p.7 #1 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 II Aspherical Review
zhangyue wrote:
Convincing! I really like #5 and last one.
Thank you Michael! We had a fun and cold time doing some portraits at the park. Someone brought some Fairy Lights and we had some fun with those as well. In the close focus and wide open shots you can see that swirly OOF background effect, which I’m really liking. I want to play more with this lens in various lighting conditions, especially backlit!
p.7 #2 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 II Aspherical Review
Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 II: Multi-coated (MC) vs Single Coated (SC)
I've received a copy of the Voigtlander 50/1.5 II "Single Coated" today and tested both versions side by side. When comparing images against the light, I've noticed an increase in veiling flare and a subtle change in the color palette when using the single coated version. Whenever there is veiling flare contrast is also reduced.
However, without back-lighting, I did not noticed any change in contrast.
PS: It's worth mentioning that both MC and SC copies I've received are perfectly centered and perform identically at infinity and close distance. Based on the two copies I've tested, I'm hopeful this optical design will have low variance.
Here are a few side by sides comparisons using both SC and MC versions. The LH-6 hood was used for both lenses and lens changing was done in about 5 seconds between images. All shots at f/2 with the lenses adapted to the Sony A7R IV.
Single Coated (TOP) - Multi-Coated (BOTTOM)
Single Coated (TOP) - Multi-Coated (BOTTOM)
Single Coated (TOP) - Multi-Coated (BOTTOM)
Single Coated (TOP) - Multi-Coated (BOTTOM)
Single Coated (TOP) - Multi-Coated (BOTTOM)
Here is a sample without backlight. Single Coated (TOP) - Multi-Coated (BOTTOM)
p.7 #3 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 II Aspherical Review
Thanks for the comparison Fred! Noticeable diff due to the flare but i do kinda like how the flare gives the SC that classic "film" look . Slight color differences in the last photo as well.
p.7 #4 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 II Aspherical Review
CA Correction (Longitudinal and lateral CA)
The Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 II is not very corrected for longitudinal CA and it takes f/2.8 to get rid of it.
When shooting wide open under high contrast lighting, purple fringing is noticeable as well.
Surprisingly lateral CA is not much of an issue.
Here are some examples showing what's to expect for the Voigtlander 50/1.5 II in terms of color error: (All samples wide open)
thumbnail showing 1:1 area
1:1 from image above: Notice the purple fringing at the focus plane and axial CA (green) on the windshield wiper.
thumbnail showing 1:1 area
1:1 from image above: Notice the purple fringing at the focus plane
thumbnail showing 1:1 area
1:1 from image above: Notice the axial CA purple and green
thumbnail showing 1:1 area
1:1 from image above: Here is an extreme contrast scene showing axial CA
p.7 #6 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 II Aspherical Review
teh_rebel wrote:
Thanks for the comparison Fred! Noticeable diff due to the flare but i do kinda like how the flare gives the SC that classic "film" look . Slight color differences in the last photo as well.
You're welcome!
Yes, there are subtle color changes between the SC and MC versions.
Here is an example at infinity distance. Notice the greens.
p.7 #7 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 II Aspherical Review
Thanks for these Fred!
The biggest difference to my eyes is that weaker veiling flare with the MC version appears not to affect colors of image content overlaid by most of the flare. At least not noticeably. The SC version often seems to have a red/magenta tint to the veiling flare.
IMO, I would get the MC for all-around flexibility, though could see the appeal of the SC for its look and/or B&W use. I feel the SC doesn't venture far enough into 'character' territory in other areas where I could instead use an older, less optically well-corrected lens.
p.7 #8 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 II Aspherical Review
rscheffler wrote:
I feel the SC doesn't venture far enough into 'character' territory in other areas where I could instead use an older, less optically well-corrected lens.
p.7 #9 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 II Aspherical Review
Final Thoughts:
The new Voigtlander 50mm: A tiny treasure with unique character and high IQ.
With so many options to choose from, the 50mm is a favorite focal length for so many photographers. The new Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 II Aspherical is a solid choice, replacing the previous version with size and weight as its top priority.
But, don't let the size fool you. At mid-distance and infinity, the lens shows great performance on the Leica M10 from center to corner even when shooting at wide apertures. There is a penalty in IQ when adapting it to a Sony body, but it's easily usable even on the thicker sensor.
Due to the lack of a floating element system, spherical aberration (SA) is apparent at close distance causing a slight glow around the focus plane. Some people might like this effect, especially for portraits, but SA can be greatly reduced by stopping the lens down to f/2 or f/2.4.
The lens has low distortion (only minor pincushion), low coma starting at f/2.4, low lateral CA and very good flare resistance (MC version). However, vignetting is high, axial CA is apparent (especially under high contrast), and swirling rendering may be noticeable when shooting wide open due to optical vignetting. The Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 II aspherical is equipped with a 12-blade straight aperture mechanism which yields high defined sunstars starting at f/2.8.
Although there is some focus shift, I didn't find it to be an issue when using the Leica's rangefinder. I can get clear improvement in resolution/contrast when stopping the lens down from f/1.5 to f/2.4 or smaller apertures. Optical vignetting is also average for a compact fast lens, so expect to see cat-eye specular highlights off-axis.
