I'm seeing a lens that is very versatile and creative, and is an easy fit to many members' styles of photography. Also, a lens you can grow with, in terms of composition. They are rumored to be working on a 35-50/1.4.
Just ordered this lens. I also have the Voigtlander 15. Would be interesting to see how they compare, price, weight, AF/MF aside. I suspect the CV has better flare resistance, the sunstar of the CV is definitely nicer, based on reviews.
I have one of those too, it's heavier than my 50/1.4. It can't do what this one does, it is nowhere near as well balanced optically while retaining some drama, and often outlandish color. This Viltrox hides its focal length much more successfully. Most remember the CV's copy variations, hood. It actually damaged CV's reputation as they tried to make a comeback, it seemed they could not put them together properly. This one is much more 'photographic' too.
B&H have knocked off more money from the 15/4.5 price than the entire cost of the Vil 14/4 - $250 is one third of what they had been asking. B&H are probably hoping to quit their remaining stock before people find out. The 14/4 is strongest at an aperture that does not exist on the 15/4.5! 170g vs 295g. A lot has changed since 2016.
Four ED lenses, two HR lenses, and two aspherical lenses vs three APD (ED) and one asph element. MFD 13cm vs 30cm. You have to be a serious Voigt fan not to buy one at $199. Both use 58mm filters, so just a swap away from the new age of ultra wide angle photography. Who could have predicted it, and increasingly my question is: why did none of the Japanese brands do this?
I don't know, some of these statements come across as so heavily opinionated. The Voigtlander 15, IMO, is still the defending champion. Perhaps always will be -- in the consideration of what can be done with discrete effects of sunstars, such as amid and between clouds on the ocean at sunset. As to colors, that should be proved on a 1 to 1 basis, not merely talk.
Looks good. My brick walls, so far, haven't been great. But I picked a spot with interesting murals and it was difficult to get a good views to be properly aligned.
Craig Gillette wrote:
But I picked a spot with interesting murals and it was difficult to get a good views to be properly aligned.
Funny you should mention that. I happened upon this fun mural yesterday, in a very narrow alleyway. The space was no more than 6 feet wide. I literally had my back against the opposite wall to get this shot.
NIKON Z 8Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 Z lens14mmf/7.11/30s400 ISO0.0 EV
