C Sonnar T* 50 mm f/1.5 ZM vs Apo Lanthar 50 mm f/2 Aspherical VM
Carl Zeiss
C Sonnar T* 50 mm f/1.5 ZM

Voigtlander
Apo Lanthar 50 mm f/2 Aspherical VM
Here we are comparing the Carl Zeiss C Sonnar T* 50 mm f/1.5 ZM and the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 50 mm f/2 Aspherical VM. The Carl Zeiss C Sonnar T* 50 mm f/1.5 ZM is a 50mm standard prime lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.5, released in 2004. The Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 50 mm f/2 Aspherical VM is a 50mm standard prime lens with a maximum aperture of f/2, released in 2021.
There is a 17 years difference between the Carl Zeiss C Sonnar T* 50 mm f/1.5 ZM and the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 50 mm f/2 Aspherical VM — the newer design may benefit from more recent optical engineering and coatings.
Below you will find a detailed side-by-side comparison of their specifications, features, and key differences.
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| Compare | Lightest Fastest Aperture | |
|---|---|---|
| Mount | ||
| Sensor Size | Full Frame | Full Frame |
| Best For | Portrait Street | Portrait Street |
Price & Availability | ||
| Shop | ||
Optical Specifications | ||
| Focal Length | 50 mm | 50 mm |
| Aperture | f/1.5 | f/2 |
| Aperture Blades | 10 | 12 |
Features | ||
| Autofocus | No | No |
| Image Stabilization | No | No |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
Close-up Performance | ||
| Min. Focus Distance | 0.9 m | 0.7 m |
| Max. Magnification | - | 0.08x |
Physical Specifications | ||
| Weight | 250 g | 288 g |
| Length | 45 mm | 53 mm |
| Diameter | 56 mm | 55.6 mm |
| Filter Thread | 46 mm | 49 mm |
Price & Availability | ||
| Release Year | 2004 | 2021 |
| Shop | ||
Shopping links may contain affiliate codes that support this site at no extra cost to you.
Comparing Carl Zeiss C Sonnar T* 50 mm f/1.5 ZM (50 mm, f/1.5) and Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 50 mm f/2 Aspherical VM (50 mm, f/2).
Carl Zeiss C Sonnar T* 50 mm f/1.5 ZM is the lightest at 250 g, Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 50 mm f/2 Aspherical VM weighs 288 g.
Carl Zeiss C Sonnar T* 50 mm f/1.5 ZM offers the fastest maximum aperture at f/1.5, allowing for better low-light performance and shallower depth of field.
Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 50 mm f/2 Aspherical VM can focus closest at 0.7 m minimum focus distance.
Use the detailed comparison table below to see all specifications side-by-side and find the perfect lens for your photography needs.
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