Voigtlander 50mm APO vs 50mm f/1.0

[Beau]

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Curious if anyone has come across a review or has direct knowledge of a comparison between the Voigtlander APO-LANTHAR 50mm f/2.0 and the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.0

Specifically interested in the direct comparison at apertures 2.0 - 8.0

I just recently picked up the 50mm APO for my M11 and its wonderful. However, I came across some high level comments that the 1.0 may be just as sharp and similar CA results f/2.0 and smaller. 

If that is indeed the case, the extra size and weight may be outweighed by having the availability and benefits of the >2.0 apertures. 

Thoughts? 

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[Photon42]

I happen to own the APO Lanthar 2/50 for the M and the Nokton 1.0 for the Nikon Z. The Lanthar is an almost perfect combination with an M body in terms of size and weight. I thought about getting the Nokton for the M, but then there is significant viewfinder blockage, especially with the lens hood, the difficulty of focussing and the minimal focus distance of 90cm. All that finally drove me to buy that lens for the Nikon Z mount, where I find it reasonably well balanced with the camera grip. It focusses down to 45cm in the Z mount version.

I have no time to do an extensive test on both lenses and the test would be flawed anyways as I would either take the M mount Lanthar to the Z camera or use different camera on different lenses. My feeling is that the Nokton at least on an M body is more of a specialised lens, which requires dedication. I see both lenses mentioned as additive, not one replacing the other. In terms of sharpness and looks I would always use the Lanthar for sharpness. There are lots of other parameters for lenses, such as field curvature, color, overall rendering etc. And no one can tell you if and how you will enjoy a certain setup. If you are serious about it, buy the lens or maybe rent it for a week, if you can.

One more thought: If you plan to put replace the Lanthar by a lens with has a larger aperture, maybe try the Leica Summilux 50 ASPH (standard version in black). Very similar in size and weight to your Lanthar, but a different look and the new version has a closer minimal focus distance.

[Beau]

Thank you for the detailed response. All great points, but the comment alone about the sharpness is what I needed to hear. As a landscape photographer the detail is critical for me. So sharpness, micro-contrast and CA control will generally outweigh other characteristics for me (at least for my style). However, always looking for 'best of both worlds' lenses when I can to bring in some more character for when I am doing other styles of shooting.

 

Thanks 

[RexGig0]

On 6/14/2023 at 5:20 PM, Beau said:

Curious if anyone has come across a review or has direct knowledge of a comparison between the Voigtlander APO-LANTHAR 50mm f/2.0 and the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.0

Specifically interested in the direct comparison at apertures 2.0 - 8.0

I just recently picked up the 50mm APO for my M11 and its wonderful. However, I came across some high level comments that the 1.0 may be just as sharp and similar CA results f/2.0 and smaller. 

If that is indeed the case, the extra size and weight may be outweighed by having the availability and benefits of the >2.0 apertures. 

Thoughts? 

I am not aware of any direct-comparison reviews, of these two lenses, but, I have done enough research to know that these are two very different lenses. One, the APO Lanthar, has a flat field, and is very well-corrected for aberrations, whereas the other, the Nokton f/1.0, has considerable Field Curvature, noticeable aberrations, and plenty of “character.” I bought the Nokton f/1.0, because of its character, its fast aperture, to let more light enter my older Leica cameras, and its comparatively shorter length and lighter weight, compared to the “beverage can” Leica Noctilux f/0.95. (The Noctilux f/0.95 has considerable Field Curvature, and aberrations, itself.)

I have not yet been able to justify buying the APO Lanthar, because I did not buy into the Leica M system to shoot scientifically perfect images. I have macro SLR lenses, and DSLR cameras, for that. The Leica M system was added to act as an antidote for the perfect-as-possible evidentiary/forensic/crime scene images I had been expected to create.

Here is an very useful discussion/review of the Nokton f/1.0, at Fred Miranda’s forum:

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1741370

The APO Lanthar and the Nokton f/1.0 are very different 50mm lenses, for doing different jobs. I will, eventually, most likely add the APO Lanthar.

Edited June 16, 2023 by RexGig0

[RexGig0]

6 hours ago, Beau said:

Thank you for the detailed response. All great points, but the comment alone about the sharpness is what I needed to hear. As a landscape photographer the detail is critical for me. So sharpness, micro-contrast and CA control will generally outweigh other characteristics for me (at least for my style). However, always looking for 'best of both worlds' lenses when I can to bring in some more character for when I am doing other styles of shooting.

 

Thanks 

I think that this post is where you are answering your own question. 🙂 The APO Lanthar does what you really need to be done. The Nokton would be a creative complement.

[Photon42]

I would not bother with the 1.0 for landscape work, unless you have very specific needs warranting an f/1.0 for landscape.