Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
p.22 #1Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
I was waiting too. But it's obviously every bit Sony-ready, just as it is. The minor issues related to sensor differences are out of scope for most of us and you even get solid stopped down IQ. Most will deactivate auto-magnification at this FL / max aperture; IBIS is a custom button away and few will have working practices that entail frequent lens changes.
And there is only one like it. CV say the 'vintage' aspect refers to the exterior styling. There are so few 75mm lenses around yet it's a very useful all round (walk around) focal length for people work where 100mm is a bit distant and 55-58mm too close. It gives a little more safety in focus hits than 85s do. Open field work also, you get better results at wider apertures than 85s with DOF coverage; 85s typically feel more like 90-100mm. It may help your spacing: 50-75-100/110.
I feel it has very sound colour. The designer ranks it very highly, he spent a lot of effort optimising the light path in this simple 7/6 design. It's half the complexity and weight of the new 85mm Sigma, and $300 cheaper. It will remain a fixture for me. Finally, easier resale to either Sony/Nikon or Leica users, important for smaller markets.
PS: the reviews at BH tell a similar story, words like: gorgeous, rich colour, fantastic, creamy bokeh, beautiful transitions - this is from Leica people, who often compulsively compare any optic to some great M lenses. Not everyone is looking for wide open uber-sharp.
And there is only one like it. CV say the 'vintage' aspect refers to the exterior styling. There are so few 75mm lenses around yet it's a very useful all round (walk around) focal length for people work where 100mm is a bit distant and 55-58mm too close. It gives a little more safety in focus hits than 85s do. Open field work also, you get better results at wider apertures than 85s with DOF coverage; 85s typically feel more like 90-100mm. It may help your spacing: 50-75-100/110.
I feel it has very sound colour. The designer ranks it very highly, he spent a lot of effort optimising the light path in this simple 7/6 design. It's half the complexity and weight of the new 85mm Sigma, and $300 cheaper. It will remain a fixture for me. Finally, easier resale to either Sony/Nikon or Leica users, important for smaller markets.
PS: the reviews at BH tell a similar story, words like: gorgeous, rich colour, fantastic, creamy bokeh, beautiful transitions - this is from Leica people, who often compulsively compare any optic to some great M lenses. Not everyone is looking for wide open uber-sharp.
Dec 15, 2020 at 11:08 PM
p.22 #2Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
Thank you Philip and LBJ2!
Philip, I agree. It's impressive how they managed to combine a bit of a "classic" and modern look in such a small lens. It feels solid too and smooth and easy to focus. Went to the Christmas market in town with a local photo group and two of them wanted to try the lens. Both were enchanted by it.
Some more photos (also posted in the big Sony thread). Fantastic conditions for ice-skating this weekend and we were happy to find a lake with some sunshine. It's difficult to find places where the sun reaches this time of year.
A7II and CV 75mm f/1.5:
Philip, I agree. It's impressive how they managed to combine a bit of a "classic" and modern look in such a small lens. It feels solid too and smooth and easy to focus. Went to the Christmas market in town with a local photo group and two of them wanted to try the lens. Both were enchanted by it.
Some more photos (also posted in the big Sony thread). Fantastic conditions for ice-skating this weekend and we were happy to find a lake with some sunshine. It's difficult to find places where the sun reaches this time of year.
A7II and CV 75mm f/1.5:
Dec 16, 2020 at 02:12 AM
p.22 #3Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
I find rendering very similar to Voigtlander’s new 50mm f/1.5 II.
The VM 75 1.5 was better fit for me.. So far I'm liking it, reminds me very much of the current 50 Summilux, maybe it's the OOF transitions..
Will have to check that thread out. I've already got a 50 Summicron (v.II) that I love on the A7R's, and the Sony 55 FE.. of course I don't have an f/1.5 lens in that focal length... never know when a low light emergency might strike that f/1.8 just can't handle...
I find rendering very similar to Voigtlander’s new 50mm f/1.5 II.
BrandonSi wrote
Just got my copy today (silver)! I had rented the FE 85 1.4 GM and the Sigma 85 DG DN to deide which I would get, and that rental reminded me that I like the idea of 85mm more than I actually like 85mm..The VM 75 1.5 was better fit for me.. So far I'm liking it, reminds me very much of the current 50 Summilux, maybe it's the OOF transitions..
Will have to check that thread out. I've already got a 50 Summicron (v.II) that I love on the A7R's, and the Sony 55 FE.. of course I don't have an f/1.5 lens in that focal length... never know when a low light emergency might strike that f/1.8 just can't handle...
Dec 16, 2020 at 07:43 AM
p.22 #4Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
Thanks Fred - the corner performance looks materially worse on the Sony vs. Leica at every aperture until F8. Lots of blooming in the fine details of the shrubs - unless I am missing something?
Wanted to avoid any of this due to the sensor stack plus get IBIS, correct EXIF - nevermind not having to buy a VM adaptor.
