Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review
p.12 #1Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
I should be receiving a Sony A7CR tomorrow. I’ll test the Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar on its stock Sony sensor.
Great! I'm really interested on how well it works on Sony. Would probably skip buying it if the results are not quite up there...
I should be receiving a Sony A7CR tomorrow. I’ll test the Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar on its stock Sony sensor.
Great! I'm really interested on how well it works on Sony. Would probably skip buying it if the results are not quite up there...
Sep 02, 2024 at 07:22 PM
p.12 #2Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review
A few quick comments on the T2 black:
The focus ring travels around 130 degrees from 0.7m to infinity, then spaces progressively (a la macro lenses) out to MFD, permitting very fine setting. The soft click at 0.7m is easy to notice. The focus ring is fast to use because its diameter is just over 40mm, you can move from 0,7m to infinity in one slightly extended turn.
The aperture ring has very positive clicks in half stops. Aperture ring stops reminds me of early CY and R Leica lenses. The white aperture index mark is very easy to see, even from some distance. The aperture ring is thin and close to the focus ring, a 5mm gap. Fingers can work it comfortably by resting from the front extension of the lens body, while the other hand stills the focus ring, which is a little raised above the aperture ring. (this will drive plenty of people away).
It's very clearly an aperture-first lens, leaving the user to work the focus ring with no worries about the aperture ring moving. If you need to alter aperture for a given focus, the focus ring needs a medium firm hold to prevent it moving while doing so.
The focus ring is nicely damped, and has a reduced scallop finish - the scalloped zone is 12mm wide. There are two aperture setting scales for the rather large full rotation of the focus ring. One set for close focus; and one for ~1.5 to infinity. At infinity, f8 is centred - a nice touch.
There is a dead spot where the regular apertures we use disappear from the DOF index markings between approx 0.65 and around 1.1m. The DOF index marks are busy but with good contrast (white on black). The hood is snug and looks perfect for the lens, and hood cap is the same.
On my scale: bare lens: 178g; lens with hood: 183g; lens w/- hood and hood cap:191g. The front element is close to the front of the lens body, making the hood a sound idea, it adds just 8mm to the unit's length and looks like part of the lens.
PS and the little posts - in stainless steel by the look - are indeed very helpful.
Edited on Sep 02, 2024 at 10:25 PM · View previous versions
The focus ring travels around 130 degrees from 0.7m to infinity, then spaces progressively (a la macro lenses) out to MFD, permitting very fine setting. The soft click at 0.7m is easy to notice. The focus ring is fast to use because its diameter is just over 40mm, you can move from 0,7m to infinity in one slightly extended turn.
The aperture ring has very positive clicks in half stops. Aperture ring stops reminds me of early CY and R Leica lenses. The white aperture index mark is very easy to see, even from some distance. The aperture ring is thin and close to the focus ring, a 5mm gap. Fingers can work it comfortably by resting from the front extension of the lens body, while the other hand stills the focus ring, which is a little raised above the aperture ring. (this will drive plenty of people away).
It's very clearly an aperture-first lens, leaving the user to work the focus ring with no worries about the aperture ring moving. If you need to alter aperture for a given focus, the focus ring needs a medium firm hold to prevent it moving while doing so.
The focus ring is nicely damped, and has a reduced scallop finish - the scalloped zone is 12mm wide. There are two aperture setting scales for the rather large full rotation of the focus ring. One set for close focus; and one for ~1.5 to infinity. At infinity, f8 is centred - a nice touch.
There is a dead spot where the regular apertures we use disappear from the DOF index markings between approx 0.65 and around 1.1m. The DOF index marks are busy but with good contrast (white on black). The hood is snug and looks perfect for the lens, and hood cap is the same.
On my scale: bare lens: 178g; lens with hood: 183g; lens w/- hood and hood cap:191g. The front element is close to the front of the lens body, making the hood a sound idea, it adds just 8mm to the unit's length and looks like part of the lens.
PS and the little posts - in stainless steel by the look - are indeed very helpful.
Edited on Sep 02, 2024 at 10:25 PM · View previous versions
Sep 02, 2024 at 09:46 PM
p.12 #3Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review
philip_pj wrote:
A few quick comments on the T2 black:
The focus ring travels around 130 degrees from 0.7m to infinity, then spaces progressively (a la macro lenses) out to MFD, permitting very fine setting. The soft click at 0.7m is easy to notice. The focus ring is fast to use because its diameter is just over 40mm, you can move from 0,7m to infinity in one slightly extended turn.
