Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
p.22 #1Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
I'm trying to decide between the Loxia 21 and the Nokton. Image quality wise, I doubt I will see the difference at my level. However I like milky way pictures that are "crowded with stars", really the more the better for me! Would the 1.4 help me in this regard? (without tracker)Yes, 1.4 vs 2.8 is a huge difference for milky way. But as shown earlier in this thread, the Nokton should be used at f2.2 to f2.5 for astrophotography to reduce corner aberrations. The loxia doesn't require stopping down. So the difference in that case is not as meaningful (1/3-2/3 stop). If your focus is on astrophotography, the 24GM can be used wide open at f1.4.Here are three reasons the Voigtlander 21/1.4 is better than the Loxia 21 for 'astro':
1) Very low field curvature compared to Loxia 21's moderate field curvature at infinity. (our precious stars)
2) Lower vignetting when both are at f/2.8.
3) Similar coma correction at faster apertures (~f/2.2)
Thank you Fred
grahamgibson wrote
matt-to wrote
Rookie question but would 1.4 make a huge difference for milky way shots against a 2.8 lens?I'm trying to decide between the Loxia 21 and the Nokton. Image quality wise, I doubt I will see the difference at my level. However I like milky way pictures that are "crowded with stars", really the more the better for me! Would the 1.4 help me in this regard? (without tracker)
1) Very low field curvature compared to Loxia 21's moderate field curvature at infinity. (our precious stars)
2) Lower vignetting when both are at f/2.8.
3) Similar coma correction at faster apertures (~f/2.2)
Thank you Fred
Sep 09, 2019 at 08:50 AM
p.22 #2Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Lens is ordered. Now looking at polarizers. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Was wondering if the lens vignettes to a greater degree with a polarizer on. Breakthrough polarizers are my goto but they do have a chunky thick brass rim I'm afraid may not do well with this lens.
Sep 12, 2019 at 07:17 AM
p.22 #3Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
I switched out my Loxia for the CV21/1.4 for two reasons:
1) I like the ergonomics of the Voigtlanders a lot more than the Loxias
2) The CV21 is 2 stops faster
The IQ of both lenses is spectacular. The build quality is equal. The Loxia is lighter and a little smaller. I was thrilled with both lenses and was sad to let my Loxia go.
I also have the 24 GM and the Batis 18. I like having separate MF and AF kits, although defending that preference becomes sketchy in this case, especially with the excellent MF performance of the 24GM. I do think that 21mm and 24mm are different enough focal lengths to justify keeping both, particularly if you're a landscape shooter. I love my Batis 18, but not for MF applications - the Batis implementation of MF is not very satisfying in my experience.Like Guy, I am in a very similar boat. I would add that I also like the CV 21 f/1.4 for its great close focus performance, and the only thing I didn't like about the Loxia was the aperture ring. I do wish the CV 21 f/1.4 were lighter, but in time I am likely to get the CV 21 f/3.5 which is truly light when I want a smaller kit.
On the AF side, I also have the Batis 18 and really like it, but because my MF kit is pretty small I am thinking of going with larger faster lenses for most of my AF kit. I may add the Sigma Art 28 f/1.4, the Sony ZA 50 f/1.4, the Sony GM 85 f/1.4, and the Sony GM 135 f/1.8. Even though I really like the Batis 18, I am not sure I will keep it. I might just use the CV 21 f/1.4 with the AF kit.I went through some changes in my kit as well. We are really lacking superb 28mm and 35mm MF E-mount lenses. (Voigtlander or Zeiss).
Strictly for landscapes though, I'm currently shooting CV 15/4.5 III, CV 21/1.4, Loxia 35/2, CV 65/2 and 100-400 GM. I find these 5 lenses do everything I need for any scene.
As far as resolution, my weakest lenses are the CV 15 and Loxia 35 but both have great qualities I appreciate like color rendering, sunstar rendering, flare resistance and low distortion.
I am very happy with my AF kit as well and it's similar to yours:...Show more →
Fred -- I like your set-up very much.
For a while I felt like the lone voice in the wilderness regarding the Loxia 35. Glad to see you embracing it again, even with its few shortcomings. I love it for the exact reasons you mention. I really enjoyed both the Loxia 21 and 35 among the lenses I took on the Alaska cruise, but I'm sure I'd be very happy with the CV 21/1.4 in place of the Loxia. Not so for the 35!
Steve Spencer wrote
smpetty wrote
swldstn wrote
So I haven't had time to go through this whole thread yet. In general when comparing to the Loxia 21/2.8 (which I have) what are the plus/minus of the Voigtlander? Then if I also have a 24/1.4 GM and even the Batis 18/2.8 is it worth swapping out the Loxia for the Voigt?1) I like the ergonomics of the Voigtlanders a lot more than the Loxias
2) The CV21 is 2 stops faster
The IQ of both lenses is spectacular. The build quality is equal. The Loxia is lighter and a little smaller. I was thrilled with both lenses and was sad to let my Loxia go.
