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 p.6 #1 · Voigtlander 75mm f/2.8 APO-Skopar Review | |
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Bonus: Infinity Resolution & Contrast vs. Leica 75mm f/2 APO (M10-R, 41MP)
Here is a less than ideal comparison between the Voigtlander 75mm f/2.8 APO-Skopar and the Leica 75mm f/2 APO-Summicron on the Leica M10-R (41MP). I say "less than ideal" because the images were taken at different times and under different lighting conditions. One was shot in bright sunshine while the other was captured under overcast skies. Even so, they still provide a good indication of the level of detail each lens is capable of resolving, which is one of the defining characteristics of a well corrected optical design.
For reference, the Leica 75mm f/2 APO used here was my personal copy, which was well calibrated and perfectly centered, just like the Voigtlander tested here.
The Voigtlander 75mm f/2.8 APO-Skopar delivers excellent resolution, high contrast, and exceptionally well controlled chromatic aberration. Resolution at the center and through most of the mid frame is very similar to the Leica 75mm f/2 APO. In the extreme corners, however, the Voigtlander actually performs noticeably better at f/2.8 and f/4. The Leica catches up by f/5.6, after which both lenses remain very close through the rest of the aperture range. Considering that the Voigtlander is substantially smaller and lighter, although one stop slower, this is a remarkable achievement.
Looking more closely, there is a noticeable increase in the finest high frequency detail beginning around f/4, which I consider the sweet spot for both lenses. The improvement is visible across the entire frame, including the center, mid zone, and corners. For landscape photography, the Voigtlander is already highly usable wide open. The Leica benefits from stopping down to f/5.6 if maximum corner performance is the goal, but both lenses deliver their best overall performance around f/4 to f/5.6. By f/8, diffraction becomes clearly visible, which is expected on a 41MP sensor.
In many ways, I find the Leica 75mm f/2 APO's performance similar to that of the 50mm f/1.4 Summilux. Both lenses are exceptionally strong at the center but gradually soften off axis, although the 75mm holds up noticeably better at mid-field with a more neutral field curvature shape. Their rendering is also surprisingly similar, combining smooth rendering with a distinctly modern character.
Stopping down to f/4 or f/5.6 also reduces vignetting considerably. Given its incredibly compact size, relatively simple optical formula, and the absence of any aspherical elements, Cosina clearly did their homework with this lens. It stands as one of the most impressive compact APO telephoto designs available today.
Simulated size comparison illustrating how much more compact the CV 75mm f/2.8 is. Leica image sourced online with hood extended.
- 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 & Contrast vs. Leica 75mm f/2 APO (M10-R, 41MP)
f/2.8
f/4
f/5.6
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