Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 50mm F2 Definitive Review 4K
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- Опубликовано: 20 ноя 2024
- Build and Handling: 01:55 | Manual Focus Observations 08:37 | Image Quality: 09:45 | Conclusion 17:25 | Photographer Dustin Abbott shares a review of the Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 50mm F2 lens for Sony FE. | Read the text review: bit.ly/APO50Re... | Visit the Image Gallery: bit.ly/APO50ig | Purchase the Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 50mm F2 @ B&H Photo bhpho.to/2WcYgId | Amazon amzn.to/3c6hwMV | Amazon Canada amzn.to/2WEA2Wm | Ebay bit.ly/APO50mmDA
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Keywords: Voigtlander, Voigtländer, APO-Lanthar, 50mm f2 Voigtlander 50mm Review, Voigtlander 50mm f2, Review, Dustin Abbott, Voigtlander 50mm f/2 Nokton, Voigtländer 50mm, Voigtländer 50, FE, Sony, a7R3, a7RIII, Sample Images, Video Test, RUclips, Comparison, Sharpness, Video, Zeiss, Sony a7RIII, Sony A7RIV, Sony a7R IV, Sony a9, Hands On, Video Test, Portrait, Video, Sharpness, Real World, Comparison 
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Thank you Dustin! I (very reluctantly) sold the 65mm for this. Like you, I loved the color and sharpness from the 65, but found it to be a little cumbersome as a casual walk around lens. The 50mm is just so good is so many areas. Color, size, optical quality... it’s always on my a7RIII.
I do understand the portability issue. It comes down to what your priority is and how you use a lens.
how would you compare the performance of the two lenses?
While the photography world has been obsessed with the megapixel war, and auto focus speeds, Voigtländer has quietly been making some of the best lenses in the world, the kind that have look, and feel, of old school lenses, and classic look of what a lens should look like....Leica performance at 1/5 the price. Yes they are manual focus, all I can say is learn your trade. Not sure why Voigtländer has been on such a streak but they have really moved to top of the lens making art, anyone who takes photography seriously and is seeking the highest quality images has to be thinking of adding Voigtländer to their lens collection.
This is a solid take.
I'm going to go broke watching these Voightlander reviews.. Thanks again for you excellent work. And many more blessings may God bestow on you and your family.
LOL - they are addictive little dudes
Best lens reviewer on RUclips!
I don't shoot Sony but I do always seem to find one nugget of wisdom in Dustin's videos.
That’s great to hear.
Always was curious to see your review of this beautiful small lens! I actually got to play with both the 65 and 50 and liked both. Ended up sorta just swaying more towards the 50 at the end but the 65 is still on my mind. The images I've shot with the 50 have been breathtaking though. It has just incredible optics for landscape photos that I use it for a lot, and panoramas. It makes me miss the sigma 40 1.4 art lens that I am not 100% sure of wanting to own again for now trying to keep my gear on lighter side. Thanks for the review!
This is a nice compromise if you want to travel small and light for landscapes.
Very nice review. I really appreciate your mix of technical data and "how does this behave in the real world" examples. Thanks. My 50 is about to be shipped. Can't wait.
Thank you so much, Dustin! I'm really glad you managed to get a copy that fast.
I share your thoughts on this lens. I currently have the 65mm and I'm considering replacing it with the 50. But I keep thinking about the macro capabilities of the 65, which comes in handy in some situations. The size and weight of the 50mm are very attractive though, and I think it has a slightly smoother rendering. Also the aperture design of the 50mm, which gives perfectly circular bokeh balls at f2 and f2.8 is very attractive. It's a hard decision 😭.
It is that.
Yasser Sultan
Yeah, I had to make this decision, too. I went for the 50mm, as that focal length is more attractive to me. I will do a bit of street-, architecture- and landscape photography with it. But as I also like to get up close at times, I paired it with the Voigtländer 110mm as well. I haven’t received them just yet, but I’m really excited to try them out. I would have loved the 65mm as well, but I can’t justify getting all three. Now I’m saving up for something wider, probably their 21mm
f/1.4 offering, which will replace my Zeiss Batis 18mm (the Batis doesn’t resolve as much on the Sony a7R IV, and I don’t want to get a zoom). I hope to see a redesigned 15mm or a Loxia 15mm soon as well. But if they won’t release a proper 15mm, I will have to get the Sigma 14-24mm for the 14mm. No 14-15mm lens are worth to mount on the Sony a7R IV for the FE mount except the Sigma, but I want a full manual kit.
Carbon 6 this sounds like a great setup.. Most likely I will get the 50mm as well.
Have you considered the Loxia 21mm? It's a great lens.
Yasser Sultan
Hi Yasser.
