fredmiranda.com
Login

Moderated by: Fred Miranda
  New fredmiranda.com Mobile Site
  New Feature: SMS Notification alert
  New Feature: Buy & Sell Watchlist
  

FM Forums | Leica & Alternative Gear | Join Upload & Sell

1       2              end
  

Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton X-mount Review

  
 
Gabe13
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #1 · Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton X-mount Review


Lol, well that didn't take long eh

You will absolutely take to this lens as I have I'm sure, it is outstanding in many ways as you've come to expect with CV lenses. I am waiting for this review to be completed and I will post some examples of some multi-use situations with this lens while on a recent trip.

This situation mirrors mine with regard to the observed correction parameters passed from lens to camera body to be written in Exif in all CV lenses I have...23/1.2, 27/2, 35/1.2, 50/1.2. Of course I do not have the 35/0.9 nor the 35/2 macro but you mentioned the parameters being present in the 35/2 macro which prompted me to check my 35/1.2 as I reported in the 35/2 thread a few days back. So we can likely safely assume the same behavior would be observed with the 35/0.9.

BTW...I also got a new X-mount CV lens coming...and there are only 2 that I don't have



Oct 01, 2023 at 10:34 AM
Juha Kannisto
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.3 #2 · Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton X-mount Review


Yeah, I was thinking of picking up the lens in November but yesterday I had nothing else to do than to visit some camera shops since the weather was so bad I was thinking of getting a used copy from Fujiya Camera but once I inspected their best used copy I felt it might be better to go for a new one instead since the price difference wasn't huge.

Really liked the f1.2 rendering on some of my initial close range samples and the lens wasn't overly soft there either (actually sharper than I expected, easily sharp enough to my liking) and the lens also seems to work very well for infinity shots at f5.6. I think it's also easier to nail optimal focus for infinity with this lens than with my 35/2, although neither one can be used at hard infinity stop.

I'm only missing the 35/0.9 now but I don't actually plan to go for it so I'll stick with the 5 out of 6 until they announce some new ones. I think Cosina will have to release something wider than 23mm next and I'm really hoping the next would be a ~18mm lens (28mm equivalent). They might also expand to even further in the wide end but that would not be as appealing to me. Hoping for the best I think they'll at least come up with some new pre-announcements at CP+ next year (end of February) if not earlier.



Oct 01, 2023 at 09:34 PM
Fred Miranda
Offline
Admin
Upload & Sell: On
p.3 #3 · Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton X-mount Review



Back to Quick Links

Color Aberration:

Lateral

Lateral CA are well corrected, I didn’t find any in my pictures. This is one of the strengths of the double Gauss optical design.

Longitudinal

As I reviewed my sample images in search of green/magenta fringing, I also took note of the lens's excellent performance in terms of longitudinal/axial chromatic aberration (CA). In high-contrast lighting, there is some subtle fringing, but it's important to emphasize that this is a remarkable performance and not a cause for concern in practical shooting situations. Considering this is a f/1.2 lens, it consistently delivers above-average results in this aspect, highlighting the strength of its optical design.

I did observe a slight occurrence of purple fringing on the focused plane when shooting in scenarios with highly reflective metal. However, it's worth noting that this is a common color error even with most non-APO lenses.

Below, you'll find some 100% magnification image crops showcasing the lens's performance under intense high-contrast lighting. This represents the most challenging scenario I encountered while analyzing my sample images taken with this lens:





Background out of focus showing some faint green fringing.






reflected metal showing minor purple fringing.






Background out of focus showing some faint green fringing.






reflected metal showing slight purple fringing.






Background out of focus showing some faint green fringing.






reflected metal showing purple fringing. (rare)






Reflected metal without much fringing but coma is apparent (edge of frame).






Great CA performance at focus area with almost no purple fringing here.






Faint purple fringing.






Not much to say, great performance. Most lenses with an f/1.2 aperture would show noticeable green fringing in this situation.




Oct 03, 2023 at 07:34 PM
Fred Miranda
Offline
Admin
Upload & Sell: On
p.3 #4 · Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton X-mount Review



Back to Quick Links

Flare Resistance:

The Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton lens can sometimes show veiling and ghosting flare issues. In certain situations, you might notice a rainbow flare similar to the Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux, and in other cases, there can be distracting ghosting flare. The veiling flare is a distinctive characteristic of this lens, and in my view, it adds to its artistic appeal rather than being a drawback.

