Voigtländer for Leica M11: Why I Chose New Lenses Instead of Leica

Leica M11 owners know: choosing lenses is not just about technique, it's a philosophy. I settled on the new Voigtländer VM lenses because they offer top-notch optics at a fraction of the Leica price, with minimal compromises in quality. In this analytical article, we'll explore what's new from Voigtländer in 2025–2026, why they compete with the Leica APO-Summicron, and why I don't plan to buy original glass as of today.

Why Voigtländer, Not Leica: My Arguments

Leica is premium, but the prices of their lenses are shocking: the APO-Summicron 28mm costs over 10,000 euros, while the Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 28/2 is around 1,500 dollars. The difference is 6-7 times, but the optical quality is almost identical. I chose Voigtländer for the M11 due to the balance of weight, compactness, and variety of focal lengths — from 10 to 90mm, which exceeds Leica's range. Leica focuses on the elite, Voigtländer on practicality for everyday use.

• Price: Voigtländer from 500 to 1750 euros vs Leica from 3000+.
• Weight and Size: New models are lighter, perfectly balanced on the M11 without a grip.

• Innovations: Aspherical elements, APO correction — the same as in Leica, but more affordable.

Star of the Line: APO-Lanthar 28/2 — Challenge to Leica APO

The most anticipated release of 2025 is the APO-Lanthar 28mm f/2. Voigtländer calls it the best wide-angle lens in the company's history. Predecessors — APO 35/2 and 50/2 (€1099) — optical monsters, on par with the Leica APO-Summicron, but 6–7 times cheaper. The downside of the predecessors is the size, but the 28/2 promises to be compact.

Voigtländer has four 28mm options: Ultron 28/2 (€849), Nokton 28/1.5 (€1049), Aspherical 28/1.5, and the new APO. For the M11, it's ideal: a wide angle without distortion, APO correction of chromatic aberrations. The Leica 28mm Summilux is a heavy "brick," while the Voigtländer Nokton is lighter (250g aluminum version) and balances on the M11.

Comparison with Leica 28mm

Nokton 28/1.5 is a direct replacement for the Summilux: smaller, lighter, with 10 elements/8 groups, 2 aspherical and ED lenses. Testers praise the bokeh and sharpness on the M11.

Series f/1.2: 35, 40, 50mm — Classic with Modernity

The new Nokton 35/1.2, 40/1.2, 50/1.2 (€1099) — redesigned with aspherical elements and retro design (Berg und Tal knurling like in Leica). Extremely shallow DoF for the M11 with an electronic shutter. Optics on par with 50/1.0 or 75/1.5 — center/edge sharpness, creamy bokeh.

For portraits, the 50/1.2 is ideal: no need for f/1.4 in poor lighting because the M11 pulls ISO 6400+. The 40/1.2 is versatile for street, more compact than the Leica Noctilux.

Other Hit Models for M11

• APO-Lanthar 50/3.5 (€699): Compact "standard," collapsible design, top APO quality.
• Ultron 35/2: "Glued" to the M6/M11, compact daily-driver.

• Nokton 40/1.2: Protection and accessories popular in 2026.

Voigtländer offers alternatives in price/size: from budget <500 € to top-class €1749. Leica is only premium.

Mechanics and Compatibility with Leica M11

All VM are M-mount, with click-focus, but some (like the Nokton 28) go beyond the rangefinder — typical for Voigtländer. Balance: the Nokton 28 fits perfectly on the M11 without a grip. Materials: aluminum (light) or brass (retro, heavier). Cosina actively invests in R&D, releasing new products every year.

Why Not Leica: Market Analysis 2026

Leica is status, but for the M11, Voigtländer wins: 90% of the optical magic for 20% of the price. Tests show minimal differences in sharpness, contrast, bokeh. Leica is better in prestige and service, but Voigtländer is the better choice for price-quality category. In 2026, the VM line is broader than Leica's lineup.

My setup: APO 28/2 + Nokton 40/1.2 + APO 50/3.5. Cost ~3500 € vs Leica equivalents > 25,000 €. The result? The same M11 magic.

Conclusion for Enthusiasts

Voigtländer is a bold challenge to Leica. The new 2025+ lenses prove: top optics can be affordable. If you're looking for quality without overpaying — VM for M11 is your choice. Try the Nokton 28/1.5 — and the Leica Summilux will go up for sale.