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Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 65mm f/2 Aspherical Lens for Sony E

BH #VO652E • MFR #APO-LANTHAR65
34 reviews
Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 65mm f/2 Aspherical Lens for Sony E
Key Features
  • Sony E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2 to f/22
  • 1:2 Magnification Ratio
  • Apochromatic Optical Design
With an apochromatic design, the MACRO APO-LANTHAR 65mm f/2 Aspherical Lens from Voigtlander will be able to deliver crisp, aberration-free imagery, even with the high resolutions of modern digital sensors. This lens is designed to work with full-frame Sony E-mount cameras where it offers users the ability to get close to their subjects thanks to the 1:2 magnification ratio afforded by the 12.2" minimum focus distance. It also boasts outstanding sharpness, helped in part by an aspherical element, meaning users will be able to resolve the finest details in their subjects. On top of this, the lens features a relatively fast f/2 aperture, which will enable the creation of images with a shallow depth of field as well as in low-light conditions.
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Voigtlander 65mm f/2 Macro APO-Lanthar Aspher... Overview

With an apochromatic design, the MACRO APO-LANTHAR 65mm f/2 Aspherical Lens from Voigtlander will be able to deliver crisp, aberration-free imagery, even with the high resolutions of modern digital sensors. This lens is designed to work with full-frame Sony E-mount cameras where it offers users the ability to get close to their subjects thanks to the 1:2 magnification ratio afforded by the 12.2" minimum focus distance. It also boasts outstanding sharpness, helped in part by an aspherical element, meaning users will be able to resolve the finest details in their subjects. On top of this, the lens features a relatively fast f/2 aperture, which will enable the creation of images with a shallow depth of field as well as in low-light conditions.

The all-metal construction is designed to last and offers full manual operation for tactile control during shooting. This includes a manual focus ring and a manual aperture ring with 1/3 click stops. A 10-blade diaphragm is also present for smooth bokeh while electronic contacts will automatically transmit data to the camera for use of advanced functions, including in-body image stabilization. Additionally, it comes with a lens hood to block stray light from entering the lens.

Designed for full-frame E-mount cameras, this 65mm lens is also compatible with APS-C format systems where it provides an equivalent focal length of 97.5mm.
The lens' apochromatic design practically eliminates longitudinal chromatic aberrations, making this lens a high-performing option for demanding digital image sensors.
One aspherical element is featured in the optical design to control spherical aberrations and improve clarity, sharpness, and resolution.
Manual focus design permits smooth, refined control along with a minimum focusing distance of 12.2", which grants macro capabilities with a magnification ratio of 1:2.
The manual aperture ring uses traditional 1/3-stop clicks for more intuitive tactile control over exposure settings.
Ten-blade diaphragm contributes to a smooth quality of bokeh.
Included lens hood guards the front lens element and also helps to control lens flare and ghosting.
Contacts transfer all Exif data between the camera and lens in order to permit full use of camera functions, including focus magnification, image stabilization, and lens corrections.

Voigtlander 65mm f/2 Macro APO-Lanthar Aspher... Specs

Focal Length65mm
Maximum Aperturef/2
Minimum Aperturef/22
Lens MountSony E
Lens Format CoverageFull-Frame
Angle of View38°
Minimum Focus Distance12.2" / 31 cm
Maximum Magnification0.5x
Macro Reproduction Ratio1:2
Optical Design10 Elements in 8 Groups
Diaphragm Blades10
Focus TypeManual Focus
Image StabilizationNo
Filter Size67 mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L)3.07 x 3.59" / 78 x 91.3 mm
Weight1.38 lb / 625 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight1.77 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)10.9 x 4.5 x 4.5"

Voigtlander 65mm f/2 Macro APO-Lanthar Aspher... Reviews

Excellent

By Philip
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-02-05

I compared this lens to my Otus 55mm, and sharpness of the Lanther in the corners at 100% is equal to or better than the Otus. The rendition of the Otus is smoother and more natural looking. They are different lenses for different purposes, but I compared them anyway. For my use I prefer the Voigtlander so I sold the Otus.

Sharpest, most dynamic lens i've used

By Christopher
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-09-21

Separates the subject flawlessly, and has that 3D pop effect Zeiss lenses are known for. Aperture feels fantastic. very dense lens. Comes with a metal lens hood!

Exceptionally Sharp

By Tom
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-09-12

I mainly use this lens for landscape. It is extremely sharp, edge to edge. I find it very easy to focus. It has a place in my bag for some specific landmark subjects that I shoot. I do use it for macro on occasion, and it has performed well.

honestly blown away by the quality

By Christopher
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-04-22

I've had several macro lenses over the years and this is my second Voigtlander after the 50mm 1.2. From the first photo of my cat to the detail on my coffee mug, this lens POPS. f2 looks fantastic, f8 a little more structured. Obviously better on a tripod, but I had luck shooting at 1/25th handheld with my a7III- a total game changer with macro photography! This lens will be incredible for food photography.

A reference lens...

