Couldn't agree more, optically this lens is a stellar performer and worth every penny. I only sold it because I am using Leica R glass and have the APO Makro-Elmarit 100mm f/2.8 and it just fits visually better with my other lenses.
I think you will like the Loxia 85mm as well. I tried both, the Voigtlander and the Loxia 85mm and preferred the latter's rendering. The Voigtlander is better corrected for CA, but Loxia has better bokeh, color, and microcontrast. It's another exquisite lens that you should definitely check out 🙂. The Loxia 21 is another stellar lens that deserves a review 🙂. As always, thanks a lot for the review :)
Thanks again. By the way, I still think you would enjoy using the "Bokina" 90mm 2.5 on the A7riii.... The rendition and microcontrast remind me of the Voightlander 65. Shalom uvracha.
I also wonder if there is a way to send you a donation for your excellent service to us, apart from becoming a patron. Can I send you something using PayPal or by another means?
I have this lens and it is exquisite! A gem! It replaced my Sony 55 and so glad I did. Everything you mentioned here is right on. I was hesitant at first because my Voigt 40/2 was good but not great on the Nikon so I replaced it with a Milvus 50/2 and loved it. When I switched to Sony A7iii, I was looking for an equivalent experience and found this. Thanks for the precise and helpful review as always. P.S. The Voigtlander Apo 110 f2.5 Macro with 1:1 ratio has been announced and excited to see if that will be at least at par with the 65 too!
A great review, Dustin. I have the Voigtlander Nokton 58mm F1.4 and on my Nikon D850 this lens is extraordinary, especially from F4 onwards - superb colour rendition and resolution and micro-contrast too. I also have the Zeiss Milvus 35mm F1.4 (watched your review of it) and (as of two weeks ago) the stellar Zeiss Milvus 135mm F2 Apo Sonnar which, in my opinion, has no equal - you only have to look at how a lens performs in astrophotography to see what flaws are present; the 135 absolutely destroys other lenses (no coma, stunning colour rendition and mind-boggling resolution!). I do, however, love these Voigtlander lenses. Maybe down the track, the 65mm would be a very welcome addition. Many thanks again for the review - what a beautiful lens!
This review was equally as stellar as the stellarness of the lens being reviewed. Loved watching this review Dustin. I consider this Voigtlander to be the greatest lens of all time, and its fun to see a review that essentially backs that up. I am really happy you took the time to comment on the light transmission of this lens, as I always felt like it was exceptional as well. As for the bokeh balls, I would consider them more like jicama, and less like onion :-) When you aren't reviewing lenses or cameras, we now know what lens will be on your camera the majority of the time :-) It's such a fun lens to use, and sometimes it surprises me with its magical renderings.
Great IQ breakdown. I'm super impressed how sharp and optically good the Voigtlander 65mm f2.0 from when I have used my copy of the lens. I'm really excited to see if the Voigtlander 110mm f2.5 can beat or match this lens.
Thanks for the review Dustin, I purchased this lens on your advice which has never once let me down, you truly have helped to make me a better photographer! God bless you and yours :)
Otus was what I first thought of when I saw the rendering as well. When the shots are more macro the bokeh looks pretty gorgeous, interesting how it falls apart a bit at a distance. I was tempted to grab a sony just for this lens haha
What a beautiful lens! the rendering is simply superb and that low level grass shot just shows how it can handle every situation so well. Of what I can see, the onion bokeh is really admissible, well of what I can see on my monitor here, the Otus's onion bokeh is far more prominent in out of focus pinpoint lighting, but all said and done just lovely lens!
@@DustinAbbottTWI Sony's video AF is currently their strongest plus. Glad to see that they quickly fixed this. I watched your last video and couldn't see this pulsating anymore.
Hi Dustin! Absolutely love your reviews. Another great episode here. Just got my first manual lens, after 20 years of shooting both for work and at home with Nikon and for eight months now the A7RIII; the Voigtlander 40/1.2. Love the lens, it has a lot of x-factor, and manual focus is actually a lot of fun and really gave me a second wind of inspiration for photography. So much so in fact that I am now selling off a couple of lenses that are seeing very little use - so I can get one or two more manual lenses. This 65/2 and the announced 21/3.5 color-skopar are high on my list. Also considering an Otus, either 55 or 85. Got any tips for great manual lenses? I’ll be keeping my 50/1.4 Planar and my Batis-pair of 18/2.8 and 135/2.8. All of which I love. B
Dustin: Have had the 65mm for a week. Macro is great, very artistic. I bought mine used and there is play at the infinity mark. Has that been your experience?