The aperture ring has very positive clicks in half stops. Aperture ring stops reminds me of early CY and R Leica lenses. The white aperture index mark is very easy to see, even...Show more →
Great comment! I’m glad you got the black paint version --- I’m leaning towards that one too.
I’ve also noticed something interesting after using the lens a lot. It’s designed so you can adjust the aperture with just one finger. The clicks are firm but rotate smoothly, so you don’t need two fingers. Also, the T2 style includes both meters and feet on the distance scale, whereas the Type I only shows distances in meters.
A few quick comments on the T2 black:
The focus ring travels around 130 degrees from 0.7m to infinity, then spaces progressively (a la macro lenses) out to MFD, permitting very fine setting. The soft click at 0.7m is easy to notice. The focus ring is fast to use because its diameter is just over 40mm, you can move from 0,7m to infinity in one slightly extended turn.
The aperture ring has very positive clicks in half stops. Aperture ring stops reminds me of early CY and R Leica lenses. The white aperture index mark is very easy to see, even...Show more →
Great comment! I’m glad you got the black paint version --- I’m leaning towards that one too.
I’ve also noticed something interesting after using the lens a lot. It’s designed so you can adjust the aperture with just one finger. The clicks are firm but rotate smoothly, so you don’t need two fingers. Also, the T2 style includes both meters and feet on the distance scale, whereas the Type I only shows distances in meters.
Sep 02, 2024 at 10:24 PM
p.12 #4Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review
I have the feeling it will loosen up in time, the aperture ring. They don't like you using feet in the scales. All these subtle hints.. 
Sep 02, 2024 at 10:27 PM
p.12 #5Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review
Map Camera published an article where they used the 50/3.5 on Nikon Z8:
https://news.mapcamera.com/mountadapter/nikonz8_apolanthar50mmf35type1/
(You may need to copy-paste the link to your browser)
https://news.mapcamera.com/mountadapter/nikonz8_apolanthar50mmf35type1/
(You may need to copy-paste the link to your browser)
Sep 03, 2024 at 01:17 AM
p.12 #6Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review
Juha Kannisto wrote:
Map Camera published an article where they used the 50/3.5 on Nikon Z8:
https://news.mapcamera.com/mountadapter/nikonz8_apolanthar50mmf35type1/
(You may need to copy-paste the link to your browser)
That doesn‘t look too bad. At least on Nikon the lens does fine.
Alas the Sony sensor cover glas is slightly thicker. I‘m looking forward to Fred‘s tests on Sony e-mount.
Map Camera published an article where they used the 50/3.5 on Nikon Z8:
https://news.mapcamera.com/mountadapter/nikonz8_apolanthar50mmf35type1/
(You may need to copy-paste the link to your browser)
That doesn‘t look too bad. At least on Nikon the lens does fine.
Alas the Sony sensor cover glas is slightly thicker. I‘m looking forward to Fred‘s tests on Sony e-mount.
Sep 03, 2024 at 02:50 PM
p.12 #7Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review
I just received the Sony A7CR with its 61MP sensor and tested it with the Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar. Sony shooters will be pleased with the results. I'll be sharing resolution and contrast test results soon.
Sep 03, 2024 at 04:51 PM
p.12 #8Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review
Back to Quick Links
Infinity Resolution and Contrast on stock Sony A7CR (61MP)
Many will be surprised by how well the Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar performs on the stock Sony A7CR with its 61MP sensor. The Sony sensor has a thicker cover glass compared to the Leica M, which typically causes performance degradation with certain lenses. However, in this case, the f/3.5 aperture becomes an advantage, allowing the lens to remain compatible with other mirrorless cameras without noticeable impact on image quality. In fact, I see outstanding performance here!
While there is always a slight reduction in resolution due to the cover glass, lenses starting at f/3.5 or smaller apertures tend to be much less affected by these issues. I’ve tested other slower aperture lenses on the stock Sony sensor, and they also performed outstandingly. You can see some of these comparisons here.
This contrasts with the Voigtlander 50mm f/2 APO-Lanthar, which does not perform optimally on other mirrorless bodies unless stopped down to very small apertures.
 |
||
 |
||
|
 |
||
 |
||
|
- Distance: Infinity
- Focus: Center - Best of three shots at maximum magnification
- White Balance: Daylight
- Both lenses are perfectly centered, as verified with my decentering test.
- Software used: Lightroom with FM Default Landscape Sharpening; all other settings are at default.
PS: Vignetting, Chromatic Aberration (CA), and distortion were not corrected either in post-processing or in-camera.
