Leica Macro-Elmar-M 90 mm f/4 § 03 Head to head
Leica Macro-Elmar-M 90 mm f/4 vs Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/4 Close Focus VM
Leica 90mm f/4 has a smaller filter thread. Voigtlander 90mm f/4 focuses 30 cm closer.
Both lenses are made for the Leica M mount: the Leica Macro-Elmar-M 90 mm f/4 is a 90mm f/4 prime, and the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/4 Close Focus VM is a 90mm f/4 prime. On paper the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/4 Close Focus VM comes out ahead, 2 advantages to 1, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Leica Macro-Elmar-M 90 mm f/4 
Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/4 Close Focus VM 01
Key differences
Why is the Leica Macro-Elmar-M 90 mm f/4 better than the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/4 Close Focus VM?
- Smaller filter thread (39 mm vs 43 mm)
Why is the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/4 Close Focus VM better than the Leica Macro-Elmar-M 90 mm f/4?
- Focuses 30 cm closer (0.5 m vs 0.8 m)
- Newer design (2026 vs 2014)
02
Which should you buy?
- macro For macro photography, the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/4 Close Focus VM has the edge: it focuses closer, down to 0.5 m.
03
Specification
| Specification | Leica Macro-Elmar-M 90 mm f/4 | Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/4 Close Focus VM |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 90mm | 90mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/4 | f/4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 230 g (8.11 oz) ◆ | 235 g |
| Dimensions | 59 x 52 mm | 54.8 x 53 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.80 m (31.50 inches) | 0.5 m ◆ |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture ring | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture blades | — | 10 |
| Optical construction | 4 elements / 4 groups | 8 elements / 7 groups |
| Filter size | 39 mm ◆ | 43 mm |
| Lens mount | Leica M | Leica M |
| Released | 2014 | 2026 |
04
Size
- A · Leica
- B · Voigtlander
- 52 × 59 mm
- 53 × 54.8 mm
The Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/4 Close Focus VM is 1 mm longer and 5 g heavier than the Leica Macro-Elmar-M 90 mm f/4.
05
Sample frames
Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/4 Close Focus VM
06
Video reviews
07
Questions
- Which is lighter, the Leica Macro-Elmar-M 90 mm f/4 or the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/4 Close Focus VM?
- The Leica Macro-Elmar-M 90 mm f/4 weighs 230 g, 5 g less than the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/4 Close Focus VM (235 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Leica Macro-Elmar-M 90 mm f/4 or the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/4 Close Focus VM?
- The Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/4 Close Focus VM focuses down to 0.5 m, against 0.8 m for the Leica Macro-Elmar-M 90 mm f/4.
- Do the Leica Macro-Elmar-M 90 mm f/4 and the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/4 Close Focus VM have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Leica Macro-Elmar-M 90 mm f/4 or the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/4 Close Focus VM better for macro photography?
- For macro photography, the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/4 Close Focus VM has the edge: it focuses closer, down to 0.5 m.
08