Lens ReviewMorten Byskov - 5050 TravelogDecember 10, 2025Voigtländer APO-Ultron 90mm f/2 review, Voigtländer APO-Ultron 90mm f/2 sample images, Voigtländer APO-Ultron 90mm f/2 sample photos, Voigtländer APO-Ultron 90mm f/2 build quality, APO-Ultron 90mm review, APO-Ultron 90mm sample images, Voigtlander 90mm review, Voigtlander 90mm f2 sample images, Voigtlander 90mm f2 reviewComment

Voigtländer APO-Ultron 90mm f/2 Review

A Review of the Voigtländer APO-Ultron 90mm f/2 Adapted to a Leica SL2-S

The Voigtländer APO-Ultron 90mm f/2 was announced almost exactly a year ago in mid-December of 2024. It was one of those lenses that immediately sparked my interest, and I decided I would get it at some point.

After repeatedly asking my camera dealer, he finally let me know he had one in stock, about 11 months after the announcement. I am sure if I had been more diligent, I could have found a copy earlier.

I have tried several short telephoto lenses over the past couple of years, swinging between manual-focus and autofocus options.

Ideally, I would not mind having one of each. An autofocus option for portrait sessions og gigs when things move fast, and then a manual focus lens for when I am looking for an exceptional image quality with character. Let’s see if the Voigtländer APO-Ultron was worth the wait.

Adapting a Voigtländer APO-Ultron to a Leica SL2-S — Voigtländer APO-Ultron 90mm f/2 and Leica SL2-S, Leica M-Adapter to L-Mount. The hood is reversible.

Introduction

As mentioned above, the Voigtländer APO-Ultron 90mm f/2 was announced in December 2024 to join its focal length sibling, the APO-Scopar 90mm f/2.8, which has been available since late 2021.

I have not tried the APO-Scopar 90mm f/2.8, but I have reviews on this site for the Ultron 75mm f/1.9 MC, which, to my surprise, was discontinued after a very short lifespan, and the Nokton 75mm f/1.5, which is still available (links go to my reviews).

The APO-Ultron 90mm f/2 is the first Voigtländer lens that I have tried with the APO distinction (apochromatic design), a feature that minimizes axial chromatic aberration, so I was excited to see if it makes a noticeable difference from the other Voigtländer lenses I have tried.

At the time this review was posted, the Voigtländer APO-Ultron 90mm f/2 retailed for $899.00 and came in black or silver.

A man walks along English Bay Beach in late November. Sample image from a Voigtländer APO-Ultron 90mm f/2 and Leica SL2-S. — English Bay Beach, Vancouver, Leica SL2-S, Voigtländer APO-Ultron 90mm f/2, Leica M-Adapter to L-Mount

Handling, Specs, and Build Quality

At 12 oz (340 g), the Voigtländer APO-Ultron 90mm f/2 has a dense quality feel that matches my Leica SL2-S very well. The 52mm filter size and manageable length, 2.5” (63.3mm), make it a reasonably compact 90mm lens.

The included metal hood has a lovely tapered design that narrows slightly towards the tip. It is reversible, which is excellent if you have space constraints in your photo bag.

The focus ring, like all Voigtländer lenses I’ve tried, is super smooth. At first, I found the torque or resistance a bit too tight, but I quickly adjusted to it, and now appreciate it, as you won’t easily bump it out of focus, and it's easy to make fine adjustments. With manual-focus lenses at longer focal lengths, such as this one, accurate control is paramount.

Voigtländer APO-Ultron 90mm f/2 adapted to a Leica SL2-S with the Leica M to L-Mount adapter. — Voigtländer APO-Ultron 90mm f/2 and Leica SL2-S, Leica M-Adapter to L-Mount.

The aperture ring, which clicks in half-stop increments, is well-positioned on the lens barrel, resulting in excellent ergonomics, and it has a very satisfying click action with just the right amount of damping.

The APO-Ultron 90mm f/2 has 8 elements in 7 groups and anomalous partial dispersion glass in 6 of the 8 elements. The lens has 12 aperture blades to ensure what Voigtländer calls “a natural-looking” bokeh. I will address this in the image quality paragraph below. The minimum focus distance is 3' (90 cm).

