🔴 Are VOIGTLANDER Lenses Still #2? 🤔

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

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[@cameraprepper7938]

0:25 According to B&H there are now 13 brands with Leica M mount today, 7artisans Photoelectric9 Artra Lab 1 AstrHori 4 KIPON 10 Leica 30 Lomography 2 Meyer-Optik Gorlitz 8 Mitakon Zhongyi 6 Thypoch 8 TTArtisan 8 Venus Optics 11 Voigtlander 50 ZEISS 18

[@HartponderJr]

Matt, your passion and love for photography inspires us all. You don’t have to be a Leica user to appreciate your insights and approach to photography in general.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks appreciated!

[@audreyburns100]

I’m in love with the new screw mount 28 2.8 from Voigtlander. Fantastic contrast, sharp-ish at 2.8 and razor sharp by 5.6. I think you’re probably the only person on the planet who gave that lens a review.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes amazing lens! Yes people are missing out. I now own 2 copies, M mount one too as lighter for my M10P and MA a d the LTM fir my Barnacks. I was using only yesterday.

[@ArminHirmer]

I own several Voigtlanders, my fav is the 35/1.4. Used them on M8 then Sigma FPL, Leica SL2, Nikon ZF and now CL and Sony A7Cr :D Typoch is surely a thing for the future for me

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nice, yes the Nokton 35/1.4 is have the size of the Thypoch so is great for those preferring small lenses.

[@dlyon9673]

Thank you for your thoughts on the new offerings in Leica m-mount. I am a big fan of the new Chinese lenses as I am very impressed with their build quality and the images they produce. Thus I don't see them as "cheap" -- which tends to imply poor quality -- but as real bargains, including the lenses I've tried from TTartisans, Thypoch and Light Lens Lab lenses, the latter begin quite expensive but dramatically less than the extremely expensive Leica lenses on which they are based. I have several vintage Leica lenses, which I like a lot also, although I've never sprung the big bucks for a new Leica lens. It's great to have choices, and its a luxury that we have so many wonderful lenses available at a variety of price points.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, yes lots of nice options for us now!

[@---us7qf]

Voigtlander! I don't own an M, but Voigtlander for Nikon, especially those SLii-S for the Nikon F-mount. Love these.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Amazing lenses! I use those on my Nikon film cameras.

[@jorsetti]

I love Leica lenses only own a few but my second favorite are voigtlanders, own 4 and 50mm F1 Nokton is my favorite of all time. I also have the Light Lens Lab 50mm which is quite wonderful as well. I’m glad there are 7 players now for M mount lenses! Thanks Matt!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks yes it’s great to have so many nice lenses to select from.

[@rexypoooo]

You nailed everything spot on, Matt, as always! Modern Leica glass are just too clean, if I am to get the image of a Lux, I might as well pick up my Canon R5 and use my L glass. The real fun for the M system for me are all the vintage and retro classic lenses in the line up. I came close of starting my LLL journey a few times, but Voiglanter stopped me with better price point, but I think I will truly enjoy the look of LLL more for its vintage rendering, a goal for 2025 perhaps!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Rex! Yes 100%

[@lzwnn]

This was such helpful perspective, thank you!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, no problem!

[@TobiasSpranger]

Great topic! I often get eyeballed when I use other lenses then Leica. But I don‘t care. To achieve a certain look it‘s the easiest way to pick the lens which delivers that look. And sometimes it‘s not a Leica. The picture counts more then the brand…

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Tobi! Yes I know you enjoy nice lenses too like me.

[@makmak69L7]

Another amazing Video. Thank you Matt. Voigtländer APO Lanthar 50mm F2 is my all time favorite non- Leica Lens for the Leica M11 P I own. Second best one is the Color Skopar 21mm f3.5. I haven’t tried other brands honestly (except for the Leica Summilux 50mm ASPH). I wish to use the Thypoch Eureka 50mm. And yes 50mm is my favorite focal length.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Yes the APO is great for sure

[@jaunman71]

Just glad there are more choices for M. Cheers Matt.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes 100%!

