Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2

Sony E

Review

The Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 for Sony E mount is a remarkable lens that beautifully combines classic styling with contemporary optical performance. Voigtländer has established a reputation for crafting high-quality optics, and this lens is no exception.

With its durable metal construction and elegant design, the 50mm f/2 fits seamlessly on both full-frame and APS-C Sony E mount cameras. The lens features an impressive dual-apochromatic design, which helps to minimize chromatic aberrations and ensures that colors remain true and vibrant. Photographers will appreciate the sharpness across the frame, even when shooting wide open at f/2, which is essential for achieving a dreamy bokeh effect without sacrificing detail.

In terms of autofocus capabilities, it’s vital to note that this lens is manual focus only. While this provides a feeling of craftsmanship and control for experienced users, beginners may find the lack of autofocus functionality daunting or inconvenient. However, the smooth focusing ring and well-calibrated distance scales make manual focusing a pleasure and allow for precise adjustments.

The lens also has a 10-blade diaphragm that creates an attractive bokeh, ideal for portraitures or isolating subjects. Distortion is minimal, and the images produced are crisp and clean with pleasing contrast. One of its standout features is how it handles light sources; flare control is excellent, and ghosting is minimal, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Outstanding build quality and classic aesthetic.
• Sharpness throughout the frame, even wide open at f/2.
• Dual-apochromatic design reduces chromatic aberrations.
• Beautiful bokeh thanks to the 10-blade diaphragm.
• Excellent flare control and minimal ghosting.

Cons

• Manual focus only, which may not be suitable for everyone.
• Relatively high price point compared to other 50mm options.
• Limited weather sealing; care needs to be taken in harsh conditions.

Verdict

The Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 is a stellar choice for photographers seeking a high-quality, manual focus lens that excels in sharpness and color rendition. It’s ideal for enthusiasts and professionals who appreciate the art of manual photography, though the price and manual focus nature may not appeal to all. Overall, it's a beautifully crafted lens that stands out for its optical performance, making it a worthy investment for those looking to elevate their photography.