Voigtländer APO-LANTHAR 50mm f/3.5 Type I

Voigtländer APO-LANTHAR 50mm f/3.5 Type I

The APO-LANTHAR 50mm f/3.5 Type I is the more retro of two closely related f/3.5 standard primes that Cosina introduced under the Voigtländer name in 2024, both sharing the same apochromatic optical design but differing in barrel styling, filter size, and close-focus capability [1][2]. The Type I interprets the look of rangefinder lenses from the middle of the twentieth century, with a slim profile, an all-metal housing, and a small 34 mm filter thread that contributes to its compact appearance [1][2]. The APO-LANTHAR name is reserved by Voigtländer for its highest-performing optics, a designation tied to apochromatic correction rather than to any single optical formula [1].

Optically the lens uses eight elements in six groups, four of which are made from anomalous partial-dispersion glass to suppress axial chromatic aberration and lift resolution and contrast [1][3][4]. The aperture relies on ten blades for a rounded opening [4]. Build is fully metal, and focusing is by a manual all-metal helicoid coupled to the rangefinder; the coupling works from 0.7 m, while the focusing mount itself extends closer to a minimum of 0.45 m, beyond the rangefinder-coupled range, on the Type I [1][4]. A click felt during focusing marks the point where rangefinder coupling ends [2]. As an M-mount lens it mounts directly on Voigtländer and Leica rangefinder bodies, and it can also be used on mirrorless cameras through adapters, though Cosina notes the optics are optimized for M-mount sensors [1][4]. A color-matched lens hood is supplied [1].

The Type I designation distinguishes this barrel from the Type II, which carries a 39 mm filter thread, a more modern outline, and a closer 0.35 m minimum focus [1][2]. Within the Type I itself there are two finishes: a two-tone black and chrome version built with a brass and aluminum mix that weighs 245 g, and a lighter matte black version of all-aluminum construction at 150 g [1][3]. The two-tone finish is sometimes referred to by collectors as the "Panda" version. Buyers comparing variants should confirm the filter thread and finish, since the Type I and Type II look broadly similar but are not interchangeable in accessories such as hoods and filters.

Optical qualities

Rendering Reviews describe the lens as very highly corrected, in keeping with its apochromatic design and its place in the APO-LANTHAR line [2]. One hands-on review found it difficult to identify optical flaws and reported essentially distortion-free images, with resolution and contrast that met or exceeded the manufacturer's published MTF data [2]. The same review noted slightly less optical vignetting than the faster 50mm f/2 APO-Lanthar, which it linked to less pronounced cat's-eye shaping of out-of-focus highlights toward the corners [2].

Flare resistance The lens is reported to resist flare well, with well-defined sunstars appearing from about f/4 through f/16 [2].

Collector and user notes Because the maximum aperture is modest at f/3.5, background separation is limited and is best exploited at close focus or in good light; as the aperture is stopped down the background blur becomes progressively less pronounced [4]. The compact barrel is reported not to obstruct the 50 mm framelines on M bodies [2].

History

Development and Launch Cosina first revealed the APO-LANTHAR 50mm f/3.5 VM project in February 2024, presenting it as a family of variants with different focus mechanisms, materials, and finishes [3]. Fuller details of the Type I and Type II followed in mid-2024, and the lenses were brought to market later that year, with the Type I priced around 700 to 730 US dollars depending on finish [3]. The lens joined an existing group of modern APO-LANTHAR primes, sitting below the 50mm f/2 APO-Lanthar in speed while sharing the line's emphasis on apochromatic correction [2].

An often-noted point is that, despite a 1950s-inspired look that suggested a collapsible design, the Type I does not collapse; Cosina cited concerns about dust being drawn onto digital sensors and about maintaining a rigid, vibration-resistant structure [2].

Special editions To mark 25 years of Voigtländer-branded production by Cosina, a limited "25th Anniversary" run of the 50mm f/3.5 VM was announced in November 2024, sharing the standard Type I specifications, including the eight-element, six-group formula, ten-bladed aperture, 0.45 m minimum focus, and 34 mm filter thread [4]. The limited lenses pair a silver body with a colored focus ring in olive green, gray, and blue, and ship with color-matched hoods and pouches [4]. Production was capped at 250 units per color, for 750 lenses in total, each carrying an engraved limited-edition number [4].

Collector Notes The most common point of confusion is between the Type I and Type II, which share optics but differ in barrel design, filter size (34 mm versus 39 mm), and minimum focus [1][2]. Within the Type I, the two-tone brass version and the matte black aluminum version differ substantially in weight, so confirming the finish helps verify which variant is in hand [1][3]. For the anniversary lenses, the engraved number and color-matched accessories are worth checking for completeness and originality [4]. Published sources vary slightly on the weight quoted for the standard Type I, with figures around 235 to 245 g cited for the two-tone version, so individual listings should be checked against the specific finish [1][4].

Sources

• [1] Voigtländer. 50 mm f3.5 Apo Lanthar. https://www.voigtlaender.de/lenses/vm/50-mm-f3-5-apo-lanthar/?lang=en
• [2] Leica Rumors. Voigtlander APO-LANTHAR 50mm f/3.5 Type I / II VM lens review. https://leicarumors.com/2024/09/23/voigtlander-apo-lanthar-50mm-f-3-5-type-i-ii-vm-lens-review.aspx/
• [3] PetaPixel. Voigtlander's New APO-Lanthar 50mm f/3.5 Lenses Promise Vintage Vibes. https://petapixel.com/2024/07/12/voigtlanders-new-apo-lanthar-50mm-f-3-5-lenses-promise-vintage-vibes/
• [4] PetaPixel. Cosina's 25th Anniversary Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 50mm f/3.5 VM Comes in Three Gorgeous Colors. https://petapixel.com/2024/11/21/cosinas-25th-anniversary-voigtlander-apo-lanthar-50mm-f-3-5-vm-comes-in-three-gorgeous-colors/