I only just saw your comment now. Yes, I have considered the Loxia. The Voigtländer 21mm f/1.4, however, suffers less from field curvature, costs about the same if not a bit less and got a faster aperture (doesn’t matter for most of my use but is a plus). Even though both would be near perfect to resolve the sensor of the Sony a7R IV, I sometimes want something wider as well. That’s why I’m considering the Sigma 14-24mm. But the ultra wide angle zooms tend to be only excellent at the wider end, while being just good to very good at the longer end. That is true with both the Sigma, Tamron and both Sony 16-35mms, which bothers me, as I will probably mostly use around 21mm but also want that 14-16mm for a bit of architecture and landscapes. I just don’t want to buy both. I rather get a compact 15mm, but the current 15mm offerings don’t really resolve that much of the a7R IV. Maybe I will just get the Sigma for now and wait. I’m mostly in to street and architecture, but I also love landscape photography when I get the chance to travel. Just a hobbyist after all. Sometimes I also consider selling both of my Voigtländers to get the Voigtländer 65mm and a 35mm lens. I would save a bit of money, and it would be nice to have just 1 AF lens for street photography as well. Maybe just the new 35mm f/1.8. It might not be the sharpest wide open, but I mostly stop down anyway
Carbon 6 Choosing a kit that works for all situations is very challenging. I agree with you that the 1.4 is better than 2.8. I almost always used my Loxia 21mm stopped down to 5.6 or smaller until I had to shoot some historical sites in Egypt handheld at night. I had to use the widest aperture to get decent images. F2 would have been even better.
And yes, several times I found the 21mm very limiting. I'm seriously considering replacing the Loxia 21mm with the 16-35mm gm or the Sigma, but it's really hard to part with the Loxia. It's just a very special lens. I wish I could justify owning both 😂. Anyway, good luck making a decision :)
Hi Dustin - The lens hood design I think is just part of the modern, still retro look that Voigtlander consistently applying in all their recent lenses. The respective Loxia series` design is far more practical, although both lenses are made by the same company. Also their optical design are drastically different, the Voigtlander being the state of the art modern, perfectionalist, while the Loxia 50/2 the traditional, less perfect, however more Zeiss-charactered planar optical design. I am glad that you tested this lens and can comment your preference towards this high lens element near perfect design, or the low lens element count Zeiss planar design.
Hi Zollie, if is a matter of tradition with the hoods, that's a bad decision. They can have both function and form. As for the Loxia - I prefer the Voigtlander in every way optically save the bokeh, which I think favors the Loxia.
Thank you very much for the fine review of the Apo Lanthar 50mm. I was thinking to also get the 50mm f2 Apo Lanthar, but I already own the 65mm Apo Lanthar. After watching your review I also had the impression that that the 50mm Apo Lanthar is "only" almost as good as the 65mm f2. Therefore I think now, that probably the Voigtlander 50mm 1.2 Nokton is the more interesting option for me. It is definitively not as extremely sharp and well corrected, but the images of the Nokton have a more artistic vintage look, that I like a lot. I also read that the bokeh of the Nokton is probably also a bit smoother.
I think that is a solid take.
Hey Dustin! Which lens is closer in image quality to the Otus 1.4 55mm, the Voigtlander APO Lantar 2/50mm or the Sony 1.4/50 GM? Thanks in advance for your answer!
That's an interesting question with no good answer. The GM is the closest in terms of sharpness and aperture, while the Voigt has a more similar "look" I would say.
You missed two design features of the aperture that are unique to this lens. First, the reason for what you called the “saw tooth” effect of the aperture is that it is perfectly round at both f/2.0 and f/2.8 (but not in between). Second, there is a clutch that allows the aperture to be switched to clickless without even removing the lens from the camera.
At f2 (fully open) there the blades are "active"? If not, that should indeed be round anyway I thought. Interesting that You say that Voightlander's design here, just at f2.8, is designed to produce perfectly round shape ? Interesting. I will search. I certainly find that this thought however, if a principle, should have been worked out to extend down to say just before f8 or 11 (such closed when against the sun will as now privilege sun-star over smooth bokeh that is not going to happen anyway that closed).
The clutch is awesome. Pity they touted about it how they invested to this achievement with the 65mm but then did not implement this investment later in the 40mm f1.2 witch came after.
(but I might be ignoring or getting things wrong so far.)
@@AR-vf7vg they are releasing a new e mount 40 1.2 i think
@@AR-vf7vg the blades are rounded partially so that f2 and f2.8 have a more pleasing bokeh. The effect is minimal IMHO but I am not fit to judge bokeh with my shooting style. :) You can see these notches a few times in Dustin's video.
Hi Sean - where is the clutch located? I certainly didn't see it while physically inspecting the lens. I did demonstrate the diaphragm shape at different apertures and mentioned that the effect is less obvious on this lens than other Voigtlanders.
