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Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review

highdesertmesa
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p.3 #1 · p.3 #1 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review

Steve Spencer wrote:
That would make a lot of sense given that they have floating elements and should perform well at close focus. They could easily do the same thing for the 21 f/1.4 that has floating elements as well.

The 21 1.4 is already 0.5m, but closer would be even better! IQ doesn’t seem to stop them because witness the Z 40 1.2’s 30cm MFD. Up to this point, I had thought their M lens MFD limitations were mechanical (more than the rangefinder coupling) but maybe not.

Aug 13, 2024 at 08:19 AM

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p.3 #2 · p.3 #2 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review

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Sunstar rendering

For those who value distinct and well-defined sunstars in their images, Voigtlander is an excellent choice. Most of their M-mount lenses are designed with straight aperture blades, and their precise construction ensures that the resulting sunstars have clear definition and symmetrical rays.

The Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar upholds this standard, producing well-defined sunstars that become noticeable even at an aperture just 1/3 stop from wide open at f/4. However, when the lens is wide open or at its smallest aperture of f/22, the rays may not appear as defined or symmetrical. Therefore, for the best results in capturing defined sunstars, it is advisable to avoid these extreme apertures.

Overall, the sunstar rays are well-defined from f/4 to f/16.

Below is a sequence showing the sunstar shape of the Voigtlander 50/3.5 APO-Lanthar lens at various aperture settings from f/3.5 to f/22 in 1-stop increments. This lens features 10 straight aperture blades, resulting in 10-point sunstars.

f/3.5

f/4

f/5.6

f/8

f/11

f/16

f/22: Worst sunstar rendering. Avoid this aperture setting.

Aug 13, 2024 at 11:24 AM

RustyRus
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p.3 #3 · p.3 #3 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review

Fred Miranda wrote:
<a href=https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1868807/0#ql>Back to Quick Links</a>

Sunstar rendering

For those who value distinct and well-defined sunstars in their images, Voigtlander is an excellent choice. Most of their M-mount lenses are designed with straight aperture blades, and their precise construction ensures that the resulting sunstars have clear definition and symmetrical rays.

The Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar upholds this standard, producing well-defined sunstars that become noticeable even at an aperture just 1/3 stop from wide open at f/4. However, when the lens is wide open or at its smallest aperture of f/22, the rays may not appear as defined or symmetrical. Therefore, for the best...Show more →

Wow- Thats beautiful for f/4 sunstars- Amazing reviews as usual Fred!

Aug 13, 2024 at 11:26 AM

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p.3 #4 · p.3 #4 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review

RustyRus wrote:
Wow- Thats beautiful for f/4 sunstars- Amazing reviews as usual Fred!

Thank you Russell!
Yes, they are well-defined even at 1/3 stop from wide open. They look even better in this sample at f/4: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1868807/1#16615914

Aug 13, 2024 at 11:29 AM

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p.3 #5 · p.3 #5 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review

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Distortion

I was eager to test the distortion characteristics of the Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar for two reasons: I haven't noticed any distortion in my sample images so far, and the lens features a "symmetric" optical design.

This is the first 50mm lens I've tested that showed zero distortion. It performs better than the Voigtlander 50mm f/2 APO-Lanthar, which has slight pincushion distortion. Given its excellent distortion correction, the CV 50mm f/3.5 APO is a strong choice for architecture and street photography, especially since the lens is typically used stopped down for these types of shots.

Zero distortion correction required. Nice!

Aug 13, 2024 at 04:26 PM

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p.3 #6 · p.3 #6 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review

The images of the lens mounted on the Leica M body don't fully capture how compact the CV 50/3.5 APO really is -- it's surprisingly small! The silver brass version feels solid and gives off a strong sense of quality. While I'm curious to see how the other versions compare, I'm starting to warm up to this one.

X-T30 II XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS lens 25mm f/3.2 1/13s 250 ISO 0.0 EV

Aug 13, 2024 at 11:24 PM

Ripolini
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p.3 #7 · p.3 #7 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review

It could be interesting to know the VM 50/3.5 AL performance on Sony/Nikon sensors and the maximum magnification (Type II) attainable with VM/E, or VM/Z, "close focus" adapters by Voigtlander.

