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Archive 2016 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Nokton ASPH

craigjohn
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Nokton ASPH

I just bought a silver Nokton 1.5 - it arrived yesterday afternoon. Damn, this is one BEAUTIFUL lens.

I've had the Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH. 50mm Summicron. Used the Zeiss 50/1.5 Sonnar and the FE 55/1.5.

This groovy little Nokton seems legit. Build quality is most excellent - much better than what I expected based a few lens reviews.

I've read about people complaining about the weirdly knurled focus ring - it's butter smooth. I actually like/prefer the knurled focus ring - easy to grab and manipulate - I prefer it to the Summilux ASPH focus tab. The focus ring reminds me of the old black and silver Nikon pre-AI focus rings - which I love.

Also read about people suggesting the focus ring is too tight - mine isn't. I don't like a loosey-goosey focus ring, nor one that's too tight, and I've had and used both. This Nokton iss about as perfectly dampened as I'd want. YMMV.

I also prefer the shorter focus throw.

The aperture clicks into place perfectly (and yet it's somehow dampened) with just the right amount of effort. It doesn't seem like it will get bumped out of place - which I felt could happen with both the Leica lenses. The Zeiss Sonnar clicked nicely, but didn't have a dampened click feel.

I don't know if I'd call the Nokton wildly sharp wide open, but it's damn sharp enough - and I love the character so far.

I much prefer the Nokton rendering to the Zeiss 50/1.5 Sonnar and the 50 Summicron.

I'm still on the fence about the 50/Lux. Not sure if the Nokton has the same POP yet. But I do like the fact it's smaller and lighter than the Lux.

I can't wait to put this lens into play to see how it does. So far so good.

Sony a7rII + Voigtlander 50/1.5 Nokton @ f/1.5

Sony a7rII + Voigtlander 50/1.5 Nokton @ f/1.5

Edited on Jul 06, 2016 at 01:01 PM · View previous versions

Jul 06, 2016 at 10:05 AM

craigjohn
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Nokton ASPH

A couple more from the Nokton this morning of my kiddos eating their blueberries.

I think I'm going to REALLY like this lens.

Sony a7rII + Voigtlander 50/1.5 Nokton @ f/1.5

Jul 06, 2016 at 10:32 AM

rscheffler
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Nokton ASPH

Really lovely images!

I just sold my LTM version, but owned it for some time alongside a bunch of other rangefinder 50s. I also have the new 35/1.7, so am familiar with the ergonomics of the new 50/1.5's design. Let's just say it will be subjective and I'm in the pro-tab camp.

For a while I was ambivalent about the need for focusing tabs, but have come around after some time using both types of lenses.

I change lenses a lot and my complaint about the 35/1.7 design, and by extension, the new 50/1.5, is that it's very difficult, if not impossible, to orient the lens by feel for a quick change. I have to look at it to line it up properly. It doesn't have the raised hemisphere bump nor many other cues. The Leica raised hemisphere, tab and often square lens hoods, make for faster changes. The tab is also very useful for presetting focusing distance in anticipation of potential photos. The feel of the tab's location at any position directly translates to a specific focusing distance. This might be more useful with rangefinder shooting and/or hyperfocal focusing situations. With a Sony camera you'll need an adapter properly adjusted for accurate infinity focus for the distance scale to remain accurate.

As for the 50/1.5's image quality... in the comparisons I did with the LTM version (same optical formula but different coatings) against the 50 Lux ASPH, it is very close in respect to background rendering, with the Lux being slightly smoother at near subject distances. The 50/1.5 is very sharp centrally but gives up a bit to the Lux in the outer areas. It also can purple fringe in wider aperture high contrasts transitions, whereas the Lux needs a lot more provoking to do so. The 50/1.5 Sonnars, new and old, are somewhat different lenses. More character driven. IMO, the Voigtlander is a pretty close competitor to the Lux and a great deal considering its price point.

If you're looking for a sharp 35, consider the 35/1.7. However, it does suffer from relatively strong field curvature induced by the Sony sensor stack design, which isn't a factor if using it on a digital Leica or, IIRC, a Kolari-modified Sony camera. The field curvature problem should be less of a factor for the types of images you've posted above where edge to edge sharpness isn't a primary concern.

Jul 06, 2016 at 02:41 PM

arduluth
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Nokton ASPH

rscheffler wrote:
I just sold my LTM version, but owned it for some time alongside a bunch of other rangefinder 50s. I also have the new 35/1.7, so am familiar with the ergonomics of the new 50/1.5's design. Let's just say it will be subjective and I'm in the pro-tab camp.

For a while I was ambivalent about the need for focusing tabs, but have come around after some time using both types of lenses.

I'm sure this has been addressed somewhere, but hadn't been able to find it... Are there optical differences between the VM and LTM? I've like what I've seen of the VM 50/1.5, but would rather have the body and price of the LTM.

Jul 06, 2016 at 03:17 PM

craigjohn
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Nokton ASPH

I'm Sony only, I'm not shooting on a rangefinder, so my thoughts likely won't coincide with RF users.

