Voigtlander 50mm f1.5 / 50mm f2 APO Lanthar M Mount Review: Guest Starring the Leica 50mm f2 APO

[@RobertFalconer1967]

Great review. What this demonstrates is that in 2021 we've arrived at a point where you need to spend four or more times the price just to get an extra 5-10% better overall image quality...that the average person will never even notice. The apex of the diminishing returns curve is kinda where we're at now.

[@TECH360TV]

Agree 💯

[@chesslover8829]

Well, and maybe I have poor eyesight, I struggled to see much of any difference between the Leica and Voigtländer. If you have a lot of money (seven-figure income), buy the Leica. But remember that you'll have nearly 18 grand (e.g., M11 plus the Leica 50 Apo) around your neck when doing travel or street photography, which could make you a mugging victim in a large city.

[@baharam98]

I must admit; I use to go for the best, sharpest lens. Now I go only for vintage, character lenses. Makes my images look so much classier! Thank you for this wonderful review.

[@marcusbrooks428]

what other lenses do you like?

[@chewblogger]

Bobby, I’ve just placed an order for the 50 mm f2 APO Z mount. Can’t wait to check it out. I recently bought the 65 mm f2 APO E mount at Alan Photo (I use it on the Z7 with a techart adapter which works extremely well). I agree that these Voigtlanders are fantastic. Such a joy to use.

[@arsenikkkk]

I can only imagine how good this APO lens is. I own a few modern Voigtlander f1.2 lenses and stepped down their optical quality is unbeatable (especially for the price). Don't even get me started on the build quality of their lenses. I personally really don't care, don't want Leica anymore given their insane pricing and lack of any customer service. As for shooting at Noktons at f1.2 I wouldn't say it's less sharp it's just has this "glow" that makes it appear less sharp but it's only pronounced at 200% zoom and can be easily fixed in post. So who cares!? Respect to Voigtlander, not sure how they do it but it's probably some dark magic involved. Also, I really liked your review, objective and to the point. Thanks!

[@TL-vt8uk]

Great review thanks! Voigtlander have always produced some excellent lenses. I did notice that the 50mm F2 Apo has a bit more of a blueish colour tint versus the Leica, but as you said, to zoom in that much to find differences is really splitting hairs. Cheers!

[@TECH360TV]

Thanks for watching. I think the bluish tone could be from the lighting in the shop. Outside it has a slightly warmer tone

[@joelgermain1988]

Can't believe this video just popped in my feed... 1 month later. You really gave me the desire for the 50 1.5.

[@TECH360TV]

Glad to help! 😊

[@Gobekadam]

Amazing video! Looking forward to 35mm apo review 🤩

[@TECH360TV]

Thanks!! Working on that soon

[@AdamMuise]

I use the Voigtlander 50mm f1.2 and Voigtlander 50mm f2 APO VM and Sony variant, the latter two being my favorite lens. For a lot of fun I pair the 50mm f2 APO with the xpro3 for street or the GFX 50r for portraits. Great review of the new 50mm v2, I had the first vatient and sold it but the new one sounds amazing. BTW, I love that shot of the guy sitting on the steps through the railings.

[@TECH360TV]

Thanks Adam. Yeah might be worth going to a camera store and checking them out

[@raksh9]

Have you compared the performance of the VM 50mm APO and the Sony E mount version? I'm wondering if there's noticeable difference between both 50 APO lenses when on a Sony body.

[@ortonphotoart5770]

Does the 50mm f2 cover the gfx sensor?

[@devroombagchus7460]

I am sure that the overwhelming majority of leica excessively priced gear goes to people who never bother to crictically examen their shots. Many probably don’t even know what to look for.

[@fellowcitizen]

The images around the web from the 50mm APO Lanthar seem highly descriptive in terms of colour. The 35mm images don't seem as distinctive, though I've only found a handful. Looking forward to some comparisons. I can't afford the Summilux-TL so hoping that the 35mm holds its own, but will lock in the 50mm otherwise (sorry Planar hehe).

