Voigtlander APO-Skopar 90/f2.8 VM

[105012]

I think Scott said the first batch to Australia was 7 copies, so 2 to Tas (or more?) is a good result. I will be interested to see how it compares with my Tele-Elmarit ‘thin’, not so much optically, but in ergonomics and haptics…

 

[pyeh]

I saw Scott yesterday, to pick up my own copy. He said he had sold 5 copies to Tasmania. That must make Tas the highest per capita ownership of any state in the world.

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

Here it is!

Some quick and dirty first impressions (samples and shooting impressions to come)...

Fit and finish: Very nice, as per all of Voigtlander's recent offerings.

Size: Teeny tiny! Almost identical dimensions to the 'fat' 90mm Tele Elmarit, although the APO-Skopar is noticeably lighter.

Focus: Very smooth and relatively light. Focus throw seems about right.

Aperture: Perfectly round at f4. Slight inward-facing from f5 - f8. Circular with straight blades from f9 - f16. Half stops throughout. Aperture ring feels nice.

Hood: Nicely made bayonet type. Included with lens rather than purchased separately. Reversible which I love (I often don't use hoods because they take up too much room in the bag). Bayonet isn't spring-loaded like the 35/f2 Ultron hood.

VF blockage (without hood): None.

VF blockage (with hood): None at infinity. A little bit at minimum focus.

Here is it on my M2 🙂

 

[teddy]

Looks beautiful, small, practical and light. I think I will have to get one. Always loved the 1st Elmarit (nice vintage look on photos) and the best thing it was light but sold it to get a Summicron 90 - however I do miss the smaller and lighter Elmarit. I have the CV21/4, 35/2.5 and this 90 will be a perfect match for my setup.

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

Some samples comparing the Leica 90/f2.8 Tele Elmarit and Voigtlander 90/f2.8 APO-Skopar on the Z6.

Hand-held, nothing fancy. WB and sharpening are synced for the two lenses.


T-E f2.8


APO f2.8


T-E f8


APO f8

 

[teddy]

The CV90/2.8 APO obviously the sharper lens, but not too sharp. Better flare control too with the APO very apparent in the cetre of the Tele Elmarit.

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

Some snapshots on the M2 and Portra400. Nothing fancy, just nice light and a pretty subject.

First impressions of the APO-Skopar are very good. I think I'm going to enjoy this one 🙂

 

[gavinlg]

Interesting that I see some of that heavier mid tone contrast characteristic of the 35mm ultron f2 in these examples too - especially when compared to the leica 90. Looks like a lovely lens.

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

M2 and APX100 in ID-11


f4


f11

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

Dad | Mickeys Bay

Leica M2, Voigtlander 90/f2.8 APO-Skopar and APX100 in ID-11

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

Cape Bruny | Tasmania

Leica M2, Voigtlander 90/f2.8 APO-Skopar and APX100 ID-11

 

[Emile de Leon]

Looks like Voightlander is knocking it out of the park with this lens!

 

[astrobuoy]

Just some shots from around the house. Leica M10-R, Voigtlander 90/f2.8 APO-Skopar, f/2.8, ISO 400

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[BWF]

Has anyone tried the Nikon mount version? I assume it would be the same performance, but I haven’t heard anything about it.

 

[Beemermark]

90mm lens' for Leica M are not popular. I sold a 80mm Tele-Elmarit (last model made) in mint condition with box & papers for $800 and I was happy to get it. Tried for years to sell it. I also have 2 older Tele-Elmarits that are excellent lenses I paid $100 for one a few years ago and just bought another one for $200. Both from forum members. Not sure why I buy them I rarely use that focal length. Cheapest lens ( well maybe the 135mm is cheaper) you can buy that says Leica. Performance is excellent and I really doubt the VC will be much better. Maybe to pixel peepers. But people will them because they are VC and new. Then rave about them to justify their purchase. I predict in a year or two you'll see a rash of them for sale used.

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

Performance is excellent and I really doubt the VC will be much better. Maybe to pixel peepers. But people will them because they are VC and new. Then rave about them to justify their purchase. I predict in a year or two you'll see a rash of them for sale used.

Hmmm I don't know about that. I owned the 90/f2.8 T-E (fat version) for ~7-8 yrs before buying the APO-Skopar. I've always liked shooting a 35mm/90mm kit with my M2.

Once the APO arrived I had the opportunity to use them side-by-side and keep the one I preferred. Resale on the two lenses was about the same in Oz, so no loss either way.

I sold the Leica. The APO is simply a much better lens (as it should be considering it's half a century newer...)

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

Taylors Bay | Tasmania

M2, Voigtlander 90/f2.8 APO-Skopar and APX100 in ID-11

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

New Years Eve in Great Taylors Bay | Bruny Island

M2, Voigtlander 90/f2.8 APO-Skopar and APX100 in ID-11

 

[EVIL_Guy]

Leica M10 - f2.8

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

Alonnah | Bruny Island

M2, Voigtlander 90/f2.8 APO-Skopar and Portra400