AR - I'm not sure that @Sean's comment is entirely true. The blades are still straight, and that is irrelevant when the aperture is wide open as the blades are not yet visible. The higher blade count means that the aperture is rounder than typical (for Voigtlander) at F2.8, but after that point the straight blades do make themselves visible.
Dustin, thanks for another great and valuable review! Do you use for your reviews with the Sony camera mechanical shutter ONLY, or electronic front curtain shutter or electronic shutter (silent)? I am asking that because of the rather beautiful bokeh you show with this lens which can be achieve with mechanical shutter only, BUT may look different (more contrast) with the electronic front curtain shutter which is the default setting with Sony cameras....?
ALSO, the beautiful colors with this Voigtlaender lens is that achieved because they use lead containing glass?
I don't know the answer to the second question, though as to the first, I think this gets a little oversold. I've tested with and without EFCS a number of times, and, while there is a difference, it is so minute as to be only visible side by side.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks Dustin for your answer, as I too feel the whole issue with the EFCS is pushed a bit too much....though I too can see with the sony a6500 that there are bokeh differences depending on the use of the EFCS or mechanical shutter.
This lens makes perfect sens on a Leica M, knowing that the 2/50mm Apo/Asph Leica is 7 times this price. This one could be the perfect option for the M10r I'm looking for. Thanks a lot Dustin for this review and take care.
Marc from Paris.
My pleasure.
Thank you Dustin. I've spent days trying to choose between this lens and the 1.4 planar T that I've owned before and loved. Now I've seen this I really can't decide. Taking AF out of the equation what one do you prefer please?
I'm partial to this one because of the great look of images, but know that this lens and the Planar T have completely different personalities. This one is very sharp and high contrast, while the Planar has a more dreamy wide open rendering.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank you Dustin for taking the time to reply. I respect your reviews and opinion.
I have totally opposite preference regarding the lens hood, I just LOVE those Voigtlander screw on hood I can keep it on the lens all the time and at the same time I can screw on the filter when I need it, I just treat the hood as part of the lens itself and it never come off. Now comparing to the Loxia lens hood design, I own 5 Voigtlander E-Mount and 3 Loxia total, and I really hate Zeiss lens hood, it the click never actually locks it in place, as well as it's overall design wit the over size focusing ring with no place on the lens for you to hold on to, makes it a pain to mount and unmount the lens, while the Loxia hood is reversible but it's so easy to come lose and never really stay firm on the lens, so I really hate that, and on the contrast, the hood on the Voigtlander 35 F2 APO screws in, and will never come off, nice and firm and I can put a filter in front whenever I need to, just beautiful beautiful design and super practical, so I wish Voigtlander never change this " good design" for any of their future release. different personal preference obviously.
I totally agree with your comments of this lens kind of reminds me the Zeiss Otus, but only at a fraction of the cost , size and weight. actually the 65 really really does that, it's a really that good of lens really.
Some great feedback here.
Dustin, did this have a hard stop at infinity focus or is the hard stop about 5mm past the infinity mark on the lens? I bought one (Nikon Mount), and it goes past infinity, which is disappointing for a lens with APO corrections ideal for landscape photography.
I'm sorry, but I can't recall that. I've reviewing probably 150 lenses since then!
Finally, there it is ;-). Thanks for this great review!
My pleasure!
I didn’t think I needed a lens at the moment, but….now. Now, I need this lens. Whew. Can’t stop watching reviews on it ! Time to hit the piggy bank ! Hahaha
It is a lovely lens, optically.
Thanks Dustin, and thanks Adam for loaning Dustin your lens (now following on IG :) I had heard about this 50mm when I was in Japan early last year, but in the end found and fell in love with the 40mm f1.2, which i commented on in that review, but of course, gear being gear and me not owning a 50mm for my A7R3, I was wondering about the 50mm...so it's great to have your review. Fortunately I also now have the 65mm f2 macro, which as you say is very versatile, and beautiful, colour-wise so I feel very lucky. I'm now thinking about a wide, bright option from Voigtlander, any recommendations?
Hmmm, a lot of their really wide lenses are not particularly bright.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Understood. Maybe I'm better off looking for Sony native e.g. 24mm GM? I like the smaller form factor (Sigma primes are often large and heavy), but brightness would be cool, and I don't need AF necessarily.
Great review and detailed analysis. If anything I could ask more of, would be a bit of comparison to many of 50mm contenders. Sony 50mm f1.4 is a fantastically sharp lens weighs 800g, voigtlander's 50mm f1.2 is a beast of its own at mid focus distance in the middle of frame at F1.2; Samyang's excellent 45mm f1.8 is more compact but lacks the build and feel; pity this lens can not be mounted on L mount, I personally would love to carry Sigma FP with this lens. Some say this lens is right up there with Leica 50mm Summicron APO. Theoretically this can even be adapted to Nikon Z mount, gives another option alongside the also highly regarded 50mm F1.8s Z lens.