I change lenses frequently, never really had an issue mounting lenses - I don't mind looking to see what I'm doing. I have my 50 Nokton mounted in the Voigt close-focus adapter, and I use those markings for quickly mounting the lens.

If I preset my focus distance, which I rarely do, I either use the number on the lens, or pick an object at the distance I want, acquire focus, and wait. So many different ways to do things.

To me the Lux has a fabulous curvature of field with the a7rII - something I actually appreciated. But that also meant the edges were softer. The Lux also had no problem fringing. It's something I'm used to and rather expect with these little 50's.

The only problem I have with the field of curvature is when I want to photograph my subject off-center. That's where I'm hoping the Nokton 50 helps a bit.

Jul 06, 2016 at 03:53 PM

rscheffler
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Nokton ASPH

Fair enough. That's why I said it would be subjective. When I'm most frustrated with the Voigtlander design is when having to change lenses quickly in fluid situations. In leisurely situations it's much less of an annoyance.

The Lux ASPH has a wavy/complex field curvature characteristic and on the Leica I've found it difficult to consistently hit focus at wider apertures with subjects placed in rule of thirds zones. I'm not sure if it's simply field curvature or if there is some sharpness degradation also happening in that area. It seems to get worse a couple stops down until depth of field expands enough to clean it up past f/5.6 or so. On Sony cameras it's possibly more sensitive to adapter thickness due to its floating element design. In any case, it has been shown to underperform on stock Sony cameras due to the sensor stack design compared to results with Leica and modified Sony cameras.

rscheffler wrote:
I just sold my LTM version, but owned it for some time alongside a bunch of other rangefinder 50s. I also have the new 35/1.7, so am familiar with the ergonomics of the new 50/1.5's design. Let's just say it will be subjective and I'm in the pro-tab camp.

For a while I was ambivalent about the need for focusing tabs, but have come around after some time using both types of lenses.

arduluth wrote:
I'm sure this has been addressed somewhere, but hadn't been able to find it... Are there optical differences between the VM and LTM? I've like what I've seen of the VM 50/1.5, but would rather have the body and price of the LTM.

From the research and reading I did when the M mount version was introduced, the only difference I could find was related to the coatings. On a forum somewhere, someone compared the two. The new version seemed to handle backlight veiling flare somewhat better, resulting in better contrast and color saturation in those situations. In less demanding use, I'm not sure there is any noticeable difference. In a photo of the two lenses side by side, it was evident from the colors of the coating reflections that there was a difference between the two versions.

The LTM version is a little on the chubby side and I found my copy's focusing feel was on the too-dampened slow side. It also only focuses down to 90cm ~3 feet.

Jul 06, 2016 at 05:58 PM

craigjohn
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Nokton ASPH

Oh! It's all subjective and about personal preference.

Jul 06, 2016 at 06:22 PM

HelenaN
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Nokton ASPH

Glad to see someone else who enjoys this lens. Very nice photos of your(?) boys! I have the VM version and love it. At first I was unsure about the ergonomics, but quickly got used to it and the knobbly focus ring is great when I use gloves.

I do agree with Ron about the mounting, but usually have time when changing lenses so it doesn't bother me. Its gentle rendering is perfect for my taste.

Some examples (using A7 and VM-E close focus adapter):

Old Farm by Helena, on Flickr

Light in the woods by Helena, on Flickr

Ice on ice by Helena, on Flickr

Wood Sorrel by Helena, on Flickr

Feed me this instant!!! by Helena, on Flickr

Intricate ice crack by Helena, on Flickr

Winter sun and rainbow by Helena, on Flickr

Jul 07, 2016 at 04:47 AM

craigjohn
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Nokton ASPH

Love these, Helena.

Jul 07, 2016 at 08:57 AM

robgo2
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Nokton ASPH

How does the Nokton compare with the Loxia 50? Other than the faster speed, is there any reason to prefer it to the Zeiss?

Rob

Jul 10, 2016 at 01:06 AM

craigjohn
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Nokton ASPH

I have never used the Loxia 50mm, but from the rendering samples I've seen, I much prefer the Voigtlander 50/1.5. I also love the look of the chrome finish on my camera. Looks beautiful.

Added a couple more samples. The more I use this lens, the more I love it.

Sony a7rII + Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Nokton @ f/1.5

Jul 22, 2016 at 05:20 PM

robgo2
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Nokton ASPH

I couldn't resist bidding on an Nokton 50/1.5 VM when I saw a near mint one come up for auction on EBay, and I was lucky to nab it at a very good price. No doubt, it is a real gem. I have been busy running comparisons with my Loxia 50/2 on an A7ii, and I can confidently proclaim that both are outstanding. The Nokton is slightly sharper in the center, but the Loxia is sharper off center, at least up to f5.6. By f8, they are fairly close along the edges. The Loxia also produces punchier images, which is consistent with Zeiss's legendary "pop." Colors are on the warm side. The Nokton produces less punchy images that seem more malleable in PP. Boosting contrast can provide as much pop as one would ever require. I think that the Nokton's rendering is slightly more 3D, and its highlights have a very subtle and, to my eyes, pleasing glow.

