Voigtländer LBA - post your pics, notes and thoughts.

thePiRaTE!! · 10-13-2007, 03:40 PM

Well, admittedly, there have been a few threads (even by myself) pertaining to these lenses, but I thought that perhaps for the archives, it might be nice to have an 'official' thread encompassing all the sort of info one might like to find when researching these rarish beasts - and give those of us who sing the praises that chance. In that light, I'd love to see some of your photos, thoughts or experiences with these lenses.

I only have the 125 and 180 myself, hence the abridged poster, but... hope you enjoy it anyways

Speaking of the 180, theres very little info on it out there so - heres a pic I took on the way to work the other day. Only mildly treated in Lightroom, gives you an idea of the crispness and contrast at a comfortable telephoto range. Because of its close focus (1.2m) capabilities, its easy to get very selective shots with it. I'll try for samples of that next.

Last edited by Buddha Jones; 12-23-2007 at 10:54 PM.

FotoPete · 10-13-2007, 04:38 PM

Wow you got "A" contacts too! Haha I was gonna ask you if you had the 75mm f2.5 Heliar for kicks. But you probably already have it. lol (The 75mm is now the DA* 70/2.4) and yay for Cosina Teletype. lol.

Gorgeous lenses and beautiful photo!

roentarre · 10-13-2007, 04:45 PM

It is a legendary lens Voigtlander 125mm macro. Just a little heavy for this focal length.

Congradulation on this purchase!

Ari · 10-13-2007, 05:43 PM

First, beautiful picture! Second, that seems like a great lens. I just did a little reading up on it-I see it still available for purchase (but only from a Singapore site). Are they available state side?

philmorley · 10-13-2007, 06:15 PM

hi,

the 125 & 180 in the US are at cameraquest

FOR SALE

I think camera-sharp.com in taiwan may have some but I'm not sure (website in Chinese?) - from what I can work out they MAY have all the SL's except the 75mm

whereabouts in singapore?

Phil

thePiRaTE!! · 10-13-2007, 06:32 PM

Originally posted by FotoPete

Wow you got "A" contacts too! Haha I was gonna ask you if you had the 75mm f2.5 Heliar for kicks. But you probably already have it. lol (The 75mm is now the DA* 70/2.4) and yay for Cosina Teletype. lol.

Gorgeous lenses and beautiful photo!

Is it really (the 70)? I had no idea! Honestly, I am looking into the 75mm as my short tele/portrait lens, either that or the 90, but I have gap between my copy of the 31ltd and the SL125 that the 75 seemed more appropriate to fill than the 90, but I've seen neither one available. Its either that or think seriously about the FA*85... decisions, decisions.

Originally posted by Ari

First, beautiful picture! Second, that seems like a great lens. I just did a little reading up on it-I see it still available for purchase (but only from a Singapore site). Are they available state side?

CameraQuest Home still has a few 180s and 125s in for KA. EDIT - whoops! Phil beat me to it

And thanks Roentarre - I am enjoying them greatly thus far, very sharp and vivid.

m8o · 10-13-2007, 06:45 PM

...feeling a case of LBA coming on (the 125) .... Wondering ....

How is sharpness of the 125 wide open for anyone in the know? Also, anyone every couple it with any TCs? Like the 1.7x AF Tc?

Last edited by m8o; 10-13-2007 at 06:52 PM.

philmorley · 10-13-2007, 06:46 PM

hi

the 75mm -> 70mm was discussed a while back in slr lens section
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/4979-i-right-i...a70-2-4-a.html

thePiRaTE!! · 10-13-2007, 07:11 PM

Originally posted by m8o

...feeling a case of LBA coming on (the 125) .... Wondering ....

How is sharpness of the 125 wide open for anyone in the know? Also, anyone every couple it with any TCs? Like the 1.7x AF Tc?

I've not used it with a TC, but I had a thread a few pages back describing my adventure with infinity focus and the 125, you might enjoy it - https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/13072-voigtlan...-question.html

The end result though is, I really enjoy the detail at infinity with this lens.

Abbazz · 10-13-2007, 07:17 PM

I have already posted a few pictures taken with the 125/2.5 on this forum. Now, I would to emphasize the extraordinary resistance of this lens against flare, chromatic aberration and purple fringing. Here is a picture of a tree leaf, taken against a bright blue sky, with the sun only a few degrees to the left of the lens axis:

The image is clean and there is good overall contrast. I don't know many lenses that wouldn't exhibit at least some degree of purple fringing in a similar situation. Here is a 100% crop with absolutely no post processing whatsoever (not even sharpening); you can even see the structure of the leaf through it:

And here are two pictures taken in contre-jour with the equally good 180/4 lens:

You can see that the 180/4 has the same superb resistance against purple fringing and chromatic aberration.

