Phillip Reeve reviews the new Voigtlander 50mm f/2.0 FE: ” It currently sets the standard both for optical performance as well as for handling”

This very sharp little lens is in Stock for the first time via BHphoto.

Phillip Reeve tested the new lens and is very impressed by its performance:

The Voigtlander 50mm F2 APO-Lanthar is among the optically most perfect lenses on the market right now. Not only does it show excellent sharpness and contrast across the frame from f/2, it also lives up to the APO-label and corrects CA to a degree where it is a no issue even in demanding images. Bokeh is well above average for a 50mm lens. Distortion is another non issue and flare resistance among the best in class. Other lenses have a little smoother bokeh but most of the time the 2/50 APO’s bokeh is unobtrusive. The only thing that is average about the APO-Lanthar is its vignetting which is a small price to pay for this level of performance and compact size.

But the Voigtlander 2/50 APO doesn’t only deliver an impressive optical performance, it also is one of the most pleasant to handle lenses I have ever used thanks to a relatively small size, well thought out design and excellent mechanics. I only wished Cosina had also added weather sealing since Sony camera’s have improved a lot in this regard and any other lens in its price class offers it.

The designers of the Voigtlander 50mm F2 APO-Lanthar are right to be proud of it. It currently sets the standard both for optical performance as well as for handling. For such a high performing lens the price is very reasonable but of course still high for a 2/50 lens.

Sounds impressive….now I want to test one too!