It really does have beautiful rendering. As for infinity - there's typically a little extra there for thermal expansion. They are making sure the lens can focus all the way to infinity it varying weather conditions.
Hey Dustin Great review as always. I got this lens because this review but when I compare it with my Sony 50mm GM 1.4 when it comes to image quality they are extremely identical the only differences is the lack of autofocus but when it comes to image quality they basically look the same. So I don’t know if I’m going to keep it because it looks just like my 50mm. What is your advice?
If you aren't finding an improvement optically and don't really need the macro portion, then you'll probably end up using your GM lens most of the time anyway.
I am starting to watch your channel like it was discovery your presentation and attention to detail is that good. Only one problem you are costing me money Mr. Abbott! Every time I see you start justifying a lens to yourself I know I have to have it. I had a video idea for you frankly for selfish reasons. How about a tutorial on how to best manual focus on the newer A7 bodies. I am sure there are a lot of photographers that are just starting out in an age of AF that could benefit me being one. Thanks
Hello Dustin: I watched your manual focusing on a mirrorless camera. When focusing on the 65mm Voigtlander macro the peaking display is distracting. I have the auto magnifier in MF; AF in Focus Mag; and release without lens. It seems when focusing that it takes quite a bit of turning and even with the magnifier auto on, it is not so clear-cut. I am using the Sony a1 which has a great view finder. Also, I was wondering what is the slowest speed you use hand-held. It is a hefty lens - I can feel the shake when pressing on the shutter release. It takes time for me to focus and am not sure if this is a good portrait lens and maybe good for only product and still images.
I know what you mean about peaking. I often prefer just visually confirming focus. The lowest speed I would use handheld would be around 1/50th. Any lower and you run a risk of motion blur.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Oh yeah, I was thinking around 250 or maybe 125 because the weight is like a telephoto lens. Do you find there is more turning to focus with the Voigtlander? And do you find the lens to be less contrast while focusing? This is my first manual lens in about 20 years.
Thanks for comparing it against the 50mm Planar, as that is exactly the question I wanted to ask in your last video. If you had to choose: this lens or the Planar?
Wow, that's tough since I bought both of them. If you don't have a good 50mm (ish) autofocusing lens and shoot things that would require autofocus, go for the Planar. If you have time to be more deliberate, go for the Voigtländer
I am curious to know what you think of the Voigtlander lens on an APS-C sensor Sony such as the A6500. I don't have a full frame Sony yet, but do have an A6500. I like that focal length on crop-sensor cameras due to the resulting focal length which is useful for portraits as well as macro work. Thanks for your reviews! They really help when considering various pieces of equipment.
I haven't really used it much on the a6500, but have used it quite a bit in crop mode on the a7R3 (which is a similar experience). I actually really like the cropped focal length and image quality.
It will say at the end of the episode. I think it was the Sony Zeiss Planar 50mm f/1.4, though, which surprised me as I normally don’t get any pulsing with it.
I have the very first batch but rarely to use cause size and weight. It is very close to Leica 50 apo in my opinion except glow image from Leica so unique. Thank for nice review.
Dustin, I would like to see you comparing this lens against the Sony 90mm Macro. I find this one to be one of the sharpest lens from sony but for some reason the vast majority of reviewers completely ignore it. Regardless, awesome video and as always way more in depth than any other channel! Carry on the good job!
A7riii coupled with this voigt is definitely a killer combo (and is in fact what I'm saving up for). On the other hand, if you are just moonlighting with manual, you can pick up a first get a7 used for... idk have not checked prices recently but probably in the 500 to 600 range. The a7RIII is better in a long list of ways, battery life, handling, much better evf, ergonomics, resolution, video capabilities and probably a bunch of other stuff too. That said, it's also five or six times more expensive... and the original a7 can produce very nice imagery and has the same focus aids the a7riii has. Another option is rent ;). I would recommend any a7 body with any native manual lens (e.g. loxia, voigtlander e mount). The focus aid just makes manual lenses a joy to use.
Let's just say I'm not pushing the limit ;) My wife got me those chairs for my birthday, and I hadn't yet decided if I was going to keep them. I did...and the stickers are now gone.