[@markthompson3977]

I’ve found that Voigtlander lenses are a great option for a modern look with Barnack bodies.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes Mark, 100%. I like vintage lenses on digital and sharper lenses on film. Love the 40/2.8 and 28/2.8 on my Barnacks

[@thomasclark631]

As a Fuji shooter (X-Pro3) I wanted to experiment with a full frame, true rangefinder camera so recently picked up a Leica M10. Rather than move directly into Leica lenses I bought a range of five Voigtlander lenses, 28mm through 75mm focal lengths. If I decide to continue with the M10, I'll look at my usage of the various focal lengths and then make a decision regarding Leica lenses. In addition, I have ordered the Fujifilm brand Leica M adapter so I can use the Voigtlander lenses on the X-Pro3 since I frequently shoot that camera in manual focus mode. After watching this video I am intrigued by the Light Lens Labs offerings. Excellent review.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks and congrats on your very systematic approach to buying and testing what equipment you like.

[@MB-or8js]

I own one Chinese-made M-lens - the TTArtisan 11/2.8 fisheye lens. It is to my knowledge the only fisheye lens made in M-mount. Makes absolutely fantastic photos and is well built even it does not have rangefinder coupling (not really needed either at this focal length). Have several Voigtlander lenses of which the CV 75/1.5, the CV 28/2.8 version I, and the CV 12/5.6 II are my most used ones. For character lenses, I went all in with vintage LTM lenses - some of my favorites here are the Canon 50/1.2 and the Nikkor 50/1.4 SC lenses.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nice, some big hitters in there. My overdue Canon 50/1.2 video still to come.

[@David.G.P.]

Many thanks for your videos. I like a lot when, from time to time, you share a video where you compile information like in here, because you refer to your strategy in photography, which we can use it as a reference.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks David, noted!

[@RobertFalconer1967]

Personally, I would [generally with individual exceptions] rank them as... 1. Leica 2. Voigtländer APO-Lanthar variants 3. Zeiss ZM 4. Voigtländer 5. The Chinese brands Considering that the Voigtländer and Zeiss ZM lenses both come from Cosina, things can get a bit muddled there. But I will say that the Voigtländer APO-Lanthar's are magnificent. (And as an owner of the Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 Distagon T*, I agree, it's a superb lens.)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes that’s an accurate lineup for the top 4 as a general answer. There are Chinese exceptions punching above their weight and some Leica that get exceeded by some Voigtlanders.

[@michaelcase8574]

I never had an M, but when i got my iiif, i used Canon ltm lenses and a Voitlander snapshot 40

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes for LTM Canon offer great options, and Voigtlander new and old. I have the 25 Snapshot and the 40 Heliar options

[@donjagoe]

Terrific review and summary. I have both Voigtlander (40 and 35) and TTArtisan (28 5.6, 50 1.4 ASPH and 100 Bubble). They are all wonderful and the only limitations are the photographer and his vision. The glass is superb and any historical great photographer would have made stunning images with any or all of them. The fact that we are now adding character back INTO digital photos says it all. BTW, I am about to add a few old Soviet lenses and they should be fun.

[@JamesBoyer-plus]

Thanks for another insightful video, Matt. In the last year, I've embraced the Asian lens manufacturers. The 7artisans 50mm 1.1 was my first, followed by their 21mm f1.5 and 75mm f1.25. And like you, I love the TT Artisans 28mm f5.6 and the Thypoch Simera 35mm f/1.4. I've gone back and forth on speed vs. size for a faster 28mm and finally chose the Voigtländer 28mm Color Skopar f2.8 type II over the Thypoch Simera 28mm for Christmas. (But, it was a tough choice!) Truthfully, Leica lenses can be a better bargain long term since they hold their value, and even go up in price with time, but having the chance to try new focal lengths and speeds at attainable prices is a good thing.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Nice, yes I use the small 28mm Skopars over bigger options too. Love them.

[@jeromearnould9940]

Excellent video ... I love my 4 Thypoc lenses on my M ... Big plus for Simera as all 3 lenses have the same 49mm ring diameter for filters and hood Voigtlander is my second best choice for lenses for my M and Barnack (LTM) because of the size and their quality !

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Grom!