I am just now beginning to use the Nokton for actual photography, not just testing. I am very excited about this lens. I hope my enthusiasm will be long-lasting.

Rob

Jul 22, 2016 at 05:46 PM

HelenaN
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Nokton ASPH

Sorry robgo2, didn't see your question until now. It probably wasn't directed to me, but since I happen to have both lenses... Anyway, great to hear that you are happy with the Nokton and I agree with everything you wrote. For gritty urban stuff and landscapes in really dull light the Loxia's more contrasty rendering makes the photos appear somewhat more lively and detailed, but like you wrote; one can do a lot in post processing and if needed I can always use the CV Ultron 35/1.7 VM instead (or my old Contax 50/1.7). In most situations I prefer the Nokton's more gentle rendering though.

In this review there is a comparison between Loxia 50, Nokton 50/1.5, FE 55 and Zeiss Planar 50/2 ZM (the Nokton is only included among the portraits though - there are no stopped down photos from it):
http://www.verybiglobo.com/zeiss-loxia-502-review-comming-soon/

Jul 23, 2016 at 03:25 AM

trogdon
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Nokton ASPH

Random question, why are there some M mount versions of this lens that are massively different in price? I've seen some new for around $900 for chrome, and others for $3-5k. It seems like maybe the expensive ones are older ones with more aperture blades but I'm not 100% sure

Jul 23, 2016 at 03:02 PM

flash
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Nokton ASPH

trogdon wrote:
Random question, why are there some M mount versions of this lens that are massively different in price? I've seen some new for around $900 for chrome, and others for $3-5k. It seems like maybe the expensive ones are older ones with more aperture blades but I'm not 100% sure

There's an old and rare CV 50mm 1.5 Prominent. That commands very high prices. However it's not really related to the 50mm 1.5 in LTM or M mounts that we're talking about.

I recently picked up the new M version. I also have an old beat up LTM version and the current Summilux. I got mine because of the weight. It's a lot lighter than the Summilux.

The new coatings definitely make a difference. Flare resistance is better and fringing is much less pronounced on the newer version. In fact I have yet to see it where the Summilux doesn't also fringe. Put me in the prefer the CV focusing camp. I seem to find I hit the *spot* quicker on the new CV. I'm also preferring the CV for focus and recompose. It's more *predictable*, I think.

I'm in the early stages of testing but I'm actually contemplating selling my 'lux, I like the Nokton that much. And this is on an M.

Gordon

Jul 23, 2016 at 04:05 PM

robgo2
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Nokton ASPH

HelenaN wrote:
Sorry robgo2, didn't see your question until now. It probably wasn't directed to me, but since I happen to have both lenses... Anyway, great to hear that you are happy with the Nokton and I agree with everything you wrote. For gritty urban stuff and landscapes in really dull light the Loxia's more contrasty rendering makes the photos appear somewhat more lively and detailed, but like you wrote; one can do a lot in post processing and if needed I can always use the CV Ultron 35/1.7 VM instead (or my old Contax 50/1.7). In most situations I prefer the...Show more →

Helena,

Thanks for the link. In the portrait series, all of the lenses perform well, but I definitely prefer the Nokton. You can detect a whiff of the glow that I mentioned previously. It's really lovely.

Rob

Jul 23, 2016 at 04:18 PM

robgo2
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Nokton ASPH

I finally got to use the Nokton 50/1.5 VM while traveling near Durango, CO. I love this lens. Here are a few sample images, all shot with an A7ii.

Rob

Jul 31, 2016 at 05:32 PM

HelenaN
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Nokton ASPH

Very nice Rob. Glad you're happy with it. What a beautiful location btw..

We have just returned from a long weekend out at the coast and I used my CV 50 a lot and I'm very happy with how the lens performed. When I got it in November 2015 I was unsure about it for landscapes - it didn't seem as sharp as I had hoped. However, now the photos come out very nice and sharp, so the previous issues must have been a combination of low contrast winter light and often being around 1/60 (which at least for me isn't always enough to ensure sharp results with a 50mm lens and no image stabilization) which is often needed even on sunny days in winter around here. Next winter I'll be aware of this and either use a tripod or raise the ISO when needed.

Aug 01, 2016 at 04:27 AM

robgo2
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Nokton ASPH

Thanks, Helena. Landscapes are not my forte,, but when I'm in a beautiful place and have a camera in my hands, I'm going to take a picture. Those two mountain shots were taken near midday, so I'm amazed that the light was relatively soft and pleasant. All credit goes to the clouds.

The Nokton is brilliant. Now that I have had a chance to use it for real-world photography, I think that I prefer it to the Loxia 50, which is quite a statement for me to make.

Rob

Aug 01, 2016 at 03:46 PM

robgo2
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Nokton ASPH

A few more from the Nokton 50/1.5 Aspherical.

Rob

Aug 01, 2016 at 10:41 PM

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