I can't find any any tests or findings with the 50 f/1 Nokton on SL/SL-2/SL-2S bodies. I wonder if the same (surprising) issue of low edge IQ on non-M bodies with the Voigtlander 50 f/2 VM APO Lanthar would repeat here? The thought of the 50 f/1 Nokton on both my M10M and a SL-2S has me intrigued.
goodbokeh wrote:
I can't find any any tests or findings with the 50 f/1 Nokton on SL/SL-2/SL-2S bodies. I wonder if the same (surprising) issue of low edge IQ on non-M bodies with the Voigtlander 50 f/2 VM APO Lanthar would repeat here? The thought of the 50 f/1 Nokton on both my M10M and a SL-2S has me intrigued.
goodbokeh wrote:
The boulder on the left picture edge looks nicely detailed. The photos look wonderful, thanks Lars :-)
I am impressed with the degree of blur in the central part of the image. I would really have liked to love that lens, because I have been on the hunt for a good quality 50mm f/1 lens for several years, but unfortunately the Nokton f/1 has too much outward bending field curvature and too much vignetting. I also don't like the outlining of the bokeh balls in this image.
Field curvature and vignetting wide open is never absent with any of these f1.0/0.95 lenses. Yes, I noticed the outlining of the bokeh balls also but the intense highlights are a very tough test. I could get the Sony 50/1.2 GM for my A1, that lens would answer all of your performance standards. But it just doesn't appeal to me, go figure.
Vignetting is unavoidable for sure, but when we have both extremely high vignetting and strong outward bending field curvature (at medium to short focus distances) put together, then I am out.
goodbokeh wrote:
Field curvature and vignetting wide open is never absent with any of these f1.0/0.95 lenses. Yes, I noticed the outlining of the bokeh balls also but the intense highlights are a very tough test. I could get the Sony 50/1.2 GM for my A1, that lens would answer all of your performance standards. But it just doesn't appeal to me, go figure.
I have been following Camera Quest’s evil-bay store, as a way to monitor the availability of the 50mm f/1.0 and 21mm f/1.4 Noktons. I saw the 50mm f/1.0 appear in my feed, several days ago. I saw that there was only one 21mm Nokton remaining, in stock. This morning, rather than continue to struggle with which one to buy, first, I ordered one of each.
philip_pj wrote:
A remarkable photographic review of a remarkable lens.
One of the things I appreciate the most about this review is the restraint to not over-process the samples with regard to contrast and clarity. It's exhausting trying to weed through user samples and disregard them for this reason (for the purposes of lens evaluation, not artistic value).
Received mine today. At distances closer than about 10', it's definitely front-focusing by 1-2" all the way up to f/2.8. Has this been an issue for anyone else?
Update: took it outside, and now I can't seem to fool it – dead-on at f/1 at any distance. I guess the rangefinder is just not up to the task of f/1 in average indoor lighting.
I'm most surprised that at f/1 it is dead-a$$ accurate at infinity, which is crazy.
First quick test shots outside – all at f/1 – which electronic shutter on the M11 makes possible without ND. However, I have to hold very still as scan time of the sensor can cause blur or warp if I get careless.
Very moody results at f/1 at any distance – tons of separation. It's hard to underestimate how much the sharpness and contrast at the point of focus adds to this effect. The images I'm getting so far makes it feel like an f/1 companion to the CV 50 APO at f/2.
Random thoughts:
– Without hood (or with hood reversed), rig is shorter than when using the 28 Lux with its hood attached. Very stumpy setup.
– Balance on the M11 is so perfect, the lens feels weightless. It's hard to describe, but it feels effortless to hold.
– Focus resistance is heavier than CV 50 APO, which is great for f/1 focusing.
– Focus throw feels longer than CV 50 APO – I like it.
– Aperture ring is perfect like all current CVs.
– No silver ring at the end is great – makes it look better on the M to me.
– Viewfinder blockage even with the hood on doesn't bother me (for reference, the 28 Lux with the hood on does feel in the way for me).
(not showing EXIF below since I accidentally left the in-camera lens profile on the 35 Lux)
looks awesome, might just be the perfect ff for ff
edit: stephen gandy is a god, just got mine and it's perfectly aligned with RF and super sharp WO (on m10m)
it's a touch front heavy on m10 probably but negligible in usage and the focus is smooth but a little grainy in texture (but the clicky aperture dial is super addictive, tho it'll be mostly glued to f/1)
pretty much perfect lens (within bounds of current tech and physical size)
