Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
p.16 #1Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Stevvi wrote:
Thanks, I thought so by viewing at the sample pictures available. I do have the 16-35 GM, which is better in the corners, but like Guy and maybe others I prefer MF and the colours and rendering of the CV lenses. I don’t mind the size and weight increase, but will like to have the option of 1.4, which I already fancy with the 40 1.2. Thanks to you both!!
Got to get this lens at Big BroncoThat's
For me, the only reason to choose the f3.5 would be for size/weight priority
The f1.4 does everything else better, imo
That's just the thing is having the 50 1.2 or 40 1.2 it's really nice having that speed even wider and the IQ what it is than it's like a must have lens. I loved the 3.5 but 1.4 is enticing
Thanks, I thought so by viewing at the sample pictures available. I do have the 16-35 GM, which is better in the corners, but like Guy and maybe others I prefer MF and the colours and rendering of the CV lenses. I don’t mind the size and weight increase, but will like to have the option of 1.4, which I already fancy with the 40 1.2. Thanks to you both!!
theacguy71 wrote
Stevvi wrote
So you still own the 21 mm 3.5 ? I am debating with myself if I upgrade or not...😀GMPhotography wrote
As nice as the hood is on this 21 I’m putting it away . Just going to use a 62mm screw in. As all my lenses works out to be. I had thoughts of sending the hood to SK grimes and cutting the petals off than I would probably use it or do it myself. Dremel dutyGot to get this lens at Big Bronco
For me, the only reason to choose the f3.5 would be for size/weight priority
The f1.4 does everything else better, imo
That's just the thing is having the 50 1.2 or 40 1.2 it's really nice having that speed even wider and the IQ what it is than it's like a must have lens. I loved the 3.5 but 1.4 is enticing
Jul 30, 2019 at 09:10 AM
p.16 #2Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
GMPhotography wrote:
Got to get this lens at Big BroncoThat's
For me, the only reason to choose the f3.5 would be for size/weight priority
The f1.4 does everything else better, imoThat's just the thing is having the 50 1.2 or 40 1.2 it's really nice having that speed even wider and the IQ what it is than it's like a must have lens. I loved the 3.5 but 1.4 is enticing
Yes, they share similar color rendering and high micro contrast. I think the 21/1.4 Nokton is even better in a couple aspects: It is flat field at infinity and performs great at MFD (floating element design). I wish it was the case with the 40mm and 50/1.2 lenses.
Stevvi wrote
Thanks, I thought so by viewing at the sample pictures available. I do have the 16-35 GM, which is better in the corners, but like Guy and maybe others I prefer MF and the colours and rendering of the CV lenses. I don’t mind the size and weight increase, but will like to have the option of 1.4, which I already fancy with the 40 1.2. Thanks to you both!!theacguy71 wrote
Stevvi wrote
So you still own the 21 mm 3.5 ? I am debating with myself if I upgrade or not...😀GMPhotography wrote
As nice as the hood is on this 21 I’m putting it away . Just going to use a 62mm screw in. As all my lenses works out to be. I had thoughts of sending the hood to SK grimes and cutting the petals off than I would probably use it or do it myself. Dremel dutyGot to get this lens at Big Bronco
For me, the only reason to choose the f3.5 would be for size/weight priority
The f1.4 does everything else better, imo
Yes, they share similar color rendering and high micro contrast. I think the 21/1.4 Nokton is even better in a couple aspects: It is flat field at infinity and performs great at MFD (floating element design). I wish it was the case with the 40mm and 50/1.2 lenses.
Jul 30, 2019 at 10:40 AM
p.16 #3Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Apologies if this question has been answered somewhere in this endless thread. I have a fresh from the store copy of the Nokton 21mm. Based on a day of use I love the ergonomics, the image quality and the rendering. Here's the question: my copy focuses a tad past infinity, so you can't just twist it to the infinity lock and shoot, and it throws hyperfocus off a bit. I expect this in a lens on an adapter, but not a native E mount.
