mm f/2.0 1/30s 200 ISO 0.0 EV

ILCE-7RM2 Zeiss Loxia 2/35 lens 35mm f/5.6 1/30s 125 ISO 0.0 EV

ILCE-7RM2 Zeiss Loxia 2/35 lens 35mm f/8.0 1/30s 160 ISO 0.0 EV

ILCE-7RM2 Zeiss Loxia 2/35 lens 35mm f/2.0 1/4000s 100 ISO 0.0 EV

ILCE-7RM2 Zeiss Loxia 2/35 lens 35mm f/8.0 1/60s 640 ISO 0.0 EV

ILCE-7RM2 Zeiss Loxia 2/35 lens 35mm f/2.0 1/320s 100 ISO 0.0 EV

ILCE-7RM2 Zeiss Loxia 2/35 lens 35mm f/2.0 1/1000s 100 ISO 0.0 EV

ILCE-7RM2 Zeiss Loxia 2/35 lens 35mm f/2.0 1/1250s 100 ISO 0.0 EV

ILCE-7RM4A VoigtlÃ¤nder 35mm F/2 Apo-Lanthar Aspherical (Sony E) lens 35mm f/8.0 1/30s 160 ISO 0.0 EV

Apr 01, 2023 at 01:40 PM

Vento
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.44 #3 · p.44 #3 · Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review

Grave flowers for mothers birthday today, we miss you!

Nikon Z6 & CV 35mm f/2 AL-Z, ƒ/2.0, 1/320, ISO-100

Tulips by Vento, auf Flickr

Edited on Sep 17, 2023 at 08:12 AM · View previous versions

Apr 08, 2023 at 07:15 AM

woodstork
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: On

p.44 #4 · p.44 #4 · Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review

I’m torn between 35mm and 50mm versions, and would love to hear comparisons from those who’ve used both. Primary use is single frame capture of intimate landscape from wide open to f/11, with occasional pano-stitching of mid-range to distant scenes. A bit of astro-landscape. I shoot to print large.

I find both focal lengths quite useful, am only going to buy one though. From all my research I think I’m seeing the 50mm has slightly better across frame resolution, subjectively better bokeh, slightly worse CA. Subject magnification is similar. Am I on point?

Apr 11, 2023 at 09:45 AM

zugzwang2
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.44 #5 · p.44 #5 · Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review

woodstork wrote:
From all my research I think I’m seeing the 50mm has slightly better across frame resolution, subjectively better bokeh, slightly worse CA.

I generally agree with your assessment, except that it seems to me that the 50's CA is not worse than the 35's. I happen to prefer the 50 (in part due to its more neutral bokeh), but I use the 35 more often. You'll be happy with either lens.

Apr 11, 2023 at 10:30 AM

Fred Miranda
Offline
Admin
Upload & Sell: On

p.44 #6 · p.44 #6 · Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review

In my view, both lenses are fantastic at producing high-resolution and contrast throughout the entire image, and they both have minimal field curvature. The Voit 35mm 2 APO is a bit longer and has a unique rendering style that adds character, while the Voigt 50/2 APO has a more neutral and smooth look. They both do an excellent job at controlling color errors.

Apr 11, 2023 at 11:08 AM

highdesertmesa
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.44 #7 · p.44 #7 · Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review

woodstork wrote:
I’m torn between 35mm and 50mm versions, and would love to hear comparisons from those who’ve used both. Primary use is single frame capture of intimate landscape from wide open to f/11, with occasional pano-stitching of mid-range to distant scenes. A bit of astro-landscape. I shoot to print large.

I find both focal lengths quite useful, am only going to buy one though. From all my research I think I’m seeing the 50mm has slightly better across frame resolution, subjectively better bokeh, slightly worse CA. Subject magnification is similar. Am I on point?

These lenses are close enough in IQ to make your decision based on other factors, primarily your preference for FOV for your intended use. Surely one or the other focal length is preferred.

