The 40/1.4 is a different philosophy from the 40/1.2 and other recent Voigtlander lenses, such as the 35/1.7 and 21/1.8.
It and the 35/1.4 are labelled 'classic' intentionally and show this in overall lens performance. Supposedly the 35 is based on the 35 Lux pre-ASPH and the 40 is a very close relative. Wild field curvature (on Leica digital M that is considerably reduced by the stock Sony sensor) and loads of SA wide open make these more of character lenses than for technical applications. I really love the 40/1.4 for people photos (particularly on APS-C) and when I want funky background rendering, but in general for landscape type work when I desire quirk-free, consistent across-frame performance, I'll reach for something else. And by the sounds of it here and in the other 40/1.2 thread, the new 40 is a great alternative if 40mm is the desired focal length. Like the 35/1.7, it doesn't seem to give up a lot at wider apertures vs. stopped down.
Voigtlander seems to be on a bit of a tear lately with interesting lenses that offer great performance at very competitive prices.
A few more samples from first evaluation, harsh light. either f2.8, f8 or f1.2, you should be able to tell. Usually, I do test with WO~f2.5 to monitor bokeh change with shooting condition, but with Leica M, EXIF will confuse me since it can't document aperture correctly so I mostly shoot WO or f8ish with 40mm f1.2 lens to check its rendering.
...and as usual you have to copy the entire last line and then paste it into a new window or tab. Good comparison and the only relevant one if discussing using the lens on a Sony camera.
Jonas B wrote: SharpContrast wrote:
You did the important one already, at page 41 (thanks again):
...and as usual you have to copy the entire last line and then paste it into a new window or tab. Good comparison and the only relevant one if discussing using the lens on a Sony camera.
Yes, agree Ron. Zeiss did not so much pass the baton, CV grabbed it from their grasp. I love their chutzpah, the sheer audacity of extremism and attention to history's examples and lessons. A perfect fit for the enthusiast niche of Sony cameras.
Cross posted with the FE images thread. I was pretty happy with how this came out. Just started looking again at pics from our recent trip to Florence and found I did a quick pano with the CV 40/1.2. It is a five image stitch but then I cropped it a fair bit:
Luvwine wrote:
Cross posted with the FE images thread. I was pretty happy with how this came out. Just started looking again at pics from our recent trip to Florence and found I did a quick pano with the CV 40/1.2. It is a five image stitch but then I cropped it a fair bit:
