Voigtlander 110mm f/2.5 Macro APO-Lanthar Reviews
Gorgeous
By Sam
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-04-30
I've been using the 65mm APO-Lanthar for the past year and was eager to get the 110mm, and it definitely did not disappoint!
Compared to the attractive-but-not-well-corrected Nikon 105 f/2 DC I normally shoot on for this focal length, this lens is a completely different creature. Beautiful rendering, almost no aberrations, insanely sharp, plus full macro capabilities!
Full open, without correction in camera, it has a rather strong, moody vignette. It is easy though to correct this, or simply to stop down just a little to f/2.8 or 3.5, but I quite like having this 'character' accessible in such a clean lens, without all the CA or needing processing.
As with all other Voigtlanders, the ergonomics are superb. I was expecting it to be enormous compared to the somewhat bulky 65mm, but it is only slightly larger without the hood. The focus ring has a much longer throw than most Voigtlanders, which is very nice for the precise focusing this lens requires at wider apertures or macro distances.
Now if Cosina would just release an 85/90mm for E-mount...
Incredible
By Elijah
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-05-19
This is my new favorite lens. I can't take it off. It's amazing as a standard 110mm or as a macro. If you can deal with manual focus, and it's really the only way to go for macro, you won't regret this lens. Sharp as can be, no fringing, great colors, just a fantastic lens. Now I want to pick up their 50mm and 35mm Apo-Lanthar.
A New Standard
By Mark
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-12-06
Resolution, micro-contrast and amazing color - that's what this lens delivers. I find the bokeh to be very nice as well. My Batis 135 f/2.8 APO seems equally strong although the rendering is a little different. This lens is heavy due to its ability to achieve a 1:1 macro ratio and maximum f-stop of 2.5. Focus is very smooth and precise, and support for Sony's EVF magnification automatically makes it a lot easier. It is easy to accidentally move the focus before shooting - I hold onto the lens shade instead of the barrel. Note that due to the outstanding level of detail possible, you will need to get the focus right. When depth of field is necessary, use smaller f-stops than you might normally choose.
Excellent lens
By Ross
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-05-14
Very sharp with beautiful bokeh.
Excellent build. Used with Sony A7R III
Great Macro Lens
By Jenny
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-01-18
The lens is magic sharp and soft with Sony A7R4. It is best one which I have. I love it so much!
Spectacular quality; bulky
By Steven
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-01-11
Very impressed with the color, resolution and bokeh. A7R II image stabilization and auto magnification during focus make it very easy to shoot, even handheld. Had previously been shooting zeiss manual lenses and was looking for something with even better quality and also a shorter minimum focal distance for macro. This lens delivers both. If you're considering this lens you probably have already read some of the excellent reviews online that outline the positives and negative to consider. Negatives include weight and size (feels a bit front heavy when fully extended), the focus throw (cranking back and forth between focal distances can be an effort) and the effort to attach and remove the threaded hood. I had considered these before purchasing and still more than happy with the decision after using it for a few months. Saving for the 50 mm APO next!
Gorgeous
By David
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-11-14
What a beautiful lens! No autofocus may be too high a cost for some, but if you don't mind manual focus, or even desire it, Voigtlander makes the best lenses for the Sony system. It sounds like a small thing, but until you feel how buttery, yet solid the focus action is, you won't appreciate how well made the lens is. This is particularly important if you care about nailing focus with macro photography. Yes, the throw is massive, but only in the macro range, so normal shots are actually quite easy to focus, and despite what has been written, focus pulls are not too difficult if the pull is in the normal range. And when it comes to macro, more throw is preferable to really make sure you are nailing a precise focus, or when moving between shots when focus stacking.
On top of that, the optics are just about perfect when it comes to color rendition, resolution, and control of chromatic aberration. This, all while not having an overly clinical feel. IMO, the only other lenses that rival this one are also made by Voigtlander.
A beautiful lens. Beautiful pictures. Not much more to say.
Once Mastered this Lens is Simply Amazing!
By Albert
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-06-18
I own and regularly use Zeiss manual/prime lenses and so for those who say this is a heavy lens, when compared to my Milvus 135mm, this lens is a joy to carry. Comparing the IQ of the VC 110mm to the 135mm this is sharper, has greater micro-contrast and imparts a better 3-D rendering. For those not accustomed to MF lenses there is a learning curve and in time you will either become more deliberate to your approach or you will give up and blame the lens. I use this lens primarily for landscape or isolating certain subjects across a greater background and coupled with Focus Peaking on my a7riii, the VC 110mm delivers!