I've come across instances of these flare effects in my sample images, and I've included them below for you to see:




  X-E4    VOIGTLANDER NOKTON 35MM F1.2 lens    35mm    f/1.4    1/420s    160 ISO    -0.7 EV  






  X-E4    VOIGTLANDER NOKTON 35mm F1.2 lens    35mm    f/1.2    1/3000s    320 ISO    -0.3 EV  






  X-E4    VOIGTLANDER NOKTON 35mm F1.2 lens    35mm    f/1.2    1/1400s    320 ISO    -0.3 EV  






  X-E4    VOIGTLANDER NOKTON 35mm F1.2 lens    35mm    f/1.2    1/7500s    320 ISO    -0.3 EV  






Suntars are defined due to the lens straight aperture blades but veiling is always present

  X-E4    VOIGTLANDER NOKTON 35mm F1.2 lens    35mm    f/5.6    1/900s    160 ISO    0.0 EV  






At f/2, there was some ghosting.

  X-E4    VOIGTLANDER NOKTON 35mm F1.2 lens    35mm    f/2.0    1/8000s    320 ISO    -1.3 EV  






At f/4, the ghosting was gone. Still there is some veiling which some may find attractive.

  X-E4    VOIGTLANDER NOKTON 35mm F1.2 lens    35mm    f/4.0    1/2200s    320 ISO    -1.3 EV  






Rainbow flare.

  X-E4    VOIGTLANDER NOKTON 35mm F1.2 lens    35mm    f/1.2    1/12800s    160 ISO    -0.3 EV  






Rainbow flare.

  X-E4    VOIGTLANDER NOKTON 35MM F1.2 lens    35mm    f/1.4    1/800s    160 ISO    -1.7 EV  




Oct 03, 2023 at 08:03 PM
Fred Miranda
Offline
Admin
Upload & Sell: On
p.3 #5 · Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton X-mount Review



Back to Quick Links

Final Thoughts:

After using the Voigtländer 35mm f/1.2 Nokton extensively for a few weeks, I have to say that this lens has a unique character in its image quality, reminiscent of the classic double Gauss designs found in the original Leica 35/1.4 Summilux optical design. There are other lenses designed for the M-mount that offer similar performance and rendering, and they can also be adapted to Fujifilm cameras. However, the Voigtländer 35mm f/1.2 Nokton is faster and optimized for Fujifilm APS-C sensors. Additionally, it comes with electronic contacts that provide handy features like auto-magnification, EXIF data transfer, and distance recording.

One standout feature of this lens is its distinct rendering, which gives your photos a timeless and unique look. While it exhibits significant coma aberration when shooting wide open, it actually adds a unique and artistic character to the images.

The lens excels at correcting color aberrations and distortion, all packed into a remarkably compact design that's a joy to use in the field.

The build quality and feel of the lens are equally impressive. It's well-built with precise tolerances, ensuring durability and visual appeal. The focusing ring offers just the right amount of resistance, and the aperture mechanism produces satisfying 'clicks' for every third of a stop.

I'm already a fan of this optical design, and I'm pleased that Cosina developed this lens specifically for Fujifilm users who value manual focusing. Despite minor imperfections in coma correction, focus shift, and flare resistance, this lens offers solid performance, making it a must-have for Fujifilm photographers who value these qualities.

Pros:
  1. Compact design for an ultra-fast 35mm f/1.2 lens.
  2. Low distortion
  3. Impressive close-up capabilities with a minimum focus distance of 0.3m.
  4. Outstanding build quality with precise construction, adding to its overall appeal.
  5. Electronic communication for EXIF data, auto-magnification, distance, and parallax compensation (X-Pro3).
  6. Aperture mechanism produces distinct 12-pointed sunstars.
  7. Virtually no lateral chromatic aberration and minimal axial chromatic aberration.
  8. Beautiful rendering reminiscent of classic designs.

Cons:
  1. Coma correction is less than ideal.
  2. Noticeable focus shift, necessitating focusing at the working aperture.
  3. Short focusing throw may require more precise handling for focus adjustments.



