tsdevine wrote:
The bokeh looks more well behaved than the 35 f/2 AL would look in those situations, IMHO. Obviously I haven't shot the 28, so I could very easily be wrong.
The wait (long?) begins for an E mount version....
You're right. The focus transition is smoother compared to the CV 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar. Optical vignetting is also lower, with more rounded specular highlights toward the edges and a more even overall rendering.
For the rendering test, I’m using a different copy of the Voigtlander 28mm f/2 Ultron. The one I used for the earlier resolution test was not the same lens I had during my original review of the Ultron, which I remember performed better. Because of that, I requested two additional copies and now have one that's performing optimally. I'll be redoing the resolution test to compare it directly with the APO version.
I've added an addendum to the resolution and contrast comparison between the Voigtlander 28mm f/2 Ultron and the 28mm f/2 APO-Lanthar:
Update: I received two additional copies of the Voigtlander 28mm f/2 Ultron, and one of them is clearly optimal. It’s perfectly centered and performs slightly better in the mid-field compared to the other two, making it the optimal sample for this test. I’ve updated the test crops to reflect this best-performing copy, which I selected after evaluating all three.
Even so, the APO version still has the advantage when it comes to resolving fine detail, especially off-axis in the mid and extreme corners. At f/5.6 and f/8, the differences are smaller, but when examining the images at the pixel level, the APO still holds the edge.
Samples 2: At various distances and lighting (M10-R)
Except for the sunstar examples, all the images were shot wide open at f/2 under various lighting conditions and subject distances, using the M10-R this time around.
Post-processing was kept minimal, limited to some sharpening and slight exposure adjustments. I used either the Adobe Color or Standard profile to better reflect the lens's natural color rendering. This lens show very high level of contrast which translate to very bold colors.
In this set, you'll see examples of sunstar rendering at f/3.2 and f/4 (12-point rays), along with a final image that demonstrates how well this lens controls axial CA. It's a worst-case scenario for purple fringing, with intense lighting reflecting off chrome metal, yet the color error is negligible. No other 28mm M-mount lens offers this level of correction. That's what sets the APO-Lanthar apart from other high-performing 28mm lenses.
Vignetting and distortion were not corrected for any of these samples.
LEICA M10-RVoigtlander 28mm f/2 APO-Lanthar lens28mm1/4000s100 ISO-0.3 EV
LEICA M10-RVoigtlander 28mm f/2 APO-Lanthar lens28mm1/4000s100 ISO0.0 EV
LEICA M10-RVoigtlander 28mm f/2 APO-Lanthar lens28mmf/2.01/750s200 ISO-0.3 EV
LEICA M10-RVoigtlander 28mm f/2 APO-Lanthar lens28mm1/1600s100 ISO+2.0 EV
LEICA M10-RVoigtlander 28mm f/2 APO-Lanthar lens28mm1/4000s100 ISO-0.3 EV
LEICA M10-RVoigtlander 28mm f/2 APO-Lanthar lens28mm1/4000s100 ISO-0.3 EV
Fred, would it be possible to include the CV 28mm f/1.5 in your comparison? I would be curious how it compares to the 1.5 @f2. Thanks for the great review!
RustyBug wrote:
For Voigtlander, their historic tendency for strong purple fringing WO or near WO is a correction of interest that APO brings to the table. That said, not all APO designated lenses are created equal, so even with an APO designator ... it might still have very small amounts uncorrected aberrations.
I agree this is an area that has annoyed me about past fast Voigtlander lenses and a reason I really like the 50 Lux ASPH despite some of its other weaknesses (as an example of a non-APO lens that apparently could be APO, according to Karbe). But it's not only Voigtlander that has issues with w/o purple fringing/LoCA. Every fast non-APO Leica M lens I have, other than the 50 Lux ASPH, exhibits quite offensive wide open purple fringing. And these are very expensive lenses (relative to the competition)
tsdevine wrote:
The bokeh looks more well behaved than the 35 f/2 AL would look in those situations, IMHO. Obviously I haven't shot the 28, so I could very easily be wrong.
Maybe Cosina actually listened to criticism about the 35 APO's bokeh quality. Which would be a good thing. It sure seems they have listened to other past complaints, such as their enthusiasm for chrome filter/hood rings and the relative lack of coherent design language (i.e. lack of decent focusing tabs). Already from Juha's samples taken at CP+ back in late February (?), I had the impression the 28 would have more pleasing (less busy) background character.
rscheffler wrote:
Every fast non-APO Leica M lens I have, other than the 50 Lux ASPH, exhibits quite offensive wide open purple fringing. And these are very expensive lenses (relative to the competition)
Understood.
Starting out at 2.0 also gives a head start on mitigating the issue. The additional levels of APO correction then finish the job.
Personally, I'd like to see an APO version of the 40/1.2. Of course, they would make it a 40/2 APO.
I kept waiting for a catch and there doesn't appear to be one. Small, light, no focus tab, and a fantastic all-arounder. My only hope now if that it's grossly overpriced ($5k?) and unjustifiable for someone thinking this'll be the 28 that makes him a 28 shooter.
I'm intrigued by this 28mm Apo, I hope it will be available for Sony E-mount as well.
Although... It's taking a while for the 2,0/90mm Apo in Sony E-mount, isn't it?
Jul 18, 2025 at 06:37 AM
Steve Spencer Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
Maximilian wrote:
I'm intrigued by this 28mm Apo, I hope it will be available for Sony E-mount as well.
Although... It's taking a while for the 2,0/90mm Apo in Sony E-mount, isn't it?
It is always hard to figure out what lenses Cosina will make and will not make, but I don't know if they will ever make a 90 f/2 APO Ultron for Sony E mount. Interestingly, Cosina currently has 14 lenses for Sony E mount and of those 14 lenses none of them are Ultrons. They have 7 Noktons, 4 APO Lanthars, and 3 Heliars but exactly zero Ultrons. They used to make a 21mm Color Skopar in Sony E mount, but they discontinued that a long time ago, and they have never made a Sony E mount Ultron.
In contrast they make 28, 35, 75, and 90mm Ultrons in VM mount (and they used to make a 21mm Ultron). I have my doubts that they will ever make an Ultron for Sony E mount and I think Color Skopars are pretty unlikely too, but as I say above it is really hard to predict what Cosina is ever going to make or not make.
As an APO Lanthar, I think the 28mm is a lot more likely to be made in Sony E mount.
I should have mentioned that none of my sample images were taken with the included hood. I don't even use it because it blocks the framelines more than it should, especially for such a compact lens. But that just shows how well the lens handles flare. You don't even need a hood to keep flare under control.
Fred Miranda wrote:
I should have mentioned that none of my sample images were taken with the included hood. I don't even use it because it blocks the framelines more than it should, especially for such a compact lens. But that just shows how well the lens handles flare. You don't even need a hood to keep flare under control.
Fred, if you have the chance, please include frame line blockage examples here with/without hood. Thanks!
Wow. The 28mm Ultron wins by a mile - so much smaller and lighter but almost as good. I see the APO slightly better in the midfield, but nowhere else. No contest, the Ultron all the way.
wolfloid wrote:
Wow. The 28mm Ultron wins by a mile - so much smaller and lighter but almost as good. I see the APO slightly better in the midfield, but nowhere else. No contest, the Ultron all the way.
I just sold my 28mm Ultron very inexpensively. Yes, the optics were close and maybe didn't require an upgrade, however the APO is better in many ways optically even if not dramatically so. But, I was not a fan of the ergonomics, nor the chrome rim on the front, and the styling in general. This new 28mm APO looks better to me in important ways.
