Official: Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 "Apochromatic"
p.8 #1Official: Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 "Apochromatic"
As an amateur I do wonder how LLL is going to make a 35mm APO lens that can outshine already established lenses - Voightlander 35mm APO lens and command double/triple the price. As a disclaimer - i did pre-order the Titanium version but that was before I learned about voightlander.
Aug 28, 2026 at 01:20 PM
p.8 #2Official: Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 "Apochromatic"
lens_payoff_0l wrote:
As an amateur I do wonder how LLL is going to make a 35mm APO lens that can outshine already established lenses - Voightlander 35mm APO lens and command double/triple the price. As a disclaimer - i did pre-order the Titanium version but that was before I learned about voightlander.
The LLL is a lot smaller than the Voigtlander APO
As an amateur I do wonder how LLL is going to make a 35mm APO lens that can outshine already established lenses - Voightlander 35mm APO lens and command double/triple the price. As a disclaimer - i did pre-order the Titanium version but that was before I learned about voightlander.
The LLL is a lot smaller than the Voigtlander APO
Aug 28, 2026 at 01:22 PM
p.8 #3Official: Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 "Apochromatic"
highdesertmesa wrote:
EDIT: lol, highdesertmesa beat me to it.Hah. Yeah, the side-by-side face shot was interesting. I much prefer the LLL shot. The Leica has too much microcontrast for portraits, IMO, so that makes the LLL way more versatile.
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JAUrrutia9 wrote:
I didn't want to say it, but same for me. I much preferred the LLL image!
...It's one comparison. I'm sure other tests will be more thorough.
Also, on the portrait comparison he posted, I preferred the LLL image too, without knowing which was which. I'd describe it as a kind of "high-frequency detail gentleness". I don't think that's an easy optical design tweak, but it works great for portraits: you get all the APO color error correction and fine, high-frequency detail, but with slightly gentler contrast, which benefits every part of the image, especially the out-of-focus background.
JAUrrutia9 wrote
New prototype review posted this morning by Bobby Tonelli with some comparisons to the Leica APO. Got to say, I got the blind side-by-side comparison wrong...EDIT: lol, highdesertmesa beat me to it.
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JAUrrutia9 wrote:
I didn't want to say it, but same for me. I much preferred the LLL image!
...It's one comparison. I'm sure other tests will be more thorough.
Also, on the portrait comparison he posted, I preferred the LLL image too, without knowing which was which. I'd describe it as a kind of "high-frequency detail gentleness". I don't think that's an easy optical design tweak, but it works great for portraits: you get all the APO color error correction and fine, high-frequency detail, but with slightly gentler contrast, which benefits every part of the image, especially the out-of-focus background.
Aug 28, 2026 at 01:47 PM
p.8 #4Official: Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 "Apochromatic"
Good video.
Bringing back the point about 33×44 sensor coverage, it is absolutely crystal clear from the examples (vignette, cats eye etc) there is zero chance this covers a 33×44 sensor with anything approaching acceptable quality from a rendering perspective.
Looks great on Leica M though, that's for sure.
The product shots definitely don't look like Leica quality to me, but I will reserve judgement until someone like Fred gets a production unit.
highdesertmesa wrote:
Bringing back the point about 33×44 sensor coverage, it is absolutely crystal clear from the examples (vignette, cats eye etc) there is zero chance this covers a 33×44 sensor with anything approaching acceptable quality from a rendering perspective.
Looks great on Leica M though, that's for sure.
The product shots definitely don't look like Leica quality to me, but I will reserve judgement until someone like Fred gets a production unit.
highdesertmesa wrote:
Aug 28, 2026 at 04:45 PM
p.8 #5Official: Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 "Apochromatic"
Completely missed that !!! Therefore I m glad I joined this forum !
But other than size- any other reason major difference between Voightlander and lll ?
Mystik wrote:
The LLL is a lot smaller than the Voigtlander APO
But other than size- any other reason major difference between Voightlander and lll ?
Mystik wrote:
lens_payoff_0l wrote
As an amateur I do wonder how LLL is going to make a 35mm APO lens that can outshine already established lenses - Voightlander 35mm APO lens and command double/triple the price. As a disclaimer - i did pre-order the Titanium version but that was before I learned about voightlander.Aug 28, 2026 at 06:19 PM
p.8 #6Official: Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 "Apochromatic"
lens_payoff_0l wrote:
Completely missed that !!! Therefore I m glad I joined this forum !