[@magiccarpetrider4594]

I’m using the 50 APO lanthar with a M10r and like it more than the 50 Lux, which now resides, filtered, with my M10m

[@Agedwheel]

Great video!! Can’t wait for 35mm 50mm Comparison

[@TECH360TV]

Working on it ;)

[@calvinchann1996]

I concur. Having received my 35 and 50 APO- Lanthars, I am more than happy with their performance. I’ve used the 50 more, because I’m a 50 person. Also just sourced a used Summarit-M 50mm in good condition which is on its way to me.

[@streetphotography.globetro7744]

Nice review !!!! I have the voightlander 50 1.5 same Panda version as the lens on your review......quite happy with it, but.......The APO Lanthar is tempting me after see your review, i think is the perfect daily day lens for my Monochrom.

[@TECH360TV]

It’s a perfect pair with the monochrom 👍

[@mwales2112]

My 50mm of choice at the moment is the TTArtisan 1.4 M mount and I just love the images it produces, but it is a bit of the heavy side at 399 grams and have been thinking about picking up the CV 50mm 1.5 MC II for a much smaller lens. Have you used the TTArtisan lens? If so how would you say it stacks up to these 50's? Thanks

[@jimbob119874]

Great review! I'm not in a position to buy a Leica 50mm APO but I'm struggling between the Voigtlander 50mm APO and the 1.2. I love the sharpness of the APO but the depth of field and rendering of the 1.2 are beautiful. As Mr Leica says, the 1.2 is like two lenses in one with a vintage glow wide open but with modern lens sharpness when stopped down. Are the CA comparisons shot with the 1.2 wide open or at f2? I'm really keen to see how it compares at equivalent apertures.

[@TECH360TV]

Thanks James. I’ve tested them out and the Voigtlander is still sharper. The 1.2 is a great lens but after using the APO lanthar if I was not shooting film I would go with the APO. The 1.2 gives you those extra stops if you shoot film when needed

[@jimbob119874]

Thanks for your reply. Sorry, I got a bit confused at the end as I was trying to watch and work at the same time. I am considering the Voigtlander APO and the Voigtlander Nokton f1.2 on an M10. Which would you go with as I am genuinely undecided at this stage but am slightly leaning toward the Nokton.

[@TECH360TV]

No prob. Hmm for me personally I love the sharpness of the APO so that’s my choice out of the 2, but I understands one needs and desires for a 1.2. Especially in lower light photography

[@zenden6564]

@@TECH360TV - is there really that much difference with Voigtlander f1.2 when it's at f2 compared to Apo-Lanthar at f2? It's not all the AL's when you balance sharpness with bokeh, rendering, and for want if a better word, "air" ...my Loxia is good but the CV f1.5 is a bit all over the shop, but has a bit of breathed on magic with close-ish (especially children's) faces...

[@Wh33lsofFortune]

Speaking of amazing rendering from a 50 F2. My vintage Nikkor auto H 50mm f2 single coated in blue. I use it on a d700 and holy shit, there's something special about that combo. It's gotta be the 6 elements in 4 groups. It's actually consider the japanese summicron. Great video!

[@TECH360TV]

Thanks Chris! Yeah the older Nikon lenses are damn good. Even the new ones, but yes those older ones have some magic to them

[@Wh33lsofFortune]

@@TECH360TV yes they do lol.. thanks for the reply. Would be cool to see someone do a review of that old 50mm f2. It's sooo underated these days. Come to think of it never mind cuz everyone will realize how good it is, and you won't be able to get them for 50 bucks anymore. 😂😭 . seriously tho, could be awesome... Just saying

[@TECH360TV]

There is a lot I would like to do on this channel. Perhaps if time permits and I can get access to the lenses

[@Wh33lsofFortune]

@@TECH360TV awesome! Thanks for the consideration

[@dakzer55]

Hi Great reviews. Presume that the new 50mm f1.5 is not suited to a Sony A7R III because of Sony's thick sensor stack leading to corner color rendition, and edge sharpness issues?

[@faisalee]

I want the 50 APO right now!!! Brilliant review, love it, I gotta visit Riceball one of these days 😅

[@TECH360TV]

thanks for watching! Yes Riceball is a fun shop to go to :)

[@Scotphotoamateur]

Thanks for fascinating review. How does the f/1.2 compare with the APO when it is stopped down to f/2

[@MichalJeck]

Really interesting. Thanks for sharing. I really like to see the new voigtlander 35mm APO! Hopefully you will review it soon.

