Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 35mm f/2 Aspherical II

The Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 35mm f/2 Aspherical II is a manual focus semi wide-angle lens for Nikon Z, usable on both FX and DX bodies. Cosina calls it the highest performance semi wide-angle lens in Voigtländer's history and describes it as the twin of the APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 Aspherical. It was announced on 2 October 2024 as the second version of the Z mount 35 mm APO-Lanthar.

Optical design

The lens has 11 elements in 9 groups. Five elements are made of anomalous partial dispersion glass, two have aspherical surfaces on both sides, and a floating mechanism is used. According to Cosina, the apochromatic design brings axial chromatic aberration of the three primary colours as close to zero as possible. The aperture has 12 blades, with a circular opening at f/2, f/2.8, f/5.6 and f/16.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is manual through an all-metal helicoid. The minimum focus distance is 0.27 m with a maximum magnification of 1:4.47, which is close for a 35 mm lens. Electronic contacts provide Exif data and 3-axis in-body stabilisation, and the camera supports three focus aids: a colour change of the focus point frame, peaking and the magnification button. The aperture ring is mechanical. A reversible bayonet hood is supplied.

Build and size

The lens weighs 420 g, with a diameter of 68.8 mm and a length of 70.4 mm, and a 58 mm filter thread. PetaPixel reports that the length is the same as the earlier version while the weight is 60 g higher, together with a new exterior design and a revised hood.

Where it fits

The earlier version in the database is the Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 35mm f/2.0 for Nikon Z (360 g, 52 mm filter). Manual 35 mm options for Z include the Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.2 (230 g) and the Voigtländer Macro APO-Ultron 35mm f/2 (290 g). Among autofocus lenses, the Nikkor Z 35mm F1.4 weighs 415 g and the Viltrox AF 35mm F1.8 EVO 375 g. The APO-Lanthar is the heaviest of the manual options listed but offers close focus and apochromatic correction.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Apochromatic design with 5 elements of anomalous partial dispersion glass
• Close focus down to 0.27 m
• 12 blades with circular opening at several apertures
• Electronic contacts for Exif, in-body stabilisation and focus aids
• Floating mechanism in the optical design

Cons

• Manual focus only
• 420 g is heavy for a manual 35 mm f/2
• Slower than the Nokton 35mm f/1.2 and Nikon's f/1.4 lens
• 60 g heavier than the earlier version

Verdict

The APO-Lanthar 35mm f/2 Aspherical II is for Z mount photographers who want a manual 35 mm with strong correction and a short minimum focus distance. It gives up size and weight compared with other manual primes, which is the price for the floating design and the apochromatic concept.