Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. § 03 Head to head
Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. vs Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 50 mm f/2 Aspherical VM
Leica 50mm f/2 is 6 mm shorter. Voigtlander 50mm f/2 is 12 g lighter.
Both lenses are made for the Leica M mount: the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. is a 50mm f/2 prime, and the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 50 mm f/2 Aspherical VM is a 50mm f/2 prime. On paper the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. comes out ahead, 3 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. 
Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 50 mm f/2 Aspherical VM 01
Key differences
Why is the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. better than the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 50 mm f/2 Aspherical VM?
- 6 mm shorter (47 mm vs 53 mm long)
- Has a physical aperture ring
- Smaller filter thread (39 mm vs 49 mm)
Why is the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 50 mm f/2 Aspherical VM better than the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH.?
- 12 g lighter (288 g vs 300 g)
- Newer design (2020 vs 2012)
02
Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 50 mm f/2 Aspherical VM has the edge: it is 12 g lighter to carry.
03
Specification
| Specification | Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. | Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 50 mm f/2 Aspherical VM |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50mm | 50mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2 | f/2 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Lens type | Standard prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full Frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 300 g (10.6 oz) | 288 g ◆ |
| Dimensions | 53 mm (diameter) x 47 mm (length) | 55.6 x 53 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.7 m (2.3 ft) | 0.7 m |
| Maximum magnification | Not specified | — |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | No | — |
| Aperture ring | Yes | No |
| Aperture blades | Not specified | 12 |
| Optical construction | 8 elements in 5 groups | 10 elements / 8 groups |
| Filter size | 39 mm ◆ | 49 mm |
| Lens mount | Leica M | Leica M |
| Released | 2012 | 2020 |
04
Size
- A · Leica
- B · Voigtlander
- 47 × 53 mm
- 53 × 55.6 mm
The Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 50 mm f/2 Aspherical VM is 6 mm longer and 12 g lighter than the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH..
05
Sample frames
Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH.
Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 50 mm f/2 Aspherical VM
06
Video reviews
07
Questions
- Which is lighter, the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. or the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 50 mm f/2 Aspherical VM?
- The Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 50 mm f/2 Aspherical VM weighs 288 g, 12 g less than the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. (300 g).
- Do the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. and the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 50 mm f/2 Aspherical VM have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. or the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 50 mm f/2 Aspherical VM better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 50 mm f/2 Aspherical VM has the edge: it is 12 g lighter to carry.
08