Fred Miranda
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Pre-order the Voigtlander 35mm f/1.5 Nokton lens: ($899)
CameraQuest | B&H Photo
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About the Voigtlander 35mm f/1.5 Nokton lens:
The new Voigtlander 35mm f/1.5 Nokton is a very compact addition to Voigtlander's Vintage line. Although it features a "vintage" exterior style, it's equipped with a modern optical formula reminiscent of the Voigtlander 35/1.2 III Nokton design, featuring 9 elements in 6 groups with 4 aspherical surfaces. It is available in both Type I aluminum (192g) or Type II brass (284g), features a small φ39mm filter diameter and focus down to 0.5m. I will be reviewing the Type I version in "matte" black paint, which is gorgeous and the matches the finish of my Leica M10-R Black Chrome.
When picking up the lens for the first time, I was shocked by how light it was. It weighs a mere 192 grams, making it a perfect companion for travel, hikes and landscapes. On the Leica M10-R, the lens balances well and does not block the 35mm frameline. It sports 12 aperture blades for well defined 12-point sunstars.
The Voigtlander 35mm f/1.5 Nokton is very well built. The focus ring runs smoothly and the aperture ring has defined 1/2 stop clicks. The focus throw angle is not very long at ~100 degrees allowing precision and fast focusing. Although the haptics and appearance are reminiscent of the old days, the lens output is unmistakably modern, well-corrected, promising great performance.
Review Quick Links:
- Initial thoughts
- Infinity performance on Leica M10-R
- Infinity performance on Leica M10-R compared to Leica 35mm f/1.4 FLE
- Infinity performance on Leica M10-R compared to Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 II Nokton
- Infinity performance on Leica M10-R compared to Voigtlander 35mm f/2 Ultron
- Infinity performance adapted to Sony A74
- Distortion
- Chromatic Aberration (CA)
- Optical Vignetting and Specular Highlights shape
- Focus Shift
- Sagittal Coma Flare performance
- Minimal Focus Distance performance
- Field Curvature
- Rendering compared to Leica 35mm f/1.4 FLE
- Rendering compared to Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 II Nokton
- Rendering compared to Voigtlander 35mm f/2 Ultron
- Sunstar Rendering, Flare and Vignetting
- Final Thoughts
- Samples: 1 | 2
Voigtlander 35mm f/1.5 Nokton tests and sample images from FM Members:
- @nehemiahphoto: 1, 2, 3
- @pmeheut: 1
Voigtlander 35mm f/1.5 Nokton specifications:- Focal Length 35mm
- Maximum Aperture f/1.5
- Minimum Aperture f/16
- Lens Mount Leica M
- Angle of View 61.7°
- Minimum Focus Distance 0.5ｍ (0.7m rangefinder coupled)
- Optical Design 9 Elements in 6 Groups
- Special glass: 4 aspherical surfaces
- Diaphragm Blades 12
- Filter Size 39 mm (Front)
- Dimensions (ø x L) φ53 x 36 mm
- Weight 192 g (Type I, measured), 284g (Type II)
Back to Quick Links
Initial Thoughts:
The new Voigtlander 35mm f/1.5 Nokton has a modern, well-corrected optical design and therefore it's a high performer even on the 40MP Leica M10-R. At infinity distance, this lens is capable of high resolution and contrast at center while the mid-field and corners benefit from stopping down the aperture one or two stops.
The optical design is reminiscent of the Voigtlander 35/1.2 III Nokton, which means that the new Voigtlander 35mm f/1.5 Nokton shares similar characteristics including noticeable axial and lateral CA and spherical aberration at close distance when shooting wide open. On the bright side, it also shares the pleasant smooth out of focus transition zone rendering.
Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 III Nokton (TOP) | Voigtlander 35mm f/1.5 Nokton (BOTTOM)
From the compact design and 39mm filter thread, I was expecting to see extreme vignetting but surprisingly it's at the same level of previous fast Voigtlander lenses and in the same ball-park as the Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux FLE. Still, it's a high vignetting lens, so expect "cats-eye" specular highlights towards the corners due to optical vignetting.
When adapted to the Sony A74, astigmatism and 'induced' field curvature takes hold and therefore performance and rendering are greatly degraded. The corners need f/8 for optimal performance on the thicker Sony sensor while on the Leica, the lens is already optimal across the field at f/4.
Physically, it's a well-built and charming lens. When the lens is focused at infinity distance, there is almost no blockage of the 35mm framelines while at closer distance the blockage is manageable. The distance markings in meters are painted white and engraved against a black metal barrel which makes it easy to see when shooting outdoors or under low light. I could not say the same for the red markings in "feet" which are very hard to see under any lighting.
It's a very exciting fast and high performance 35mm lens with the right compromises to keep it as compact as possible.
Voigtlander 35mm f/1.5 Nokton with optional Voigtlander LH-4N hood.
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