I also have the 24 GM and the Batis 18. I like having separate MF and AF kits, although defending that preference becomes sketchy in this case, especially with the excellent MF performance of the 24GM. I do think that 21mm and 24mm are different enough focal lengths to justify keeping both, particularly if you're a landscape shooter. I love my Batis 18, but not for MF applications - the Batis implementation of MF is not very satisfying in my experience.
On the AF side, I also have the Batis 18 and really like it, but because my MF kit is pretty small I am thinking of going with larger faster lenses for most of my AF kit. I may add the Sigma Art 28 f/1.4, the Sony ZA 50 f/1.4, the Sony GM 85 f/1.4, and the Sony GM 135 f/1.8. Even though I really like the Batis 18, I am not sure I will keep it. I might just use the CV 21 f/1.4 with the AF kit.
Strictly for landscapes though, I'm currently shooting CV 15/4.5 III, CV 21/1.4, Loxia 35/2, CV 65/2 and 100-400 GM. I find these 5 lenses do everything I need for any scene.
As far as resolution, my weakest lenses are the CV 15 and Loxia 35 but both have great qualities I appreciate like color rendering, sunstar rendering, flare resistance and low distortion.
I am very happy with my AF kit as well and it's similar to yours:...Show more →
Fred -- I like your set-up very much.
For a while I felt like the lone voice in the wilderness regarding the Loxia 35. Glad to see you embracing it again, even with its few shortcomings. I love it for the exact reasons you mention. I really enjoyed both the Loxia 21 and 35 among the lenses I took on the Alaska cruise, but I'm sure I'd be very happy with the CV 21/1.4 in place of the Loxia. Not so for the 35!
Sep 12, 2019 at 08:54 AM
p.22 #4Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Just found one of these on B&H for $1009.00 U.S. used. I took it and they shipped to Canada despite the restrictions (maybe because it was used). I'm thinking it's likely a de-centered copy but I guess I'll have to wait and see. 30 day return policy.
I have another one on order through a Canadian Retailer but after shipping and taxes it is $200 more than this B&H used version. Figure it's worth a shot.
Don't be afraid to post some images people
I have another one on order through a Canadian Retailer but after shipping and taxes it is $200 more than this B&H used version. Figure it's worth a shot.
Don't be afraid to post some images people
Sep 16, 2019 at 05:35 PM
p.22 #5Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
theacguy71 wrote:
Blue hour test shots, tried to process these as similar as possible
CV21, f8
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48487719157_f9cc6908a7_h.jpgDSC00250 by Vaughn Adams, on Flickr
Sony 24, f8
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48487556696_32338835f5_h.jpgDSC00249 by Vaughn Adams, on Flickr
Nicely done comparison. I am thinking about these two lenses. I own the Loxia, but I am always drawn to a wide aperture, like the Voigtlander offers.
However, my take on these images is that I prefer the rendering by the Loxia, and I am curious what others think. To me, the Loxia image appears smoother and more integrated visually, which I think is because of smoother, more gradual color transitions. The greater contrast of the Voigtlander seems to reduce the perceived (if not the actual) dynamic range because the color changes occur more quickly as the eye moves over the picture.
Blue hour test shots, tried to process these as similar as possible
CV21, f8
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48487719157_f9cc6908a7_h.jpgDSC00250 by Vaughn Adams, on Flickr
Sony 24, f8
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48487556696_32338835f5_h.jpgDSC00249 by Vaughn Adams, on Flickr
Nicely done comparison. I am thinking about these two lenses. I own the Loxia, but I am always drawn to a wide aperture, like the Voigtlander offers.
However, my take on these images is that I prefer the rendering by the Loxia, and I am curious what others think. To me, the Loxia image appears smoother and more integrated visually, which I think is because of smoother, more gradual color transitions. The greater contrast of the Voigtlander seems to reduce the perceived (if not the actual) dynamic range because the color changes occur more quickly as the eye moves over the picture.
Sep 18, 2019 at 07:20 AM
p.22 #6Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
chiron wrote:
CV21, f8
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48487719157_f9cc6908a7_h.jpgDSC00250 by Vaughn Adams, on Flickr
Sony 24, f8
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48487556696_32338835f5_h.jpgDSC00249 by Vaughn Adams, on FlickrNicely done comparison. I am thinking about these two lenses. I own the Loxia, but I am always drawn to a wide aperture, like the Voigtlander offers.