Center Resolution and Contrast
Infinity Resolution and Contrast on stock Sony A7CR (61MP)
(The aperture settings are correct on the cropped images)
Sep 03, 2024 at 07:15 PM
p.12 #9Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review
Mid-Field Resolution and Contrast
Infinity Resolution and Contrast on stock Sony A7CR (61MP)
Infinity Resolution and Contrast on stock Sony A7CR (61MP)
Sep 03, 2024 at 07:16 PM
p.12 #10Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review
Extreme Corner Resolution and Contrast
Infinity Resolution and Contrast on stock Sony A7CR (61MP)
Infinity Resolution and Contrast on stock Sony A7CR (61MP)
Sep 03, 2024 at 07:16 PM
|
p.12 #11Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review
Hard to complain about the top left content in the extreme corner crops. It's currently about the toughest test in the format, a VM lens on a 61mp sensor it was not optimised for. They might sell quite a number to off-brand users, for Nikons as well.
"Fusion of classic design and super high performance lens". That is a 700 gram combination on that body, a very easy carry and a fast shooter with set aperture. For comparison, Leica's Q3 is 743 grams. A good suggestion for interested people is to get a very good adapter and see it as part of the package.
"Fusion of classic design and super high performance lens". That is a 700 gram combination on that body, a very easy carry and a fast shooter with set aperture. For comparison, Leica's Q3 is 743 grams. A good suggestion for interested people is to get a very good adapter and see it as part of the package.
Sep 03, 2024 at 11:16 PM
p.12 #12Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review
Back to Quick Links
Final Thoughts
After over three weeks of hands-on experience with the Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar, including some rigorous testing, I was genuinely surprised by how hard it was to find any optical flaws. In fact, it’s one of the rare occasions where I couldn’t pinpoint a single issue with its optical performance. The only critiques I have are more about its aesthetics and functionality.
Many of us were initially excited about the Type I version of this lens, especially the idea of a modern APO 'collapsible' lens with a design reminiscent of the 1950s. However, it soon became clear that this lens doesn’t actually collapse. Cosina justified this design choice by citing concerns about airflow introducing dust onto digital sensors and the need to minimize vibration by maintaining a rigid structure. Given the high precision required to achieve the lens’s performance, it’s understandable that a collapsible design could compromise those tight tolerances. So, while the vintage-inspired look is appealing, the lack of true collapsibility might not be a dealbreaker, depending on your priorities.
As for the Type II version, its main drawback is that the aperture and focus ring are linked, making it challenging to change the aperture settings after focusing. This demands a bit more discipline, requiring shooters to set the aperture first before focusing. However, for those already familiar with lenses like the Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 Heliar or the Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 and 40/2.8 Color-Skopar lenses, this won’t be a significant issue.
Beyond these minor concerns, the Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar, much like the 50mm f/2 APO-Lanthar, comes close to optical perfection. It even surpasses expectations by delivering distortion-free images, thanks to its inspired Planar optical design and slightly less optical vignetting, which results in less cat’s-eye-shaped bokeh in the corners compared to the Voigtlander 50mm f/2 APO-Lanthar.
|
||
 |
||
|
In terms of resolution and contrast, I anticipated high performance based on the released MTF graph but was pleasantly surprised to find it exceeding even those predictions. When the Voigtlander 50mm f/2 APO-Lanthar is stopped down to f/3.5, the Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar’s wide-open performance at f/3.5 matches it, with the only noticeable difference being less vignetting on the f/2 APO-Lanthar due to being stopped down. Because of this, despite its compact size, the Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar is a lens I wouldn’t hesitate to shoot wide open for optimal results, only stopping down for a broader depth of field rather than to correct aberrations.
Although it lacks a floating element, this doesn’t detract from its remarkable performance at close focus distances, even wide open. In the Type II version, the magnification approaches macro levels, adding to the lens’s versatility.
Speaking of close focus, with more photographers using Live View or adapting Leica M lenses to mirrorless cameras, the ability to focus down to 0.35m in Type II and 0.45m in Type I is a valuable feature for close-ups. Cosina thoughtfully designed a tactile mechanism to indicate when rangefinder focusing is no longer possible below 0.7m, signaling that Live View should be used for closer focusing.
This lens shows a flat-field curvature shape from close to infinity, ensuring the focus plane remains parallel to the subject. This makes it ideal for applications like landscape, street, and architectural photography. Its complete lack of chromatic aberration rivals that of much larger and more expensive lenses, offering outstanding image quality without the hefty price tag.
