p.1 #1 · Voigtlander 35mm and 50mm F2 APO-LANTHAR Aspherical Version II
Cosina discontinued the APO-LANTHAR 35mm F2 Aspherical and APO-LANTHAR 50mm F2 Aspherical lenses. Today, they announced the release of version II of these lenses:
p.1 #2 · Voigtlander 35mm and 50mm F2 APO-LANTHAR Aspherical Version II
Based on the video (in Japanese), it appears that the changes are primarily cosmetic. The new version follows the barrel design aesthetics of other Voigtlander Z-mount lenses, offers a bayonet hood instead of a screw-in one, and has a shorter minimal focus distance. If there are additional changes that anyone is aware of, please share them here.
p.1 #3 · Voigtlander 35mm and 50mm F2 APO-LANTHAR Aspherical Version II
35mm is 60g heavier, filter thread moves from 52 to 58, and MFD is 3" closer.
50mm is 25g heavier, filter thread moves from 52 to 58, and MFD is 4" closer.
Larger/heavier/denser isn't what I wanted from a mark II Not sure optically how much better it could possibly be compared to the OG. I know the M shooters were hoping for a smaller, more Leica-like mark II. NOPE! The change in filter size is the most annoying...if you have both OG, even upgrading one will be a pain if you invested in 52 filters.
p.1 #4 · Voigtlander 35mm and 50mm F2 APO-LANTHAR Aspherical Version II
Also still 3 axis stabilization, lame.
Oct 02, 2024 at 12:48 PM
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p.1 #5 · Voigtlander 35mm and 50mm F2 APO-LANTHAR Aspherical Version II
RoamingScott wrote:
35mm is 60g heavier, filter thread moves from 52 to 58, and MFD is 3" closer.
50mm is 25g heavier, filter thread moves from 52 to 58, and MFD is 4" closer.
Larger/heavier/denser isn't what I wanted from a mark II Not sure optically how much better it could possibly be compared to the OG. I know the M shooters were hoping for a smaller, more Leica-like mark II. NOPE! The change in filter size is the most annoying...if you have both OG, even upgrading one will be a pain if you invested in 52 filters.
On the slightly positive side, the APO Lanthars now share the same filter size with the Z-mount 15 f/4.5 and 40 f/1.2 lenses.
p.1 #6 · Voigtlander 35mm and 50mm F2 APO-LANTHAR Aspherical Version II
RoamingScott wrote:
The change in filter size is the most annoying...if you have both OG, even upgrading one will be a pain if you invested in 52 filters.
The change in filter size is a smart move. Now the 15/4.5, 35/2, 40/1.2, and 50/2 all use 58mm and CV-Z fan won’t have to schelp around so many filter sizes. Since they were revamping to match the styling of the other Z mount offerings it was sensible to align the filter sizes as well.
p.1 #7 · Voigtlander 35mm and 50mm F2 APO-LANTHAR Aspherical Version II
In terms of external aesthetics, the Ver. II should be a much better match for the large diameter of the Z-mount.
Version 1 looks a bit lost on the mount.
The design within Cosina's Z-mount lenses will also become more uniform, more in the look of the CV 15/4.5 UWH Z, CV 40/1.2 Nokton Z, CV 50/1 Nokton Z, CV 75/1.5 Nokton Z.
However, I am not really impressed by the increase in weight of the 35 mm.
It is precisely this compactness, even if not nice to look at mounted on the Z-mount, because the effect is too thin/lean for the mount and the still moderate weight, especially in relation to the image quality, are absolute feel-good factors for me with my version 1.
Apart from that, I am a big fan of the screw-on lens hood for this lens category, ideal for CPL or Vario-ND.
Where with my Nikkor Z MC 105 or Plena I have to adjust the CPL before I can mount the hood, or alternatively break my fingers and contaminate the filter with grease stains while trying to adjust the CPL, with the CV 35 AL-Z all I have to do is turn the lens hood.
I suspect that the increase in filter diameter was unavoidable in the design decisions for version II, but it is a real drawback for me.
So far I've avoided the CV 50 AL-Z because I'm well equipped in this focal length with the Nikkor Z 50/1.8 S, A. Schacht Ulm M-Travenar 50/2.8 R, Tomioka 55/1.4 and a 13-blade CZJ 58/2 Biotar Q1.
But with 58mm it would be out of the question for me either way.
I am maximally equipped in the 52mm filter range and both Apo Lanthar lenses would need the identical filter diameter for me.
Therefore, I would rather look for the old 50/2 AL-Z if it continues to call out to me.
Either way, very nice to see that Cosina has stepped up here for the Z-mount, even if they could get my money a lot easier with a 21mm.
p.1 #8 · Voigtlander 35mm and 50mm F2 APO-LANTHAR Aspherical Version II
I won't be upgrading as I picked up a version I of the 35 already and it's perfect for my use and conveniently uses all of the same 52mm circular filters as my very old Nikkor lenses.
Glad to see these launching though. A real helicoid manual focus native lens on the Z mount has been a treat to use and having more availability of the newer version should keep plenty of these around for a good bit longer.
p.1 #9 · Voigtlander 35mm and 50mm F2 APO-LANTHAR Aspherical Version II
Fred Miranda wrote:
Based on the video (in Japanese), it appears that the changes are primarily cosmetic. The new version follows the barrel design aesthetics of other Voigtlander Z-mount lenses, offers a bayonet hood instead of a screw-in one, and has a shorter minimal focus distance. If there are additional changes that anyone is aware of, please share them here.
I have just listened to it and indeed, this is mostly cosmetic with the exception of the improved focusing distance.