Cheers,

m8o · 10-13-2007, 07:27 PM

Wow, I'm falling in love. Between the pictures I'm seeing here and pix I just saw taken with the 125 posted on pbase (wow, the color), and the detail of that mtn scene... I think I know what I have to do, and soon (and that with me not even having a camera for the time being as it gets serviced). Oh how I will appreciate the lack of CA; every lens I have suffers from it to some degree.
Thanx for the link to the other thread I missed.

Abbazz · 10-13-2007, 08:01 PM

Originally posted by m8o

Thanx for the link to the other thread I missed.

Here are two recent threads about this lens:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/12509-opinion-...zk100-2-a.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/13072-voigtlan...-question.html

Cheers,

m8o · 10-13-2007, 08:25 PM

THNX. And I also see more pix wide open here (and full report for that matter) so know the answer is a resounding yes:
Voigtlander SL 125mm f/2.5 APO-Lanthar - Photozone Test Report/Review

Abbazz · 10-13-2007, 08:39 PM

Originally posted by m8o

THNX. And I also see more pix wide open here (and full report for that matter) so know the answer is a resounding yes:

You'd better hurry because I don't know how long the remaining stock will last. Don't worry: you won't be disappointed and, will you ever wish to resell this lens, I can predict you won't loose any money on it; its value will likely increase because Cosina will not produce it anymore -- the deal with Zeiss forbids Cosina from selling SLR lenses under its own brand in exchange for the fabrication of the whole new Zeiss lens line. Have you ever priced the Cosina made Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 2/100?

Cheers,

m8o · 10-13-2007, 08:44 PM

I haven't but I'll take your word for it.

I've been looking for a better macro then my Tamron. This may need to be my 1st foray into a fully manual lens.

As I haven't had much luck with manual focus of my current lenses, I definitely have to get the split screen ... I wonder if I buy it and include it in the box when I send the camera in for the repair (broke the screen ... and outer body casing

) if Pentax repair will swap the screen for me, as the current one needs to come off anyway as part of the repair becuase it's filthy. But I digress.

I'm actually going to see if they keep Sunday hours tomorrow; else Monday morning.

10-13-2007, 03:40 PM	#1
thePiRaTE!! Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Calgary, AB Photos: Gallery Posts: 942	Voigtländer LBA - post your pics, notes and thoughts. Well, admittedly, there have been a few threads (even by myself) pertaining to these lenses, but I thought that perhaps for the archives, it might be nice to have an 'official' thread encompassing all the sort of info one might like to find when researching these rarish beasts - and give those of us who sing the praises that chance. In that light, I'd love to see some of your photos, thoughts or experiences with these lenses. I only have the 125 and 180 myself, hence the abridged poster, but... hope you enjoy it anyways Speaking of the 180, theres very little info on it out there so - heres a pic I took on the way to work the other day. Only mildly treated in Lightroom, gives you an idea of the crispness and contrast at a comfortable telephoto range. Because of its close focus (1.2m) capabilities, its easy to get very selective shots with it. I'll try for samples of that next. Last edited by Buddha Jones; 12-23-2007 at 10:54 PM.

10-13-2007, 06:15 PM	#5
philmorley Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: in a house in Armidale, Australia Posts: 472	hi, the 125 & 180 in the US are at cameraquest FOR SALE I think camera-sharp.com in taiwan may have some but I'm not sure (website in Chinese?) - from what I can work out they MAY have all the SL's except the 75mm whereabouts in singapore? Phil Last edited by philmorley; 10-13-2007 at 06:43 PM.

10-13-2007, 07:11 PM	#9
thePiRaTE!! Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Calgary, AB Photos: Gallery Posts: 942 Original Poster	Originally posted by m8o ...feeling a case of LBA coming on (the 125) .... Wondering .... How is sharpness of the 125 wide open for anyone in the know? Also, anyone every couple it with any TCs? Like the 1.7x AF Tc? I've not used it with a TC, but I had a thread a few pages back describing my adventure with infinity focus and the 125, you might enjoy it - https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/13072-voigtlan...-question.html The end result though is, I really enjoy the detail at infinity with this lens. Last edited by Buddha Jones; 12-23-2007 at 10:53 PM.

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10-13-2007, 04:38 PM	#2
FotoPete Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,774	Wow you got "A" contacts too! Haha I was gonna ask you if you had the 75mm f2.5 Heliar for kicks. But you probably already have it. lol (The 75mm is now the DA* 70/2.4) and yay for Cosina Teletype. lol. Gorgeous lenses and beautiful photo!

10-13-2007, 04:45 PM	#3
roentarre Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 11,783	It is a legendary lens Voigtlander 125mm macro. Just a little heavy for this focal length. Congradulation on this purchase!

10-13-2007, 05:43 PM	#4
Ari Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Freehold, NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 856	First, beautiful picture! Second, that seems like a great lens. I just did a little reading up on it-I see it still available for purchase (but only from a Singapore site). Are they available state side?