[@TECH360TV]

Thanks Michal. I have it with me now. First impressions it’s better than the 50 APO from Voigtlander

[@MichalJeck]

@@TECH360TV oh wow. That sounds great.

[@mrmotomoto]

I wonder how the Nikon s-mount voigtlander lenses compare. I think the larger diameter of the z-mount may give the APO lenses a bit of an advantage over the m-mount but would love an actual comparison.

[@KeithHodgkinson]

Excellent review.I look forward to the 35 APO.I have three voigt lenses and enjoy using them all.Cheers.

[@TECH360TV]

Thanks. Working on that one when it’s available

[@crispin8888]

Very nice video as always. In the end it seems to be more between the 50 mm F2 APO's. The Leica is 'perfect' but expensive. The Voigtlander is clearly very nice too and no compromise.

[@TECH360TV]

Thanks for watching! Yes the leica is perfect but is it worth the amount more than Voigtlander

[@haroldlauhoyan]

Been using the single coating 50mm 1.5 for a few months already, somehow I always prefer this to my summarit, just so mich more character

[@TECH360TV]

Didn’t try the single coat but would imagine the image would have more character to it

[@haroldlauhoyan]

@@TECH360TV definitely worth a try, the flare is amazing

[@StuartWeir]

is that with film, or digital? and do you have sample photos?

[@haroldlauhoyan]

@@StuartWeir on a m10, you can have a look on my Instagram harold_lau.dng I have note on what camera and lens on the description

[@kunxie2523]

我有50apo很喜欢这个镜头，准备再买入35apo

[@coryfallon3742]

Great Video! I'm currently torn between the APO 2.0 and the 1.2 by voigtlander. I only shoot film on a M6 and I can't seem to make up my mind. The APO seems like the better of the two but that extra stop could probably come in handy. Any thoughts?

[@btonelli]

Thanks for watching. When shooting film you will notice an increase in sharpness outside of that of up to your film speed. The 1.2 will come in handy in lower light situations but focusing is more challenging.

[@nexuses1]

I saw that the Summilux 50mm 1.4 has a nice lens flare (the ring of fire type) and am wondering what lens has a something familiar? Did you get to test these lenses with a back lit subject?

[@nelsoncheetube]

Very good comparison. Now I feel my dream to own Leica is getting closer despite not able to own it soon

[@GatorheadLuis]

I also own the 50mm 1.2. Super tempted by the 50 Apo. But using for shooting with M6 so I fear missing out on 1.2-1.4 when needed... Looking forward to 35mm APo review... Might sell my voigtlander Ultron for the Apo sin aperture would be the same... Keep up the great reviews

[@TECH360TV]

Hi Luis this is where the 1.2 will come in handle especially film. Working on getting the 35 APO as well

[@veritas932]

is there a big difference between the F1.5 and F2.0 ?

[@TECH360TV]

The main difference between the two is the maximum aperture. The f/1.5 allows for more light and better low-light performance, while the f/2.0 is slightly smaller and may offer better sharpness and less vignetting.

[@67tagada]

Is the 1.5/50mm better than the 1.2/50mm Nokton? The latter disappointed me a lot at large apertures (1.4-2.0) compared to my Nokton 1.5/75mm.

[@charruaporelmundo]

Do you have a Sony camera? If yes, can you test those lenses with the upcoming techart pro lm9?

[@howiegoldfarb1871]

Which lens do you feel is sharper for 16 x 24 enlargements & do you like the sl or the 240

[@mattmosminaj2515]

Superb review, as always, the perfect blend.

[@TECH360TV]

Thank you 🙏

[@chesslover8829]

Matt Osborne (aka, Mr. Leica) said it best when he compared the Nokton, at either the 35mm or 50mm focal lengths, to modern, highly corrected lenses. In one of his KZbin videos, Matt claimed, and I'm paraphrasing, that the Nokton gives us a progressively lovely glow between f/2 and f/1.2. The lens becomes increasingly sharper at f/2.8 and beyond; at f/5.6 and f/8, the Nokton provides landscape-level sharpness. On the other hand, the Apo-Lanthar simply gives us sharpness from f/2 onwards, according to Matt. There is no glow whatsoever. As a portrait lens, according to Matt, the Apo-Lanthar and other highly corrected lenses have the tendency to "rip the faces off" his young, beautiful models. To soften the image made by such lenses, Matt uses a mild mist filter. Bobby Tonelli demonstrated the Apo-Lanthar's weaknesses as a portrait lens when he showed a picture of himself, taken with the Apo-Lanthar. Bobby is a good-looking man, but the image made him look older than he is thanks to the Apo-Lanthar and maybe some harsh lightning. In fairness, and because of my age, I would have looked like a corpse if my picture had been taken instead.