[@gvz1538]

Thank you Matt, great video!! I have 3 VM lenses: 35mm f/2 Ultron Ver I, 50mm f/3.5 Heliar, and 90mm f/2.8 APO Color-Skopar, and I love them all. Now I just need something on the wide end (maybe Color-Skopar 21mm f/3.5 Ver I?). And they all work great on my L-Mount and XF-Mount cameras too!!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks. Yes great lenses. I use them a lot.

[@jbradleyhorn]

I can't afford a ton of Leica lenses. My primary lenses are Voigtlander 21mm f/1.8 Ultron, 28mm f/2.0 Ultron, 35mm f/2.0 Ultron, Topcor 50mm f/2.0 LTM (my personal favorite), and Voigtlander 50mm f/1.2 for low light. I just got a Laowa 14mm f/4.0, and I also have a Canon 135mm f/3.5 LTM, and finally, a Leica 90mm f/2.0 version 2. I've owned a ton of other lenses, but these are the ones that I've kept. My next lens will probably be a Thypoch 50mm f/1.4.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nice lineup and range of brands! Some great ones in there.

[@HenleyBailey]

Great to hear your findings Matt. I picked up my Thypoch 28mm Simmar after a lot of research, I tried to figure out why the Leica 28mm would be better to go for but came to the conclusion it was mainly the Leica name that you pay for. I looked at example images from both and personally I had a hard time deciding which I preferred, both have nice 3d pop in the right conditions. Not a fan of the styling/font of the Thypoch and them not using a tab but other than that I love it. Thypoch is my second favourite brand after Leica, then I guess it's Voigtlander.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Henley. I wish the Thypoch lenses weee half the size but great optics!

[@webersteve1547]

I have a lot of third party lenses, mainly from lightlenslab. Why from LLL? Because I can choose the "correct" lens in the menue of the digital M. Also they offer a very nice finish, like black paint, what I really cherish. This said, the Voigtländer in black paint are nice too

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Steve, yes LLL offer nice finishes, very true.

[@XboxTheBeatboxer]

The Voigtlander 50mm f1.2 is one of the best 50s ever made.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Very popular lens, nice!

[@RoubenDickranian-e5d]

Hi Matt, a really good review on the alternative M mount lenses on the market. I own 4 Leica lenses. 2 Voigtlanders lenses; 35mm and 50mm. 2 MS Optics; 50mm and 57mm. 1 Brightin Star 28mm and 1 Thypoch Eureka 50mm. They all have their on uses. Each have pros and cons, but because I know their capabilities - I use them where and when I need to being aware of their capabilities. I reckon you should mention Brightin Star as they have a couple of ok lenses for M mount. I am back in Blighty but for a few weeks and going to do some shoots around town. Thanks for another great video.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Ah yes I forgot Brighton Star, I still mean to review their little 28mm.

[@RoubenDickranian-e5d]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I have a copy with me now you can test, if you want. I am in London for a few weeks as my brother-in-law passed away 5 days ago. Giving my family love and support. Then heading back to Australia after funeral.

[@peterzuehlke]

have three Leica lenes and three Voightlander. my favorites are the 28mm Elmarit and the two 50mm Voightlander (the 1.2 and the apo) that I bought on your recommendation. also recently got a SL with an M adapter. always appreciate your advice.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nice Peter, thanks

[@davidellinsworth3299]

Hi Matt. Just to let youu know I've had to cancel my Patreon membership, just because im having to tighten up finances across everything now. It's highly regrettable, because i was really enjoying the content, and would definitely recommend to others. Apologies

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks for your support and no problem at all. Join us again if your situation changes in the future!

[@GatorheadLuis]

Its really great we have so many options now as M shooters. The more the better. - I'm still team Voigtlander when looking for non Leica glass. The 50mm 1.2 is one of the best lenses I've ever used. I ended up selling it only because I came across an incredible deal for a used Leica 50mm apo. Currently have the 28mm 1.5. I picked that over the Typoch 28mm 1.4 mostly due to size and handling. I couldn't tell the difference in image quality when comparing the voigtlander 28 and summilux 28. The build on the Lux 28 for sure had more WOW that's nice to it... but image quality the voigtlander was right there with it really. Probably will pick up the 28 lux eventually in the future (the Leica lust is real - haha) when a nice used deal comes my way but having so many options from all these companies is fantastic for all of us.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great and yes! For 28mm the Ultron II beats the Leica Cron v1 but the v2 Cron should be as good.

