JohnKraus wrote:
Hey Fred-
How would you compare the LLL 1966 to the Noct 1.0? And which version of the 1.0 do you have?
Particularly central sharpness wide open (or both at 1.2). And which OOF bokeh and imagery do you prefer, for portraits?
Many thanks..
If it helps--I have the Noct 50/1 v2 (my favorite after having tried v1 and v4 as well).
The LLL 50/1.2 has smoother and swirlier bokeh, lower contrast wide-open centrally, more SA at 1.2 than the Noct does at 1.0, lower contrast and I think even more LoCal. All this at portrait distance. I actually like the draw of both. _jim_ and I swapped lenses, and I can tell after shooting the Noct 50/1 consistently for the last 4 years that the LLL 50/1.2 has appreciably more glow WO especially leading to lower contrast. The Noct is also warmer, and that's apparent immediate if you are used to the Leica. Look below. The LLL 50/1.2 has a type of veiling flare that is easier to provoke and pronounced. The 50 Noct has lots of large and flare. I think the Noct flares poorly. The onion ring bokeh on the 50/1.2 LLL is ugly too though--look at the car photo. We don't have that issue with the Noct.
I also think the zone of sharpness on both lenses is horrible my modern standards, but the 50 Noct has a bit more before the frame turns mushy I think. And that's again comparing at f1 versus 1.2. If Fred does not have comps, I could do some.
Here are a couple comparison photos both lenses WO on a modded Sony. Just got Jim's copy last night. Lastly, the size and price heavily favor the LLL
Aug 20, 2026 at 11:01 AM
Previous versions of nehemiahphoto's message #17092156 « Noctilux 1.2 vs Noctilux 1.0 »
