Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2

Leica M-Mount

Review

The Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 for Leica M mount is a remarkable lens that continues to capture the hearts of photography enthusiasts and professionals alike. Known for its exceptional optical performance and build quality, this lens is a prime example of German craftsmanship. With its classic focal length and striking aesthetics, it’s a lens that invites users to explore their creativity.

Design and Build Quality

One of the first things you'll notice about the APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 is its solid metal construction, which gives it a premium feel. The lens features a sleek and compact design that makes it relatively lightweight, a significant advantage for street photography and everyday shooting. The focus ring is smooth and provides precise control, allowing for accurate manual focusing that is essential for achieving optimal sharpness and depth of field. Additionally, the aperture ring clicks positively at each stop, providing satisfying feedback during adjustments.

Optical Performance

When it comes to optical performance, the Voigtländer APO-Lanthar does not disappoint. It offers stunning sharpness across the frame, even at maximum aperture. The lens showcases exceptional color rendition and contrast, which makes images look vibrant and true to life. Its apochromatic design significantly reduces chromatic aberrations, particularly noticeable when shooting high-contrast scenes. Bokeh is another strong point; the lens produces a smooth and creamy background blur, enhancing the overall aesthetic of portraits and close-ups.

Usability

Given its manual focus design, the APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 provides a very tactile and engaging shooting experience. While this can be challenging for those used to autofocus systems, many photographers will appreciate the level of control and connection it fosters with the subject. The lens is also fully compatible with Leica's rangefinder system, allowing for accurate framing and focusing with minimal hassle. However, it's worth mentioning that manual focusing requires practice, especially in fast-paced shooting scenarios.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional build quality with a classic design.
• Outstanding optical performance with minimal aberrations.
• Sharp across the frame, even at wide apertures.
• Beautiful bokeh rendering for creative photography.
• Excellent color rendition and contrast.

Cons

• Manual focus may not suit everyone, particularly those who prefer autofocus.
• The compact design might lead some users to underestimate its performance.
• Higher price point compared to other 50mm lenses on the market.

Verdict

In conclusion, the Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 for Leica M mount is an exceptional lens that combines top-tier optical performance with elegant design. While it requires an adjustment for those accustomed to autofocus, the rewards in image quality and creative flexibility are significant. If you're a photographer seeking a reliable and aesthetically pleasing prime lens that excels in various shooting conditions, the APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 is undoubtedly worth considering.