In-depth Evaluation of Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 II Lens Performance

In-depth Evaluation of Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 II Lens Performance

The Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 II: A Look Beyond the Silver and Glass

Step into the world of full-frame photography with the Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 II, a manual focus lens that's all about build quality, imaging performance, and style. Priced at $900, this bad boy might just be the perfect companion for your next photography adventure.

At the moment, this lens is only available for the Nikon Z system, but fret not! The previous generation, which is compatible with both Nikon Z and Sony E, shares the same optics and essentially does the same trick with a slightly different exterior design. So, grab whichever takes your fancy; they're interchangeable.

Now, let's face it - manual focus isn't for everyone, but for street photography enthusiasts, controlled portrait shooters, and landscape photographers who prefer a slow-paced approach, the Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 II is a versatile choice. Its compact size, excellent image quality, and light weight make it a killer option for carrying in your bag on those long, arduous hikes.

But enough with the chit-chat - you're probably wondering whether this lens can live up to all the hype surrounding this iconic brand. Let's put it to the test, both on the field and under lab conditions. This hands-on review reveals all!

Build Quality and Design - A Metal Masterpiece

First off, the Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 II is a sight to behold. With an all-metal construction and engraved markings for focus distances and apertures, this beauty will elevate your photography game - or at least your selfie game. Yeah, we said it. Embrace the Extra!

The lens's portability is another winner - 6.4 cm long and 270 grams (2.5 inches and 0.82 pounds). Compared to Nikon's ultra-sharp, moderate-aperture 50mm lens, the Z 50mm f/1.8 S, the Voigtlander 50mm f/2 is a much more travel-friendly option, packing the same optical punch, but in a smaller package.

So, what's the catch? Well, over time, the black paint on the metal may wear, leaving some thin spots - but that's just a cosmetic issue. Whether you view it as a badge of honor or a slight blemish, the lens's performance won't be affected – at least, not until you decide to sell it in tip-top condition.

Handling - Now Get Your Hands on It

With its large, well-damped, and smooth focusing ring, and a smooth focusing motion, the Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 II feels like an extension of your creative soul. What more could you ask for from a manual focus lens?

One thing worth noting: Changing the aperture setting with this lens requires turning the ring on the front of the lens manually. Although Voigtlander lenses are chipped, enabling you to get full EXIF data with every shot, you'll still have to rotate the aperture ring to modify the aperture setting. A small drawback, perhaps, if you're used to adjusting aperture via camera command dials.

Specifications - The Nitty-Gritty Details

• Full Name: Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 II
• Mount Type: Nikon Z Mount (and an optically identical version for Nikon Z and Sony E)
• Focal Length: 50mm prime
• Maximum Aperture: f/2
• Minimum Aperture: f/16
• Aperture Blades: 12
• Filter Size: 58mm
• Lens Elements: 10
• Lens Groups: 8
• Special Elements: 2 aspherical, 5 partial dispersion
• Electronic Diaphragm: No
• Vibration Reduction: No
• Internal Focusing: No
• Control Rings: Aperture and focus
• Focus Motor: No
• Minimum Focus Distance: 45 cm (17.7 inches)
• Maximum Magnification: 0.15× (1:6.4)
• Mount Material: Metal
• Weather/Dust Sealing: No
• Dimensions (Length × Diameter): 2.5 × 2.7 inches (64 × 69 mm)
• Weight: 370 g (0.82 lbs)
• MSRP: $899
• Lowest Sale Seen: $899 (check current price)

Optical Performance - Breaking it Down in Black and White

• Sharpness: The Voigtlander 50mm f/2 II delivers outstanding sharpness from edge to edge, even at its maximum aperture of f/2, outshining other lenses such as the Zeiss Planar 50mm, which may exhibit softness in the edges and corners at f/2, though it improves by f/2.8–f/4.
• Distortion: The lens features minimal pincushion distortion, measuring just 0.42%, ensuring straight lines remain accurate in images without correction profiles.
• Color Fringing: The lens displays little to no color fringing in out-of-focus areas, a testament to its apochromatic (APO) design.
• Bokeh: The bokeh is described as beautiful, with a fully circular aperture not only at f/2 but also at f/2.8, contributing to pleasing out-of-focus backgrounds.
• Flare Resistance: The lens is known for superior flare resistance, maintaining contrast and image clarity even in harsh lighting conditions.

Focusing Performance - The Art of Focus

• Manual Focus Handling: The lens offers a large, well-damped, and smooth focusing ring, making precise manual focus comfortable and precise.
• Internal Focusing: Unlike some high-performance lenses, the Voigtlander 50mm f/2 II does not feature internal focusing – the barrel extends during focusing operations.
• Focus Shift: The APO-Lanthar is free of focus shift, eliminating the need for micro-adjustments when using it with autofocus bodies or focusing stacking in manual mode.

Wrapping Up - Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 II: More Than Meets the Eye

The Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 II is a stellar choice for photographers seeking exceptional optical performance, low distortion, minimal aberrations, and smooth, precise manual focusing. Its superior sharpness and flare resistance make it a top contender among manual focus standard primes, setting the bar high for other lenses in its class. So grab your lens, hit the streets, and unleash your inner artist!

1. The Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 II is a perfect companion for travel photography, offering excellent image quality and a lightweight design for easy carrying during long hikes.
2. This manual focus lens is available for the Nikon Z system, with the previous generation being compatible with both Nikon Z and Sony E, providing interchangeable options forphotographers.
3. For street photographers, controlled portrait shooters, and landscape photographers who prefer a slower approach, the Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 II is a versatile choice.
4. With an all-metal construction and engraved markings for focus distances and apertures, the Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 II is not just a functional camera accessory but a stylish gadget that can enhance one's photography and selfie game.
5. The Voigtlander 50mm f/2 II is more travel-friendly compared to Nikon's Z 50mm f/1.8 S lens, offering the same optical punch in a smaller and more portable package.
6. The lens's construction may show some thin spots over time due to the black paint wearing off, but this is only a cosmetic issue and doesn't affect the lens's performance.
7. The lens features a large, well-damped, and smooth focusing ring for comfortable and precise manual focus, as well as a smooth focusing motion that feels like an extension of the photographer's creative soul.
8. Embracing technology, Voigtlander lenses are chipped, enabling full EXIF data with every shot, but changing the aperture setting requires manual rotation of the front lens ring, which might be a small drawback for some photographers.
9. Optical Performance-wise, the Voigtlander 50mm f/2 II delivers outstanding sharpness from edge to edge, minimal distortion, little to no color fringing, beautiful bokeh, and superior flare resistance.
10. The Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 II is a top contender in its class due to its exceptional optical performance, low distortion, minimal aberrations, and smooth, precise manual focusing, making it an ideal tool for photographers seeking to unleash their inner artist on the streets.

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