[@jlwilliams]

Everyone's going to have a favorite lens here and an unfavorite lens there... but if you're going to ask which COMPANY is #2, I feel you need to be asking: "Who is actually serious about making M-mount lenses for photography?" Thypoc is, er, extremely influencer-friendly, and they have been masterful in using Instagram to develop brand awareness from absolutely nothing, but they actually make -- what, four or five M-mount lenses? Light Lens Lab is even more of a "bungee jumper" -- they pick out a few big-rep vintage lenses and, boing, they bounce in and make an alleged copy of something in a limited run, and then, boing, they bounce out again. What you've got to give Cosina is that they mean business about offering a LINE of lenses: they've got multiple options in super-wides, several different 40mm lenses, two 75mm lenses with different size/weight tradeoffs, various apo and non-apo options, etc. What if they were to get tired of playing second fiddle in the photo media to Thypoc and LLL, and decided to just walk away from the M-mount business? (which they might; remember the nice Bessa R-series rangefinder film cameras that they basically discontinued in a heartbeat?) None of the Chinese brands would step in to fill the gap, because having a broad-based lineup doesn't fit in with their contract-manufacture-based business model. Maybe we can all decide Cosina IS no longer #2, but as Joni Mitchell sang, "you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone"...

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks James, agree Voigtlander offer us the full line up. It took them some years adding new ones or faster ones each year but I agree they’ve got us covered. I think now their efforts have turned to non-M as everyone wanted access to their great optics so they’re remaking their lenses in Nikon Z etc mounts. Makes sense, easy conversion and great money for them I’m sure. To be fair to LLL I think they are trying to offer the most popular 50s, 35s and a 28 is coming so it just takes time. Thypoch need to half the size of their glass and offer more of a line up but they’ve done well in 12 months.

[@Narsuitus]

For my Leica M6 and M10, I routinely use the following lenses: 90mm f/2 Leitz Summicron 35mm f/1.4 Zeiss Distagon ZM 21mm f/1.4 Leitz Summilux I will try to find an inexpensive 14mm f/2.8 wide-angle lens that I can use for interior architectural images with my Leica rangefinders. Thanks for your video.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nice to see the Distagon listed. 90/2 also great.

[@jerrylee7737]

No wonder. The technology of manufacturing optical components and lenses in general has advanced considerably over the last 30 years. It must also be admitted that the quality of industrial production and, above all, quality control in Japan and China is exemplary.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

True, yes if other brands don’t made no lenses and 1 company uses the latest tech they will be able to offer higher performance for less vs past lenses.

[@ulfjonsson2122]

As always a great and interesting video

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you!

[@modsupremo]

I use a Voigtlander Super Wide-Heliar 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III on my Sony A7RV and it is impressive. Great video and thanks, Matt!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great lens! I own the older versions. Thanks

[@marianoolivares6439]

I think Artralab from Hong Kong should be in that list 😉

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks. What lenses have they made for M mount? I’ve not heard of this name.

[@briansilcox5720]

I can agree with using lower cost lenses. Using expired or dated film is another matter.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes I might cover the film topic in a future video, thanks!

[@stephenedmunds207]

What about the leica classic remake series? i owned the 28mm summaron re-issue which was great but too small for my hands , the steel rim remake 35mm would be a great option to my zeiss 35mm f1.4 distagon but most reviews say its poorly made compared to the original and almost as if leica rushed it out and messed about with the original design ie different filter size...bit off topic i guess

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes optics wise closer to LLL as copies of old lenses. Not sure about the build quality. Vintage Leica are great and some of my favourites.

[@pokornyvaclav]

Venus Optics (Laowa) also makes M mount lenses. But those are mostly crazy special opyics, like 9mm or even 12-24 zoom. Both are rangefinder coupled.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks noted!

