The BEST 50mm lens for Leica M-Mount cameras : The Voigtlander 50mm f/2 APO 

“It goes all the way to infinity” this list of features just keeps coming!

I was blessed to start Leica M shooting with a pristine, pre-owned Summilux-M 50mm ASPH, in April 2018, actually deciding to buy the lens before I knew which camera I would be acquiring, upon which to use it. The Summilux remains my favorite, the essential creative Leica M lens, as my eyes see it. In July or August 2023, when Cameraquest (in the USA) had a price promotion, I added a Voigtlander 50mm APO Lanthar, specifically to complement my Summilux. Different optical tools, for different tasks. The Summilux can produce flare, in some conditions, which can be wonderfully creative, but which can sometimes be undesirable. For a “perfect” image, regardless of the angle and location of the bright, merciless Texas sun, there are times I am very glad to have the APO Lanthar.

The combo 28 for the whole scene and 50-lux and 50 for portraits with shallow dof, is a perfect M10 setup. Used that combo in my daughter's wedding - one lens on the camera, and one in the pocket, easy to change.

Would love to see a comparison between this lens and the Leica 50 SL APO

The VC 50 apo is my best performing lens I own despite owning a bunch of Leica glass. I have to say that I was expecting it to be good, but not THAT good. On my m246 I feel like it gives me tonality that beats my hasselblad 500cm with FP4. I didn’t think that was possible at such a small format. There’s a guy named Brian Sweeney I believe who is a vintage Sonnar guy and he was talking about how an APO lens was MORE important in a BW than it is color. He’s smarter than me but it had something to do with how light rays work on BW vs color.

Darryl, we are family brother. All of the Voigtländer APO lenses are the truth. I would say they're better than the Leica lenses in terms of performance and bang for the buck. My Leica M10-R kit comprises of the VM 28mm f2 Ultron, 35mm f2 APO-Lanther, the 50mm f2 APO-Lanther and the 90mm f2.8 APO-Skopar. Don't know if you've tried any of these.other.lenses but they all perform to perfect for a fraction of the cost of the Leica lenses. Check out the 35mm and the 90mm if you haven't already. You can't go wrong with any of these lenses. Try the on the LUMIX S5II as well. I have that kit for portrait shoots with those lenses and I love them.

A filter can cover the shiny ring. If filter glass is not desirable, a step-up ring will ring will cover the shiny part, while also serving to protect the lens from dings and dents. Heliopan makes wonderful black-coated brass step-up rings.

The size comparison between the two 50mm lenses at the end of the video was quite an eye opener. Who would prefer the brick instead of the feather to put in one‘s bag?

Nice! I also like to shoot with wide angle lenses (i have a 28mm and 35mm lens on my canon f1n) but my fd 50mm 1.4 is also a very nice lens especially when the light is fading and I want to shoot some film.

you have the best set up right now m11-p and sl2-s !! i own the same but m10-p and sl2-s with the el 24-70 2.8 i want to get athe sl50 apo next

Great photos

I started with this lens on my m11. Love it. Bought a summilux and I am underwhelmed trying to decide if i want to return it. Hard to focus with the FLE and tab and a lot of CA, soft corners. Didn’t expect that from all the reviews. ( I also shoot SL2-2 with Apo-SL 35,50,90 ) To my eyes there are a lot of SL mount lenses better than the Summilux-M. But the Voigtlander Apo’s are just fantastic compared to any glass.

Use a black step up ring to cover some of the chrome

Currently thinking about adding a 50, but can't decide between Voigtlander 50mm f/2 APO and the new summulix, which focus down to 0,45. Would probably go with the Voigtlander, if it would have the sam minimum focus distance.

I 100% agree with point 1 of it being too good. It has stopped me looking at any other 50mm lenses.

I have a Summilux 50 and this 50Apo. I agree, the vm apo Lanthar is amazing. The 50 lux stays near my m10m with an orange filter. The apo stays with my m10r.

The Voigtländer lenses are crazy good. If you have the chance, try out the Voitländer Heliar 50mm f/3.5. It performs stunningly with great colors.

Mr Leica said he used a step up ring to get rid of the silver. I don’t own this lens so I don’t know for certain.

How about masking tape to cover shiny parts?

Great lens! What do you think in comparison with voigtlander 50mm 1.2 vm? They cost quite the same..

Have you encountered any intermittent freezing issues on your M11-P

I'll stick with my Summilux..I know a lot of people who shoot their VL..

I don’t like the 3 coloured stripes at the front of the lens 😂

It's a miracle. Bokeh doesn't do it for me, though.

Cosina

no doubt lens performs great especially considering that it cost as two leoica hoods for 50lux black chrome . moreover I bet it as almost as good as 90per cent of 50apo image quality . on the other hand its ugly , it feels cheap , its a lot bigger than 50apo and of course its asian lens not German . here lays the gap in 9000usd between this 900usd and 10000usd 50apo ( tax included) . its like Porsche 911 and Mazda - both are cars same task . yet one is visual and tactile feast and another one is just transportation means . cheers @georges_angeles