Wanted to avoid any of this due to the sensor stack plus get IBIS, correct EXIF - nevermind not having to buy a VM adaptor.
Dec 16, 2020 at 04:35 PM
p.22 #5Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
I find rendering very similar to Voigtlander’s new 50mm f/1.5 II.
I thought the same from the examples I had seen, but it is good to hear it from someone who has first-hand experience with both. I have been eyeing the VM 50/1.5 II as I think they'd be a great match.... But I'm not sure what that would mean for my ZM 50/2 Planar, which I also quite like... 
Does the VM 35/1.4 II also compare rendering-wise? The 35/1.2 is too huge for a RF lens (IMO) and the 40/1.2, as good as it is, is lacking framelines of course
I find rendering very similar to Voigtlander’s new 50mm f/1.5 II.
I thought the same from the examples I had seen, but it is good to hear it from someone who has first-hand experience with both.
I have been eyeing the VM 50/1.5 II as I think they'd be a great match.... But I'm not sure what that would mean for my ZM 50/2 Planar, which I also quite like... Does the VM 35/1.4 II also compare rendering-wise? The 35/1.2 is too huge for a RF lens (IMO) and the 40/1.2, as good as it is, is lacking framelines of course
Dec 19, 2020 at 05:57 PM
p.22 #6Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
helimat wrote:
I thought the same from the examples I had seen, but it is good to hear it from someone who has first-hand experience with both. I have been eyeing the VM 50/1.5 II as I think they'd be a great match.... But I'm not sure what that would mean for my ZM 50/2 Planar, which I also quite like...
Does the VM 35/1.4 II also compare rendering-wise? The 35/1.2 is too huge for a RF lens (IMO) and the 40/1.2, as good as it is, is lacking framelines of course
I love the CV 50/1.5 II (SC)! I’ve been following this thread for some time and am tempted to pull the trigger on this 75/1.5. I’m also interested in their CV 35/1.4 II (SC) as well, but I haven’t seen much discussion or photos here at FM for it.
Fred Miranda wrote
I find rendering very similar to Voigtlander’s new 50mm f/1.5 II. I have been eyeing the VM 50/1.5 II as I think they'd be a great match.... But I'm not sure what that would mean for my ZM 50/2 Planar, which I also quite like... Does the VM 35/1.4 II also compare rendering-wise? The 35/1.2 is too huge for a RF lens (IMO) and the 40/1.2, as good as it is, is lacking framelines of course
I love the CV 50/1.5 II (SC)! I’ve been following this thread for some time and am tempted to pull the trigger on this 75/1.5. I’m also interested in their CV 35/1.4 II (SC) as well, but I haven’t seen much discussion or photos here at FM for it.
Dec 19, 2020 at 06:42 PM
p.22 #7Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
helimat wrote:
I thought the same from the examples I had seen, but it is good to hear it from someone who has first-hand experience with both. I have been eyeing the VM 50/1.5 II as I think they'd be a great match.... But I'm not sure what that would mean for my ZM 50/2 Planar, which I also quite like...
Does the VM 35/1.4 II also compare rendering-wise? The 35/1.2 is too huge for a RF lens (IMO) and the 40/1.2, as good as it is, is lacking framelines of course
The CV 50/1.5 II's transition zone is smoother compared to the ZM 50/2 but I think the Zeiss has the upper hand in contrast. Both are very sharp starting at f/2.4.
The CV 35/1.4 II's wide open rendering is very nervous but I find it attractive for some reason. By f/2.8 it's smoother and behaves similarly to other 35mm lenses.
Fred Miranda wrote
I find rendering very similar to Voigtlander’s new 50mm f/1.5 II. I have been eyeing the VM 50/1.5 II as I think they'd be a great match.... But I'm not sure what that would mean for my ZM 50/2 Planar, which I also quite like... Does the VM 35/1.4 II also compare rendering-wise? The 35/1.2 is too huge for a RF lens (IMO) and the 40/1.2, as good as it is, is lacking framelines of course
The CV 50/1.5 II's transition zone is smoother compared to the ZM 50/2 but I think the Zeiss has the upper hand in contrast. Both are very sharp starting at f/2.4.
The CV 35/1.4 II's wide open rendering is very nervous but I find it attractive for some reason. By f/2.8 it's smoother and behaves similarly to other 35mm lenses.
Dec 19, 2020 at 07:26 PM
p.22 #8Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
I can see where one would want to keep the 75/2.5 Heliar for a slightly more compact kit, but man-o-man is this a nice lens.
Dec 24, 2020 at 10:01 PM
p.22 #9Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
Nice!
d.s. wrote:
I can see where one would want to keep the 75/2.5 Heliar for a slightly more compact kit, but man-o-man is this a nice lens.
d.s. wrote:
I can see where one would want to keep the 75/2.5 Heliar for a slightly more compact kit, but man-o-man is this a nice lens.
