Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM vs Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM is 50mm, the Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5 is 110mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM for short-telephoto / portrait, the Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5 for zoom.

Choose the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2.5, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 110mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

Choose the Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5 if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 110mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
  • You shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM opens to f/1.4 vs the Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5's f/2.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM is 50mm, Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5 is 110mm — different framing and reach.
  • Price: the Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5 is $1,199, $100 under the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM.
  • Close-up: the Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5 reaches 1x magnification vs 0.16x — more for close-up and macro work.
  • Durability: the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM is weather-sealed; the other isn't.

Frequently asked

Is the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM or the Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5 better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM is 50mm, the Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5 is 110mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM for short-telephoto / portrait, the Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5 for zoom.

Who should choose the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM?

Choose the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 110mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

Who should choose the Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5?

Choose the Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5 if you need more reach — it goes to 110mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.

What is the main difference between the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM and the Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5?

Aperture: the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM opens to f/1.4 vs the Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5's f/2.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length50mm110mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements1412
Optical Groups119
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/1.4f/2.5
Minimum Aperturef/16f/22
Aperture Blades1110
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameFull-Frame
Lens MountSony ESony E
Angle of View47° – 47°22°
35mm Equivalent
Focus
AutofocusYesNo
Focus MotorXD Linear
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchYesNo
Min Focus Distance38 cm19 cm
Max Magnification0.16x1x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingYesNo
Declickable ApertureYesNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$1,299$1,199
Filter Size67mm67mm
Diameter80.6mm78mm
Length96mm131.5mm
Weight516g (1.14 lb)560g (1.23 lb)
Weather SealedYesNo
Tripod CollarNoNo