Voigtländer’s new APO-Lanthar 90mm F4 brings close focusing to M-mount cameras

Voigtländer has introduced its latest APO-Lanthar 90mm F4 Close Focus VM lens, a compact medium telephoto prime lens for full-frame M-mount rangefinder cameras. The lens, initially slated for release in August 2026, is now available for purchase in black or silver finishes, priced at $749 or £599 from B&H and Wex respectively.

The APO-Lanthar label signifies the lens's apochromatic design, crafted to minimize chromatic aberration in film photography, a benefit that remains relevant in modern digital photography. The lens comprises eight elements arranged in seven groups, with six elements built from anomalous partial dispersion glass, promising high resolution, strong contrast, and consistent performance across the frame.

Notably, the lens is compact and lightweight, measuring only 54.8mm in length and weighing 235g. Its f/4 maximum aperture, while less than ideal for low-light conditions, allows for a smaller, lighter lens by eliminating the need for larger elements found in faster optics. This smaller design reduces viewfinder obstruction when used with an optical rangefinder.

Close focusing is a standout feature of the APO-Lanthar 90mm F4 Close Focus VM. Capable of focusing as close as 0.5 meters, the lens exceeds the typical 0.7-meter limit for many rangefinder-coupled lenses. At its minimum focusing distance, the lens achieves a maximum magnification of 0.28x. Voigtländer asserts that the lens's apochromatic correction maintains image quality even when photographing subjects up close.

Additionally, the lens features a high-precision rangefinder coupling mechanism, a robust all-metal helicoid for smooth focusing, and a click indicating when the focusing range has been surpassed. A compact metal hood accompanies the lens, extending by approximately 9mm to mitigate flare without encroaching on the camera's framelines.