Is this normal for this lens?
Is this normal for this lens?
Jul 30, 2019 at 06:19 PM
p.16 #4Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Very common. Its not a flaw. Reason being is most OEMS do that for thermal heating as the lens heats up from external temperature as well as the outside temperature itself it does shift the focus . So its a design decision. Its usually in longer lenses to count for thermal heat
Jul 30, 2019 at 06:23 PM
p.16 #5Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Thanks Guy. Great catching up with you.
Jul 30, 2019 at 07:03 PM
p.16 #6Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
In APS-C mode the CV 21/1.4 Nokton is cropped to 32mm and it's still very sharp and contrasty. It actually reminds me of the 35/1.4 ZM's rendering when shot at ~f/2. Could be a great 35mm alternative, especially with the A7R4's 26MP crop mode.
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Jul 30, 2019 at 10:34 PM
p.16 #7Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Do you still have the ZM 35mm 1.4 Fred? Be interested to see how the Sigma 35mm 1.2 compares if you get yours before I get mine! 
Jul 30, 2019 at 11:40 PM
p.16 #8Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
In APS-C mode the CV 21/1.4 Nokton is cropped to 32mm and it's still very sharp and contrasty. It actually reminds me of the 35/1.4 ZM's rendering when shot at ~f/2. Could be a great 35mm alternative, especially with the A7R4's 26MP crop mode.
It would be interesting to see how the Sony 24GM compares when cropped to the same focal length.
In APS-C mode the CV 21/1.4 Nokton is cropped to 32mm and it's still very sharp and contrasty. It actually reminds me of the 35/1.4 ZM's rendering when shot at ~f/2. Could be a great 35mm alternative, especially with the A7R4's 26MP crop mode.
It would be interesting to see how the Sony 24GM compares when cropped to the same focal length.
Jul 31, 2019 at 12:44 AM
p.16 #9Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
GMPhotography wrote:
Very common. Its not a flaw. Reason being is most OEMS do that for thermal heating as the lens heats up from external temperature as well as the outside temperature itself it does shift the focus . So its a design decision. Its usually in longer lenses to count for thermal heat
Whilst it is very common and not a flaw, I do own two other Voigtlander lenses that have had perfectly calibrated hard stops (CV15 and CV90/3.5) and I've never once felt that temperature changes have had any impact on IQ or ability to obtain critical focus. And those lenses have both been used in environments ranging from -10c to +30c or so.
Not saying it can't happen, but a perfectly calibrated hard stop is so useful.
Very common. Its not a flaw. Reason being is most OEMS do that for thermal heating as the lens heats up from external temperature as well as the outside temperature itself it does shift the focus . So its a design decision. Its usually in longer lenses to count for thermal heat
Whilst it is very common and not a flaw, I do own two other Voigtlander lenses that have had perfectly calibrated hard stops (CV15 and CV90/3.5) and I've never once felt that temperature changes have had any impact on IQ or ability to obtain critical focus. And those lenses have both been used in environments ranging from -10c to +30c or so.
Not saying it can't happen, but a perfectly calibrated hard stop is so useful.
