Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 28 mm f/2 Aspherical review

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Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 28 mm f/2 Aspherical

16 March 2026

Maciej Latałło

4. Image resolution

Our resolution test (resolution meaning the MTF50 function values) of Sony FE lenses is based on RAW files from the 42.4 Mpix sensor of the Sony A7R II, the Sony A7R III, or Sony A7R cameras. In the case of this kind of detector, the decency level we set is about 39-41 lpmm and the best fixed focal length lenses have been able to exceed 85 lpmm even reaching 90 lpmm. So far, the list of our record breakers is as follows: the Sigma A 17-40 mm f/1.8 DC (89.9 lpmm), the Meike 85 mm f/1.4 FF STM (90.2 lpmm), and the Sony FE 50 mm f/1.4 GM (90.9 lpmm).

Let's check how the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 28 mm f/2 Aspherical compares; its performance in the frame centre, on the edge of the APS-C/DX and on the edge of full frame is presented in a graph below.

Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 28 mm f/2 Aspherical - Image resolution

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When it comes to the frame centre, the results are splendid indeed. Already at the maximum relative aperture, you deal with a very high level of over 70 mm; near f/2.8 and f/4.0 apertures, the resolution, measured by us, reached 78 lpmm. It is not a record-breaking level, but it would be foolish to think that a lens with such dimensions and aperture fastness might break any records.

It's worth reminding here that the rival Sony FE 28 mm f/2 at the maximum relative aperture didn't exceed 40 lpmm and its maximum resolution value amounted to almost 67 lpmm. In this aspect the Voigtlander fares a lot better. Small physical dimensions of the Apo Lanthar made us worried about its performance on the edge of the frame, but our fears were unfounded. The Voigtlander performs surprisingly well both on the edge of the APS-C/DX and on the edge of full frame. Perhaps it is not an entirely classic performance, because the MTFs either remain at the same level or increase very slowly with the initial stopping down of the aperture, but it is due to a very specific chromatic aberration performance and we are going to deal with it in the next chapter. Of course it doesn't change the fact that up from the maximum relative aperture, you get very high results that are beyond reproach.

Instead of comparing the Voigtlander to its rivals, we decided to compare its performance to that of other Apo Lanthar devices we've already tested.

Now it's clear you deal with a very consistent line of products, and very well done in terms of performance. I do appreciate these lenses just because they can combine moderate weight and dimensions with good parameters without any significant resolution drop. The Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 28 mm f/2 Aspherical fits this idea to a dot and is every bit as good as its older brothers – a round of applause! At the end of this chapter, traditionally, we present crops taken from photos of our resolution testing chart, saved as JPEG files along with RAW files we used for the analysis above.

A7R IIIa, JPEG, 28 mm, f/2.0