Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 Aspherical II

The Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 Aspherical II is a manual focus standard lens for Nikon Z, with a full frame image circle that also works on DX bodies. It is the second version of Voigtländer's Z mount APO-Lanthar 50 mm. Cosina announced it on 2 October 2024 and, according to Cosina, it uses the same optical system as the popular Sony E version, adapted to the sensors of Z mount cameras.

Optical design

The lens has 10 elements in 8 groups. Five elements are made of anomalous partial dispersion glass, two have aspherical surfaces on both sides, and the lens uses a floating mechanism. Cosina says the apochromatic design minimises axial chromatic aberration of red, green and blue to practically zero. The aperture has 12 blades and the opening is circular at f/2, f/2.8 and f/16.

Autofocus and handling

There is no autofocus. Focusing is manual through an all-metal helicoid, with a minimum focus distance of 0.45 m and a maximum magnification of 1:6.46. The lens has electronic contacts that give the camera lens data for the Exif record and enable 3-axis in-body stabilisation. Three focus aids are supported on suitable bodies: a colour change of the focus point frame, focus peaking and magnification with the zoom button. The aperture ring is mechanical. A reversible bayonet hood is included.

Build and size

The lens weighs 370 g and measures 68.8 mm in diameter by 64.3 mm in length, with a 58 mm filter thread. According to PetaPixel, the new version has a new exterior design and a revised hood, with the same length as its predecessor and 23 g more weight.

Where it fits

The predecessor in the database is the Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 for Nikon Z (347 g, 52 mm filter). Other manual alternatives for Z include the Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1 (598 g) and the AstrHori 50mm f/2 (310 g). Autofocus options from Nikon include the Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S (415 g) and the Nikkor Z 50mm F1.4 (420 g). The APO-Lanthar stands out for its apochromatic correction and manual operation at a lower weight than the Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Apochromatic design with 5 elements of anomalous partial dispersion glass
• 12 blades, circular at f/2, f/2.8 and f/16
• Electronic contacts for Exif, in-body stabilisation and focus aids
• Floating mechanism in the optical design
• Compact for a lens of this performance class

Cons

• Manual focus only
• Heavier than the previous version by 23 g
• Slower than Nikon's f/1.4 standard lens
• Filter thread changed to 58 mm from 52 mm

Verdict

The APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 Aspherical II is the Z mount version of Voigtländer's apochromatic standard lens in its latest form. It suits photographers who want high optical correction and are content with manual focus and a lens in the 370 g class.