Jul 31, 2019 at 04:27 AM
p.16 #10Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
I know a hard stop is just really nice to have. Now back in the day when I was allowed to go on commercial aircraft runways to shoot. I used to rent Nikons 600mm and it was very obvious between the heat coming off the runway and actually heat of the lens itself the thermals where very obvious. I always kind of questioned more the wide angles. But hey I’m not a optical engineer either
Back on my MF tech cam which basically uses 4x5 type lenses I would take off the rubber and there would be screws that adjust the infinity. I’m sure there is a way to do this but in this case it maybe a internal focusing mechanism that can be down. We really should ask Steve Gandy from cameraquest if this can be done. Having said all that I agree there are a few that infinity is the hard stop. Go figure that one
But for the most part this is normal and if it’s centered and such than go shoot lights out. Thinking back on my CV 15 Choppy it may have been the hard stop
Now this maybe hard to understand but if I was not shooting Professionally for pay I may never shoot AF boring as heck own a AF lens. But I also have grandkids but goes to show how much I love these Voightlanders. I love the Loxias as well but hate there design. I actually have a hard time getting along with them. I like the aperture ring out front or at least not butted up to the body and same diameter as the focusing ring. This is whining, but I’m paying 1100 for a lens I don’t feel I need to add these rubber tabs to work the aperture ring ( TABB) or these rubber tabs to get the lens on and off. I’m sorry folks but that’s bullshit. Who the hell let that design go out the door. Off podium . Lol
Edited on Jul 31, 2019 at 04:50 AM · View previous versions
Back on my MF tech cam which basically uses 4x5 type lenses I would take off the rubber and there would be screws that adjust the infinity. I’m sure there is a way to do this but in this case it maybe a internal focusing mechanism that can be down. We really should ask Steve Gandy from cameraquest if this can be done. Having said all that I agree there are a few that infinity is the hard stop. Go figure that one
But for the most part this is normal and if it’s centered and such than go shoot lights out. Thinking back on my CV 15 Choppy it may have been the hard stop
Now this maybe hard to understand but if I was not shooting Professionally for pay I may never shoot AF boring as heck own a AF lens. But I also have grandkids but goes to show how much I love these Voightlanders. I love the Loxias as well but hate there design. I actually have a hard time getting along with them. I like the aperture ring out front or at least not butted up to the body and same diameter as the focusing ring. This is whining, but I’m paying 1100 for a lens I don’t feel I need to add these rubber tabs to work the aperture ring ( TABB) or these rubber tabs to get the lens on and off. I’m sorry folks but that’s bullshit. Who the hell let that design go out the door. Off podium . Lol
Edited on Jul 31, 2019 at 04:50 AM · View previous versions
Jul 31, 2019 at 04:40 AM
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p.16 #11Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Where a lens has a strong field curvature is where I think having some tolerance at infinity can be useful. Take the Loxia 21 - the "peak" focus for the centre is in a very different spot on the infinity symbol to peak focus for edges/corners, so if it had a calibrated hard stop, where would it stop? The edges or the centre? Far less of an issue for a lens with a flat field like the CV21/1.4 since infinity is infinity, basically. Where is the "real" infinity on the Loxia? Who knows 
Jul 31, 2019 at 04:49 AM
p.16 #12Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Aztatlan wrote:
Where a lens has a strong field curvature is where I think having some tolerance at infinity can be useful. Take the Loxia 21 - the "peak" focus for the centre is in a very different spot on the infinity symbol to peak focus for edges/corners, so if it had a calibrated hard stop, where would it stop? The edges or the centre? Far less of an issue for a lens with a flat field like the CV21/1.4 since infinity is infinity, basically. Where is the "real" infinity on the Loxia? Who knows
Very good point
Where a lens has a strong field curvature is where I think having some tolerance at infinity can be useful. Take the Loxia 21 - the "peak" focus for the centre is in a very different spot on the infinity symbol to peak focus for edges/corners, so if it had a calibrated hard stop, where would it stop? The edges or the centre? Far less of an issue for a lens with a flat field like the CV21/1.4 since infinity is infinity, basically. Where is the "real" infinity on the Loxia? Who knows
Very good point
Jul 31, 2019 at 04:50 AM
p.16 #13Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Two questions that may have been answered but I can't find.
1) Does the CV 21mm have focus shift or can I focus it wide open and stop down to 5.6-8 and not have focus shift?
2) Does it actually have a hard stop at infinity or does it like Loxia achieve peak infinity focus just before hard stop?
Thanks
Bill
1) Does the CV 21mm have focus shift or can I focus it wide open and stop down to 5.6-8 and not have focus shift?