Dec 24, 2020 at 10:59 PM
p.22 #10Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
Thanks!
zhangyue wrote:
Nice!
d.s. wrote
I can see where one would want to keep the 75/2.5 Heliar for a slightly more compact kit, but man-o-man is this a nice lens.Dec 25, 2020 at 09:53 AM
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p.22 #11Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
Ironically the 75/2.5 is called the 'Color Heliar' but has a muted soft contrast look, despite being sharp at small apertures. The 75/1.5 is very colour-centric, thanks to the glass formulations inside. Different eras, very different lenses, both excellent each in their own wheelhouse.
Dec 25, 2020 at 02:03 PM
p.22 #12Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
philip_pj wrote:
Ironically the 75/2.5 is called the 'Color Heliar' but has a muted soft contrast look, despite being sharp at small apertures. The 75/1.5 is very colour-centric, thanks to the glass formulations inside. Different eras, very different lenses, both excellent each in their own wheelhouse.
Is the "Color-Heliar" title taken from Voigtlander designs of yore?
Aberrations at and near wide open are very apparent, but it's a lens I've always felt has that extra something special about it. I'm surprised it sell for so little these days.
Dec 25, 2020 at 04:55 PM
p.22 #13Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
A few from today. I just received this lens for xmas and I really love the size. Colors are typically Voigtlander. Can't wait to explore this lens some more!
Dec 25, 2020 at 05:48 PM
p.22 #14Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
Very tough conditions, Bob. That's a stern test with woods, high contrast and highlights. I am used to seeing this kind of scene in Dustin Abbott's videos. I feel it's the kind of lens that encourages experimentation.
Dec 25, 2020 at 11:05 PM
p.22 #15Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
I used the 75/2.5 and I agree it has little actually wrong with it and very light too, strong at landscape apertures too. But in Leica land, they probably saw the palette and wide open softness as a negative. So it became the sort of lens that contributed to the reputation CV had in M circles. They only use 'Color' for Skopars these days.
Dec 25, 2020 at 11:29 PM
p.22 #16Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
Took a hike yesterday with my M9 and some lenses, one of which was the Voigtlander 75mm Nokton.
Joel
ps-my sensor is going out for a cleaning soon.
Joel
ps-my sensor is going out for a cleaning soon.
Jan 01, 2021 at 06:13 PM
p.22 #17Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
Hello everyone. I acquired the Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton VM last week, along with a Nikon Z5 and adapter. I'm posting a couple of portraits from a nice little photo-walk in Denver, CO on Sunday morning. Pictures taken wide open at f1.5 or f2. Disclaimer: this was my first time shooting with the Nikon Z system after using Olympus m43 cameras for the past 7 years :-).
Jaimi B&W
Jaimi Sweater one
Jaimi Sweater two
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Jaimi B&W
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Jaimi Sweater one
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Jaimi Sweater two
Jan 26, 2021 at 07:50 AM
p.22 #18Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
Really like the BW, it showcases her eyes. Only thing I found distracting was the nose piercing only because it looks like a speck, or flaw. If the other side of the face was shown, then it would be fine. I would remove it post. JMHO,
Joel
Joel
Jan 26, 2021 at 11:24 AM
p.22 #19Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
Thanks for the feedback! Her eyes are very unique indeed. Good point on the nose stud in the BW image, it's distracting. ... I edit a few more images this week and may post a couple here.
I really liked the experience of shooting with the Voigt 75 f1.5. Focus on the Nikon Z was a breeze.
1joel1 wrote:
Really like the BW, it showcases her eyes. Only thing I found distracting was the nose piercing only because it looks like a speck, or flaw. If the other side of the face was shown, then it would be fine. I would remove it post. JMHO,
Joel
I really liked the experience of shooting with the Voigt 75 f1.5. Focus on the Nikon Z was a breeze.
1joel1 wrote:
Really like the BW, it showcases her eyes. Only thing I found distracting was the nose piercing only because it looks like a speck, or flaw. If the other side of the face was shown, then it would be fine. I would remove it post. JMHO,
Joel
Jan 26, 2021 at 11:34 AM
p.22 #20Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
Denverdutchman wrote:
Thanks for the feedback! Her eyes are very unique indeed. Good point on the nose stud in the BW image, it's distracting. ... I edit a few more images this week and may post a couple here.
I really liked the experience of shooting with the Voigt 75 f1.5. Focus on the Nikon Z was a breeze.
Joel
I like the skin tone. Great combo.
Thanks for the feedback! Her eyes are very unique indeed. Good point on the nose stud in the BW image, it's distracting. ... I edit a few more images this week and may post a couple here.
I really liked the experience of shooting with the Voigt 75 f1.5. Focus on the Nikon Z was a breeze.
1joel1 wrote
Really like the BW, it showcases her eyes. Only thing I found distracting was the nose piercing only because it looks like a speck, or flaw. If the other side of the face was shown, then it would be fine. I would remove it post. JMHO,Joel
I like the skin tone. Great combo.
Jan 26, 2021 at 11:58 AM