Oct 03, 2023 at 08:24 PM
Fred Miranda
Offline
Admin
Upload & Sell: On
p.3 #6 · Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton X-mount Review


If you already have the Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton X-mount lens, please share some sample images in this thread. 👍


Oct 04, 2023 at 10:40 PM
Gabe13
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #7 · Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton X-mount Review


Awesome comprehensive review for an awesome little lens. I am thoroughly enjoying my copy as an indispensable travel companion as part of a suite of small CV primes to use with my Fuji body camera. Here are a few examples taken while traveling through New Mexico last month. These are utilizing in camera processing via Fuji's excellent film simulations under a variety of situations

Underwood by Gabe D., on Flickr

Mission San Miguel by Gabe D., on Flickr

Santa Fe Flowers by Gabe D., on Flickr

Delicate desert wildflower in the morning by Gabe D., on Flickr

Morning Dunes at White Sands by Gabe D., on Flickr


I will definitely post more samples a bit later as well



Oct 05, 2023 at 03:42 AM
Fred Miranda
Offline
Admin
Upload & Sell: On
p.3 #8 · Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton X-mount Review


At f/1.4, the Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 X-mount is decently sharp across the field. (Portra 400 simulation)




  X-E4    VOIGTLANDER NOKTON 35mm F1.2 lens    35mm    f/1.4    1/4000s    320 ISO    0.0 EV  




Oct 05, 2023 at 10:53 PM
Juha Kannisto
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.3 #9 · Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton X-mount Review


I went out for a long walk from Shinagawa Seaside with my new CV 35/1.2 X-mount (on my X-S10) today. Enjoyed shooting with the lens a lot, pretty much stuck to close to mid-range wide open f1.2 and long distance (~infinity) f5.6 shots.

These were exported from Raw via C1 Pro 23, used various Fuji film simulations and did some slight PP on some of them:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/997zMVPtDveGePMU7



Oct 07, 2023 at 11:01 AM
Fred Miranda
Offline
Admin
Upload & Sell: On
p.3 #10 · Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton X-mount Review


Juha Kannisto wrote:
I went out for a long walk from Shinagawa Seaside with my new CV 35/1.2 X-mount (on my X-S10) today. Enjoyed shooting with the lens a lot, pretty much stuck to close to mid-range wide open f1.2 and long distance (~infinity) f5.6 shots.

These were exported from Raw via C1 Pro 23, used various Fuji film simulations and did some slight PP on some of them:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/997zMVPtDveGePMU7


Great photos of Shinagawa Juha! These shots really highlight the lens's character up close, and the f/5.6 images demonstrate that it's a high-performance lens too.



Oct 08, 2023 at 08:09 PM
 


Search in Used Dept. 

Gabe13
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #11 · Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton X-mount Review


Hey another nice series of photos there, these and the others sure make me look forward to visiting Japan next year. I think perhaps I tentatively agree with you about the 35/0.9...I may also decide that it may not be something I need.

I now have the 35/2 macro on the way so I basically ended up with 3 CV lenses (35/1.2, 35/2, 50/1.2) for about the same price as the 35/0.9 alone

The 35/1.2 is definitely my favorite of the CV lenses but mostly bc I was always a heavy 50ish user on FF...however they all so far have stellar performance in such a small size.

Currently I'm traveling through Utah with an emphasis on using the 50/1.2 which I'm really starting to like a lot but I am also using the 35/1.2 as well so I'll be happy to post more samples sometime in the coming week. I also have found that it is indeed quite sharp at f1.4



Oct 08, 2023 at 10:05 PM
torb.xyz
Offline

Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #12 · Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton X-mount Review


Thanks for the review and for everyone who shared photos. I can't afford it right now, but the this lens will be the first manual lens I get for a digital camera. I love the rendering it seems to have and I'm looking forward to thr experiencd of focusing myself.

I had the FM3a paird with the SL Voigtlander 40mm f2 and I loved the tactile experience and rendering it gave me. Ultimately I found that film photography was not for me (though I liked the results!). But those experiences pushed me towards Fujifilm culminating in the X-Pro3 (which I love). Howver, lately I've been craving some of that manual experience and some of those rendering characteristics of film cameras (both lens and film wise), and the Voigtlander 35mm f1.2 lens seems poised to give me a lot of that!

I just recently properely discovered FM forums (after sort of hearing about it for years) and I really appreciate the perspective here. It's not only about critical sharpness and autofocus performance (though, nothing wrong with that), but people here also talk about rendering, look, *vibe*. There seems to be a more expansive view of cameras and lenses here, and that's really cool.



Nov 04, 2023 at 08:29 AM
RyDenn
Offline

Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #13 · Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton X-mount Review


Very helpful. Thanks!