Couldn't agree more, optically this lens is a stellar performer and worth every penny. I only sold it because I am using Leica R glass and have the APO Makro-Elmarit 100mm f/2.8 and it just fits visually better with my other lenses.
I think you will like the Loxia 85mm as well. I tried both, the Voigtlander and the Loxia 85mm and preferred the latter's rendering. The Voigtlander is better corrected for CA, but Loxia has better bokeh, color, and microcontrast. It's another exquisite lens that you should definitely check out 🙂. The Loxia 21 is another stellar lens that deserves a review 🙂.
As always, thanks a lot for the review :)
My pleasure.
Love my Voigtlander Macro APO-Lanthar 65mm f/2! Bought it when it first came out and I've never regretted it. Fantastic lens! Thanks Pastor!
I love it, too. I think it will be in my kit for a long time. I’ll roll out my final review later this week.
Thanks again. By the way, I still think you would enjoy using the "Bokina" 90mm 2.5 on the A7riii.... The rendition and microcontrast remind me of the Voightlander 65. Shalom uvracha.
I also wonder if there is a way to send you a donation for your excellent service to us, apart from becoming a patron. Can I send you something using PayPal or by another means?
I have this lens and it is exquisite! A gem! It replaced my Sony 55 and so glad I did. Everything you mentioned here is right on. I was hesitant at first because my Voigt 40/2 was good but not great on the Nikon so I replaced it with a Milvus 50/2 and loved it. When I switched to Sony A7iii, I was looking for an equivalent experience and found this. Thanks for the precise and helpful review as always.
P.S. The Voigtlander Apo 110 f2.5 Macro with 1:1 ratio has been announced and excited to see if that will be at least at par with the 65 too!
I'm definitely interesting in look at that lens.
A great review, Dustin. I have the Voigtlander Nokton 58mm F1.4 and on my Nikon D850 this lens is extraordinary, especially from F4 onwards - superb colour rendition and resolution and micro-contrast too. I also have the Zeiss Milvus 35mm F1.4 (watched your review of it) and (as of two weeks ago) the stellar Zeiss Milvus 135mm F2 Apo Sonnar which, in my opinion, has no equal - you only have to look at how a lens performs in astrophotography to see what flaws are present; the 135 absolutely destroys other lenses (no coma, stunning colour rendition and mind-boggling resolution!). I do, however, love these Voigtlander lenses. Maybe down the track, the 65mm would be a very welcome addition. Many thanks again for the review - what a beautiful lens!
That's good company to add it to!
This review was equally as stellar as the stellarness of the lens being reviewed. Loved watching this review Dustin. I consider this Voigtlander to be the greatest lens of all time, and its fun to see a review that essentially backs that up. I am really happy you took the time to comment on the light transmission of this lens, as I always felt like it was exceptional as well. As for the bokeh balls, I would consider them more like jicama, and less like onion :-) When you aren't reviewing lenses or cameras, we now know what lens will be on your camera the majority of the time :-) It's such a fun lens to use, and sometimes it surprises me with its magical renderings.
I've definitely used it a lot - it's a great option for filming my episodes, too.
Great IQ breakdown. I'm super impressed how sharp and optically good the Voigtlander 65mm f2.0 from when I have used my copy of the lens. I'm really excited to see if the Voigtlander 110mm f2.5 can beat or match this lens.
That could be a great lens. Having Sony's IBIS helps a lot to make these lenses more of a joy to use.
yes when the 110 comes out next month, i would be waiting for your review against this 65 / the Sony 90 macro. Hope you can do it soon :)
Thanks for the review Dustin, I purchased this lens on your advice which has never once let me down, you truly have helped to make me a better photographer! God bless you and yours :)
I'm glad to hear that. I continue to own and love the lens, too.
wow. another lens to drool. LOL. as always Dustin a very thorough and clear review.
This is a drool-worthy one optically, to be sure.
You're channel is so good. I love this.
Glad you enjoy it!
I was lucky enough to test out this lens for a few shots in the shop yesterday...
I want it badly.
It's a sweet lens!
Dustin.. Thanks for the excellent in-depth review. Next may I request the Voigtlander 40mm 1.2 and the upcoming 110 2.5 APO please?
I do plan to get to them, but I have four other review lenses on hand already!