The lens also produces well-defined 10-pointed sunstars from f/4 to f/16, thanks to its 10 straight aperture blades -- a characteristic found in most Cosina lenses.
Its simple design and small front element make the lens highly resistant to flare, on par with the best Cosina lenses.
Compared to the now-discontinued Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 Heliar, a lens renowned for its high resolution and contrast, the Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar not only enhances these qualities but also preserves a similar rendering. This makes it a compelling upgrade for Heliar users, especially considering the Heliar’s minimum focus distance of only 0.7m.
Rendering is where this lens truly excels. It delivers smooth transitions while retaining some character, a quality I personally find more appealing than the faster Voigtlander 50mm f/2 APO. Although the f/2 can create more blur, its more modern and predictable rendering is often preferred by many.
For those who already own the Voigtlander 50mm f/2 APO-Lanthar, the most compelling reasons to upgrade or add the Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar to your gear are its smaller size, lighter weight, and much closer minimum focus distance. Also, as shown in the resolution and contrast test on the stock Sony A7CR, the CV 50/3.5 APO outperforms the f/2 APO version when adapted. If you plan to use the lens on a mirrorless body instead of a Leica M, I recommend the f/3.5 version, as it performs nearly as well on Sony, although the Leica M will always be the optimal choice. Although not tested, it will likely offer the same outstanding performance when adapted to Nikon and Canon bodies as well.
Many of us already have too many 50mm lenses because they are versatile for many applications, so only something truly special could entice us to add another one. If you prioritize image quality, color aberration control and appreciate shooting with a truly compact lens that won’t block your Leica M framelines, it might just make sense to make some space for another nifty fifty!
Pros:
- The lens delivers outstanding resolution and contrast, even when wide open, from minimal focus distance to infinity.
- Performs nearly as well when adapted to mirrorless bodies other than Leica.
- There is no noticeable distortion.
- The rendering is pleasant and has a distinctive character.
- The lens exhibits flat-field curvature.
- It features a compact design that doesn’t obstruct the 50mm framelines.
- Sunstars are well-defined, starting from f/4 and continuing through f/16.
- The lens offers strong flare resistance.
- Lateral chromatic aberration is negligible.
- Purple fringing and Axial chromatic aberration is undetectable.
- Extended minimal focus distance for LiveView shooting, with 0.45m for Type I and 0.35m for Type II.
Cons:
- The f/3.5 aperture may be too slow for low light shooting conditions.
- The Type I model is not collapsible, despite what the design might suggest.
- The Type II model combines aperture and focus control on the same ring, which some users may find inconvenient.
Sep 04, 2024 at 08:26 AM
p.12 #13Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review
Wait, did I miss the bit where you test it on film?
Yet another outstanding review Fred. Thank you.
Yet another outstanding review Fred. Thank you.
Sep 04, 2024 at 10:50 AM
p.12 #14Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review
Very impressive. Thanks for all that work. Which M to E adapter do you use or prefer?
Sep 04, 2024 at 10:52 AM
p.12 #15Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review
Desmolicious wrote:
Wait, did I miss the bit where you test it on film?
Yet another outstanding review Fred. Thank you.
I thought you were the one who handled that!
But yes, I can’t wait to try it out on the MP.
Wait, did I miss the bit where you test it on film?
Yet another outstanding review Fred. Thank you.
I thought you were the one who handled that!
But yes, I can’t wait to try it out on the MP.
Sep 04, 2024 at 10:54 AM
p.12 #16Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review
philip_pj wrote:
Hard to complain about the top left content in the extreme corner crops. It's currently about the toughest test in the format, a VM lens on a 61mp sensor it was not optimised for. They might sell quite a number to off-brand users, for Nikons as well.
"Fusion of classic design and super high performance lens". That is a 700 gram combination on that body, a very easy carry and a fast shooter with set aperture. For comparison, Leica's Q3 is 743 grams. A good suggestion for interested people is to get a very good adapter and see it as...Show more →
I just weighed the Leica Q3 with the battery and original hood, and it came in at 768 grams, which is about 10 grams heavier than the Q2. The A7CR, with a battery and adapter, weighs 550 grams. Adding the Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Type I in black brings the total to 700 grams, and with the hood (only 7 grams), it's 707 grams.
The new Voigtlander 50mm f/2.2 Color-Skopar weighs just 137 grams. Combined with the A7CR and adapter, the total weight is 687 grams.