To some photographers, the looks of a lens matter less, but I happen to think this is one of the best lenses I’ve seen in a long time. Its design is reminiscent of classic Leica lenses with red and white markings and easy-to-read fonts.

Kayaks at Granville Island stored for winter. Sample image from a Voigtländer APO-Ultron 90mm f/2 and Leica SL2-S. — Granville Island, Leica SL2-S, Voigtländer APO-Ultron 90mm f/2, Leica M-Adapter to L-Mount

In Action

With the Leica SL2-S, I do not rely on focus peaking as the EVF is one of the best for manual focusing. I may even ruffle some feathers if I state that it is better than the one in the Leica SL3, even though, on paper, they are supposed to be the same.

I heard the same from a YouTuber (sorry, forgot his name), that the SL2-S was better than the SL3-S in this regard.

Most often, I punch in using the joystick on the SL2-S to check focus accuracy, and then sometimes use the main command dial to zoom in even closer.

This is a routine I have worked on over time, and I find that this workflow adds a tactile feel to my photography process as opposed to using an autofocus lens. I feel more involved.

Sometimes I do not take the step to punch in and will just hit the shutter when the elements in my composition come into focus. Having a good EVF is crucial for a higher success rate.

It is worth noting that the Voigtländer APO-Ultron 90mm f/2 can be adapted to any camera brand that has an M-Mount-to-your-camera adapter. These adapters are widely available from many manufacturers.

For the photos in this post, I used the original Leica M-Adapter to L-Mount. This is not an inexpensive adapter, but if you keep an eye out for one on the used market, you can sometimes find a good deal.

It should go without saying, but the 90mm focal length is noticeably longer than the two 75mm lenses mentioned above, and even compared to the traditional 85mm, I felt a difference right away.

Fishing boat at Fishermen's Wharf in Vancouver. Estevan. Sample image from a Voigtländer APO-Ultron 90mm f/2 and Leica SL2-S. — Fishermen’s Wharf, Vancouver, Leica SL2-S, Voigtländer APO-Ultron 90mm f/2, Leica M-Adapter to L-Mount

Image Quality

Compared to the Voigtländer Nokton 75mm f/1.5 and 75mm f/1.9, the APO-Ultron 90mm f/2 delivers a more true-to-life, or correct and modern-looking image, though you can tell they share basic DNA. They are all sharp, but I’d give the edge to the APO-Ultron 90mm.

Quote from the Cosina/Voigtländer official site:

It uses an apochromatic design that reduces axial chromatic aberration of the RGB colors that make up the three primary colors of light as close to zero as possible.

I have been trying to find fault with this statement, but the APO-Ultron 90mm handles high-contrast scenes and backlit foliage admirably, and chromatic aberration is well-controlled.

There is vignetting at f/2, but I do not find it bothersome. It gets better at f/2.8, and I don’t see any at f/4.

The bokeh I’ve found is very smooth yet has a bit of character, which suits my taste.

Please click the sample images to view them at up to 2500 pixels, depending on your monitor size. You can also pinch-zoom on a mobile phone.

A red Corvette on Robson Street in Vancouver. Sample image from a Voigtländer APO-Ultron 90mm f/2 and Leica SL2-S. — Robson Street, Vancouver, Leica SL2-S, Voigtländer APO-Ultron 90mm f/2, Leica M-Adapter to L-Mount

Conclusion

As much as I have praised the manual-focus experience in this review, it is not always practical. For fast-moving topics or for professional portrait sessions, I would recommend an autofocus lens instead.

I have recently tested the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art and owned the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 for a while. Both are good options, and admittedly, I miss the Lumix 85mm, and may have to reacquire one for upcoming gigs.

However, as much as I liked the Sigma 85mm and Lumix 85mm lenses, I prefer the character and optical qualities of the Voigtländer APO-Ultron 90mm f/2.

Please see more sample images below.

Voigtländer APO-Ultron 90mm f/2 adapted to a Leica SL2-S — Voigtländer APO-Ultron 90mm f/2 and Leica SL2-S, Leica M-Adapter to L-Mount.

Pros

Lightweight and compact
Amazing build quality
Apochromatic lens design

Cons

Lack of autofocus

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate link below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Voigtländer APO-Ultron 90mm f/2 - B&H Photo

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