[@TheLostKuma]

Very nice review as always!

[@TECH360TV]

Thanks Peter!

[@MikeKleinsteuber]

Nice comparison. Thanks

[@gentrygarage]

Awesome vid. A comparison I'd like to see is the 50 apo lanthar vs the 50mm summicron V5 (pre-APO)

[@GurmeetSingh-fr8uo]

If you have the Leica 50mm APO F2, should you still consider Voigtlander 50mm f/2 VM ASPH APO-Lanthar Lens for Leica M?

[@georgiostriantopoulos9921]

Sky is the limit

[@marcgyebnar5302]

Very good review ! Thank you !

[@TECH360TV]

Thanks Marc!

[@redspotaquashrimps]

Does this lens is only Manual focus. If yes, how your camera can detect what Aperture you have set? or it can't detect it

[@TECH360TV]

Lens is manual focus only. Unfortunately the camera doesn’t detect the lens so all the EXIF data is unavailable

[@sander9t]

How do you compare Nokton 1.2 at f/2 or Nokton 1.5 at f/2, to APO Lanthar at f/2?

[@TECH360TV]

APO Lanthar is sharper more pop to the subject

[@sander9t]

@@TECH360TV Thanks!

[@gamebuster800]

Hi there. I want to watch your videos but I don't want to rely on youtube. Is there an alternative platform to watch your videos on?

[@TECH360TV]

Hello :) You can watch our videos on TikTok and Instagram at @tech360.tv

[@anthonypocetti]

Thanks for doing what you do, subbed!

[@garrettcliser6840]

Love Voigtlander videos!

[@TECH360TV]

Thanks for watching.

[@LeicaMD]

Hi, Thanks for a great youtube channel.! Can the Voigtlander be used on Canon R5 / 6 or Nikon Z. ?? With good results. It might be an idea for a test :-)

[@TECH360TV]

Hi Kim, yes they will work well with an adapter.

[@LeicaMD]

@@TECH360TV Thanks for reply. I am glad to hear it :-) I thought the Leica SL (L mount) was the one that worked best with lenses with the M mount ? But I'm a Leica M fan but think the Leica SL autofocus works poorly. So I want to swap SL out with either Nikon Z or Canon R. Canon looks very good right now :-)

[@TECH360TV]

Yeah either will work. Some purists will say m Mount lenses work best on the leica SL etc but I don’t really see that much difference per say.

[@maxwellwellmax878]

Im looking at the Zeiss Biogon 35 f/2.8 and Zeiss 50 f/2 Planar but Voightlander is alot more affordable and faster ugh... the struggle lol.

[@TECH360TV]

Go Voigtlander haha

[@Blacklacquer1973]

I was leaning more towards the 50 f1.2 until I watched this review. Now I may be switching sides.

[@dongocbinh747]

Very nice video > so 5% difference cost 7K USD wow

[@DavidGBlair]

How do these compare to a Sony 1.4..

[@barbozz]

this apo lens is so difficult to buy! i cant find it in Russia and there is only one lot on eBay. I have no idea why

[@dch2896]

You should have stopped all the lenses down to f2 for the image quality test

[@TECH360TV]

Will do! Noted for the next time!

[@mellemnick]

I didn't think the Lanthar came in other colors... this looks like the Nokton.

[@moodyrcf]

1830 the paint on the camera is clearer on the voigtlander apo

[@mr_cramberry]

Leica how you compared the two Apo's; that you need to zoom 400% to see the 5% performance difference.

[@TECH360TV]

Yeah the Voigtlander is really impressive for the price

[@DannyChau7]

The Leica has more magenta chromatic fringe over the Voigtlander APO.....