But still, since you say they are in the road-map, I am happy
I second these nominations. When you have time, of course. We all wait patiently... Well, maybe not that patiently.
Otus was what I first thought of when I saw the rendering as well. When the shots are more macro the bokeh looks pretty gorgeous, interesting how it falls apart a bit at a distance. I was tempted to grab a sony just for this lens haha
It's one of those underrated lens that is actually exceptional.
This definitely helped me make the case for the APO Lanthar 65mm f/2
It's a strong lens, for sure.
What a beautiful lens! the rendering is simply superb and that low level grass shot just shows how it can handle every situation so well. Of what I can see, the onion bokeh is really admissible, well of what I can see on my monitor here, the Otus's onion bokeh is far more prominent in out of focus pinpoint lighting, but all said and done just lovely lens!
I agree. The onion is there, but not in an overly offensive way.
Pity it's not available in a Canon mount ... sob!
For sure. I was sad when Voigtländer stopped developing for EF, as I had liked the lenses I tested (still own one, in fact).
21:56 the AF pulsating is incredibly annoying. What camera did you use? Panasonic?
That's an a7RIII with the Sony Zeiss Planar 50mm F1.4 - pre-update to full time Eye AF. That has made just a HUGE difference for this kind of thing.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Sony's video AF is currently their strongest plus. Glad to see that they quickly fixed this. I watched your last video and couldn't see this pulsating anymore.
Hi Dustin! Absolutely love your reviews. Another great episode here. Just got my first manual lens, after 20 years of shooting both for work and at home with Nikon and for eight months now the A7RIII; the Voigtlander 40/1.2. Love the lens, it has a lot of x-factor, and manual focus is actually a lot of fun and really gave me a second wind of inspiration for photography. So much so in fact that I am now selling off a couple of lenses that are seeing very little use - so I can get one or two more manual lenses. This 65/2 and the announced 21/3.5 color-skopar are high on my list. Also considering an Otus, either 55 or 85. Got any tips for great manual lenses? I’ll be keeping my 50/1.4 Planar and my Batis-pair of 18/2.8 and 135/2.8. All of which I love. B
The Loxia series is considered pretty fabulous, too.
Dustin: Have had the 65mm for a week. Macro is great, very artistic. I bought mine used and there is play at the infinity mark. Has that been your experience?
It really does have beautiful rendering. As for infinity - there's typically a little extra there for thermal expansion. They are making sure the lens can focus all the way to infinity it varying weather conditions.
Hey Dustin Great review as always. I got this lens because this review but when I compare it with my Sony 50mm GM 1.4 when it comes to image quality they are extremely identical the only differences is the lack of autofocus but when it comes to image quality they basically look the same. So I don’t know if I’m going to keep it because it looks just like my 50mm. What is your advice?
If you aren't finding an improvement optically and don't really need the macro portion, then you'll probably end up using your GM lens most of the time anyway.
I recall seeing the otus lenses on Cosina's official Japan site. Seems like all the Zeiss lenses are manufactured there.
That very well may be.
I am starting to watch your channel like it was discovery your presentation and attention to detail is that good. Only one problem you are costing me money Mr. Abbott! Every time I see you start justifying a lens to yourself I know I have to have it. I had a video idea for you frankly for selfish reasons. How about a tutorial on how to best manual focus on the newer A7 bodies. I am sure there are a lot of photographers that are just starting out in an age of AF that could benefit me being one. Thanks
Thanks for the feedback and the suggestion.
Hello Dustin: I watched your manual focusing on a mirrorless camera. When focusing on the 65mm Voigtlander macro the peaking display is distracting. I have the auto magnifier in MF; AF in Focus Mag; and release without lens. It seems when focusing that it takes quite a bit of turning and even with the magnifier auto on, it is not so clear-cut. I am using the Sony a1 which has a great view finder. Also, I was wondering what is the slowest speed you use hand-held. It is a hefty lens - I can feel the shake when pressing on the shutter release. It takes time for me to focus and am not sure if this is a good portrait lens and maybe good for only product and still images.
I know what you mean about peaking. I often prefer just visually confirming focus. The lowest speed I would use handheld would be around 1/50th. Any lower and you run a risk of motion blur.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Oh yeah, I was thinking around 250 or maybe 125 because the weight is like a telephoto lens. Do you find there is more turning to focus with the Voigtlander? And do you find the lens to be less contrast while focusing? This is my first manual lens in about 20 years.