But other than size- any other reason major difference between Voightlander and lll ?
The LLL is a lot smaller than the Voigtlander APONobody knows for sure, but when I receive an LLL 35/2 APO to review, I'll test it side by side against the Voigtländer 35/2 APO-Lanthar. I think it will be hard to beat the Voigtlander but let's see: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1695782/
Completely missed that !!! Therefore I m glad I joined this forum !
But other than size- any other reason major difference between Voightlander and lll ?
Mystik wrote
lens_payoff_0l wrote
As an amateur I do wonder how LLL is going to make a 35mm APO lens that can outshine already established lenses - Voightlander 35mm APO lens and command double/triple the price. As a disclaimer - i did pre-order the Titanium version but that was before I learned about voightlander.Aug 28, 2026 at 06:37 PM
p.8 #7Official: Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 "Apochromatic"
Fred Miranda wrote:
highdesertmesa wrote
JAUrrutia9 wrote
New prototype review posted this morning by Bobby Tonelli with some comparisons to the Leica APO. Got to say, I got the blind side-by-side comparison wrong...EDIT: lol, highdesertmesa beat me to it.
JAUrrutia9 wrote
I didn't want to say it, but same for me. I much preferred the LLL image!...It's one comparison. I'm sure other tests will be more thorough.
I have read that different lens designs can have similar sharpness/contrast just shifted to different detail frequencies. The Leica lens clearly is designed like a macro lens to hit the high frequency details with a load of contrast, hence the pores on the subject’s face will jump off the screen at you. Lens coatings are probably different, too, which will impact contrast.
Aug 28, 2026 at 07:11 PM
p.8 #8Official: Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 "Apochromatic"
Those portrait shots are kinda making my Leica APO a little nervous!
But also, i know it’s not an exact image and he may have shifted a bit, but the Leica image Bobby is literally coming off the screen - incredible to what both lenses can do.
Edited on Aug 29, 2026 at 08:28 AM · View previous versions
But also, i know it’s not an exact image and he may have shifted a bit, but the Leica image Bobby is literally coming off the screen - incredible to what both lenses can do.
Edited on Aug 29, 2026 at 08:28 AM · View previous versions
Aug 28, 2026 at 09:14 PM
p.8 #9Official: Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 "Apochromatic"
lens_payoff_0l wrote:
As an amateur I do wonder how LLL is going to make a 35mm APO lens that can outshine already established lenses - Voightlander 35mm APO lens and command double/triple the price. As a disclaimer - i did pre-order the Titanium version but that was before I learned about voightlander.
Mystik wrote:
The LLL is a lot smaller than the Voigtlander APO
The criticism of the Voigtlander, other than size, is that it is a very sharp lens but at certain distances and subject to background ratios, out of focus background blur can be on the busy/distracting/structured side. While I have not shot with the Leica 35 APO, many photos I've seen from it suggest that Leica found a much better balance of high sharpness in the plane of focus with pleasing out of focus rendering. If the LLL can get close to the Leica, it may well be the sweet spot.
As an amateur I do wonder how LLL is going to make a 35mm APO lens that can outshine already established lenses - Voightlander 35mm APO lens and command double/triple the price. As a disclaimer - i did pre-order the Titanium version but that was before I learned about voightlander.
Mystik wrote:
The LLL is a lot smaller than the Voigtlander APO
The criticism of the Voigtlander, other than size, is that it is a very sharp lens but at certain distances and subject to background ratios, out of focus background blur can be on the busy/distracting/structured side. While I have not shot with the Leica 35 APO, many photos I've seen from it suggest that Leica found a much better balance of high sharpness in the plane of focus with pleasing out of focus rendering. If the LLL can get close to the Leica, it may well be the sweet spot.
Aug 28, 2026 at 11:31 PM
p.8 #10Official: Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 "Apochromatic"
Okay, I must say in terms of the side-by-side photo from the video, I was able to tell which was which.