[@TECH360TV]

Good eye. Yes slightly but the green stands out more

[@DannyChau7]

@@TECH360TV I got the Voigtlander 50mm f2 APO for my Sony A7R3, amazing lens, that's a Otus in a smaller package and for fraction of the price, unbeatable value.

[@charruaporelmundo]

@@DannyChau7 Did you get the M mount of the Fe? I have a7iv but thinking on get the VM version since the new techar pro 9 is on the way. Thanks

[@DannyChau7]

@@charruaporelmundo I always get the M mount because I can use it on many other camera bodies via adapters.

[@charruaporelmundo]

@@DannyChau7 Nice, thanks

[@miles5790]

can you just show us the sooc images not edited images.because we also need to see it.if you edit the images,the only thing we can see just how sharp the images and vignette

[@califmike2003]

Why would you spend 11k to get a 4 percent gain from a lens ? foolishhhhhhhhhhhhh.

[@devroombagchus7460]

Can you speak faster?

[@olympus2OM]

Why buy a Leica M6 or a M10 and shoot with Zeiss, Voigtländer or Artisan glass? That's ridiculous. The more photographers buy cheap lenses, the faster Leica gets bankrupt and disappears. That's the truth guys. Leica Camera & Leica Glass. No more not less.

[@btonelli]

Disagree and this thought process is very narrow minded. Leica’s lens pricing has been increasing to the point where only a select few can afford it. Second hand market price points are considerably less which shows what people are willing to spend. Additionally these less expensive options help get people into the Leica system without breaking the bank.

[@GKhanKutar]

If you call these lenses sharp , what should I say about my GF45mm F2.8 and GF80mm F1.7 lol

[@TECH360TV]

Hahaha different categories all together

[@AminTheMystic]

meh. that resolution is driven more by the sensor than the lens. if the f2 apo covered the image sensor than likely it'd outperform gf45mm lens.

[@GKhanKutar]

@@AminTheMystic no it won’t. You can not beat Fujinon GF medium format lenses. They are the perfection.

[@AminTheMystic]

@@GKhanKutar Lol! There are many better MF lenses and many FX lenses are better. I expect the Otuses to out resolve these easily.

[@GKhanKutar]

@@AminTheMystic “ There are many better MF lenses.” For example? GF lenses are best in the class as Schneider Kreuznach. I am saying this as a person who have tried IQ150back with Schneider lenses. FX lenses has no chance to mess with GF lenses. Have you ever shot with GF 110mm F2? Sound like you are too amateur.

[@elderinmoi1571]

95% of the Leica apo ? I totally disagree. Different color different bokeh different everything when you look closely. There is not a single manufacturer that makes lenses like Leica. Maybe you like what you get from Voigtländer (me too) but the lenses are different. Same with Zeiss. I also disagree about importance of bokeh. So much so that I have serious concerns about your expertise as a reviewer. Lost a subscriber but I am shure you can live with that....

[@jimbob119874]

That's interesting. In terms of overall image, what percentage of a Leica APO IQ would you say a Voigtlander APO achieves? In terms of construction, the same question. There's definitely something special about Leica glass that hasn't been 100% replicated and I do prefer them, but there are some things I prefer with Voigtlanders. To question the expertise of the content creator because they have a different opinion to you says a lot. The last time I checked, there wasn't one objective standard in photography and it if there is, I'm pretty sure it certainly wasn't set by you.

[@TECH360TV]

Hi Elderin sorry you left but I stand by what I say. You may own leica glass and be a hard core fan which is great, I’m a fan of their products as well, but I’m not blinded by branding. I’m looking at image quality. I also had a number of users here test out the lens with their own Leica lenses and they all said the same thing. Perhaps you might want to try it first. As far as lenses made, one can argue and I will the Zeiss Otus and Schneider Kreuznach optics make equally as good or even better lenses optically. To be honest no one looks at a Henri Cartier Bresson photo and talks bokeh, Ansel Adams etc etc. They talk about the subject. Sure it’s great to see depth of field and it’s nice to talk about but the importance is overblown. Anyways take care and keep shooting. All the best

[@davidschwang3461]

Wear your mask in public at all time.

[@TECH360TV]

we are allowed to not wear mask when filming. This was shot a while ago

[@gregpantelides1355]

Excellent review! Thank you!