Hi Frank - the problem with endless comparisons is that the review is already over 20 minutes long and would quickly be over 30 minutes long.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I didn't mean to ask endless comapriaon. I think it comes down to what the most valuable information you decide to put into your review within the time restraint. Which lens is the closest contender for potential buyers in your opinion? And how does this APO50mm compare?
Am I the only person who usually uses Manual Focus even when I have autofocus? The only time I love Sony’s autofocus is when I’m filming myself or in situations with a lot of movement. I would love to have the entire collection of Voigtlander lenses for Sony E. I own a few but really would like to grab a few of these APO-Lanthar ones, will do when I save up!
I rarely use AF lenses manually unless needed, but I do enjoy a well executed MF lens like these Voigtlander.
If you have the Leica 50mm APO F2, should you still consider Voigtlander 50mm f/2 VM ASPH APO-Lanthar Lens for Leica M?
Unfortunately I don't test Leica, so I don't personally have the answer to that question.
How would you compare this lens to the Voigtlander 50 f1. Just in terms of image quality. I am trying to decide between those two lenses.
I don't think I've tested that lens, so I can't give you a good response.
Come here since I’m considering this lens but on vm mount so I can use it with techart
Hope this helps a bit.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Well, got it, on fe. What a wonderful lens. I put it side by side with the gm, equally sharp , but it render color most beautifully .. to my eyes. A keeper.
Optical performance and rendering considered, how would you compare it to the Zeiss Sony 50 1.4 ZA? I do a fair amount of monochrome conversions and realize that the APO designation helps with micro contrast and clarity of image when doing so.
I really like the Planar 50mm. I just released a long term review of it today, though you are talking about two completely different sizes of lenses.
Hi Dustin and thank you for the hard work you put in to these lens reviews. I much prefer these reviews in one video rather than spread over three videos. Even if they are long it wouldn't bother me. You say that the Voigtlander 65mm APO is your favorite Voigtlander lens. I just wondered what your actual favorite lens is? Cheers
That's a very tough question. I USE the practical lenses the most (macro lenses like the Canon 100L, Tamron 28-75, a 70-200 F2.8). Probably my favorite non-practical lens would be the Zeiss Otus 100mm F1.4. Favorite budget lens is the Samyang AF 85mm F1.4. Favorite vintage lens is the SMC Takumar 50mm F1.4
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank you so much.
Hello :) Is it still not an option for you to get a test piece of upcoming 35mm APO Lanthar? Best regards
Not that I know of. I *might* be able to source one from B&H, but at great expense to myself even for a loaner. I have to pay the duties on the lens even though I don't keep it.
I have the 58 1.4 adapted to Z6 and would LOVE an APO version made for my Z camera ☺
That would be nice!
Hey, I love your review. You're quite thorough with the testing. I was wondering if you could review the three new Sony prime lenses (24mm, 40mm, and 50mm)? Also, I would be interested to hear your thoughts in comparing the Voigtlander 50mm f2 to the new Sony G 50mm prime. I'm most interested in the optical quality. Thanks
I do plan to review them all at some point.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Much appreciated
Dustin -- your reviews are incredible as always. Can you review the Nokton 35mm 1.2 SE (for e-mount)? Of all the Voigtlanders, I want to grab this one, but don't see many reviews of them online.
Thanks for the nice feedback. It's actually difficult for me to get Voigtlander loaners. There's no distributer here in Canada, so I've often done Voigtlander reviews after 1) having bought a lens or 2) while traveling in the US. In this case a viewer actually sent me their lens to review.
First I find an f/2 manual focus lens I can nail focus more consistently. I shoot live music so there is the performers movement and mine to account for . And for the screw on lens hoods . I have ditched them for using a stepup ring to 72 , 77 and even 86 mm. Then add a collapsible rubber lens hood . I really like the Mamiya ones best.
Thought I’d add the larger rubber lens hoods have helped me keep my fingers out of the picture when focusing. I tend to do this on compact lenses 50mil and under . FYI
Interesting feedback.
Thanks Adam!
Is it a bad decision to buy this lens if I already have a zoom lens with this focal length?
I don't think so. I'm pretty sure there are some serious advantages to this lens optically over your zoom, and if you just want this focal length, it is surely smaller as well.
@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you for responding!
Many thanks Dustin! appreciate it! any chance if you could also make a review on Voigtlander 35mm f1.2 SE for Sony?
Perhaps in the future. My access to Voigtlander lenses is limited as they don’t really have distribution in Canada.
Can we compared this APO-Lanthar to sigma 45 mm F2.8? where compare image quality and colors?
I don't have either lens for comparison, so I won't be able to do that.
Cheers to Adam and Dustin!
Thanks
Thanks for the informative video and just FYI IRIX just released a 45mm f 1.4 I hope you get a chance to review that lens also thanks again Dustin 🇨🇦
I suspect that I'll hear from Irix before long.
Dustin Abbott Look forward to your review
I hope you’ve done this for the 35 APO too🙏🏿 Great review!
Unfortunately no. I have no access to a loaner right now.
one thing about weather sealing is that it reduces the durability (tough factor) since you need to incorporate NON metal parts! All metal has a lot of appeal!
Where are you getting the data that weather sealing reduces durability. I don't think that's true, as there are plenty of weather sealed Canon L series lenses that have been around for decades. I've never heard that particular claim before.
How would you rate the focus breathing on this lens?
I really didn't focus enough on that to give you a fair assessment. I'm more of a photography than videography guy.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Fair enough. Thanks for the reply. Always enjoy your reviews!
@@DustinAbbottTWI Hi Dustin, it's definitely worth testing focus breathing in future reviews as I find this information very useful for photography. If the breathing is high it can be very frustrating trying to frame portraits at close focus distances. It's super easy and quick to test, just close the aperture right down to say f/16, go somewhere with plenty of light (e.g. outside) hit record and swing the focus from MFD to infinity. The new Sony 35mm 1.4 GM for example has extremely high breathing to the point where it's practically a Zoom lens.
Hope you're well,kKeep up the great work! :-)
Excellent review thank you so much! Cheers from Nashville, Tennessee 👍
Glad it was helpful!
I have to say that the Zeiss Loxia is probably the best looking lens for the Sony mirrorless system. That blue circle ring is just gorgeous when mounted on the camera
No arguments here. They are beautiful little lenses.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Wesker Gao has provided an excellent segue to what I have to say. Based on your excellent reviews and beautiful images, Dustin, I prefer the Loxia to the Voigtländer by the slimmest of margins. Between f/2.8 and f/11, the Loxia is more than sharp enough for my purposes as a carry lens (i.e., with no tripod). What sets the Loxia apart is its color rendering. The Voigtländer is excellent in that regard too, but the Loxia's color palette, based on your images alone, is a little more delicate and slightly warmer, at least to my eye. When the Voigtländer captures strong light and vibrant subject color, the effect is quite intense and mesmerizing, something I've seen online with Matt Osborne's (aka, MrLecia) images. Besides, I've just ordered two Sigma Art lenses (the 28mm f/1.4 and 40mm f/1.4), which are plenty sharp enough wide open. To that list, I will be adding the Voigtländer 65mm f/2. So, in that line up, the Loxia will balance out the other lenses, I think.
Ur quick with it my man! You are the most consistent photo RUclips for lenses. Between this and the Otus 💯 which one? Life or death here haha
Josh Jones
If you do anything but specific portraiture, where you might want a shallower depth of field, a wider aperture and generally a slightly more corrected lens, I would go for the Voigtländer 50mm f/2. But even if so, the Voigtländer is right up there, almost rivaling the Otus. It’s a native third party lens for the FE mount, so you don’t have to fumble around with an adapter, it’s a lot cheaper, nearly as beautifully made and generally a lot smaller, lighter and more compact. It’s made by Cosina like most Zeiss lenses after all. That’s why they so many characteristics in common. It’s one of the sharpest lenses on the Sony FE mount, also on the Sony a7R IV. The top performers are the GM 24mm, GM 135mm, all the APO Voigtländers; 50mm f/2, 65mm f/2, 110mm f/2, telephoto primes and so on. As can be understood, most of them are short telephotos to telephotos and mostly used for portraits and wildlife, but can easily be used for other aspects as well. For instance, I just ordered this, and I have considered several Otus and Milvus lenses, but I can’t justify their cost to performance over modern Voigtländer and Zeiss offerings on the Sony FE mount. I will probably pair the 50mm with the 110mm. I generally don’t like using adapters, as it simply doesn’t give the same physical flow, the balance is very odd and it takes up a lot of space. It’s really among the top performers on the FE mount, tested on the Sony a7R IV. So, like I mentioned at the start, I would go for the Voigtländer any day if I focus on photographing any aspect of photography beside unique portraiture or really in need of a wider aperture. But even if portraits, it is incredible, but you might want that little extra punch and wider aperture for portraits. But you could, like me, pair up the 50mm with the 110mm for portraits, if portraits is your thing. If you do anything from landscapes, architecture, streets, hiking and travelling, family shoots (an AF lens would be better for moving subjects) and what not, I would go for the Voigtländer. It’s questionable when it comes to wedding photography. Again, that’s on you.
Carbon 6 :) Thanks, its just not better than the otus though. Adapting 100mm to A7rIV isn’t that bad. And quality headshots is what I do. I have the 85 Otus and 135 gm with A7RIV. I like it weighty
I definitely would not say this is "better" than the Otus (that isn't true), but my point in the review was that it shared some characteristics with the Otus in terms of contrast and color saturation. If you already own the 85mm Otus and the 135GM, it seems like a 35mm might be a nice complimentary focal length. The Sigma 35mm F1.2 ART might be an option for you, or, if you want to adapt, the 35mm F1.4 Milvus is an amazing bit of glass.
Josh Jones
I never stated that it’s better, but that it reaches basically the same results when you do anything where you mostly will stop down a bit, like landscapes or architecture. I know that this can be said with most lenses, but that isn’t true to the same degree when you reach higher resolution. Most lenses will simply not reach the excellent to outstanding results, even stopped down. I’m certain that the Otus offerings and most of the Milvus offerings will. Luckily, we can reach those results with compact primes from Zeiss and Voigtländer for the FE mount as well.
The Otus is in it’s own class if you want that punch wide open, which you probably want in many cases for your work, as you do portraiture. I mostly stop down for landscapes and architecture, so I don’t need that extra bit. The Voigtländer 50mm is perfect for me for its optical performance stopped down and size and weight. It’s also phenomenal wide open and totally fine for me. But I certainly see the worth in the Otus lenses. I just can’t justify them for my work, and I will have more similiar focal lengths than different, which bothers me a lot.
I usually don’t care too much if the lens is light or heavy, but it’s always a bonus when walking around streets or hiking. I just don’t like the flow of the physical design when adapting lenses from different systems, especially not big ones (telephotos for the same mount are an exception, as you can’t really get away with it, especially not in the 300mm+ range). Speaking of that, I just ordered the Sony 200-600mm. I care a lot about this “flow”, and that’s one of the reasons I don’t want to adapt lenses, even though there are some exceptional offerings. If I were to use DSLR lenses, I would want a DSLR. The flow between the camera and the lenses, and the ergonomics just flow better together. It’s not the weight itself that bothers me but the flow that I mentioned. The combination just doesn’t look as slick with an adapter, and even though the Zeiss lenses have some of the most beautiful designs, in my opinion, I think they look ridiculous on Sony, at least the non-native ones. Generally speaking, I think Canon bodies look more slick than Sony bodies.
So if it wasn’t for my budget and it being somewhat bothersome to manually focus on DSLRs, even with focusing screens, I would have two systems; a Canon DSLR with Milvus and Otus lenses, and even sone L lenses, and a Sony mirrorless with compact Loxia and Voigtländer lenses. But as I stop down anyway, and as I lose a lot of mirrorless features, I would rather go for the Sony a7R IV like you, and pile up on some compact Zeiss, Voigtländer and what not offerings that are perfect optically for my use and have incredible constructions as well. Maybe one or two AF lenses in case as well.
But if I did portraits or if money was no object, I would have a totally different mindset, so I totally see why you would want the Otus or Milvus, for that matter. I’m however excited to see what lenses Zeiss and Voigtländer will bring in the feature for the FE mount and even the RF mount.
Like Dustin commented, I would pick up a 35mm to pair with the 85mm and 135mm. If you are in love with Zeiss and Voigtländer glass, I would go for the Milvus 35mm f/1.4. There are no great 35mm options on the FE mount that takes advantage of the sensor of the Sony a7R IV over the Sony a7R III expect the Sigma 35mm f/1.2 or perhaps adapting the Canon 35mm f/1.4L II or Milvus 35mm f/1.4. But I think the Sigma might be just a touch sharper wide open, and, again, the flow is just better with native lenses. It also has a slightly faster aperture (1/3 of a stop). But since the “flow” that I mentioned earlier doesn’t bother you nearly as much me, and since you already have a fantastic Zeiss lens adapted, I would go for the Milvus. It can be found for just a bit more than the Sigma when doing a bit of research. The images, build and handling are just different from Zeiss and Voigtländer offerings and worth it to me. I would love those Zeiss lenses as well, but I don’t need that fast apertures, and as a simple student, enjoying a hobby, I can’t collect a whole series of Otus lenses. Maybe one day, hehe. Or maybe future RF Zeiss offerings if that will happen.
I do, however, know a lot about lenses and try my best to save up for such lenses. I want my collection to be consistent like yours. I’m going for some more Voigtländer lenses for the FE mount and some Loxia lenses as well soon, as the Loxia 21mm, maybe Loxia 35mm, Voigtländer 110mm Macro APO and maybe more.
Good luck with your decision and enjoy!
Dustin Abbott thanks guys
I know Voigtlander doesn’t ship with a lens hood. Would that work on a Leica mount version?