Don't get me wrong, it was close, but the Leica image was a bit different with regard to the color rendering and clarity (an edge here) especially on the shirt and background right. I must admit however that I sought of cheated. Recently I had a used copy of the Leica which I shot extensively for about a couple of weeks or so then returned. Nevertheless, I do like the LLL image as well, not better but as good. The difference I noted was not worth the extra cash. It helped me decide to ordere the titanium from Light Lens Lab w/o knurling.
And sure, Leica might have an edge in build quality, reliability and design/usability but the ones I have from LLL aren't bad at all. I'll see how the Light Lens one does when it comes. I'm pretty sure I'll like it.
Joe D
Don't get me wrong, it was close, but the Leica image was a bit different with regard to the color rendering and clarity (an edge here) especially on the shirt and background right. I must admit however that I sought of cheated. Recently I had a used copy of the Leica which I shot extensively for about a couple of weeks or so then returned. Nevertheless, I do like the LLL image as well, not better but as good. The difference I noted was not worth the extra cash. It helped me decide to ordere the titanium from Light Lens Lab w/o knurling.
And sure, Leica might have an edge in build quality, reliability and design/usability but the ones I have from LLL aren't bad at all. I'll see how the Light Lens one does when it comes. I'm pretty sure I'll like it.
Joe D
Aug 29, 2026 at 01:56 AM
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p.8 #11Official: Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 "Apochromatic"
At least from the MTF, it potentially can conver 44x33 very well. Also, Mr. Zhou mentioned that some sample images were posted in the product page. I suspect those 4:3 ones may be from GFX. Still need to be confirmed and pending the images from a production sample. But, it is super exciting for a GFX and M shooter.
Aug 31, 2026 at 12:58 PM
p.8 #12Official: Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 "Apochromatic"
rscheffler wrote:
The criticism of the Voigtlander, other than size, is that it is a very sharp lens but at certain distances and subject to background ratios, out of focus background blur can be on the busy/distracting/structured side. While I have not shot with the Leica 35 APO, many photos I've seen from it suggest that Leica found a much better balance of high sharpness in the plane of focus with pleasing out of focus rendering. If the LLL can get close to the Leica, it may well be the sweet spot.
A member posted extensive side-by-side comparisons a while back that align with your findings. It's still available for download. The Leica also shows less LoCA and lower optical vignetting. Personally, I prefer the Voigtlander's rendering. The Leica's approach feels very modern by comparison. I believe the LLL's rendition will be similar to Leica's
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1849703/0#16494976
lens_payoff_0l wrote
As an amateur I do wonder how LLL is going to make a 35mm APO lens that can outshine already established lenses - Voightlander 35mm APO lens and command double/triple the price. As a disclaimer - i did pre-order the Titanium version but that was before I learned about voightlander.Mystik wrote
The LLL is a lot smaller than the Voigtlander APOA member posted extensive side-by-side comparisons a while back that align with your findings. It's still available for download. The Leica also shows less LoCA and lower optical vignetting. Personally, I prefer the Voigtlander's rendering. The Leica's approach feels very modern by comparison. I believe the LLL's rendition will be similar to Leica's
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1849703/0#16494976
Aug 31, 2026 at 01:50 PM
p.8 #13Official: Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 "Apochromatic"
They actually added a little nub so the magnetic hood doesn’t keep doing its own thing and spinning around.
https://www.instagram.com/stories/lightlenslab/3977702075257666644
https://www.instagram.com/stories/lightlenslab/3977702075257666644
Sep 02, 2026 at 11:16 PM
p.8 #14Official: Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 "Apochromatic"
New sample pics of cats shot on prototype version of this lens adapted to Nikon ZF: https://www.instagram.com/p/Dcz51_ijHTg/
Sep 02, 2026 at 11:50 PM
p.8 #15Official: Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 "Apochromatic"
gammarART wrote:
They actually added a little nub so the magnetic hood doesn’t keep doing its own thing and spinning around.
https://www.instagram.com/stories/lightlenslab/3977702075257666644
Great idea. I've also pushed for them to also include a compact ring option instead of the hood for a sleeker profile. Hopefully they offer it.
They actually added a little nub so the magnetic hood doesn’t keep doing its own thing and spinning around.
https://www.instagram.com/stories/lightlenslab/3977702075257666644
Great idea. I've also pushed for them to also include a compact ring option instead of the hood for a sleeker profile. Hopefully they offer it.
