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Production
1999 – 2008
Country
Japan
Optical
9 elements in 7 groups
Updated
Feb 15, 2026
Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 180mm f/4 SL
Nikon F
Overview
The Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 180mm f/4 SL is a hidden gem from Voigtländer's SL lens lineup. APO designation means apochromatic correction — three color wavelengths focused at same point. Razor sharp with minimal chromatic aberration. A forgotten masterpiece.
Verdict: A forgotten APO masterpiece. The Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 180mm f/4 delivers exceptional sharpness at a fraction of modern APO prices. Undervalued because few know it exists. A thinking photographer's secret weapon.
Optical Character
Sharpness wide open
The lens delivers sharp results across the frame even at f/4 wide open, with only a slight gain in sharpness when stopped down further.
Vignetting
Mild vignetting of about 1.4 EV wide open, improving to 0.6 EV at f/5.6 and 0.3 EV from f/8 onwards.
Community Insights
What people love
- APO sharpness
- No chromatic aberration
- Excellent build quality
- Undervalued gem
- Great adapted to mirrorless
What people dislike
- f/4 not fast
- SL mount = adapter needed
- Heavy
- Not well known
Pro Tips
- APO correction = exceptional sharpness
- Great for nature, portraits at distance
- Undervalued because not well known
- SL → Nikon F → mirrorless works great
Sources (3)
phillip_reeve-
https://phillipreeve.net/blog/review-voigtlander-180mm-4-0-sl-apo-lanthar/
unknown-
https://blog.mingthein.com/2015/03/06/review-of-a-rare-bird-the-voigtlander-1804-apo-lanthar/
Lens Heritage 2nd JSONsecondary
The Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 180mm f/4 SL is a hidden gem from Voigtländer's SL lens lineup. APO designation means apochromatic correction — three color wavelengths focused at same point. Razor sharp with minimal chromatic aberration. A forgotten masterpiece.