Aug 14, 2024 at 02:28 AM

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p.3 #8 · p.3 #8 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review

I've been getting a few questions about 6-bit coding the CV 50/3.5 APO Type I Black Matte and Type II Black Paint.

I haven't tried these versions yet, but contrary to Cosina's advice, painting a 6-bit code on lenses with a black mount does work. Instead of painting the black slots, leave them as they are since the mount is already black, and only paint the necessary slots white. I coded the CV 28/2.8 Type II (which has a black mount) using the Leica Elmarit 28/2.8 ASPH code, and it worked perfectly.

Aug 14, 2024 at 12:21 PM

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p.3 #9 · p.3 #9 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review

When I use the CV 50/3.5 APO-Lanthar Type II, it reminds me of one of my favorite lenses: the Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron Rigid. Both lenses are made of silver brass, weigh exactly the same, and share the same 39mm filter thread. They also have a similar size and styling, although the Cosina has improved ergonomics imo. (and no infinity lock)

My specific Rigid copy can focus down to 0.7m, but the APO-Lanthar still has a significant advantage in that regard when using live view.

Aug 14, 2024 at 01:09 PM

Desmolicious
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p.3 #10 · p.3 #10 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review

Fred Miranda wrote:
The images of the lens mounted on the Leica M body don't fully capture how compact the CV 50/3.5 APO really is -- it's surprisingly small! The silver brass version feels solid and gives off a strong sense of quality. While I'm curious to see how the other versions compare, I'm starting to warm up to this one.

That will look good on my M3...

Aug 14, 2024 at 01:32 PM

hanay78
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p.3 #11 · p.3 #11 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review

Dear Fred,

thank you very much for this fantastic comparison with this lens that I was waiting with a lot of interest!

I was looking with attention to your comparison between the f/2 and the f/3.5. I have the impression that at f/5.6 color is more vivid in the f/2. Would you agree?

Also, I remember that the f/2 had a magenta color cast in the corners, at least in some comparisons when the lens was issued. Have you remarked something like that with this lens?

Thank you very very much again

Fred Miranda wrote:
Infinity Resolution and Contrast: Voigtlander 50/3.5 APO-Lanthar vs Voigtlander 50/2 APO-Lanthar

The battle of the Titans is here!

Can the compact Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar, with its 8 elements, rival the performance of Cosina's best lens ever made? The Voigtlander 50mm f/2 APO-Lanthar (Review) is widely regarded as one of the top M-lenses available today. Cosina took great pride in it, incorporating all their latest technology, including 4 aspherical surfaces and two low dispersion elements. Its MTF graph is nearly perfect. So, how can a smaller lens with two fewer elements and no aspherical surfaces even come close? Remarkably,

Aug 14, 2024 at 04:25 PM

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p.3 #12 · p.3 #12 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review

hanay78 wrote:
Dear Fred,

thank you very much for this fantastic comparison with this lens that I was waiting with a lot of interest!

I was looking with attention to your comparison between the f/2 and the f/3.5. I have the impression that at f/5.6 color is more vivid in the f/2. Would you agree?

Also, I remember that the f/2 had a magenta color cast in the corners, at least in some comparisons when the lens was issued. Have you remarked something like that with this lens?

Thank you very very much again

These side-by-side comparisons are excellent for analyzing differences in resolution, contrast, and color output because the images were captured under identical lighting conditions with the exact same processing. Any variations should be attributed to how light passes through the glass elements and the resulting image. No corrections, such as vignetting, distortion, or chromatic aberration, were applied.

To my eyes, both lenses deliver similar results starting at f/3.5, which is impressive for the slower lens since it's performing wide open! If you're seeing more vivid colors at f/5.6, it's usually due to slightly higher contrast. I didn't notice any magenta corners with the f/3.5 APO, but I also never noticed them with the f/2 APO either. I don't test with UV filters, but I remember some filter brands causing issues with that.

