genji wrote:
Thanks for posting the link! I was unaware that the CV 75/1.5 was specifically optimised for 1m to 3m distance, that matches my own experience using the lens. I also appreciated Ashwin Rao’s observations about the differences between various 75mm M-mount lenses and agree with his opinion that the CV 75/1.5 is probably not a good choice as an “all-rounder” 75mm lens. For that reason I’ll hold on to my Summarit-M 75/2.5.
I think he might have been referring to rangefinder focusing ease or accuracy. Have you found your copy to be easy to focus at all distance with the rangefinder patch, or that you need to use the EVF? Do you think it's similarly sharp at ~2m as at farther distances?
No, I haven’t found it consistently easy to focus at all distances with the rangefinder patch: attaining accurate focus wide open with the RF has been somewhat hit and miss. My focusing ease and accuracy wide open soared when I switched to using the EVF and I’ve resolved to use it for any further wide open shooting. Interestingly though, the first two images in this thread—the VW Kombi van and the motor scooter handlebars & dials—were both taken wide open and were easily focused. This may, however, be due to the fact that I had distinct lines to focus on.
Regarding sharpness at different distances I have to admit to being confused. According to Ashwin Rao, Stephen Gandy at Cameraquest believes the CV 75/1.5 is optimised for the 1m to 3m range whereas Fred suggested in his review that it’s optimised for mid to far distances. The images I mentioned earlier (Kombi van and scooter) were taken at about 3m and 1m distance respectively and, to my eye, they are similarly sharp and have the same rendering. However, the images in the last group I posted were all taken wide open and one in particular—the people inside the brightly lit igloo—was about 20m away and it has a very different rendering.
To summarise, I intend to use the CV 75/1.5 for subjects in the 1m to 3m range at f/1.5 with the EVF and with the rangefinder patch at either f/2.0 or f/2.8, depending on the available light. For subjects at mid to far distances (5m to infinity) in good light I’ll use the Summarit-M 75/2.5 at about f/5.6. Essentially, up close and personal with the Nokton and layered distant subjects with the Summarit-M.
Aug 17, 2019 at 03:27 AM
Previous versions of genji's message #14947929 « CV Nokton Aspherical VM 75mm f/1.5 First Impressions »