Just came across this review. Thank you Dustin. You are so good at this
I appreciate that!
Thanks for comparing it against the 50mm Planar, as that is exactly the question I wanted to ask in your last video. If you had to choose: this lens or the Planar?
Wow, that's tough since I bought both of them. If you don't have a good 50mm (ish) autofocusing lens and shoot things that would require autofocus, go for the Planar. If you have time to be more deliberate, go for the Voigtländer
Thank you Mr Abbott
110mm F2.5 APO lanthar is coming... I wonder how good it will be!
Very good, I suspect.
I am curious to know what you think of the Voigtlander lens on an APS-C sensor Sony such as the A6500. I don't have a full frame Sony yet, but do have an A6500. I like that focal length on crop-sensor cameras due to the resulting focal length which is useful for portraits as well as macro work. Thanks for your reviews! They really help when considering various pieces of equipment.
I haven't really used it much on the a6500, but have used it quite a bit in crop mode on the a7R3 (which is a similar experience). I actually really like the cropped focal length and image quality.
Wow your video focus is pulsing. What camera are you shooting your video with?
It will say at the end of the episode. I think it was the Sony Zeiss Planar 50mm f/1.4, though, which surprised me as I normally don’t get any pulsing with it.
Excellent reference review 😎😎😎
Thank you.
Why the hell is Voigtländer not making the Apo-Lanthars in other mounts? Leica M? Sony Z? Canon R?
That's a solid question. Hopefully we'll see them expand into other mirrorless systems.
@@DustinAbbottTWI There is a Leica M version of the APO 50 out now!
bokeh from Planar is better or rounder is because of it inherit the good from GM lens. Which is the 11 blades and XA (extreme aspherical) lens.
I do agree on the bokeh quality.
I have the very first batch but rarely to use cause size and weight.
It is very close to Leica 50 apo in my opinion except glow image from Leica so unique.
Thank for nice review.
Have you tried this lens on the Sony a7cR or a75?
Yes to the a7RV. It is still beautifully sharp.
Very good review
Thanks
It would be awfully useful if you stated in the title what mount(s) this lens is for.
That's a valid request, though the long name of this lens leaves little further room in the title.
Dustin, I would like to see you comparing this lens against the Sony 90mm Macro. I find this one to be one of the sharpest lens from sony but for some reason the vast majority of reviewers completely ignore it. Regardless, awesome video and as always way more in depth than any other channel! Carry on the good job!
I'm afraid that won't happen for now, but should I review the Sony, I will have this lens on hand as I went ahead and purchased one.
blog.kasson.com/the-last-word/voigtlander-602-apo-lanthar-loca-focus-shift/ comparison between FE 90 and 65 APO
APO-Lanthar 65mm VS Sigma ART 70 Macro sometimes ?
Yes, I’ll probably throw that comparison into my Sigma 70 ART image quality breakdown.
perfect, and don't forget to test it for landscape or portrait as well... thanks !
What mounts does this lens come in besides E
None, unfortunately.
Hi, I'm getting into manual focus lenses. Can anyone recommend a recent camera with friendly manual focus capabilities?
The Sony a7R3 is my favorite. A lot of MF aids, and one of the best electronic viewfinders in the business.
thank you
A7riii coupled with this voigt is definitely a killer combo (and is in fact what I'm saving up for). On the other hand, if you are just moonlighting with manual, you can pick up a first get a7 used for... idk have not checked prices recently but probably in the 500 to 600 range. The a7RIII is better in a long list of ways, battery life, handling, much better evf, ergonomics, resolution, video capabilities and probably a bunch of other stuff too. That said, it's also five or six times more expensive... and the original a7 can produce very nice imagery and has the same focus aids the a7riii has. Another option is rent ;). I would recommend any a7 body with any native manual lens (e.g. loxia, voigtlander e mount). The focus aid just makes manual lenses a joy to use.
why Ken/ angry photographer doesn't like this lens ??
I actually have no idea. This seems like the kind of lens that he should love.
So that chair will hold 350 pounds - excellent. for plastic! ;)
Let's just say I'm not pushing the limit ;) My wife got me those chairs for my birthday, and I hadn't yet decided if I was going to keep them. I did...and the stickers are now gone.