Sep 03, 2026 at 07:59 AM
p.8 #16Official: Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 "Apochromatic"
In anticipation of reviewing the new LLL 35mm f/2 APO, I picked up a Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar today. I'd forgotten how sharp and contrasty this lens is from center to edges, with very little resolution falloff anywhere and a flat curvature shape. I'd be very impressed if the Leica or the new LLL can match this performance. The lens is 58mm long and has a 49mm filter thread, so it's bigger than either the Leica or LLL, which with their hoods attached are about 8mm shorter and also taper to a narrower end with a 39mm filter thread. The Voigtlander doesn't focus as close either (0.5m vs 0.3m) but it's slightly lighter at 305 grams. (measured)
Some people dislike the Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO's rendering, but that's actually the aspect I love about it. It's not smooth and abstract; it has some character to it, even though it's still very modern overall. A great mix imo.
Some people dislike the Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO's rendering, but that's actually the aspect I love about it. It's not smooth and abstract; it has some character to it, even though it's still very modern overall. A great mix imo.
Sep 03, 2026 at 12:52 PM
RoamingScott
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p.8 #17Official: Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 "Apochromatic"
I've said that about the 35 APO all along, it's 100% a character lens to my eye. Whether or not that's THE character you want is another story.
I'm a little curious about this Ar Lang who is taking these photos that keep getting posted by LLL. I'm not convinced that's pure lens rendering and not some extra sauce in post, but I can't find any online presence or other photos by them from which to draw any conclusions.
Here I thought they were giving preference to M shooters and they are adapting it to Hasselblads and Nikons
I'm a little curious about this Ar Lang who is taking these photos that keep getting posted by LLL. I'm not convinced that's pure lens rendering and not some extra sauce in post, but I can't find any online presence or other photos by them from which to draw any conclusions.
Here I thought they were giving preference to M shooters and they are adapting it to Hasselblads and Nikons
Sep 03, 2026 at 12:59 PM
p.8 #18Official: Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 "Apochromatic"
Can anyone who owns the Leica 35mm f/2 APO-Summicron post a picture of the viewfinder blockage (with the hood attached)? I'd like to get an idea of how much more blockage the Voigtlander has in comparison.
Sep 03, 2026 at 01:12 PM
p.8 #19Official: Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 "Apochromatic"
RoamingScott wrote:
I've said that about the 35 APO all along, it's 100% a character lens to my eye. Whether or not that's THE character you want is another story.
I'm a little curious about this Ar Lang who is taking these photos that keep getting posted by LLL. I'm not convinced that's pure lens rendering and not some extra sauce in post, but I can't find any online presence or other photos by them from which to draw any conclusions.
Here I thought they were giving preference to M shooters and they are adapting it to Hasselblads and Nikons
Yep, it's a different type of character. It's not from coma, spherical aberration, field curvature, or other aberrations, it's just a slightly more structured out-of-focus rendering, which is more evident in the focus transition zone, since blur doesn't interfere as much there.
So you get a slight outlining in the bokeh that accentuates this structure. I don't see this in the CV 50/2 APO-Lanthar, which is smoother and also gorgeous.
I've said that about the 35 APO all along, it's 100% a character lens to my eye. Whether or not that's THE character you want is another story.
I'm a little curious about this Ar Lang who is taking these photos that keep getting posted by LLL. I'm not convinced that's pure lens rendering and not some extra sauce in post, but I can't find any online presence or other photos by them from which to draw any conclusions.
Here I thought they were giving preference to M shooters and they are adapting it to Hasselblads and Nikons
Yep, it's a different type of character. It's not from coma, spherical aberration, field curvature, or other aberrations, it's just a slightly more structured out-of-focus rendering, which is more evident in the focus transition zone, since blur doesn't interfere as much there.
So you get a slight outlining in the bokeh that accentuates this structure. I don't see this in the CV 50/2 APO-Lanthar, which is smoother and also gorgeous.
Sep 03, 2026 at 01:16 PM
p.8 #20Official: Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 "Apochromatic"
Thought the Nocitlux rendering is just like the Leica Apo when go 2.0 and smaller.
Sep 03, 2026 at 02:27 PM