10-13-2007, 06:32 PM	#6
thePiRaTE!! Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Calgary, AB Photos: Gallery Posts: 942 Original Poster	Originally posted by FotoPete Wow you got "A" contacts too! Haha I was gonna ask you if you had the 75mm f2.5 Heliar for kicks. But you probably already have it. lol (The 75mm is now the DA* 70/2.4) and yay for Cosina Teletype. lol. Gorgeous lenses and beautiful photo! Is it really (the 70)? I had no idea! Honestly, I am looking into the 75mm as my short tele/portrait lens, either that or the 90, but I have gap between my copy of the 31ltd and the SL125 that the 75 seemed more appropriate to fill than the 90, but I've seen neither one available. Its either that or think seriously about the FA*85... decisions, decisions. Originally posted by Ari First, beautiful picture! Second, that seems like a great lens. I just did a little reading up on it-I see it still available for purchase (but only from a Singapore site). Are they available state side? CameraQuest Home still has a few 180s and 125s in for KA. EDIT - whoops! Phil beat me to it And thanks Roentarre - I am enjoying them greatly thus far, very sharp and vivid.

10-13-2007, 06:45 PM	#7
m8o Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: 40°-55'-44" N / 73°-24'-07" W [on LI] Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,092	...feeling a case of LBA coming on (the 125) .... Wondering .... How is sharpness of the 125 wide open for anyone in the know? Also, anyone every couple it with any TCs? Like the 1.7x AF Tc? Last edited by m8o; 10-13-2007 at 06:52 PM.

10-13-2007, 06:46 PM	#8
philmorley Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: in a house in Armidale, Australia Posts: 472	hi the 75mm -> 70mm was discussed a while back in slr lens section https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/4979-i-right-i...a70-2-4-a.html

10-13-2007, 07:17 PM	#10
Abbazz Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Jakarta Posts: 667	I have already posted a few pictures taken with the 125/2.5 on this forum. Now, I would to emphasize the extraordinary resistance of this lens against flare, chromatic aberration and purple fringing. Here is a picture of a tree leaf, taken against a bright blue sky, with the sun only a few degrees to the left of the lens axis: The image is clean and there is good overall contrast. I don't know many lenses that wouldn't exhibit at least some degree of purple fringing in a similar situation. Here is a 100% crop with absolutely no post processing whatsoever (not even sharpening); you can even see the structure of the leaf through it: And here are two pictures taken in contre-jour with the equally good 180/4 lens: You can see that the 180/4 has the same superb resistance against purple fringing and chromatic aberration. Cheers,

10-13-2007, 07:27 PM	#11
m8o Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: 40°-55'-44" N / 73°-24'-07" W [on LI] Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,092	Wow, I'm falling in love. Between the pictures I'm seeing here and pix I just saw taken with the 125 posted on pbase (wow, the color), and the detail of that mtn scene... I think I know what I have to do, and soon (and that with me not even having a camera for the time being as it gets serviced). Oh how I will appreciate the lack of CA; every lens I have suffers from it to some degree. Thanx for the link to the other thread I missed.

10-13-2007, 08:01 PM	#12
Abbazz Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Jakarta Posts: 667	Originally posted by m8o Thanx for the link to the other thread I missed. Here are two recent threads about this lens: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/12509-opinion-...zk100-2-a.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/13072-voigtlan...-question.html Cheers,

10-13-2007, 08:25 PM	#13
m8o Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: 40°-55'-44" N / 73°-24'-07" W [on LI] Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,092	THNX. And I also see more pix wide open here (and full report for that matter) so know the answer is a resounding yes: Voigtlander SL 125mm f/2.5 APO-Lanthar - Photozone Test Report/Review

10-13-2007, 08:39 PM	#14
Abbazz Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Jakarta Posts: 667	Originally posted by m8o THNX. And I also see more pix wide open here (and full report for that matter) so know the answer is a resounding yes: You'd better hurry because I don't know how long the remaining stock will last. Don't worry: you won't be disappointed and, will you ever wish to resell this lens, I can predict you won't loose any money on it; its value will likely increase because Cosina will not produce it anymore -- the deal with Zeiss forbids Cosina from selling SLR lenses under its own brand in exchange for the fabrication of the whole new Zeiss lens line. Have you ever priced the Cosina made Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 2/100? Cheers,

10-13-2007, 08:44 PM	#15
m8o Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: 40°-55'-44" N / 73°-24'-07" W [on LI] Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,092	I haven't but I'll take your word for it. I've been looking for a better macro then my Tamron. This may need to be my 1st foray into a fully manual lens. As I haven't had much luck with manual focus of my current lenses, I definitely have to get the split screen ... I wonder if I buy it and include it in the box when I send the camera in for the repair (broke the screen ... and outer body casing ) if Pentax repair will swap the screen for me, as the current one needs to come off anyway as part of the repair becuase it's filthy. But I digress. I'm actually going to see if they keep Sunday hours tomorrow; else Monday morning.