[@Bodywern]

I think I like Voigtländer most (often on your recommendation, I have to say), then I love the beautiful feel of the Leica lenses = I’ve only a few of either, so I’m no great expert.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, yes I’m happy with most Voigtlander lenses.

[@danieleppelsheimer9273]

A long long time ago two Japanese lens manufacturers made LSM lenses. Their Names are Nikon and Canon. You could find some of those and try them out.

[@blackjackpinoko]

A long long time ago (1936, before the 1st Nikon camera), Hansa Canon cameras were paired with Nikkor lenses.

[@WU_Foto]

I own a canon 35mm F18. Ltm from 1957. It's a dream adapted on my Sony A7R3

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes I own them as you probably know. This video was for current production lenses but I’ve covered vintage glass in the past.

[@johngreenwood9247]

Very interesting video... As a Leica IIIF & M2 user back in the 1960/70's, I never felt the need to own anything other than Leica lenses, although I did have a Zeiss 35mm lens for a time. I replaced my RF cameras & lenses (except IIIF), by R5/R6 camera & lenses. They were more convenient to use and never suffered "calibration" problems - well that could be down to the user (blame failing eyesight?) Today my legacy "R" lenses fill the void when I want to go old school, on my SL. I appreciate that "R" lenses are not compatible with RF based Leicas but for those SL owners who want to maintain a Leica connection with their SL cameras, and enjoy the images obtainable by using vintage glass, this could be a relatively inexpensive option.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, yes I love Leica R glass too. These videos are currently recorded with a 24mm Leica Elmarit-R lens :)

[@Odins.Valhall]

Hey Matt✌ I think there's certainly something for everyone👌 I'm not a collector and use all my lenses regardless of type. Apart from the Voigtländer and my M42 lenses or Leica, I don't have any other models, but I wouldn't be averse to trying out the others. But unfortunately in certain cases it is not possible to adapt M42 lenses to Leica III, for example, perhaps in similar cases as far as focal lengths are concerned😉 The market will continue to grow in terms of suppliers for TTArtissan and what you have listed. The only thing I still have is the TT 5.6/28 which has been back in the box for a long time although it is very compact, I think you once said it was also available for M39😁as far as I can remember, I simply prefer the character of the individual lenses regardless of whether they have weaknesses or strengths. I'm purely interested in using them. Lg Anderl

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Odin. Yes each lens can have reasons to use it.

[@Odins.Valhall]

Matt, that's exactly what I'm saying, that each has its justification, whichever one it is✌.

[@zoltankaparthy9095]

You know I am a Sonnar fanboy. I have a lovely '57 KMZ J8, the Skyllaney, and a '43 CZJ 5cm f/1.5 plus the Planar Cooke Amotal. All nice lenses with good color and IQ and character. I got the Thypoch Eureka on your advice and you are right, it is the sweet spot between retro and new. The LLL Elcan is nice but I haven't yet shot much with it and I am waiting for the 50mm Simera f/1.4. The APO 43mm on the Q3 is very nice. So I can say that you are right on lenses. We disagree on the Skyllaney but it works for me if it did not check the boxes for you. It is great with color. If I were a punter I'd say following your lead will bring in the winners almost always. Better to listen to Mr. Leica than not. ;o) Cheers

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Sandy! I love Skylanney optics but just not enough to buy them.

[@zoltankaparthy9095]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Lucky for you. AFIK there are none for sale nor will there be. Future production is unsure at best. The Eureka is a peach.

[@frontstandard1488]

I adapt the Voigtlander 50mm Apo Lanthar VM f2. It cost £500 and it’s utterly stunning. Sharp, beautiful colour, beautiful fall-off.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great! A very popular lens

[@Mrtragg]

Do you have a system for storing your cameras and lenses that makes it easy to quickly find the item that you are looking for? I have a fair number of cameras and lenses but far fewer than you appear to own. Nevertheless I still find it difficult to get my hands on the item that I want quickly even if I know exactly where it is. As a result I end up using the same camera and the same 50mm or 35mm lens. Any tips?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

I have areas for lenses and cameras by mount which makes it faster but sometimes I still waste time looking for exact lenses to show in videos. I empty my bags after each shoot and take lenses off bodies.

[@haymobachmaier]

Thanks for th Video, and I am with you 🍀📷👍

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks!