By Karl
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-01-20

The sharpness and freedom from aberration of this lens is beyond anything that I can remember from Canon, Nikon, Mamiya, Zeiss and Leica, and when combined with the 61 megapixel Sony A7R4 the results are simply amazing. The focus damping is extraordinary and the quality of the lens overall is unmatched. The only negative of this and all lenses used on the Sony mirrorless cameras in the inability to focus with open-aperture metering. By this I mean the camera operates in depth-of-field preview mode all the time. Again, this is a problem with all lenses on most mirrorless cameras, and makes it difficult to place focus without some effort. That said, the manual aperture ring makes the process relatively easy for static or near static subjects. I set the aperture to 2.0, focus at the exact point desired, then adjust the aperture to the intended value to obtain the desired depth of field. The same exact process has to be used with any lens when used on the Sony when one wants to place the focus position precisely. Now I want the 50 f2 and 21 f1.4...

Simply the best!

By Glenn
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-09-18

I have what I think is some great glass for Sony (including Batis & Loxia). But this is without question the finest lens of them all. Ungodly sharp with no CA at all. Yes it is big & heavy. Yes it is manual focus with a long focus throw. But all of that is worth any perceived inconveniences that this lens might have. The images it can help you create are simple the best.

Fear not the f/2!

By Sam
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-06-22

Demolishes pretty much every other lens in the 50-85mm range I've ever owned in one way or another. Aside from being rather thick and some pretty significant extension/focus breathing, it's just an absurd lens with a remarkable range of capabilities that somehow sits balanced on a knife's edge between standard and telephoto, normal and macro, fast and slow all at once while also having essentially zero chromatic aberration and perfect edge-to-edge sharpness. In some ways it has taken me a while to warm up to it, figure out the whole 65mm thing. However, after a few weeks I've grown more used to working with it and I've begun to really enjoy it. I'm still surprised how sharp and clean everything is, even at f/2. Not really a lens you'd want to carry around all that much with the bulk (maybe the non-macro 50mm APO-Lanthar would do better at that; the 35mm APO-Lanthar is an exceptional walk-around lens), but when you need this kind of sharpness and flexibility, it's hard to beat. In video, as something like a stationary B-cam, it is exceptional. I used it on an A7SII to cover a flank of a musical ensemble, full open in a dark interior, (with the Voigtlander 40mm f/1.2 on an a6500 on the other flank, i.e. 60mm equivalent) and I could barely comprehend how sharp and clean the result was, and how perfectly flat the focus plane appeared. The 40mm was of course also impressive and rendered beautifully (despite the a6500), but the 65mm APO-Lanthar was just something else entirely, like looking through a window. Take the time to compose and focus, and it will work wonders for you. As with other reviewers, I also point towards Phillip Reeve's excellent Voigtlander reviews if you want all the details (and some fantastic example photography). Here are a few shots of my own, some macro and some architectural, no slower than f/4.

Color rendition disappointing

By John
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2022-06-14

I returned this lens. I found the accuracy of color rendition disappointing, particularly in backgrounds. For the price, it is okay, but there is no free lunch here.

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Is this lens an internally focusing design or ...

Is this lens an internally focusing design or does the lens get physically longer as it is focused closer?
Asked by: James M
This lens does not have internal focus, therefore it extends.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2020-08-24

where is it made and how is the warranty?

where is it made and how is the warranty?
Asked by: Harry
Hi, the Voigtlander 65mm f/2 is made in japan. This lens has a Limited 1 Year Manufacture Warranty.
Answered by: Khalid
Date published: 2021-04-05

1:1 for 24x36mm slides and negatives ...

1:1 for 24x36mm slides and negatives reproductions...How would You go about it ? With extention tubes? Makes sens ? (I do have the 65mm for reproducing Artworks but I consider it to replace my Olympus 80mm 1:1 with its zoom-tubus)
Asked by: Alain
You can not get a 1:1 with this lens and Sony's extension tubes. I would suggest using the 90 mm Macro or look for a set of bellows. Not sure if any are made for the "E" mount.
Answered by: Kim
Date published: 2020-04-08

Does the lens focus past infinity at fstop 2.0?

Does the lens focus past infinity at fstop 2.0?
Asked by: Matt
This lenses focus ring does go a bit beyond Infinity.
Answered by: Yaakov
Date published: 2021-03-22

question

How does the lens hood attach? Looking at the pictures of the lens I don't see any bayonets on the barrel for attaching one, but the description says a hood is included. Does it screw on the filter threads?
Asked by: Steven
It screws onto the front of the lens via filter thread. Truth be told though, the front element is recessed a long way back from the end of the lens so a hood is mostly unnessacassary.
Answered by: Ty M.
Date published: 2021-04-05

question

Does the lens transfer EXIF data to the camera?
Asked by: Eric
Using a Sony a7 series camera all of your data is recorded as usual for each frame. In addition it is one of the sharpest macro lenses I have ever owned
Answered by: E. Roger B.
Date published: 2018-08-27

question

What is the free working distance of this lens (e.g., distance from lens to object focused at 1:2 magnification)?I see that the minimum focusing distance is 12.2 , but that isn't my question.
Asked by: Jonathan
Johnathan, I just measured the working distance of the Voighlander 65mmat its closest focus point and it is between 7 and 6.inches. Hopefully that meets your needs as everything about this lens is great especially the image quality. It really is as good as people have said. It is old school quality, the only thing. I would like to see changed is the magnification 1:1.5 is a little small for my. needs.Good luck
Answered by: E. Roger B.
Date published: 2022-05-06

question

Does the lens transfer EXIF data to the camera?
Asked by: Eric
Yes.
Answered by: Eric B.
Date published: 2021-03-10
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