Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 90mm F4.0 Close Focus VM

A compact medium telephoto lens with uncompromising image quality

The Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 90mm F4.0 Close Focus VM is a high-performance manual-focus medium telephoto lens designed for photographers seeking an exceptional combination of compact dimensions, mechanical precision and outstanding optical performance.

Optimised for full-frame sensors and M-mount cameras, it combines a sophisticated apochromatic optical formula with an all-metal construction and a highly precise rangefinder coupling mechanism.

With a total length of just 54.8 mm from the lens mount and a weight of only 235 g, it is remarkably compact for a 90mm lens offering this level of optical correction.

Apochromatic design for exceptional image reproduction

The optical construction of the Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 90mm F4.0 consists of 8 elements arranged in 7 groups. Six of these eight elements are made from anomalous partial dispersion glass.

This apochromatic design significantly reduces chromatic aberrations, particularly axial chromatic aberration. The result is highly accurate detail reproduction, excellent contrast and precise colour rendering.

Voigtländer retains the traditional F4.0 maximum aperture commonly associated with compact 90mm rangefinder lenses while placing particular emphasis on uncompromising image quality.

Remarkably compact construction

Despite its advanced optical performance, the APO-Lanthar 90mm F4.0 Close Focus VM measures only 54.8 mm in length from the mount, approximately equivalent to the short side of a credit card.

Its low weight of just 235 g makes it easy to carry and helps maintain excellent balance when paired with a compact rangefinder camera.

The compact design also helps minimise obstruction of the viewfinder when the lens is used with an optical rangefinder.

Precise manual focusing and rangefinder coupling

The Voigtländer 90mm F4.0 APO-Lanthar VM incorporates a high-precision rangefinder coupling mechanism.

Its all-metal helicoid provides smooth movement with carefully controlled resistance, delivering the tactile focusing experience associated with traditional manual-focus rangefinder photography.

Rangefinder coupling operates down to 0.70 m. When the focusing ring is turned beyond this point to access the close-focus range, a subtle tactile click precisely indicates that the lens has moved beyond the rangefinder-coupled focusing range.

Close focusing down to 0.50 m

One of the key features of this lens is its minimum focusing distance of just 0.50 m.

The linear helicoid extends beyond the 0.70 m rangefinder-coupled limit. Between 0.70 and 0.50 m, focusing therefore needs to be performed using Live View or another suitable electronic focusing aid provided by the camera.

At 0.50 m, the lens reaches a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:3.6, or approximately 0.28x. This exceeds the classic 1:4 reproduction ratio sometimes referred to as quarter macro.

Thanks to its apochromatic optical design, the APO-Lanthar maintains excellent image quality even at its closest focusing distances.

10-blade diaphragm

The lens features a 10-blade diaphragm with an aperture range extending from F4.0 to F22.

Combined with the 90mm focal length, this design provides effective subject separation and makes the lens particularly suitable for portraiture, detail photography and more distant street photography.

Premium all-metal construction

In keeping with the philosophy of Voigtländer VM lenses, the APO-Lanthar features a high-quality all-metal construction.

The lens barrel, focusing ring and helicoid mechanism are designed to provide durability, precision and a premium mechanical feel.

The lens has no electronic contacts, providing a completely manual photographic experience.

Compact metal lens hood included

A dedicated metal lens hood is supplied with the lens. It extends only approximately 9 mm beyond the front of the lens, helping preserve the compact dimensions of the overall setup.

The hood effectively reduces stray light while minimising obstruction of the optical viewfinder when used on rangefinder cameras.

VM versatility for modern mirrorless cameras

In addition to its use on compatible VM/M-mount rangefinder cameras, the Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 90mm F4.0 can be used with a variety of modern mirrorless camera systems by means of appropriate mount adapters.

Compatible adaptation options include:

• Sony E-mount
• Fujifilm X-mount
• Nikon Z-mount

This versatility makes it possible to enjoy the APO-Lanthar's optical performance and traditional manual focusing experience across a wide range of modern camera systems, provided a suitable adapter is used.

Key Features

• 90mm medium telephoto focal length
• Advanced apochromatic optical design
• 8 elements in 7 groups
• 6 anomalous partial dispersion glass elements
• Excellent correction of chromatic aberrations
• Suitable for full-frame cameras
• Maximum aperture of F4.0
• Minimum aperture of F22
• 10-blade diaphragm
• High-precision manual focusing
• Rangefinder coupling down to 0.70 m
• Minimum focusing distance of 0.50 m using Live View
• Maximum reproduction ratio of 1:3.6 / 0.28x
• Tactile click indicates the limit of rangefinder coupling
• Premium all-metal construction
• Compact 54.8 mm length
• Lightweight 235 g design
• 43 mm filter thread
• Metal lens hood included
• Adaptable to multiple mirrorless camera systems
• No electronic contacts

Technical Specifications

Product name: Voigtländer 90mm F4.0 APO-Lanthar Close Focus VM
Focal length: 90 mm
Maximum aperture: F4.0
Minimum aperture: F22
Optical construction: 8 elements in 7 groups
Special glass: 6 anomalous partial dispersion glass elements
Angle of view: 27.5°
Diaphragm blades: 10
Minimum focusing distance: 0.50 m
Rangefinder coupling: down to 0.70 m
Maximum reproduction ratio: 1:3.6 (0.28x)
Maximum diameter: 53.0 mm
Length: 54.8 mm
Filter size: 43 mm
Weight: 235 g
Lens hood: metal hood included
Electronic contacts: no
Format: full frame
Focusing: manual