[kentishrev]

I've the opportunity to pick up a brand new, unused K-Mount Voigtlander 90mm APO-LANTHER f/3.5 SLII. I have the NOKTON 58mm and love the rendering, resolution and the feel of the focus ring.

Problem is, it's priced around GBP650, which is a lot of money (and would put the K-3II back to the end of next year).

I have the Pentax DFA 100mm Macro WR, and the Pentax FA77mm Ltd, but nothing inbetween. I'm sorely tempted to go for the Voigtlander too, but unsure if this is either a good price, or whether I will really get the use of of it it deserves. I would see the 90mm as a telephoto for portraits, rather than macro, allowing a little more distance from the subject than even the 77mm.

However, I would really welcome thoughts of anyone who owns, or who as owned, all three (or two) of these.

[jrpower10]

Can't comment on the lens as I've never owned one, but the last 3 to sell on US ebay all sold for less than 500 USD. None were new but were in near-new condition per the description. Based on that I'd say 650 GBP sounds high, but I think prices tend to be higher there.

[NZ_Ross]

I also own a Voigtlander Nokton 58 and have looked at the APO 90mm several times. They generally seem to be for sale for USD $400-$500 in good condition. So the one you are looking at is at the high end of the price range, but it is also in the UK.

With regard to the lens length - I also have DA70, M85, Leica R 90/2.8 converted with Leitax for Pentax and F 100mm macro. I have found that I like 90mm as a portrait length, and it will be even more so on the Pentax FF. I have found I gravitate to the autofocus lenses i.e. DA70 and F100, as manual focus gets 'interesting' to get the shot - especially for active children.

That said, when I do use my Leica 90mm I am pleased with the rendering and what I achieve with it - have a look at my zenfolio site if you want to look at some comparisons.

Cheers

Ross

[hcc]

I have two Voigtlander lenses. They are really special. I do not own the 90mm but I feel that the price is too high:
Voigtlander 90mm F3.5 APO Lanthar SL Lens Reviews - Voigtlander Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

If you want the Voigtander 90mm lens , be patient and wait. There are some excellent Japanese and Korean 2nd hand seller at ebay, and you will find one eventually. The PF marketplace is another to look, although any Voigtlander lens at reasonable price would go quickly.

My 5 cents.

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Last edited by hcc; 04-28-2015 at 05:46 PM.

[Zav]

I had up to 4 Voigtlander lenses, still owns 2 APO-Lanthar lenses and the FA 77mm. I would not get the lens, it sits not too close to the 100mm and the 77 for me. I don't really have the need to have something in-between.

[schnitzer79]

ive seen one on ebay yesterday for 500GBP (brand new)

[Papa Lazarou]

I sold my mint copy for less than £300 late last year.
To the OP - it's vastly overpriced IMO.

[kentishrev]

ive seen one on ebay yesterday for 500GBP (brand new)

That's the one. But it's in Hong Kong. So add the taxes and you're well over 600.

[schnitzer79]

well, if i were you id save my money for the K-3II.if you had a K-3, then id say go for the lens, but seeing you have a K-30, then that will be a serious upgrade for you and well worth it (if you're serious about photography)

[kentishrev]

Many thanks to all who replied. Somehow, it's a miracle, but your thoughtful comments appear to have cured my LBA (for now, at least). Too expensive, and probably too close to existing 77mm and 100mm. Money stays in the bank for now.