[@videokurzundknapp]

hi Matt, I use Zeiss and Voigtländer lenses. What do you think of Mayer Optik Görlitz lenses? A name rich in tradition, but the lenses of the current name owner are convincing. Especially at the price?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nice, yes I did try reaching out to them in the past but no reply. I was tempted with their Biotar clone but then TTA just made one in M42 mount at a great price so I got that. See video.

[@jimgonyea]

I use Voigtlander 35mm f1.4 Nokton and their 90mm f2.8 on my M10

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nice combo! The 35 f2 Ultron is great fyi

[@SCampbell86]

1. Voigtlander 2. MS Optics 3. Thypoch 4. Light Lens Lab 5. Skyllaney 6. Leica 7. 7artisans, TTartisan, Mr Ding, Artra Lab, Funleader

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! I don’t know Artra labs I check them. I know the Skylanney guys but things of them as conversions.

[@ariebood9238]

The 1% story is an old one, but we need realize us Leica-M cameras are nearly always used handheld, it means influences of tiny movenements of both photographer and model, are an important factor, maybe even more, as we like to hear. In the list of companies delivering lenses with character (a strange word in itself) Meyer Optik is missed. Their lenses (Biotar, Primoplan) are designed for photography, requiring character, but there is no rangefinder coupling. (that makes them interesting for Leica Sl users). Arie Bood

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, yes I only covered M lenses here and yes you can get really close with some third party lenses, Voigtlander APO are very high performance.

[@ucprof2008]

Hugo Meyer?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, ah yes they did a few remakes if I remember but were overpriced.

[@stillben]

I think I could use a wide open 1.1 50mm on an M6 for dancers in a low light environment but then remember the difficulty of focusing it with the range finder patch, so it puts me off😅

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

For film I’d spend more and get the Voigtlander f1 for more sharpness wide open. 1.1 is a dream on digital. And yes you need to have accurate focusing.

[@jlwilliams]

I'm pretty comfortable with the rangefinder patch; the real problem is that dancers don't hold still and even if you nail focus on your first try, your subject is likely to be at a slightly different distance a fraction of a second later. Then there's the issue of very limited depth of field: I've got all too many pictures where an earring is sharp and the adjacent eye isn't, or where costume details are in focus but the face is out a bit. I love ludicrously-wide-aperture lenses as much as the next person, but I'm starting to question their viability for low-light moving subjects no matter how you focus them...

[@AndyKevill]

I didn't know that Zeiss M and Voigtländer were made in the same Japanese factory! Thanks for the info. As I have Zeiss lenses for my M - and am delighted with them - the key question for me now is how Zeiss lenses compare to Voigtländer. Would you happen to have a view on this? By the way, if there is one lens which I would snap up, even if Leica made it, it would be a pancake of around 40 - 45 mm which would make a true pocket camera out of an M (obviously one would use live view). I enjoy your videos but I have to wonder if you have ever thought of investing in a stand for that mike you continuously hold. Then you'd have two hands free for the gear.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, funny about the mic stand. I have used many mics over the years and this gives the best quality ..but saying that my student yesterday was sick of seeing me hold the mic so bought me a new lav mic (I used before). So I’ll try that for the next video! Small lens, yes I use the 40/2.8 - smallest lens made for gr real use, it’s on my 1930s camera. Maybe a super compact 50/2 but we have the Thypoch Eureka now that I use all the time. See those videos.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

I think Zeiss glass is often better but they tend to be bigger and more expensive. Biogons & Distagon are fantastic.

[@lensaero]

@AndyKevill The summicron C 40mm f2.0 is a wonderful small lens available at a sensible price

[@atf2940]

Good round-up. The Leica-world divides into collectors, posers, and users. Crossing the divisions is likely to end in confusion. If you are a collector you will lust for an original Thambar or Elcan. Rarity is the main concern and price should better be irrelevant to you. Posers are best served by buying the top lenses from the latest Leica catalogue. Users should look at optical performance, built and ergonomics. If price is of no concern, a Leica lens will never disappoint. But you may get a practically indistinguishable optical performance from a much cheaper 3rd-party lens. (A quite dramatic case is the Summilux 50 vs the TTArtisan 50/1.4.) If available, look at MTF charts and distortion values. These are the core objective guides to what performance you can expect. Afik, Voigtländer does not publish MTF charts (Zeiss-Cosina does). That's very unfortunate -- please correct me if I am wrong. My policy: With modern lenses I tend to go for Voigtländer and Zeiss. As to vintage, I buy old common Leica lenses (sometimes also Nikon or Canon for LTM) in good working condition. They are authentic, well built, easy to service and they hold their value.