2) Does it actually have a hard stop at infinity or does it like Loxia achieve peak infinity focus just before hard stop?
Thanks
Bill
Jul 31, 2019 at 07:08 AM
p.16 #14Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
GMPhotography wrote:
I know a hard stop is just really nice to have. Now back in the day when I was allowed to go on commercial aircraft runways to shoot. I used to rent Nikons 600mm and it was very obvious between the heat coming off the runway and actually heat of the lens itself the thermals where very obvious. I always kind of questioned more the wide angles. But hey I’m not a optical engineer either
Back on my MF tech cam which basically uses 4x5 type lenses I would take off the rubber and there would be screws that adjust the...Show more →
Agree on the Loxias. Impossible to use with gloves.
I know a hard stop is just really nice to have. Now back in the day when I was allowed to go on commercial aircraft runways to shoot. I used to rent Nikons 600mm and it was very obvious between the heat coming off the runway and actually heat of the lens itself the thermals where very obvious. I always kind of questioned more the wide angles. But hey I’m not a optical engineer either
Back on my MF tech cam which basically uses 4x5 type lenses I would take off the rubber and there would be screws that adjust the...Show more →
Agree on the Loxias. Impossible to use with gloves.
Jul 31, 2019 at 09:01 AM
p.16 #15Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Aztatlan wrote:
Whilst it is very common and not a flaw, I do own two other Voigtlander lenses that have had perfectly calibrated hard stops (CV15 and CV90/3.5) and I've never once felt that temperature changes have had any impact on IQ or ability to obtain critical focus. And those lenses have both been used in environments ranging from -10c to +30c or so.
Not saying it can't happen, but a perfectly calibrated hard stop is so useful.
I think it has to do with maximum lens aperture and camera build tolerance. So, lens makers must to provide some wiggle room when calibrating focus to make sure all lenses can reach infinity focus. All my fast manual lenses designed for the E-mount do not have infinity at the hard stop.
GMPhotography wrote
Very common. Its not a flaw. Reason being is most OEMS do that for thermal heating as the lens heats up from external temperature as well as the outside temperature itself it does shift the focus . So its a design decision. Its usually in longer lenses to count for thermal heatNot saying it can't happen, but a perfectly calibrated hard stop is so useful.
I think it has to do with maximum lens aperture and camera build tolerance. So, lens makers must to provide some wiggle room when calibrating focus to make sure all lenses can reach infinity focus. All my fast manual lenses designed for the E-mount do not have infinity at the hard stop.
Jul 31, 2019 at 09:52 AM
p.16 #16Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
billsnature wrote:
Two questions that may have been answered but I can't find.
1) Does the CV 21mm have focus shift or can I focus it wide open and stop down to 5.6-8 and not have focus shift?
2) Does it actually have a hard stop at infinity or does it like Loxia achieve peak infinity focus just before hard stop?
Thanks
Bill
Hi Bill,
I've tested for this and could not detect focus shift nor field curvature at infinity distance. On my copy, infinity is a tad before the lens' infinity hard stop just like with all my other Voigtlander and Loxia lenses. (The CV 15/4.5 and CV 12/5.6 my only exceptions)
Two questions that may have been answered but I can't find.
1) Does the CV 21mm have focus shift or can I focus it wide open and stop down to 5.6-8 and not have focus shift?
2) Does it actually have a hard stop at infinity or does it like Loxia achieve peak infinity focus just before hard stop?
Thanks
Bill
Hi Bill,
I've tested for this and could not detect focus shift nor field curvature at infinity distance. On my copy, infinity is a tad before the lens' infinity hard stop just like with all my other Voigtlander and Loxia lenses. (The CV 15/4.5 and CV 12/5.6 my only exceptions)
Jul 31, 2019 at 09:53 AM
p.16 #17Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
1) Does the CV 21mm have focus shift or can I focus it wide open and stop down to 5.6-8 and not have focus shift?