I'm not sure I understand your question, and, to my knowledge, Voigtlander lenses do always ship with a hood.
@@DustinAbbottTWI on both the 35 and 50 Voigtlander apo from BH I didn’t get a lens hood.
Honestly I almost thought you had a Takumar lens at first. Looks very similar.
Would not be surprised if they took a Takumar lens and simply copied it in certain aspects...
Definitely some physical resemblance, though this lens is a whole different animal optically.
Voigtlander colors better then Sony 35 1.4 gm?
That's a tough question. I would say probably, but not by a big margin.
Great review, thanks. My biggest gripe is that with the 65, what I need is an APO-Lanther 40mm. Or perhaps a 35mm. I prefer 65 to 50 but would like something wide. It would be sweet to have 40/65/110 in my kit for my A7RIV. The existing 40 isn't cut from the same cloth as these.
I do agree that a wider APO lens from them would be nice.
Doll Hausen , Perhaps You have a lemon 40 f1.2 ? lol.
Because in my opinion that lens surprises always. Just as I know some are not amazed. Hence I'm wondering if there are surprisingly copy-disparities? Surly if compared then should be compared @ smaller/equal than at f2.8 exclusively; it is stunning in it's own right between f4 and 11. Then the glow (keeping sharp and great macro-contrast) at 1.7 and wider is "just" a plus-bonus that myself I would never trade in for an other MF 40mm f2 or similar non-Nocton. It's a mood creator. I dedicate the V65 for best respecting Artwork in reproductions, rarely for inspirational wandering (surly best though to other's!), for me only sometimes doubles usefulness for specific portraits (but I prefer eye-AF capable lenses Planar 50 and DN 85 and DN f1.2 35, just me. ) But every-day discreet carry and quality multi-talent - nothing for now beets the V.MF 40mm f1.2 40mm for me (despite no AF. ..or perhaps the M version with Techart-AF adapter ?)
@@AR-vf7vg I never bought the 40. After seeing a bunch of reviews on it and various tests I decided against it. Further shooting made me realize that a 35mm was what I needed. I've been shooting with a Contax 35mm and am no longer looking for a new lens. Well, if Voigt released a 35mm APO I would buy it, but I'm fine with what I have.
Well, they recently announced one, so I think you're in good hands.
I will pick up mine tomorrow. 😅😅😅
What is the use case for a manual focus 50mm lens on a Sony body? I see it for wide, ultra wide or macro. Not criticizing, just not getting it...
I do deal with that a bit in the review, but there are those that prefer manual focus, for one, but also for video work a good manual focus lens easily surpasses any autofocus lens for controlling focus and focus throws.
@@DustinAbbottTWI You did talk about it briefly and thank you for the reply. I am more of a stills shooter, so I guess that's where my comment was coming from. It looks like a great lens but I was wondering what my reason would be for adding it to my kit. Thanks again...
Hi John! I do own both AF and MF native lenses for the Sony EF mount. First I thought that the only justification of using a MF lens was IQ, but then recognized that I was wrong.
With a bit of a practice and except some particular applications (esp. fast moving objects) the effective time to focus (till precise focus is obtained on the right spot intended) is neither relevant, nor particularly shorter with most of the AF lenses. Then the lack of AF feature typically drives size, weight, complexity down while durability, process control and sense of quality up. The chance of getting back in control of the photography process - as opposed to point & shoot and then realize if missed the moment - is quite a remarkable one using MF lenses and leads to the slightly faded "hand craftsmanship" and "creation" joyful experience.
So by now, I am not wondering why folks are using MF lenses a lot more often and major lens manufacturers keep issuing new MF lenses.
I hope this gives a bit of a flavor for the MF lens use cases.
Excellent Review, thanks!
Very welcome!
is the 35mm f2 apo review coming?
I'm afraid not. Voigtlander has no Canadian distribution, so I only do Voigtlander reviews if I have bought the lens myself, borrowed it while in the US, or, in this case, had it sent to me by a viewer.
@@DustinAbbottTWI ahh that's too bad, but from what I've read online about the lens, I bet you'd love it!!!
Based on coma performance I've heard it could be a potential Astro lens
That’s probably true. I tend to test coma more on wide angle lenses, so I don’t think I tested that.
@@DustinAbbottTWI it apparently has none as well as minimal aberrations. I actually shoot 35 and 50 astro occasionally
Mr A this or the Loxia?
Tough question. I'd probably lean towards this lens.
What do you think of the Voigtlander 35mm APO LANTHAR?
Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to test it.
What I appreciate about the Voigtlander lenses are they able to render a very "natural" colour to their pics.
I would have loved to pic this lens up but i already have a 50mm :(
That's exactly right.
