p.1 #1 · Leica Apo-Summicron-M 35mm vs Voigtlander APO-Lanthar
Since the two lenses were announced in early 2021, I was very curious to see how they compare.
We know that the 50mm APOs have a very similar image quality, the Voigtlander being marginally larger, 8 times cheaper, and having arguably better ergonomics. Many would argue the Voigt is actually the better lens optically. And all of this makes sense: the Leica lens is 8 years older and a bit smaller, putting it at a disadvantage.
The two 35mm APOs, however, are released within a month from one another. Again, the Voigtlander is larger, 8 times cheaper, but this time it can't focus as close. But was Cosina able to use these tradeoffs to build a higher optically performing lens?
Somehow, even three years later, I can't find a direct comparison between these two. So when I finally found a copy of the Leica, I decided to get both lenses, run some tests, and return the one I like less. Frankly, I was hoping the Voigtlander is going to come out on top.
I can't attach images here, so I uploaded them to Google Drive, shot at f/2 if the file name doesn't state otherwise.
For fun, I threw in a couple of images with the Ultron 35/1.7 (at f2) and the RX1R II.
What I'm seeing is: Leica has way nicer bokeh due to low optical vignetting, is sharper in the center at all distances, sharper overall, is better corrected for chromatic aberrations. The only downside I see is the noticeable pincushion distortion.
The Voigtlander has a bit more contrast and less distortion, but the bokeh has a lot of artefacts.
Curious to hear what you think! And I still have the Voigt for another day, so let me know if I should test something else before returning it.
p.1 #2 · Leica Apo-Summicron-M 35mm vs Voigtlander APO-Lanthar
I've been curious to see this comparison, but unfortunately, I don't have access to your google drive.
Have requested a Leica 35/2 APO loan 3 years ago to compare to the Voigtlander and so far nothing. Thanks for posting.
p.1 #3 · Leica Apo-Summicron-M 35mm vs Voigtlander APO-Lanthar
Sorry about that, fixed the access, same link should work now.
Yes, focus with LV, refocusing on every shot except tripod shots of the 20 euro bill which are focused at the center and not refocused when the bill moves around the frame
p.1 #4 · Leica Apo-Summicron-M 35mm vs Voigtlander APO-Lanthar
I was able to check your test. Thanks again for posting!
What I'm seeing is: Leica has way nicer bokeh due to low optical vignetting, is sharper in the center at all distances, sharper overall, is better corrected for chromatic aberrations. The only downside I see is the noticeable pincushion distortion.
The Voigtlander has a bit more contrast and less distortion, but the bokeh has a lot of artefacts.
I agree with some of your observations. The Leica 35/2 APO shows lower optical vignetting, leading to more rounded bokeh balls off-axis. The transition zone is also smoother, resulting in less structured rendering. Rendering is subjective; some may prefer the character of the Voigtlander lens, while others may prefer the more predictable and modern look of the Leica APO.
Axial chromatic aberration appears to be similar in both lenses. Some side-by-side comparisons show less purple fringing for the Voigtlander, while others show less for the Leica, resulting in mixed results. It seems that both lenses correct axial CA similarly.
The Leica lens exhibits higher distortion and less micro-contrast, but since I only have access to JPEGs, I'm unsure about the processing applied to the images.
Overall, both lenses deliver superb resolution and contrast. Most differences could be attributed to copy variation, resulting in very minor discrepancies. The most noticeable differences are in distortion, contrast, and optical vignetting, but even these differences are not significant. Some of the comparisons show obvious misfocus, so it's challenging to comment on those images.
One thing is for sure: the Voigtlander offers better value for the money, but the Leica is significantly more compact.
p.1 #5 · Leica Apo-Summicron-M 35mm vs Voigtlander APO-Lanthar
I’m happy to share RAW files if you’re interested. I have only adjusted the exposure and white balance in C1.
I absolutely agree with the better value for money for Voigtlander, it’s a game of diminishing returns. But IMO the optical vignetting, close focusing, and compactness are far superior on the Leica, while contrast/sharpness/micro contrast are all pretty close. Which I find really cool: Leica doesn’t always beat Voigtlander in optics, while always asking a higher price; here their lens department seems to have a real gem, both optically and mechanically.
p.1 #6 · Leica Apo-Summicron-M 35mm vs Voigtlander APO-Lanthar
I have both lenses and have not done careful comparisons as I have been meaning to. From my limited non-controlled comparisons, I would agree with stkhapugin comments below. The lens was hard to find and I did happen to see one at a dealer when I was traveling and purchased it. The first one I received was substantially de-centered but the replacement which took a month to get is great. The size and closer focusing is a big plus.. I have also tried it out on the SL2 and while not quite as good in the corners is really quite good.
stkhapugin wrote:
I’m happy to share RAW files if you’re interested. I have only adjusted the exposure and white balance in C1.
I absolutely agree with the better value for money for Voigtlander, it’s a game of diminishing returns. But IMO the optical vignetting, close focusing, and compactness are far superior on the Leica, while contrast/sharpness/micro contrast are all pretty close. Which I find really cool: Leica doesn’t always beat Voigtlander in optics, while always asking a higher price; here their lens department seems to have a real gem, both optically and mechanically.
p.1 #10 · Leica Apo-Summicron-M 35mm vs Voigtlander APO-Lanthar
Leica understand bokeh better, or more accurately, Leica use a more appealing focus fade / bokeh model. Cosina resemble Zeiss in many ways that affect lens character, as a part of their heritage.
They are very different designs too. The CV 35/50 pair use a lot of stand alone elements, where the Leica 35/2 is actually an old fashioned assembly of doublets and a triplet - an extraordinary achievement that gave them a 10/5 config, the CV is a 10/8. The Summicron is the basis for the new 35/1.2 as well, also a 10/5 design dominated by achromat doublets. I don't like to say it, but the truth is they are both worth the asking price, IMO.
Leica favored a stronger center here, CV went for a Zeiss-like cross-frame image quality (MTF) and a flatter field. I think (maybe controversial) that Cosina is still working on evolving their bokeh model, and yes, close focus is now very important for bokeh and sheer magnification that opens up greater opportunities. An optical and a marketing feature.
Both are very strong so the feature set and character are the nominal decision points. The older 50/2 Summ APO at f5.6 is optically as good as anyone could wish for, so say the MTF data.
I have the 35/2 and 50/2 CV APOs, and the lovely 50/3.5 Fred mentions above. The slow lens will stay, the others will find a new home. They are great lenses too, but tastes change with time. Just my take.