This setup is very lightweight, even lighter than the Q series, and offers the advantage of interchangeable lenses.
The Techart AF adapter performs at a whole new level on the A7CR compared to my A7R II. I can now nail Eye-AF and tracking even with off-center subjects. It adds another 80 grams over a standard adapter, but it allows you to use all your M-mount lenses on the Sony body with autofocus, creating a very compact and lightweight setup.
I initially got the A7CR just for a quick test, but I ended up deciding to keep it. I’m likely going to send it to Kolari for a UT conversion.
Hard to complain about the top left content in the extreme corner crops. It's currently about the toughest test in the format, a VM lens on a 61mp sensor it was not optimised for. They might sell quite a number to off-brand users, for Nikons as well.
"Fusion of classic design and super high performance lens". That is a 700 gram combination on that body, a very easy carry and a fast shooter with set aperture. For comparison, Leica's Q3 is 743 grams. A good suggestion for interested people is to get a very good adapter and see it as...Show more →
I just weighed the Leica Q3 with the battery and original hood, and it came in at 768 grams, which is about 10 grams heavier than the Q2. The A7CR, with a battery and adapter, weighs 550 grams. Adding the Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Type I in black brings the total to 700 grams, and with the hood (only 7 grams), it's 707 grams.
The new Voigtlander 50mm f/2.2 Color-Skopar weighs just 137 grams. Combined with the A7CR and adapter, the total weight is 687 grams.
This setup is very lightweight, even lighter than the Q series, and offers the advantage of interchangeable lenses.
The Techart AF adapter performs at a whole new level on the A7CR compared to my A7R II. I can now nail Eye-AF and tracking even with off-center subjects. It adds another 80 grams over a standard adapter, but it allows you to use all your M-mount lenses on the Sony body with autofocus, creating a very compact and lightweight setup.
I initially got the A7CR just for a quick test, but I ended up deciding to keep it. I’m likely going to send it to Kolari for a UT conversion.
Sep 04, 2024 at 10:56 AM
p.12 #17Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review
I think I had this lens long ago and remember how good it was on my Sony bodies. Im testing my memory here for sure
I had this one Voigtlander Heliar 50mm f/3.5 Lens
I had this one Voigtlander Heliar 50mm f/3.5 Lens
Sep 04, 2024 at 11:04 AM
p.12 #18Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review
GMPhotography wrote:
I think I had this lens long ago and remember how good it was on my Sony bodies. Im testing my memory here for sure
I had this one Voigtlander Heliar 50mm f/3.5 Lens
Just like the Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar, the Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 Heliar benefits from its f/3.5 aperture, which helps minimize degradation when used with Sony's thicker cover glass or when adapted to any other mirrorless system.
We used to rave about this lens for that reason. However, the Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar not only delivers similar rendering but also surpasses the Heliar in both resolution and contrast. I compared them in this review:
Resolution: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1868807/7#infinity4
Rendering: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1868807/8#rend
I think I had this lens long ago and remember how good it was on my Sony bodies. Im testing my memory here for sure
I had this one Voigtlander Heliar 50mm f/3.5 Lens
Just like the Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar, the Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 Heliar benefits from its f/3.5 aperture, which helps minimize degradation when used with Sony's thicker cover glass or when adapted to any other mirrorless system.
We used to rave about this lens for that reason. However, the Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar not only delivers similar rendering but also surpasses the Heliar in both resolution and contrast. I compared them in this review:
Resolution: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1868807/7#infinity4
Rendering: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1868807/8#rend
Sep 04, 2024 at 11:20 AM
p.12 #19Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review
Thanks Fred this lens looks really nice
Sep 04, 2024 at 11:28 AM
p.12 #20Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review
Thank you, Fred, for another fascinating test. I have Guy's copy of the Heliar; I regret to say I've used it only to test it, and now it's rather outclassed by the A-L.
It's a fool's errand for sure try to understand what C-V has in mind sometimes, in this case why they explicitly cautioned that performance would be weaker on thicker-cover-glass cameras. Your test makes it clear that there is essentially nothing to criticize about the little A-L on the A7CR.
I wish they'd give it floating elements and offer it as a 1:2 macro on E-mount.
It's a fool's errand for sure try to understand what C-V has in mind sometimes, in this case why they explicitly cautioned that performance would be weaker on thicker-cover-glass cameras. Your test makes it clear that there is essentially nothing to criticize about the little A-L on the A7CR.
I wish they'd give it floating elements and offer it as a 1:2 macro on E-mount.
Sep 04, 2024 at 11:53 AM