2) Does it actually have a hard stop at infinity or does it like Loxia achieve peak infinity focus just before hard stop?
Thanks
BillHi Bill,
I've tested for this and could not detect focus shift nor field curvature at infinity distance. On my copy, infinity is a tad before the lens' infinity hard stop just like with all my other Voigtlander and Loxia lenses. (The CV 15/4.5 and CV 12/5.6 my only exceptions)
I performed the same test at infinity and it is a tad before infinity also. I don't think it is far off as my Loxia's you just back off a smidge whereas with the Loxia's which you can send in and they will set it at infinity I think it was harder to nail because it is a little bit further and easier to miss.
What do you think Fred is the distance between infinity marker and spot on less than your Loxia's or about the same?
It is kind of difficult with a 21mm lens to check focus at infinity since it is so far away with a UWA. What is the best way to perform this test as far as backgrounds and test procedure.
billsnature wrote
Two questions that may have been answered but I can't find.1) Does the CV 21mm have focus shift or can I focus it wide open and stop down to 5.6-8 and not have focus shift?
2) Does it actually have a hard stop at infinity or does it like Loxia achieve peak infinity focus just before hard stop?
Thanks
Bill
I've tested for this and could not detect focus shift nor field curvature at infinity distance. On my copy, infinity is a tad before the lens' infinity hard stop just like with all my other Voigtlander and Loxia lenses. (The CV 15/4.5 and CV 12/5.6 my only exceptions)
I performed the same test at infinity and it is a tad before infinity also. I don't think it is far off as my Loxia's you just back off a smidge whereas with the Loxia's which you can send in and they will set it at infinity I think it was harder to nail because it is a little bit further and easier to miss.
What do you think Fred is the distance between infinity marker and spot on less than your Loxia's or about the same?
It is kind of difficult with a 21mm lens to check focus at infinity since it is so far away with a UWA. What is the best way to perform this test as far as backgrounds and test procedure.
Jul 31, 2019 at 10:42 AM
p.16 #18Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Ill test mine this week. Im going to Big Bronco with it.
Jul 31, 2019 at 11:06 AM
p.16 #19Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Wow, just saw this new lens and looks incredible.
Love my CV 40 - that and the 12-24 are my permanent 2 lens kit, since I primarily shoot interiors and video. Never liked the feel of the loxias, too small, not enough grip for my hands. But having a hard time justifying this, bc I don't know if I can ditch the 12-24 for what I do - it's the most versatile lens I've ever owned on any system, esp for shooting that crisp 5k-4k video in crop mode. But 21 is pretty wide, and god does f1.4 sound enticing for the many low-light situations I shoot. Just don't want to carry 3 lenses and a mini-tripod... decisions... 😂
Love my CV 40 - that and the 12-24 are my permanent 2 lens kit, since I primarily shoot interiors and video. Never liked the feel of the loxias, too small, not enough grip for my hands. But having a hard time justifying this, bc I don't know if I can ditch the 12-24 for what I do - it's the most versatile lens I've ever owned on any system, esp for shooting that crisp 5k-4k video in crop mode. But 21 is pretty wide, and god does f1.4 sound enticing for the many low-light situations I shoot. Just don't want to carry 3 lenses and a mini-tripod... decisions... 😂
Jul 31, 2019 at 11:24 AM
p.16 #20Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
CV 12, CV 21 just sayin. 
Yes im the little devil on your right shoulder and Fred is the one on your left. You got no chance bud.
I kid of course
Hell your in Brooklyn go to Adorama or BH and stick them on your camera. Leave credit card home
I was just there, went to Missys restaurant Domenic Park. Great chow
Yes im the little devil on your right shoulder and Fred is the one on your left. You got no chance bud. I kid of course
Hell your in Brooklyn go to Adorama or BH and stick them on your camera. Leave credit card home
I was just there, went to Missys restaurant Domenic Park. Great chow
Jul 31, 2019 at 11:28 AM