In many ways, the Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 II performs similarly to the Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton. Spherical aberration is noticeable at close distance when shooting wide open and both lenses perform well at any distance starting at f/2.4. The mid-field dip in resolution, overall color output and rendering, is also alike.
There are tons of styles and coating options! I've tested both multi-coated and single-coated versions and I found the effect subtle. The SC version is not a bad performer against the light but the MC has definitely stronger flare resistance. Many of my side-by-side comparisons didn't show much of a difference between the MC and SC versions except when shooting under back-lit conditions. However, whenever veiling flare is strong on the SC version, color tint and contrast get affected as well. It's a vintage, film-look that many photographers might appreciate. Personally I prefer the black style "MC" version.
All in all, a great, super compact and fast 50mm lens with great character wide open and strong performance stopped down even when adapted to the Sony A7R IV. Voigtlander wins the hearts of photographers seeking a lens for aesthetic images, smooth rendering, the right amount of blur, and high resolution/contrast even wide open at mid and long distances.
PROS:
High resolution/contrast starting at f/2.8 for both center and corner (Leica M10)
Low distortion (minor pincushion)
12-point sunstar definition starting at f/2.8
Size and weight (Super compact/light fast lens)
Well built with low tolerance and variance
Low Lateral CA
Pleasant smooth rendering
CONS:
Spherical aberration at close distance (lacking floating element)
Visible coma wide open (very good starting at f/2.8)
Moderate Axial CA
Below average Optical Vignetting. (causing swirling and DOF increase towards corners)
I've received a copy of the Voigtlander 50/1.5 II "Single Coated" today and tested both versions side by side. When comparing images against the light, I've noticed an increase in veiling flare and a subtle change in the color palette when using the single coated version. Whenever there is veiling flare contrast is also reduced.
However, without back-lighting, I did not noticed any change in contrast.
PS: It's worth mentioning that both MC and SC copies I've received are perfectly centered and perform identically at infinity and close distance. Based on the two copies I've tested, I'm hopeful this optical design will have low variance.
Here are a few side by sides comparisons using both SC and MC versions. The LH-6 hood was used for both lenses and lens changing was done in about 5 seconds between images. All shots at f/2 with the lenses adapted to the Sony A7R IV....Show more →
Thanks for this Fred. I am assuming WB is identical and not on auto?
p.7 #15 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 II Aspherical Review
vtckon wrote:
And how about on the M10?
On the Leica M10, it's tricky because the CV 50/1.2 VM is capable of higher resolution and even nicer rendering. For those who don't mind the size and weight, the CV 50/1.2 VM should be a top choice. However, if carrying a super compact 50mm is priority, it's hard to beat the new Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 II.
p.7 #16 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 II Aspherical Review
rscheffler wrote:
Thanks for these Fred!
The biggest difference to my eyes is that weaker veiling flare with the MC version appears not to affect colors of image content overlaid by most of the flare. At least not noticeably. The SC version often seems to have a red/magenta tint to the veiling flare.
IMO, I would get the MC for all-around flexibility, though could see the appeal of the SC for its look and/or B&W use. I feel the SC doesn't venture far enough into 'character' territory in other areas where I could instead use an older, less optically well-corrected lens.
Hi Ron,
Yes, I'm sure the SC version appeals to many shooters but I also prefer the colors and stronger flare resistance from the MC version. I do not use the 50mm focal length very often as I prefer 35/75 but I really like the images the Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 II produces. Still not decided if I'm getting the black or panda.
p.7 #17 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 II Aspherical Review
I usually opt for black, but have to admit, the panda looks sharp. I have the silver 50 Lux ASPH, which is similarly brass construction, and it is weighty for its size, at ~450g (I just weighed it). But the CV is smaller, and at 255g for the panda, quite a lot lighter. I wonder how much of the construction is brass?
If I get the 50/1.5, it will probably be the panda.
p.7 #18 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 II Aspherical Review
for me, if/when i get one .. id probably go with the silver SC version since i also have 40/1.4 SC along with 75/1.5 Silver, i think silver will go nicely with the silver/black A7C i have
p.7 #19 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 II Aspherical Review
I was actually about to get a 50mm f2 Summicron V4 from the 2nd hand shop here before I saw this new lens launched and review here.
I like the panda color but end up I've picked up the silver MC version in recent here to pair with my M9 Chrome. I will adapt the lens to Canon R5 too. Can't wait for the delivery....
p.7 #20 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 II Aspherical Review
heheapa wrote:
I was actually about to get a 50mm f2 Summicron V4 from the 2nd hand shop here before I saw this new lens launched and review here.
I like the panda color but end up I've picked up the silver MC version in recent here to pair with my M9 Chrome. I will adapt the lens to Canon R5 too. Can't wait for the delivery....
I would be extremely interested in your findings with it on the R5. I shoot Canon and Leica systems and will eventually end up with a Canon mirrorless, such as the R5, with the intent to also adapt my M lenses to it.
. Slight color differences in the last photo as well.
