Voigtlander Macro APO-Lanthar 110mm F2.5

Lab tests and reviewers rank it at or near the top of all lenses measured on full frame: very high resolution from f/2.5 across the frame, no visible longitudinal or lateral CA, and negligible distortion. Macro and infinity performance are both excellent thanks to the floating design.

Bokeh is smooth and clean, helped by the APO correction. Criticisms are about handling: manual focus only, a long throw, a barrel that grows about 6cm at 1:1, no image stabilisation and no weather sealing, set against autofocus rivals like Sony's FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G.

Owners call it a reference lens for macro, product and landscape work, and many use it for portraits too. The precision of the focus ring is a favourite feature for focus stacking and studio work.

Complaints include the 771g weight, the extending barrel, the long throw being slow for moving subjects and insects, and the lack of a de-click switch for video.