p.44 #1 · Official: Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 III E-mount
I don't think there is a 100% right answer. Assuming you can find a good CV 15 copy. I like my Loxia 21 and occasionally use the extra speed. I don't feel I absolutely need an 18. It's also nice having the EXIF.
GMPhotography wrote:
I do like the WATE simply because it's one lens in 3 focal lengths and if you did the math it's actually cheaper. Big one is one filter size too
Right now VC 15 is 58, Batis 18 is 67 and Loxia is 52. Really a PITA.
The really big downside on the CV 15 is finding a choppy. Apparently very very hard
p.44 #2 · Official: Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 III E-mount
With my wate copy, there isn't noticeable resolution increase going from f/5.6 to f/8 at all FLs. It's sharp to the very corners. However there is contrast increase at f/8. If I add a little contrast/clarity, f/5.6 matches f/8 throughout the frame.
At 15mm, the CV15 is a great option but It's not easy finding a good copy performing as good as Guy's choppy.
k-h.a.w wrote:
Thanks Luvwine. As far as I can tell at this moment, Choppy has the following advantages over my WATE:
* Higher contrast, micro- contrast across the entire image, sharper detail.
* Quite useable corners, (even at f/4.5) and particularly at f/5.6. WATE best be used at f/8.
* Significantly smaller geometrical distortion than the large mustache distortion of the WATE at 16-21mm.
* A factor of 6x lower new purchase price.
If others can add to this list, please be my guest, including advantages of the WATE.
p.44 #4 · Official: Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 III E-mount
GMPhotography wrote:
I do like the WATE simply because it's one lens in 3 focal lengths and if you did the math it's actually cheaper. Big one is one filter size too
Right now VC 15 is 58, Batis 18 is 67 and Loxia is 52. Really a PITA.
The really big downside on the CV 15 is finding a choppy. Apparently very very hard
Batis 18 is 77 actually! They broke the consistency...
p.44 #6 · Official: Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 III E-mount
One advantage of Leica in general is better than average quality control. While I have read of issues, getting a good copy of the Leica is not nearly the crap shoot many other lenses appear to be. It is pricey and more fiddly to use filters on, but so far I am sticking with my WATE. Nothing else so far gives the combination of size, weight, quality, and flexibility.
p.44 #7 · Official: Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 III E-mount
I'm going to go test my copy of the VC 15mm E this morning. If it tests like it did for Fred than I'm going to make it a Choppy II version. I have a new plan on how I can make a almost perfect cut on the petals
p.44 #8 · Official: Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 III E-mount
I have the M mount and an excellent copy. I guess i got lucky on this one. However, I am wondering if some of the reported poor copies are actually due to the adapter. I have had some adapters that work well with some lenses and not so well with others. To be specific-- smearing and poor corners. Even some of the more expensive higher quality adapters.
p.44 #9 · Official: Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 III E-mount
Just got finished testing the E version I bought from Fred. It is a very good copy no question. It maybe even better than Choppy. Just looking at it now
One other thought i had was maybe to find a step-up ring that just barely fits OVER the hood that i could screw a larger filter (72mm or 77mm maybe), and tape/fix it there at the edge. There's this stuff called "sugru" that i might use instead of tape. then i could just cover the open parts of the petal with gaffer tape.
i wonder if that'd cause any vignetting or anything adverse.
p.44 #11 · Official: Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 III E-mount
Okay here we go . Files called VC 15 are the M mount AKA Choppy. I shot these at least a month ago and today the E mount version. Sun was lower with choppy.
p.44 #13 · Official: Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 III E-mount
Really splitting hairs here but I think the E version just maybe ever so slightly better. Honestly these are the best samples around on the M and E version. Not sure you will see any better, equal likes Tims and a few others but not better.
p.44 #14 · Official: Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 III E-mount
Many thanks Guy. Great comparison.
Have you determined whether your E-mount version benefits from in-camera processing? TIA
For me the great advantage of Choppy is to use it on the TechArt autofocus adapter.
p.44 #17 · Official: Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 III E-mount
k-h.a.w wrote:
Many thanks Guy. Great comparison.
Have you determined whether your E-mount version benefits from in-camera processing? TIA
For me the great advantage of Choppy is to use it on the TechArt autofocus adapter.
Regards, K-H.
It does clean up the CA better it seems but its a subtle change too. I do like the E a little better physically and I do like having the Exif
Honestly these are two of the best samples we have seen and i would shoot either one of them in a heart beat. The real problem is finding copies like this which is not where i like to see things its very disturbing the good vs the bad copies out there. I would honestly would give up after three tries playing the Lottery on it and just go get a WATE as I never seen a bad copy of it yet. My patience level though on this stuff after 4 FE 35mm 1.4 is about nill right now.
p.44 #19 · Official: Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 III E-mount
Thanks Guy.
I noticed the better CA clean up of the E version already on Fred's comparisons.
However, in actual use for many images that doesn't seem to be a problem.
But for some images of Choppy I can't correct CA perfectly.
Well, I can live with that and use my WATE instead.
F/8 seems to be optimal for many uses. Same for Choppy and my WATE.