[@lensman5762]

All this said and done, I still think a Leica M photographer only really needs one or at most two focal lengths and lenses. Too many lenses make for indecision and confusion so make your choices carefully and enjoy your hobby. Sadly, most of us have become collectors of anything and everything made for Leica, and have forgotten what this was all about.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

True, I think ideally try lots of lenses then over time settle on your favs. I’ll do my usual 2024 Roundup video for my favs.

[@lensman5762]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom For the first ten years after I bought my M6, I only shot with the one lens, the Leica 35mm F1.4 Summilux ASPH, and only then I bought the 75mm Apo Summicron.

[@theazurian2778]

Idts, i feel like its mors towards perspective of the person, company and user. If you look at spec sheets leica lens and voigtlander are really close with certain models (APO) being absurdly similar. But thats only to specs, history also plays a big part. Similar to brands like Rolex, Rolls Royce and Gucci, leica has a long history that plays a part as to why it is one of the luxury goods. Most people see any of these they want to see a proper 1-1 variant. They dont like to see maybe a rolls royce with a honda engine and wheels or a rolex with a casio dial. Same case here, to use a zeiss or voigtlander lens gives off a similar feeling. Zeiss and voigtlander are what many can consider technical lens since they have reached a certain peak of modern capability, but leica sells a service. The feel of a lens, the prestige of using it and the feel of wanting more. Thats where the value lies in leica, the service, the feeling and the prestige.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, yes 100% the Leica brand is strong

[@Anolytic]

Never tried any of their lenses, but I think you forgot Laowa.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Ah yes I hear they made a few in M mount. I check it.

[@grazioso58]

Kipon and Laowa.....

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

thanks. Kipon make lenses?

[@grazioso58]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom iberit now renamed - elegant iberit all with max aperture of F2.4 in 24, 35, 50, 75, 90. pretty decent objects for the price.

[@ucprof2008]

I like the Zeiss ZM lenses but it appears that Zeiss is reducing their production. A few excellent models have disappeared (18mm f4) and 85 Sonnar, and 85 Tessar, so it appears that Zeiss is getting out of the game.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Sadly I think they focus on Sony lenses now

[@JWysocki]

Leica lenses are not worth since Voigtlander released Ultron II and Nokton II line of lenses. Every Ultron and Nokton II beats Leica lens in price/quality battle.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

You can see why I replaced some Leica lenses with a Voigtlander! That wasn’t my most popular video but facts are facts!

[@RS-Amsterdam]

YES NO NO YES NO NO okay let's elaborate (get a coffee) First of all, old (vintage) lenses do not perform good on high MP cameras, 24 is about the limit, that's why e.g. Leica and Voigtlander are releasing newer iterations of the same lenses. So when a chinese company says we bring out a new lens like e.g. the old Noctilux they basically say, we bring out a lens not suitable for high MP cameras because we want to simulate old lenses. Note: The old Leica and Voigtlander lenses are beautiful on film and old digital cameras, quality is not in question. Testing, shooting a big bewb girl is not a quality spec. Good and proper lens testing is so much more (e.g. like mr. D. Abott or 47 degree). Besides that showing an image on YT is already being brutalized by compression, I rather go yo your websites or other sources where I can see the real images in all their glory, and some of them are real real good, cause you are IMO a good photographer, you should link more to those, especially for the new viewers/subscribers. And, of course, you can make beautiful images with those Chinese lenses, but that are two separate things: Optical quality and usability (or bang for your buck if you want) are two seperate things, which have overlapping characteristics but are not the same ! Carry on Matt

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Rob, yes fair point on modern sensors (although most of my students have the latest and greatest and use lenses like I use). Maybe they don’t pixel peep but all valid points.