Nov 08, 2023 at 06:43 PM
ViMa
Offline

Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #14 · Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton X-mount Review


Fred Miranda wrote:
<div id=final name=final></div>
<a href=https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1825152/0#ql>Back to Quick Links</a>

Final Thoughts:

After using the Voigtländer 35mm f/1.2 Nokton extensively for a few weeks, I have to say that this lens has a unique character in its image quality, reminiscent of the classic double Gauss designs found in the original Leica 35/1.4 Summilux optical design. There are other lenses designed for the M-mount that offer similar performance and rendering, and they can also be adapted to Fujifilm cameras. However, the Voigtländer 35mm f/1.2 Nokton is faster and optimized for Fujifilm APS-C sensors. Additionally, it comes with electronic contacts that provide handy features like auto-magnification,
...Show more

Thank you so much for these amazing reviews, Fred. I just discovered them and read this and the 27mm f2 with great attention.
I realise that ultimately the choice between two lenses is extremely personal, but unfortunately I live in a country where trying stuff out is basically impossible, and wished to ask for your opinion and/or suggestion.

When I shot Fuji I really enjoyed shooting 3rd party manual focus lenses, especially the Mitakon 35mm f0.95. The two deterrents that got me to stop using that combination were the size/weight and the absence of electronic contacts.
Both the Voigtländer lenses I'm interested in deal with those two issues.

As far as my needs go, the greatest benefit of the 27mm f2 would be the focus tab and the hard stop at infinity. As for the 35mm f1.2 the greatest benefit is that I tend to prefer the 50mm focal length and that it has the kind of character that really suits my liking. The f1.2 is a nice addition as it would make this more usable in darker environments.

I've never had the chance to shoot with a lens with a proper focus tab, so I can't tell how important it is for building up extra fast reflexes when out on the street. I also cannot tell whether the infinity hard stop would be a big deal for me or not. All I know is I'd want a single manual focus Voigtländer lens and that I'd have it stuck on my camera and thus probably after a few months be quite used to it.

I would welcome your advice as to which way to go with. Any tips would be great!

Cheers, and happy holidays,
Vittorio



Dec 25, 2023 at 12:51 AM
twelveish
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #15 · Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton X-mount Review


ViMa wrote:
I've never had the chance to shoot with a lens with a proper focus tab, so I can't tell how important it is for building up extra fast reflexes when out on the street. I also cannot tell whether the infinity hard stop would be a big deal for me or not.

Vittorio


It's obviously a personal thing, but FWIW I put a rubber focus tab on both my Voigtlanders for Fujifilm X. 7artisans brand. I find it helpful. The hard focus stop past infinity is an annoyance, yes. But not a deal breaker. I rarely use anything else for my Fujifilm X bodies.



Dec 25, 2023 at 06:11 AM
Gabe13
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #16 · Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton X-mount Review


That's a good tip regarding the rubber focus tabs.

So life gets in the way sometimes eh. Anyways I really like this compact little gem for traveling.

A Standoff by Gabe D., on Flickr

Utah wildflowers by Gabe D., on Flickr

Essentials by Gabe D., on Flickr



Jan 12, 2024 at 12:03 AM
Fred Miranda
Offline
Admin
Upload & Sell: On
p.3 #17 · Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton X-mount Review


ViMa wrote:
Thank you so much for these amazing reviews, Fred. I just discovered them and read this and the 27mm f2 with great attention.
I realise that ultimately the choice between two lenses is extremely personal, but unfortunately I live in a country where trying stuff out is basically impossible, and wished to ask for your opinion and/or suggestion.

When I shot Fuji I really enjoyed shooting 3rd party manual focus lenses, especially the Mitakon 35mm f0.95. The two deterrents that got me to stop using that combination were the size/weight and the absence of electronic contacts.
Both the Voigtländer lenses I'm interested
...Show more

Hi Vittorio,
Apologies for the delay in getting back to you. The focal lengths of 27/2 and 35/1.2 are quite similar, but if you prefer the equivalent of 50mm, the 35/1.2 might be a better fit for you. It's also much faster, making it versatile for various situations, especially in low-light conditions. While the 27/2 is tempting due to its ultra-compact size and useful tab, choosing between them boils down to whether you prioritize the 50mm perspective or portability. Both lenses offer great character in their image rendering.



