p.1 #1 · Voigtlander 15/4.5 vs Sony 14/1.8: Which One?
Hopefully this post will find someone with real world experience with both of these lenses.
1. On an apples-to-apples comparison I think most people would gravitate to the lens that opens up to f/1.8.
2. The Sony costs 2x+ the Voigt ($1,500 vs. $700) - not an inconsequential sum of money!
3. I rarely shoot astrophotography (like 1x every other year) and, of course, the Sony checks the box if this was more important to me...but its not.
4. The color rendition of the Voigtlander is always special (I own five others). The only Sony WA I owned previously (24mm GM) I found the colors were okay but not special.
5. About 99% of my shooting is landscape.
6. Blue hour/Golden hour are my preferred times to be out - will the Voigt @ f/4.5 be adequate for my needs?
7. The Sony @ 14mm is just a touch wider than the Voigt 15mm but a wash here as far as I'm concerned.
I have a trip planned to SE Utah in October and thinking about one of these WA's for that trip.
p.1 #2 · Voigtlander 15/4.5 vs Sony 14/1.8: Which One?
I'd consider the Vitrox 16/1.8 over either. It's a strong performer and a real bargain. You retain front filter use and it's got solid on-lens controls. The OOC colors skew reds a little hot, but it's easy to correct. It's worth playing new lens roulette to get a good copy.
If forced to choose between the CV and Sony GM, I'd gravitate toward the CV based on price alone. I know I'd be sacrificing the raw optical performance of the GM at like apertures, but I just don't think I'd be happy spending the money for it and dealing with the bulbous front element. A good copy of the 16, on the other hand, is nicely priced and worth the bulk.
p.1 #3 · Voigtlander 15/4.5 vs Sony 14/1.8: Which One?
Doesn't seem like you really need f/1.8 for typical landscape work. The Voigtlander is super easy to carry given its tiny size. It does benefit from stopping down a bit to f/8.
For sandy, dusty Utah you may want the weather sealing of the 14mm GM, 16mm Viltrox or Sigma 14-24mm.
While the Viltrox does have round filter threads, that isn't really helpful for landscapes if you're using grad filters. You need to use a filter holder for any lens. The upside to the Sony is that it accepts the smaller 100mm rectangular filters which is also what you need on the Viltrox. The Sigma 14-24 is slightly bigger and needs 150mm filters.
p.1 #4 · Voigtlander 15/4.5 vs Sony 14/1.8: Which One?
I actually have both...was lucky to find good copies of both used for decent prices. To me they're completely different lenses from a utilization standpoint, at least for me. The CV 15 gets used for landscape & sunsets, the 14 GM for low-light (museums, cities at night, etc) as well as when I want wide and autofocus (family trip to Universal Studios recently for example). For me they both get plenty of use.
For your uses I'd go with the CV 15 and I think you'll be happy.
p.1 #5 · Voigtlander 15/4.5 vs Sony 14/1.8: Which One?
The Voigt is two lenses in one. If you unclick the profile you get a totally different look on landscape images (those that can handle the strong uncorrected image). And some images goes from meh to wow by doing this.
p.1 #7 · Voigtlander 15/4.5 vs Sony 14/1.8: Which One?
I got both GM 14/1.8 and Voigtlander 15/4.5 FE.To me they are different lenses but I use them for similar applications.If your main field of activity is landscape 15/4.5 V will probably serve you better.Also it is lighter,smaller and cheaper.The main advantage of 14/1.8 GM is it's speed.
I use the Heliar for architecture,interiors and landscapes and 14/1.8 GM for roughly the same purposes.
ILCE-7RM2Voigtländer 15mm/F4.5 Super Wide Heliar asph. III (Sony E) lens15mmf/11.01/250s125 ISO-0.7 EV
ILCE-7RM2Voigtländer 15mm/F4.5 Super Wide Heliar asph. III (Sony E) lens15mmf/11.01/200s100 ISO-0.7 EV
ILCE-7RM2Voigtländer 15mm/F4.5 Super Wide Heliar asph. III (Sony E) lens15mmf/11.01/200s100 ISO0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM2Voigtländer 15mm/F4.5 Super Wide Heliar asph. III (Sony E) lens15mmf/8.01/30s500 ISO-1.0 EV
ILCE-7RM2Voigtländer 15mm/F4.5 Super Wide Heliar asph. III (Sony E) lens15mmf/8.01/30s1250 ISO-1.0 EV
ILCE-7RM2FE 14mm F1.8 GM lens14mmf/5.61/30s250 ISO-1.0 EV
ILCE-7RM2FE 14mm F1.8 GM lens14mmf/8.01/320s100 ISO0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM2FE 14mm F1.8 GM lens14mmf/8.01/30s125 ISO0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM2FE 14mm F1.8 GM lens14mmf/1.81/400s100 ISO0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM2FE 14mm F1.8 GM lens14mmf/8.01/160s100 ISO0.0 EV
p.1 #8 · Voigtlander 15/4.5 vs Sony 14/1.8: Which One?
I have never been disappointed by my Voigtlander 15mm Super Wide Heliar. It has a special look to it, and a very enjoyable manual focusing experience.
I don't own the Sony option. I have never shot astro. I don't find the images that attractive and there are other things I'd rather be doing at those times of night.
p.1 #9 · Voigtlander 15/4.5 vs Sony 14/1.8: Which One?
I owned the 15/4.5 for many years and really liked it. Great image quality and small.
Today, however, I would choose the 14GM if I were only getting one. The only reason not to get the GM is because it’s either too big or too expensive. Or both. But if it’s not too big for you and you can afford it, why choose the lesser lens? The GM gives you outstanding image quality with a super fast aperture if you need it. You never know what you’ll need in a particular place or situation, and the GM is far more flexible than the 15/4.5.
If you can afford the GM and it’s size is ok, get the 14GM and you’ll not regret it.