Aug 14, 2024 at 05:41 PM

philip_pj
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p.3 #13 · p.3 #13 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review

I perceive that it's clearly a better landscape lens, due to greater local contrast and deeper DOF (see the yellow bushes in the foreground by aperture for each lens) leading to better image depth per aperture. Its colors seem not only magnified by local contrast gains but also better separation - for example, greens are less yellowish and green hues also separate better. Colours are less muddy and indistinct.

We saw very impressive color intensity in the car and hydrant images. I am confident color will be easier to push hard when needed, for these reasons (and controversially maybe, no asph). I thought the 50/2 APO did very well for a standard aperture APO lens, with its design focused very much on wide open and near wide open work, focal plane to fade character in particular.

These differences will flow into other usage for those whose portfolios are high in post-f2.8 imagery, as mine certainly is. People find f2.8 acceptable even for bokeh (pro zooms), and this one adds a mere half stop for similar results at 50mm.

As seen so far, out of focus content will be very settled, even enjoyable, given the very close MFD that Cosina designed for both types, in particular T2. I am looking forward to 0.35m over the Heliar 50/3.5's MFD of 0.7m. This increases image depth perception for this form of shot-making, giving it another arrow to the quiver (for comparison, Sony's FE 50/1.4 GM has an MFD of 0.41m.)

Aug 14, 2024 at 06:45 PM

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p.3 #14 · p.3 #14 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review

philip_pj wrote:
I perceive that it's clearly a better landscape lens, due to greater local contrast and deeper DOF (see the yellow bushes in the foreground by aperture for each lens) leading to better image depth per aperture. Its colors seem not only magnified by local contrast gains but also better separation - for example, greens are less yellowish and green hues also separate better. Colours are less muddy and indistinct.

We saw very impressive color intensity in the car and hydrant images. I am confident color will be easier to push hard when needed, for these reasons (and controversially maybe, no asph)....Show more →

Great analysis as always, Phillip. Excellent point about the deeper depth of field with the f/3.5 APO when both lenses are compared at the same aperture. This lens definitely seems to be a top performer for landscapes or any application that demands high image quality with minimal distortion and excellent field flatness. I'm testing for flare next — hopefully, it won't disappoint.

Aug 14, 2024 at 07:19 PM

Ripolini
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p.3 #15 · p.3 #15 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review

philip_pj wrote:
I perceive that it's clearly a better landscape lens....

The tests performed by @Fred Miranda@ are quite interesting, and show rather impressive results.
However, looking at MTF plots published by Cosina, I would prefer the 50/2 AL as a landscape lens: at f/4 the 50/2 curves are higher than those at f/3.5 & f/5.6 of the 50/3.5 VM, and flatter, thus suggesting a more even rendition across the frame.
Probably to see the difference between these excellent lenses, a 60 Mpix sensor is necessary.

Aug 15, 2024 at 05:14 AM

hmzimelka
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p.3 #16 · p.3 #16 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review

Ripolini wrote:

The tests performed by @Fred Miranda@@ are quite impressive.
However, looking at MTF plots published by Cosina, I would prefer the 50/2 AL as a landscape lens: at f/4 the 50/2 curves are higher than those at f/3.5 & f/5.6 of the 50/3.5 VM, and flatter, thus suggesting a more even rendition across the frame.
Probably to see the difference between these excellent lenses, a 60 Mpix sensor is necessary.


	https://download.nikonimagespace.com/bbd64a1db519db59f45b31c690b37569/50VMF2_vs_50VMF3%2C5.jpg

I would personally take Fred's efforts with his real-world comparison with a stronger weight than the published MTF curves. Yes, they are quite different on the graphs, but Fred's images shows something else... The comparisons Fred made do not match up with the graphs, at least to my eyes. Or how do you see it?

At which focus distance were those graphs computed versus Fred's comparison at infinity. What's the norm for MTF graphs? 50x focal length? It's usually 30x FL or more. MTF curves do not represent lens performance throughout the focus range. Especially if the one lens has a floating lens group while the other doesn't...

Aug 15, 2024 at 05:28 AM

Ripolini
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p.3 #17 · p.3 #17 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review

hmzimelka wrote:
At which focus distance were those graphs computed versus Fred's comparison at infinity.

MTF plots published by Cosina are "measured" using a real lens, not computed. They should refer to infinity focus, unless otherwise stated.

