I keep reading good things about the Voightlander lenses (thanks Fred for those reviews and pics!), and I'm wondering if I would like them or not. I have not used manual focus before so that will be a learning curve for me. Also, I am used to super sharp lenses and I know that this might not be the case with all of these lenses since they are more about a specific character rather than perfection.
What would you suggest as one to try out first? It will need to be Sony mount. I like being able to get relatively close to the subject, either with macro or a wide angle that can focus reasonably close. large aperture is also nice but not required especially for a wider angle lens.
Right now I just want to get my feet wet and see if I like shooting with one. It will take some time especially with my schedule so I'm not so much into renting but purchasing and if not satisfied then reselling. I will probably go the used route to minimize loss so used $700 or less is preferred.
I'd lean towards the 35/2 APO-Lanthar if you're used to sharp optics, it has a great blend of across the frame sharpness and some character still. I use mine confidently wide open all the time.
The 28/1.5, 35/2, 40/1.2, 40/2 and 50/2 are all great starters. You'll love one of those and get a feel for it.
It's all about what focal length you'd like though, we can't pick that for you.
Ok but I would say on the 40 1.2 I did love it and it is my most regretted sale, but I ended up with a 50 1.2 and it is not quite as nice but really splitting hairs. Every CV i have ever had is a special lens.
Jun 15, 2026 at 11:07 AM
Steve Spencer Online • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
Alan Parker wrote:
The 28/1.5, 35/2, 40/1.2, 40/2 and 50/2 are all great starters. You'll love one of those and get a feel for it.
It's all about what focal length you'd like though, we can't pick that for you.
All of these should be available used in your price range, and depending on your preferences could be a good choice. The basic dimension of choice are: 1) focal length of course; 2) aperture of course; and 3) level of corrections with the 35 f/2 APO and 50 f/2 APO correctly for quite a bit more aberrations.
Oh, and one more lens you might consider is the 50 f/1.2 Nokton. It is an excellent lens as well and only available for Leica M mount and Sony E mount. On the used market you can also find the SE version of the 35 f/1.2 Nokton in your price range.
So Noktons for Sony E mount include:
21 f/1.4 28 f/1.5, 35 f/1.2 SE, 40 f/1.2 (this also come in an SE version), 50 f/1.2 (this also come in an SE version), and 75 f/1.5 (The SE versions are lighter, but the aperture ring cannot be declicked--SE stands for stills edition. Optically they are the same, however).
APO Lanthars for Sony E mount include
28 f/2, 35 f/2, and 50 f/2 and the two macro lenses 65 f/2 and 110 f/2.5
The 40 f/2 is a new pancake lens and is pretty unique for Sony E mount, although a 40 f/2 Ultron pancake was made for Nikon F mount and Canon EF mount.
I hope that helps as you consider which one to get.
Scott's right... we're all going to say the 40 1.2 . I haven't tried the APO so I can't say one way or another there but have really liked the pics I've seen from it. The 40 is my longest owned lens and I've owned it 3 times. I don't even have a Sony body right now and still own it because one day I will again. I also really liked the Thypoch 28 1.4, but the was adapted M, but I don't think they made any changes other than the mount for e mount. I have the slightly smaller SE version.
They are all good really! Even the character lenses are tack sharp stopped down a stop or two. I really like the Noktons personally - 28mm f/1.5, 35mm f/1.2, 50mm f/1.2 are some of my favorites, and I also like the APO-Lanthars like the 50mm f/2, 65mm f/2 macro and 110mm f/2.5 macro. Honestly, Voigtlander only makes great lenses and the manual focusing experience is top notch and very enjoyable. I'd go with something in the range of what your favorite focal length is.
I've been doing a head to head between some lenses over on the Nikon forum, of which the 40/2 Septon, 40/1.2 Nokton are included, might be interesting to you.
I will say this. The 40/1.2 is a lens that reveals itself to you very quickly and obviously. You will quickly get why someone might pick it and prefer it. Lenses like the 50/2 APO will take a little longer to get to know, and maybe to appreciate.
The 40/1.2 IS the perfect starter lens. People want to be clever and give you alternatives, which is fine. But... really, it's the Nokt.
My rec is the APO-Lanthar 28/2, but that may be tough to find in budget.
What are you looking to get out of the experience? Do you want a prime at your favorite focal length that shares something in common with your current kit or are you looking for something that stands as out markedly different from anything you use now?
. I haven't tried the APO so I can't say one way or another there but have really liked the pics I've seen from it. The 40 is my longest owned lens and I've owned it 3 times. I don't even have a Sony body right now and still own it because one day I will again. I also really liked the Thypoch 28 1.4, but the was adapted M, but I don't think they made any changes other than the mount for e mount. I have the slightly smaller SE version.