Apr 11, 2023 at 12:42 PM

Vento
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.44 #8 · p.44 #8 · Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review

As mentioned by previous speakers, both are fantastic lenses.

I think it depends, of course on the preference for a particular focal length, but also of the rest of the equipment and what is available elsewhere in the respective focal length range for your used mount.
On the Nikon-forum you mentioned that you are a Nikon shooter, so here are some suggestions from a Nikon Z user's perspective.

One of the reasons I chose the CV 35/2 AL-Z, was the fact that there was no satisfactory 35mm native solution for me in the Z-mount, unlike with 50mm.
With the Z 50mm f/1.8 S, Nikon has an exceptionally good 50mm in the Z-mount, if you include the price in the evaluation
My Z 50mm f/1.8 S, including two Kenko DG Extension Tubes (10/16 mm) for Nikon Z cost me just 450,- € on the used market.

The lens was absolutely as new, probably hardly used and is punshing clearly above it's weight.
If you subtract the proceeds from the sale of the Kenko Extension Tubes, the lens was an investment of 350,- €.
CV 50mm f/2 Apo-Lanthar for the Z-mount is bricked up @ 1099,- € since release and it's also hard to come by on the used market, at least not as a bargain.
If you buy both lenses new, the 50mm Apo Lanthar costs twice as much, used you can save even more with a Z 50mm f/1.8 S.

So that could be another decision criterion.
The price difference between a Z 50mm f/1.8 S, which is undoubtedly one of the best Nikon Z f/1.8 S primes and the CV 50mm f/2 AL-Z is correspondingly large.
This is no longer the case with 35mm, where the price differences between a Z 35mm f/1.8 S and a CV 35mm f/2 AL-Z are much closer due to the higher price of the Z 35mm.
Apart from that, the difference in quality is also greater at this focal length if you are in the Z-mount, the Z 35mm f/1.8 S is not quite on the same level as the Z 50mm f/1.8 S.

A new CV 35mm f/2 AL-Z is only 200,- € more compared to a new Z 35mm f/1.8 S.
The price difference between the Z 50mm f/1.8 S and the CV 50mm f/2 AL-Z is at 550,- €, at least here in the EU.
So that could be a criterion which one should include, besides of course what is already there.
I was already well positioned in the focal length around 50mm with my Z 50/1.8 S, and some M42 optics, like my Auto-Rikenon 55mm f/1.4, A. Schacht Ulm M-Travenar 50mm f/2.8 R and a Carl Zeiss Jena 58 mm f/2 Biotar Q1 Pre-Set.

Edited on Apr 11, 2023 at 05:10 PM · View previous versions

Apr 11, 2023 at 01:32 PM

tri_fin
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.44 #9 · p.44 #9 · Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review

The differences mentioned show in a side by side comparison but in real world shooting focal length differences are probably more significant.

Apr 11, 2023 at 03:07 PM

woodstork
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: On

p.44 #10 · p.44 #10 · Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review

Thank you. I’d likely prefer the more neutral smooth look of the 50’s render, but I also like the render if the 35.

Fred Miranda wrote:
In my view, both lenses are fantastic at producing high-resolution and contrast throughout the entire image, and they both have minimal field curvature. The Voit 35mm 2 APO is a bit longer and has a unique rendering style that adds character, while the Voigt 50/2 APO has a more neutral and smooth look. They both do an excellent job at controlling color errors.

Apr 11, 2023 at 05:25 PM

woodstork
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: On

p.44 #11 · p.44 #11 · Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review

Thank you. That’s a good run down. Although excellent for a lot of shooting styles, I’m not particularly interested in the Z 1.8 primes (or the two more recent 1.2s) though. These Voigtlander AL’s provide the IQ I’m looking for (more similar optical output to Leica SL APO Summicron). Great wide open, even across the frame, great close and at infinity, excellent micro-contrast. If Nikon produces a really good 35mm fitting that description - then I’d consider that but I imagine it will be hefty. I currently shoot Nikon for their range of excellent zooms and innovative supertelephotos. Looking to add some some smaller primes for slow shooting.