However, my take on these images is that I prefer the rendering by the Loxia, and I am curious what others think. To me, the Loxia image appears smoother and more integrated visually, which I think is because of smoother, more gradual color transitions. The greater contrast of the Voigtlander seems to reduce the perceived (if not the actual) dynamic range because the color changes occur more quickly as the eye moves over the...Show more →
Maybe I'm missing something but it doesn't look like the loxia was part of that comparison. Just the CV21 & Sony 24G. Unless by "these images" you mean the images in this thread.
theacguy71 wrote
Blue hour test shots, tried to process these as similar as possibleCV21, f8
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48487719157_f9cc6908a7_h.jpgDSC00250 by Vaughn Adams, on Flickr
Sony 24, f8
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48487556696_32338835f5_h.jpgDSC00249 by Vaughn Adams, on Flickr
However, my take on these images is that I prefer the rendering by the Loxia, and I am curious what others think. To me, the Loxia image appears smoother and more integrated visually, which I think is because of smoother, more gradual color transitions. The greater contrast of the Voigtlander seems to reduce the perceived (if not the actual) dynamic range because the color changes occur more quickly as the eye moves over the...Show more →
Maybe I'm missing something but it doesn't look like the loxia was part of that comparison. Just the CV21 & Sony 24G. Unless by "these images" you mean the images in this thread.
Sep 18, 2019 at 08:45 AM
p.22 #7Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
chiron wrote:
CV21, f8
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48487719157_f9cc6908a7_h.jpgDSC00250 by Vaughn Adams, on Flickr
Sony 24, f8
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48487556696_32338835f5_h.jpgDSC00249 by Vaughn Adams, on FlickrNicely done comparison. I am thinking about these two lenses. I own the Loxia, but I am always drawn to a wide aperture, like the Voigtlander offers.
However, my take on these images is that I prefer the rendering by the Loxia, and I am curious what others think. To me, the Loxia image appears smoother and more integrated visually, which I think is because of smoother, more gradual color transitions. The greater contrast of the Voigtlander seems to reduce the perceived (if not the actual) dynamic range because the color changes occur more quickly as the eye moves over the...Show more →
Thank you, all good lenses, cant go wrong
Never had the Loxia, so cant compare that one
For me it is really hard to compare the Sony 24gm and the CV21 1.4!! ugh. both stellar
theacguy71 wrote
Blue hour test shots, tried to process these as similar as possibleCV21, f8
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48487719157_f9cc6908a7_h.jpgDSC00250 by Vaughn Adams, on Flickr
Sony 24, f8
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48487556696_32338835f5_h.jpgDSC00249 by Vaughn Adams, on Flickr
However, my take on these images is that I prefer the rendering by the Loxia, and I am curious what others think. To me, the Loxia image appears smoother and more integrated visually, which I think is because of smoother, more gradual color transitions. The greater contrast of the Voigtlander seems to reduce the perceived (if not the actual) dynamic range because the color changes occur more quickly as the eye moves over the...Show more →
Thank you, all good lenses, cant go wrong
Never had the Loxia, so cant compare that one
For me it is really hard to compare the Sony 24gm and the CV21 1.4!! ugh. both stellar
Sep 18, 2019 at 12:23 PM
p.22 #8Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Hardcore wrote:
CV21, f8
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48487719157_f9cc6908a7_h.jpgDSC00250 by Vaughn Adams, on Flickr
Sony 24, f8
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48487556696_32338835f5_h.jpgDSC00249 by Vaughn Adams, on FlickrNicely done comparison. I am thinking about these two lenses. I own the Loxia, but I am always drawn to a wide aperture, like the Voigtlander offers.
However, my take on these images is that I prefer the rendering by the Loxia, and I am curious what others think. To me, the Loxia image appears smoother and more integrated visually, which I think is because of smoother, more gradual color transitions. The greater contrast of the Voigtlander seems to reduce the perceived (if not the actual) dynamic range because the color changes occur more quickly as the eye moves over the picture.Maybe I'm missing something but it doesn't look like the loxia was part of that comparison. Just the CV21 & Sony 24G. Unless by "these images" you mean the images in this thread.
Yes, I misread it. It is the Sony 24mm whose rendering I prefer.
chiron wrote
theacguy71 wrote
Blue hour test shots, tried to process these as similar as possibleCV21, f8
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48487719157_f9cc6908a7_h.jpgDSC00250 by Vaughn Adams, on Flickr
Sony 24, f8
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48487556696_32338835f5_h.jpgDSC00249 by Vaughn Adams, on Flickr
However, my take on these images is that I prefer the rendering by the Loxia, and I am curious what others think. To me, the Loxia image appears smoother and more integrated visually, which I think is because of smoother, more gradual color transitions. The greater contrast of the Voigtlander seems to reduce the perceived (if not the actual) dynamic range because the color changes occur more quickly as the eye moves over the picture.