What GRIP IS THAT PLEASE
It's from SmallRig. You can find a review on my channel
Should be compared against the Summicron 50mm APO
Hi Ted, if you watched the review, then you know that the only reason I reviewed it at all was because someone loaned it to me. I don't have an endless supply of lenses on hand to compare to.
@@DustinAbbottTWI the Leica blows it out the water…
"Just for fun"; say at just only f2 (bokeh) and f8 : where is the quick
comparison with the Sony Planar 50mm f1.4 that You have, and that thanks
to Your glowing recommendations we all have come to take as a reference
(I know it's AF but also very good MF, and it is bigger and costlier
when new) ?
Of course it does make a lot of sense to compare it to the 65mm (thank
You really very much for doing so) !
But getting so close to that comparison opportunity, by You, and not
having it... what spoiled I am to miss that here :-(
( BTW We could remind Voightlander" that we can resort to (for instance
rubber) sunshades by third party manufacturers, of course that would be
mean. I wholeheartedly admire the wording of criticism regarding the absence of weather-sealing - But I think "we"
really should question Voightlander about their politics of doing all sorts of blade designs -
all but rounded (convex-bulging, or perhaps even better : rounded but
becoming strait by say f8-22.) :-(
Thank You very much for this review !
You're welcome. I do have those points of comparison, but if you compare to too many options, the reviews become untenable in length.
@@DustinAbbottTWI oh geee..and nobody pressing You to publish this... Please make a mini-mini apendum-video without text to keep it short -for these few extreemists among us such will feel even extra appealing ;-)
sonyalpha.blog/2019/11/10/which-lenses-to-maximise-the-potential-of-the-sony-a7riv/
A R: This is a good source of such benchmark data and you can also find comparative details between Sony Zeiss planar 50/1.4, Sony Zeiss 55/1.8 and Voigt 50/2 lenses.
Does Dustin compare it to the CV 50 1.2 is this vid?
No - I haven't used the 50mm F1.2
11:50 ISO 200... how about shooting at base ISO to make it even sharper?
Oh... here is a pro....
Habe you ever heard of the iso ability of the sony cameras?!
@@wanjamantel665 hey, I have an A7RIV and I know what I'm talking about. to get the most - shoot at base ISO(100) or stfu, no matter which camera u have
That lens hood design is a big NO for me think I'll opt for the 50mm loxia
The Loxia wins for compactness, but the Voigtlander is a bit stronger optically.
Anyone else want this Sony to make a VA APO line of lenses with sealing and AF? The APO-Lanthar line of lenses is absolutely impressive, but unless Sony comes up with a MF aide that doesn't destroy your ability to compose while shooting I can't see myself buying one. Too bad the nearest equivalent via the APO Summicrons comes in at $5k D:
Maybe we can have Voigtlander design the lens for the rx1r iii? Heh heh, don't bother telling me-I know it's not coming out.
For Manual-Focus aid there are the zoom-in options and also focus-peaking options in the A7/9..
Ok; perhaps You don't like them - but above witch other solution ? (I guess You mean perhaps Canon's solution in their new Mirrorless - but You don't say.)
Just APO alone could mean more prone to onion rings, At least I think that was often the consequence. So I could imagine that some lenses have APO results but that it is better sometimes to not labele them as such? I think the GM label wants to make forget the APO notion as these "despite superior" sharpness keep color aberrations very low but low also the onion-ring in the bokeh-balls. So now an APO-line would have to pretend to be sharper than GM... GM-APO ?
I do agree that Canon's new Focus Guide is my favorite MF aid. I look forward to getting both Focus Guide and IBIS in the R5.
@@DustinAbbottTWI R5... first time I look back to my Canon years. Indeed looks like THE dreambody that should merely come know as a Mark 2 :-) But for me financially out of question to envisage - unless my FE "collection " glas' can be adapted lossless to RF (?) .
(Until then such MF-aid updated options to Sony's will perhaps be (and new bodies also)..available lol
3:50 it is not the "same" thread! 49mm vs 52mm
Ok boomer
MacBook Maximum
???
are you sure this is truth in description? "Photographer Dustin Abbott shares a review of the Voigtländer Nokton 40mm F1.2 lens for Sony FE" ?
That's been edited ;)
The difference between f/2 and f/5.6 is so small. I love lenses you can shoot wide open and pay next to no price for it.
(I -for one- dont undersand Your points.)
It's true that there is little difference optically between the two aperture values - you get great performance wide open.
Nice review thanks, apart from your unreasonable moan and personal lens hood preference.
Unreasonable moan?
@@DustinAbbottTWI Yes, screw in lens hoods are not the most convenient but are also not uncommon. I have two Voightlander lenses and find little to criticise in either. Olympus lenses often don’t even come with lens hoods.
Thanks, Adam!