Vento wrote:
As mentioned by previous speakers, both are fantastic lenses.

I think it depends, of course on the preference for a particular focal length, but also of the rest of the equipment and what is available elsewhere in the respective focal length range for your used mount.
On the Nikon-forum you mentioned that you are a Nikon shooter, so here are some suggestions from a Nikon Z user's perspective.

One of the reasons I chose the CV 35/2 AL-Z, was the fact that there was no satisfactory 35mm native solution for me in the Z-mount, unlike with 50mm.
With the Z 50mm f/1.8 S, Nikon...Show more →

Apr 11, 2023 at 05:41 PM

woodstork
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: On

p.44 #12 · p.44 #12 · Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review

That’s sound advice. I like both and like to adapt my eye to either. Probably a bit more natural with 50mm and like it’s better subject intimacy, but often like the extra context of 35mm. Based on FL 50mm is marginally a better get for me. Can often go wider by stitching, but can’t construct a wider prime tighter.

highdesertmesa wrote:
These lenses are close enough in IQ to make your decision based on other factors, primarily your preference for FOV for your intended use. Surely one or the other focal length is preferred.

Apr 11, 2023 at 05:49 PM

woodstork
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: On

p.44 #13 · p.44 #13 · Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review

Two votes for that!

tri_fin wrote:
The differences mentioned show in a side by side comparison but in real world shooting focal length differences are probably more significant.

Apr 11, 2023 at 05:49 PM

highdesertmesa
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.44 #14 · p.44 #14 · Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review

woodstork wrote:
That’s sound advice. I like both and like to adapt my eye to either. Probably a bit more natural with 50mm and like it’s better subject intimacy, but often like the extra context of 35mm. Based on FL 50mm is marginally a better get for me. Can often go wider by stitching, but can’t construct a wider prime tighter.

I would go 50 then, if that's already your preference. For me, so many landscapes fall perfectly into the 50mm FOV. If they don't, I need something much wider than 35mm anyway.

Apr 11, 2023 at 06:20 PM

woodstork
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: On

p.44 #15 · p.44 #15 · Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review

Thanks for all y’alls comments. I just ordered the 50mm from CameraQuest. Z mount 35mm and 50mm are on sale for $750 with free shipping ($250 below list price). I checked for you Sony owners and the 35mm AL is $950 and 50mm AL $850, which are about $200 price reductions from list. I’m looking forward to my first Voigtlander experience. Thank you for all the in depth reviews of this lens line!

Apr 11, 2023 at 06:51 PM

woodstork
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: On

p.44 #16 · p.44 #16 · Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review

Haha! I second that. Right after ordering the 50 I started researching CV 15mm and 21mm options. 24 isn’t wide enough. I actually deem 35mm as a ‘normal’ FOV.

highdesertmesa wrote:
I would go 50 then, if that's already your preference. For me, so many landscapes fall perfectly into the 50mm FOV. If they don't, I need something much wider than 35mm anyway.

Apr 11, 2023 at 08:08 PM

highdesertmesa
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.44 #17 · p.44 #17 · Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review

woodstork wrote:
Haha! I second that. Right after ordering the 50 I started researching CV 15mm and 21mm options. 24 isn’t wide enough. I actually deem 35mm as a ‘normal’ FOV.

The CV 21 1.4 is exceptional and pairs well with the 50 APO

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1603441/0

Apr 11, 2023 at 09:57 PM

woodstork
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: On

p.44 #18 · p.44 #18 · Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review

Thanks for the tip. Read the entire 21/1.4 thread and am definitively intrigued. Especially after receiving my 50/2 AL today for Z mount. Blown away. Breathes new life into my Z7.

