Search options
Cancel
We can all agree that the Voigtlander APO Lanthar's have a reputation for delivering amazing image quality with virtually no chromatic aberration and insane contrast. This new 28MM Apo Lanthar in M mount, should uphold that standard, offering a compact and optically advanced wide angle solution.
The aperture ring clicks into place with satisfying, positive detents, making it easy to select your desired aperture by feel without even looking away from the viewfinder. However, since this is an M mount lens withoutany coding, these values are not transmitted to the camera for recording.
The engraved markings, filled with paint, are clear and durable. In many ways, the tactile experience of handling this lens rivals, and in some aspects, even surpasses that of its much more expensive Leica counterparts. While Leica lenses are undeniably masterworks of craftsmanship, Voigtlander's latest APO Lanthar series seems to have taken a page from that same playbook, delivering a product that feels every bit as robust and refined. This is a lens that inspires confidence the moment you pick it up. This level of refined construction really enhances the shooting experience.
Well done Voigtlander !!!
Throw the Voigtlander M to Z adapter with the ability to focus even closer, and now you have even greater subject isolation.
This particular image was shot t F2.8
This is where the APO designation truly shines. Unlike some wide angle lenses that can exhibit busy or harsh out of focus areas, particularly with high contrast backgrounds or specular highlights, the 28mm APO delivers a remarkably smooth and creamy blur. There's an absence of distracting chromatic aberration around highlights, a testament to its apochromatic correction. Thus, "APO" in the product name really means something. Point light sources, often a tell tale sign of less refined bokeh, are rendered as soft, evenly illuminated circles, thanks in part to the 12 blade aperture diaphragm which maintains a round shape even when slightly stopped down. The transition from in focus to out of focus areas is gradual and pleasing, avoiding abrupt cut offs that can make a subject appear pasted onto the background.
Beyond resolution, what truly elevates the 28mm APO's image quality is its superb contrast. The images it produces have a pop, with deep, rich blacks and vibrant, yet natural, colors. The absence or near elimination of chromatic aberrations means that fine details retain their integrity and color purity, even at points of high contrast. There's no distracting color fringing to muddy edges or reduce sharpness. This high micro contrast is key to making subjects stand out with a crispness that is truly delightful.
As soon as I get a chance to truly use this lens without time constraints, I will update this posting with images taken with the M11 higher resolution sensor which will offer even better cropping opportunities.