Aug 15, 2024 at 05:46 AM

Steve Spencer
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p.3 #18 · p.3 #18 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review

Ripolini wrote:

The tests performed by @Fred Miranda@@ are quite interesting, and show rather impressive results.
However, looking at MTF plots published by Cosina, I would prefer the 50/2 AL as a landscape lens: at f/4 the 50/2 curves are higher than those at f/3.5 & f/5.6 of the 50/3.5 VM, and flatter, thus suggesting a more even rendition across the frame.
Probably to see the difference between these excellent lenses, a 60 Mpix sensor is necessary.


	https://download.nikonimagespace.com/bbd64a1db519db59f45b31c690b37569/50VMF2_vs_50VMF3%2C5.jpg

The difficulty in comparing these MTFs is we don't have the two lenses at the same aperture for any of the charts, and what we have mostly suggests very similar performance which is what we see in Fred's real life tests. Let's start by speculating what you would get at f/5.6. The f/2 lenses has an MTF40 with 82% contrast in the center for both sag and tan at f/4. It will drop a bit at f/5.6 let's say 80% contrast for both sag and tan. The f/3.5 lens has 78% contrast for both sag and tan at f/5.6. That very small difference I don't think is going to be seen even with a 100 MP sensor (because then we will get more diffraction).

Let's move to the mid zone and let's compare at 12.5mm from the centre. The f/2 has an MTF40 with 81% contrast for sag and 72% for tang. It will again drop a bit at f/5.6 let's say 78% for sag and 70% for tang. The f/3.5 lens has 70% contrast for sag and 61% for tang at f/5.6. Is that enough to see a difference? Maybe on a 60MP sensor, but again will diffraction hide any difference you might see. I am sceptical it will make a real world difference.

Now let's move to the corners and let's compare at 20mm from the centre. The f/2 lens has an MTF with 78% contrast for sag and 76% tang. It will again drop a bit at f/5.6 let's say 76% for sag an 74% for tang. The f/3.5 lens has 65% contrast for sag and 63% for tang. Again you might see that on a 60MP sensor, but you might not.

Those are some pretty small differences in MTF. Just because you can see them on the chart doesn't mean you will be able to see them in photographs. What we know is that you won't see them on a 40MP sensor as Fred's tests have shown. We also know from lens rentals blog MTF tests of multiple copies of the same lens that these differences are well within the typical difference we see between copies of the same lens. So, sure the MTF might be a little higher on average for the f/2 lens, but getting a top performing copy of either lens is probably more important than which lens you get given these small differences in MTF. I remain skeptical that you will see actual difference between the lenses at f/5.6 with a 60MP cameras (especially given that diffraction will start to show on a 60MP camera at f/5.6 if you magnify to the pixel level). I think the bigger story here is how similar both these fine lenses are and especially so stopped down to f/5.6.

Edited on Aug 15, 2024 at 06:35 AM · View previous versions

Aug 15, 2024 at 05:58 AM

hmzimelka
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p.3 #19 · p.3 #19 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review

Ripolini wrote:
MTF plots published by Cosina are "measured" using a real lens, not computed. They should refer to infinity focus, unless otherwise stated.

Well. Fred's results do seem to tell a different story with regard to performance.

MTF graphs are to my knowledge, always measured at X amount of focal length. What is infinity?

Is it also written somewhere that the MTF graphs are measured versus computed? I know Zeiss did note some or all graphs were measured, but I can't say I saw the same for Voigtlander. If you have a link or statement that would be interesting to see.

Aug 15, 2024 at 06:02 AM

Ripolini
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p.3 #20 · p.3 #20 · Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Review

Steve Spencer wrote:
...Those are some pretty small differences in MTF. Just because you can see them on the chart doesn't mean you will be able to see them in photographs...

Steve, I agree with you. I posted the MTF plots as reply to a rather "strong" statement by Philip, who concluded that the 50/3.5 is clearly a better landscape lens. I'm not so sure about his conclusions. I mean, probably the 50/3.5 VM tested by Fred could be slightly better than his 50/2 VM at infinity. Cosina seems to disagree, on the basis of the data they provide

Aug 15, 2024 at 06:12 AM

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