That combo renders plants at least on par with a Foveon sensor DP3 Merrill which is a benchmark little kit for vegetation. For a lot of the same reasons - low CA, high micro-contrast, clean vibrant color. It honors a sensation of touch and dimension. The folks at CV have essentially figured out how to draw Foveon-looking output from a Bayer sensor. I have to add the 21/1.4 but might wait awhile to see if they issue a dedicated Z version. An ~85 or 90mm AL would be killer.

Fred’s reviews are so thorough and it’s easy to see why so many folks love Voigtlander. Guess I’m part of the club now. Always appreciate your pictures and advice High Desert Mesa.

highdesertmesa wrote:
The CV 21 1.4 is exceptional and pairs well with the 50 APO

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1603441/0

Apr 13, 2023 at 09:48 PM

Frederik0711
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.44 #19 · p.44 #19 · Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review

woodstork wrote:
Haha! I second that. Right after ordering the 50 I started researching CV 15mm and 21mm options. 24 isn’t wide enough. I actually deem 35mm as a ‘normal’ FOV.

I agree with highdesertmesa. 50mm just works for many scenes, and pairs nicely with 21mm. Usually, I gap primes like this: 11/12, 21/24, 50 and 100/135. I went for the 9 RL as my widest, so I might add another wide angle.

Previously, my kit consisted of 21 Nokton, 50 APO and 110 APO. I sold the 21 and 110, as I wanted lighter options. They were replaced by the 21 Loxia and 135 Elmar. I had the 35 APO at one point as well, but I prefer 21 + 50 as a kit, and the sunstars aren't defined before about f/11 on the 35, which can be annoying in some instances.

Both of the 21s match optically, I would say, the Loxia is a good bit lighter, but the ergonomics are frustrating.
A grip can be purchased for the Loxia; I haven't tried it yet, but other users seem to enjoy it. The 21 is of course faster, and some landscape scenes are interesting at f/1.4, like a fallen tree that I used the Nokton for.

The 135 doesn't match the 110 or the best options in this range, but it's still an excellent performer, weights in at 405 g., and also produce great sunstars (12 points).

My kit now consists of 9 RL, 21 Loxia, 50 APO and 135 Elmar, and I'm quite satisfied. I consider adding the 15 Heliar, though.
I use the 9mm for abstracts of trees and some architecture, not really for common landscape scenes. So, for general use, it's 21, 50 and 135.

Love the sunstars of them all (10 and 12 points). I also have two zooms for landscspe; 16-35 G and 50-400, but I will probably get rid of them, as I almost only use them on occasional vacations. I will probably sell them both and the 135 GM for the 70-200 GM II. When it comes to wide angle and standard, I prefer primes.
Often, I desire 200mm or longer for some architecture, and that's where a zoom will do it for me.

Edited on Apr 14, 2023 at 03:00 AM · View previous versions

Apr 14, 2023 at 02:58 AM

Ripolini
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.44 #20 · p.44 #20 · Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Review

woodstork wrote:
Thanks for the tip. Read the entire 21/1.4 thread and am definitively intrigued. Especially after receiving my 50/2 AL today for Z mount. Blown away. ... I have to add the 21/1.4 but might wait awhile to see if they issue a dedicated Z version. An ~85 or 90mm AL would be killer.

Kudos for your new 50 AL!
Me too would love seeing a 21/1.4 in Z mount

About the 85-90 AL, CV already makes a 90/2.8 AL with VM (Leica M) mount and F (Nikkor AI-S) mount. Both the lenses share the same identical optical scheme. The 90mm/F2.8 Apo Skopar SL II-s for for Nikon AI-S (https://www.cosina.co.jp/voigtlander/en/slr-mount/apo-skopar-90mm-f2-8-sl-iis/) is very compact and lightweight and can be adapted on your Z7 via FTZ.
A thorough review by FM is here.

Apr 14, 2023 at 02:59 AM

1 2 3 … 43 44 45 … 50 51 end
FM Forums \| Sony Forum \| Join Upload & Sell 1 2 3 … 43 44 45 … 50 51 end

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.