Voigtlander, a brand managed by Cosina, has consistently delivered high-quality lenses that appeal to both emerging and experienced photographers. Their latest offering, a telephoto lens, stands out for its impressive close-focus capabilities, promising significant advantages for portrait photography. This new optic represents a notable advancement in their product line.
The lens in question is the APO-LANTHAR 90mm f4, featuring a close-focus design. This particular model was first unveiled during the CP+ 2026 event. Engineered with manual focus, it is specifically tailored for the Leica M system. Its anticipated release is set for 2016, making it a highly anticipated addition for rangefinder camera users.
A key characteristic of this lens is its 'APO' designation, indicating an apochromatic optical construction. This design is crucial for effectively mitigating chromatic aberration across the entire color spectrum, ensuring superior image clarity and color fidelity. Furthermore, the lens boasts an impressive minimum focusing distance of 0.5 meters, a feature particularly beneficial for rangefinder-mount cameras. It is also supplied with a dedicated metal lens hood, covers a full-frame image circle, and maintains a remarkably compact form factor.
As a lens designed for rangefinder cameras, it operates exclusively with manual focus. It incorporates a rangefinder interlock system, enabling precise focusing, and is equipped with a click-stop aperture ring, providing tactile feedback for aperture adjustments.
The lens is expected to be priced at 103,320 yen, which translates to approximately $650-700 for both available finishes. This competitive pricing positions it as an accessible option for photographers who require enhanced close-focusing capabilities. Drawing parallels, a previous review of the Voigtlander 110mm f2.5 Macro highlighted its exceptional build quality, classic aesthetic, and ability to produce stunning bokeh and manage flare effectively.
While this particular 90mm lens may not offer the fastest aperture, its diminutive size is a significant advantage. The close focusing distance marks a substantial improvement for rangefinder photographers, as traditional M-mount telephoto lenses were often restricted by mechanical limitations to a minimum focusing distance of 0.7-1 meter. Consequently, this lens is perfectly suited for photographers engaged in product photography, macro work, and portraits requiring tight compositions.
For photographers seeking an economical yet high-performing lens, this Voigtlander offering presents a compelling choice. While other alternatives such as the APO-Skopar 90mm f2.8 VM, TTArtisan 90mm f1.25, and Leica Summicron 90mm f2 exist, they typically come with a higher price tag and larger dimensions. Therefore, the new Voigtlander lens strikes an excellent balance between performance, size, and affordability.