Great for new buyers, I'll keep my V1 35mm and 50mm. Very happy with those.
p.1 #10 · Voigtlander 35mm and 50mm F2 APO-LANTHAR Aspherical Version II
Looks like they tweaked the rear element to the Z's shorter flange distance to get the closer MFD(?).
I prefer the traditional nikon 52mm filter ring, though it's nice they're at least standardizing the range on 58 going forward.
The metal 52mm HN-5 screw-on hood is good at its job and looks the part on the original.
Cosmetically, the narrower barrel on the 50/2 ver 1 looks a little aardvarky; the front element on the II's look a little small. <shrug>
I do LOVE the focus ring action of the 50 ver 1 - whether it's the result of the diameter(I think it is), throw or damping, it focuses very quickly and 'naturally'. The 50/1 has a larger diameter and is not as effortless to focus as the 50/2. I wonder if the bigger dia changes operation much?
p.1 #11 · Voigtlander 35mm and 50mm F2 APO-LANTHAR Aspherical Version II
taildraggin wrote:
Looks like they tweaked the rear element to the Z's shorter flange distance to get the closer MFD(?).
It is probably just a longer helicoid giving the closer MFD. The shorter flange distance and wider throat of the Z-mount lets them do that compared to E-mount. Similar changes in MFD in other CV lenses when moved to Z mount.
p.1 #12 · Voigtlander 35mm and 50mm F2 APO-LANTHAR Aspherical Version II
In the case of the 50mm, I'm having trouble finding consistency where it says that the MFD has been reduced. On the CV website's product page I see 45cm for v2 and 70cm for v1. However, on the BH product pages, v1 shows 35m for v1 and 45cm for the E-Mount version. I'm not sure which of these is correct, but perhaps the v1 for Z-Mount had a longer MFD compared to E-Mount and v2 now equals it? If so it is just reducing the deficit vs. the E-Mount version.
MFD and close-up performance has been a real-world limiting factor for me on CV E-Mount lenses like the 40mm 1.2. I have the 75mm 1.5 for Z-Mount and am very happy with how close you can get.
p.1 #13 · Voigtlander 35mm and 50mm F2 APO-LANTHAR Aspherical Version II
ketang wrote:
In the case of the 50mm, I'm having trouble finding consistency where it says that the MFD has been reduced. On the CV website's product page I see 45cm for v2 and 70cm for v1. However, on the BH product pages, v1 shows 35m for v1 and 45cm for the E-Mount version. I'm not sure which of these is correct, but perhaps the v1 for Z-Mount had a longer MFD compared to E-Mount and v2 now equals it? If so it is just reducing the deficit vs. the E-Mount version.
MFD and close-up performance has been a real-world limiting factor for me on CV E-Mount lenses like the 40mm 1.2. I have the 75mm 1.5 for Z-Mount and am very happy with how close you can get....Show more →
70cm is for the M mount version I believe. The v1 Z mount is 0.45m. (I own it)
p.1 #16 · Voigtlander 35mm and 50mm F2 APO-LANTHAR Aspherical Version II
fjablo wrote:
Its not that hard…
50mm v1: 0.45cm
50mm v2: 0.45cm
35mm v1: 0.35cm
35mm v2: 0.27cm
It should also be mentioned that the MFD of 0,7m is the value of the 50mm f/2 Apo Lanthar VM version, i.e. the M-mount version.
You can look everything up here.
p.1 #17 · Voigtlander 35mm and 50mm F2 APO-LANTHAR Aspherical Version II
fjablo wrote:
35mm v1: 0.35cm
35mm v2: 0.27cm
The (maximum) magnification @ 27 cm is 1:4.47.
I've attached my Nikon 3T achromatic close-up lens to my 35/2 AL v1 and got around 27-28 cm minimum focus distance and a slightly lower magnification (1:4.8). Practically, 021X instead of 0.22X. I didn't try my Nikon 4T attachment lens.
The Nikon 3T attachment lens induces field curvature and other minor aberrations at the borders. This might add "character" to close-ups of 3D subjects For copy stand work, I'd recommend other set-ups.
You can scrutinize test images @ f/2.8 and f/8 here; in images 06NX and 07NX I've focused near the border, not in the center. In images 08NX & 09 NX you should see more clearly the curving of the focus plane (Glenn Gould CDs are more close to the sensor).
[scarica = download]
P.S.: I bet the Leica ELPRO 52 should provide better image quality at even higher magnifications (around 1:3, see here); in fact, let me remind that 3T & 4T attachment lenses were designed for telephoto lenses. The Leica Elpro 52 is rather expensive though.
p.1 #18 · Voigtlander 35mm and 50mm F2 APO-LANTHAR Aspherical Version II
I haven't checked yet, but there have been suggestions in the past from B. Rørslett that when applying the Nikon #T series CU lenses to highly corrected flat field lenses, mounting them reversed can give better flat field results than mounting them the "correct" way.
p.1 #20 · Voigtlander 35mm and 50mm F2 APO-LANTHAR Aspherical Version II
Fred Miranda wrote:
Based on the video (in Japanese), it appears that the changes are primarily cosmetic. The new version follows the barrel design aesthetics of other Voigtlander Z-mount lenses, offers a bayonet hood instead of a screw-in one, and has a shorter minimal focus distance. If there are additional changes that anyone is aware of, please share them here.
If we check the diagram of the original 50mm Apo-Lanthar in Z mount and compare it to the new version, it is obvious that the new version has FIVE abnormal partial dispersion lens elements and FOUR aspherical surfaces, while the original has "only" TWO of each.
Not sure optically how much better it could possibly be compared to the OG. I know the M shooters were hoping for a smaller, more Leica-like mark II. NOPE! The change in filter size is the most annoying...if you have both OG, even upgrading one will be a pain if you invested in 52 filters.
For copy stand work, I'd recommend other set-ups.