Feb 14, 2024 at 05:15 PM
Fred Miranda
Offline
Admin
Upload & Sell: On
p.3 #18 · Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton X-mount Review


torb.xyz wrote:
Thanks for the review and for everyone who shared photos. I can't afford it right now, but the this lens will be the first manual lens I get for a digital camera. I love the rendering it seems to have and I'm looking forward to thr experiencd of focusing myself.

I had the FM3a paird with the SL Voigtlander 40mm f2 and I loved the tactile experience and rendering it gave me. Ultimately I found that film photography was not for me (though I liked the results!). But those experiences pushed me towards Fujifilm culminating in the X-Pro3 (which I love).
...Show more

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I have to agree that the X-Pro3 paired with the Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 is a fantastic choice if you're aiming for a vintage aesthetic in your images, especially if you prefer a 50mm full frame equivalent focal length. It's perfect for those who enjoy using the optical viewfinder rangefinder style and appreciate the film simulations. Alternatively you could use the Voigtlander 35/1.4 Nokton M-mount adapted to the Fuji for a very similar look.



Mar 06, 2024 at 12:42 AM
Erich6_
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: On
p.3 #19 · Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton X-mount Review


I was on the fence but ultimately decided to get this lens because of its size and construction. I've only done a few shots but I can tell already it is quite remarkable. It's true what some say that it is like having two types of lenses in one. The lens is very different above and below f/2.8. Here are some examples comparing f/1.2 and f/4:

ISO 800 on X-T5:

f/1.2



f/4




ISO 400 on X-T5:

f/1.2



f/4




ISO 3200 on X-T5:

f/1.2



f/2.8





Some have expressed concerns about not having a focus tab. It didn't bother me as the focus ring is raised and the grooves on the ring provide enough tactile feeling to find it easily and rotate it.




Mar 21, 2024 at 08:38 PM
Fred Miranda
Offline
Admin
Upload & Sell: On
p.3 #20 · Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton X-mount Review


Erich6_ wrote:

I was on the fence but ultimately decided to get this lens because of its size and construction. I've only done a few shots but I can tell already it is quite remarkable. It's true what some say that it is like having two types of lenses in one. The lens is very different above and below f/2.8. Here are some examples comparing f/1.2 and f/4:

ISO 800 on X-T5:

f/1.2

https://photos.smugmug.com/Voigtlander-35mm-f12/i-n8RZ7S5/0/DJW35VG4MJb6J8K6Fq9GLJsXwHx8H5VLSVTfkBCgN/X2/DSCF0486%201-X2.jpg


f/4

https://photos.smugmug.com/Voigtlander-35mm-f12/i-ZQd8JM7/0/D6RGR38tFk4MQkp2wTkTGWsZDZQxh8T92rqV6dk9T/X2/DSCF0484%201-X2.jpg



ISO 400 on X-T5:

f/1.2

https://photos.smugmug.com/Voigtlander-35mm-f12/i-2tQf8ZQ/0/6FFWvgKxnXnvMXBhm3CmVjdfsbvqn9wtGW9TvsTt/X2/DSCF0506-X2.jpg


f/4

https://photos.smugmug.com/Voigtlander-35mm-f12/i-8xzm73m/0/DV8qG7Lc2fLCLjk8RWWb2w8nhN8pbT7xjN3RQd3f3/X2/DSCF0509-X2.jpg



ISO 3200 on X-T5:

f/1.2

https://photos.smugmug.com/Voigtlander-35mm-f12/i-8MmcrBm/0/68PbHLRsCjXjfqqFz7z665VZM3H8qS7CKpmkJ6HB/X2/DSCF0520-X2.jpg


f/2.8



https://photos.smugmug.com/Voigtlander-35mm-f12/i-wvtJ79P/0/C8g4btqXXVhfV5WnH9NHWV9QJvBxS4gnf7gj53pw9/X2/DSCF0523-X2.jpg


Some have expressed concerns about not having a focus tab. It didn't bother me as the focus ring is raised and the grooves on the ring
...Show more

If I didn't already own the Voigtlander 35/1.4 Nokton M-mount, which I adapt for the Fuji, I'd surely consider getting this 35/1.2 Nokton X-mount. I found their output very similar.

As you mentioned, it creates a distinct look with a slight glow and outlining in the rendering when shooting wide open, and the character subsides when stopping down the aperture.



Mar 21, 2024 at 11:48 PM
1       2              end






FM Forums | Leica & Alternative Gear | Join Upload & Sell

1       2              end
    
 

Welcome back
Log in to your account