§ 03 Head to head
Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX Micro 85 mm f/3.5G ED VR vs Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/3.5 SL II
Nikon 85mm f/3.5 has a wider field of view. Voigtlander 90mm f/3.5 has a longer reach.
The Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX Micro 85 mm f/3.5G ED VR is an 85mm f/3.5 prime, and the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/3.5 SL II is a 90mm f/3.5 prime. On paper the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/3.5 SL II comes out ahead, 4 advantages to 3, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
01
Key differences
Why is the Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX Micro 85 mm f/3.5G ED VR better than the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/3.5 SL II?
- Wider field of view (85mm vs 90mm)
- Focuses 21 cm closer (0.29 m vs 0.5 m)
- Has optical image stabilization
Why is the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/3.5 SL II better than the Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX Micro 85 mm f/3.5G ED VR?
- Longer reach (90mm vs 85mm)
- 35 g lighter (320 g vs 355 g)
- 50 mm shorter (48.2 mm vs 98.5 mm long)
- Covers a larger sensor format (full-frame vs APS-C)
02
Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/3.5 SL II has the edge: it is 35 g lighter to carry.
03
Specification
| Specification | Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX Micro 85 mm f/3.5G ED VR | Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/3.5 SL II |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 85mm | 90mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/3.5 | f/3.5 |
| Minimum aperture | f/32 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | APS-C | Full frame |
| Weight | 355 g (12.52 oz) | 320 g (11.29 oz) ◆ |
| Dimensions | 73 x 98.5 mm | 63 x 48.2 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.286 m (11.26 inches) ◆ | 0.5 m (19.69 inches) |
| Image stabilization | Yes ◆ | No |
| Aperture ring | No | — |
| Aperture blades | 9 | 9 |
| Optical construction | 14 elements / 10 groups | 6 elements / 5 groups |
| Filter size | 52 mm | 52 mm |
| Lens mount | Nikon F | Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K |
| Released | 2009 | — |
04
Size
- A · Nikon
- B · Voigtlander
- 98.5 × 73 mm
- 48.2 × 63 mm
The Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX Micro 85 mm f/3.5G ED VR is 50 mm longer and 35 g heavier than the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/3.5 SL II.
05
Sample frames
Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX Micro 85 mm f/3.5G ED VR
Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/3.5 SL II
06
Video reviews
07
Questions
- Which is lighter, the Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX Micro 85 mm f/3.5G ED VR or the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/3.5 SL II?
- The Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/3.5 SL II weighs 320 g, 35 g less than the Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX Micro 85 mm f/3.5G ED VR (355 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX Micro 85 mm f/3.5G ED VR or the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/3.5 SL II?
- The Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX Micro 85 mm f/3.5G ED VR focuses down to 0.29 m, against 0.5 m for the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/3.5 SL II.
- Do the Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX Micro 85 mm f/3.5G ED VR and the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/3.5 SL II have image stabilization?
- Only the Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX Micro 85 mm f/3.5G ED VR has optical image stabilization.
- Is the Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX Micro 85 mm f/3.5G ED VR or the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/3.5 SL II better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/3.5 SL II has the edge: it is 35 g lighter to carry.