[@RS-Amsterdam]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom yes that is what I mean, there is an optical test, which shows all the flaws, like abbaration and what not, and an eye pleasing test which is also very subjective.

[@shred3005]

I had long coveted Voightlander lens but last year I bought my very first - it was a Nokton 50mm f1.5 Asp in LTM but it was amongst the softest, low contrast lenses I’ve every tried so after a week or so I sent it back. I was so disappointed. Beautiful to hold and handle but awful performance unless stopped down to f5.6 or f8. I think I must have made a terrible mistake in choice of Voightlander model.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes there is a HUGE difference between old fast LTM Voigtlanders and new ones. Polar opposites. Get an APO if you like the modern perfect look.

[@shred3005]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom there doesn’t appear to be many LTM lens options outside Leica and some Voightlander. I do love my old Leica IIIf but lens options are way less than M mount. Ok j guess there are the old Russian options and a couple of Canon L39.

[@davidbrighten2572]

I have 2 M11s and considering an M-A. I sold my Leica lenses and only have Voigtlander. I have 8 Voigtlander - no regrets. The new 288mm F1.5 Norton is fantastic.

[@jameskendall74]

@@davidbrighten2572 A 288mm F1.5 must be really hard to focus on a rangefnder! ;)

[@davidbrighten2572]

@@jameskendall74😂 oops. 28mm. Fat fingers.

[@phillipallaway7306]

Matt, thanks for a great overview of the various M mount lens options. You are right about the size and weight of the Zeiss 35 f/1.4 Distagon but it balances well on the SL bodies and is crazy sharp. I own the 35 and 50 Summilux M's and they also have some heft to them. My favourite Voigtlander is the 50 Nokton f/1.2 which I often shoot on the monochrome due to the significant chromatic aberration. Like you I have the LLL 35mm 8 element when I want a more classic look. I'm hoping more of these less expensive manufacturers will get serious on the 75-90 focal length. I think LLL are currently developing a 75mm f2 which would be awesome. From what I have read the Voigtlander 75 f/1.5 is pretty good but not up to the standard of its APO-Lanthar line. Exciting times ahead.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, yes. I sold my Leica 75/2 APO and replaced it with the Nokton 75/1.5. APO is sharper but the wow look from the Nokton is a dream for portraits. It’s a sharper modern look though vs 75 Lux.

[@dhwjohnston7212]

Chinese? No not really

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes not for everyone but that’s ok

[@jameshoward9700]

Despite owning the Leica 50mm Trilogy, I still love my Zeiss Sonnar. Not only great images, but a real pleasure to use in terms of weight and size. But as you'd imagine, built the same as a basic Voigtlander - not sure why Zeiss don't make German lenses for Leica anymore. The Voightlander 50mm 1.5 Heliar vintage lens is great too, my son has one and it produces great character and is built better than other Voigtlanders, my Zeiss or most Leicas - an absolutely stunning lens (but I know you didn't like the character). I may well try a LLL at some point - really interested in small 50s... But one thing to say to Leica snobs, Voigtlander aren't cheap lenses! They're actually very expensive (for a manual focus, 50mm...) if compared to eg Nikon or Canon. It's just they seem relatively cheap cp Leica which are good (sometimes great), but at least 2x overpriced. In my experience of things, especially optics, the middle will get squeezed. People will still buy expensive Leica at the top end, but the Japanese will get hit hard by cheaper Chinese lenses once the market gets over initial prejudice and assumptions they're rubbish (they're not!). This has happened in gun sights where the Japanese used to dominate the mass market, but have been blown away by cheaper (very very good) Chinese lenses. The Europeans (Leica, Zeiss, Swarovski) still exist in a luxury, rarified stratosphere, like Rolex or Patek Philippe! One development has been sights made in SE Asia using Japanese glass - that could happen with M lenses too, so we may see a Taiwanese or Filipino brand emerge, or a US/Euro micro-brand importing the glass. That said, I'm never sure how big the M-Mount market is..?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks yes excellent points. True for watches too with Chinese making great affordable watches / movements. (Like my Seagull 1963)