Yes, I misread it. It is the Sony 24mm whose rendering I prefer.
Sep 18, 2019 at 08:07 PM
p.22 #9Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Shenandoah National Park, CV21 with the R4
DSC00535 by Vaughn Adams, on Flickr
DSC00484 by Vaughn Adams, on Flickr
DSC00535 by Vaughn Adams, on FlickrDSC00484 by Vaughn Adams, on FlickrSep 21, 2019 at 10:49 AM
p.22 #10Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
theacguy71 wrote:
Shenandoah National Park, CV21 with the R4
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48769868163_4b2f0eefac_h.jpgDSC00535 by Vaughn Adams, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48770401637_0a9b178c62_h.jpgDSC00484 by Vaughn Adams, on Flickr
Love the colors!
Nice fall-off from foreground to background. Not all images need focus stacking.
Shenandoah National Park, CV21 with the R4
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48769868163_4b2f0eefac_h.jpgDSC00535 by Vaughn Adams, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48770401637_0a9b178c62_h.jpgDSC00484 by Vaughn Adams, on Flickr
Love the colors!
Nice fall-off from foreground to background. Not all images need focus stacking.
Sep 21, 2019 at 12:32 PM
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p.22 #11Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48769868163_4b2f0eefac_h.jpgDSC00535 by Vaughn Adams, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48770401637_0a9b178c62_h.jpgDSC00484 by Vaughn Adams, on FlickrLove the colors!
Nice fall-off from foreground to background. Not all images need focus stacking.
Thank you, the colors were nice this morning and i really like the way the CV 21 renders them!
theacguy71 wrote
Shenandoah National Park, CV21 with the R4https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48769868163_4b2f0eefac_h.jpgDSC00535 by Vaughn Adams, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48770401637_0a9b178c62_h.jpgDSC00484 by Vaughn Adams, on Flickr
Nice fall-off from foreground to background. Not all images need focus stacking.
Thank you, the colors were nice this morning and i really like the way the CV 21 renders them!
Sep 21, 2019 at 12:49 PM
p.22 #12Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Everything Fred said. The first image is excellent. Worth a lot of looks.
Sep 21, 2019 at 12:50 PM
p.22 #13Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Although I haven't had the chance to shoot the two side by side, I've found that after shooting with the Nokton for a few weeks I'm noticing CA / purple fringing far more often than I seemed to with the Loxia 21. Below is a typical example shot with my Nokton. It was stopped down all the way to F8, and manufacturer CA profile was applied as it can't be turned off in CR.
I'm also finding flare a bit more prominent with the Nokton, and shooting against the sun is the main reason I would carry one of these two lenses.So it's back to the Loxia for me, much as I like the flatter FC and distance readout in camera with the Nokton
Nokton 21 @F8 100% 42mp (along the short edge of the frame)
I'm also finding flare a bit more prominent with the Nokton, and shooting against the sun is the main reason I would carry one of these two lenses.So it's back to the Loxia for me, much as I like the flatter FC and distance readout in camera with the Nokton
Nokton 21 @F8 100% 42mp (along the short edge of the frame)
Sep 21, 2019 at 07:56 PM
p.22 #14Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
I see the uneven color on the periphery of the frame as well as on my model F3.5. Tokina 20/2 didn't have that problem, but she has a terrible near field at hyperfocal range.
Sep 22, 2019 at 01:50 AM
p.22 #15Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Few shots with this lens. TZE-01 on Z6. Testing phase...
Exif may not be as listed.
Exif may not be as listed.
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Sep 25, 2019 at 04:22 PM
p.22 #16Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Nice pics. Pictures 4 and 5 kinda have that 3D pop I've been reading about.
Sep 25, 2019 at 04:36 PM
p.22 #17Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Hardcore wrote:
Few shots with this lens. TZE-01 on Z6. Testing phase...
Exif may not be as listed.
Nice! Image 5 is fantastic!
Sep 25, 2019 at 04:40 PM
p.22 #18Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Looks great! Looking forward to the arrival of mine, just bought from Fred, ready for me to get back into Sony. No camera yet, but I'll pick up an A7RIV soon.
Sep 25, 2019 at 05:07 PM
p.22 #19Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Hardcore wrote:
Few shots with this lens. TZE-01 on Z6. Testing phase...
Exif may not be as listed.
Nice pics, i was going to ask you about the sunstar in third image at 1.4, then i read your whole post!
I was like sunstar at 1.4 only 1/250s! im sending my back,
Few shots with this lens. TZE-01 on Z6. Testing phase...
Exif may not be as listed.
Nice pics, i was going to ask you about the sunstar in third image at 1.4, then i read your whole post!
I was like sunstar at 1.4 only 1/250s! im sending my back,
Sep 25, 2019 at 06:42 PM
