Guest mc_k Posted November 4, 2009 Share #21 Posted November 4, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) portrait test from a tripod would be great. Probably not a lot of people have both of these lenses. I did see some beautiful pics posted from the 1.1, especially when shot more or less against the light. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted November 4, 2009 Posted November 4, 2009 Hi Guest mc_k, Take a look here Noctilux f/0.95 compared to Voigtlander 50/1.1 Nokton. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Alnitak Posted November 4, 2009 Author Share #22 Posted November 4, 2009 Really? Is that why the Ego drops $10,000.00 on such a lens??? When you think about it, the worse part about owning a lens like the new Nocti, and especially married to an M9, is lousy pictures at the end of the day. Of course, we can't blame the equipment for that -- but unless you are a gifted photographer, why? why? why? Whoa! That's a loaded set of comments there, Wilfredo. First of all, you imply that I or anyone buying the Noctilux is doing it for Ego. Second, you imply that the Noctilux is a lens that should be reserved for gifted photographers. Both of these are fallacies and that shouldn't take explaining. By that logic, most of us here on the boards should be using the cheapest point and shoot cameras possible, since our Egos shouldn't be involved, and we don't have the gifts for anything expensive. I'm sure you didn't mean that, right? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alnitak Posted November 4, 2009 Author Share #23 Posted November 4, 2009 portrait test from a tripod would be great. Probably not a lot of people have both of these lenses. I did see some beautiful pics posted from the 1.1, especially when shot more or less against the light. I would have loved to do this, but a friend bought the Nokton for use this weekend, and I needed to get it to him. However, I shot a lot of pictures with the Nokton over the last few months, and I am comfortable with the differences between it and the Noctilux, and I think my test series actually demonstrated those differences well. Specifically, the Noctilux is sharper with better micro-contrast, and renders a bokeh that I prefer, particularly when there are specular highlights in the background. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
epand56 Posted November 4, 2009 Share #24 Posted November 4, 2009 Really? Is that why the Ego drops $10,000.00 on such a lens??? When you think about it, the worse part about owning a lens like the new Nocti, and especially married to an M9, is lousy pictures at the end of the day. Of course, we can't blame the equipment for that -- but unless you are a gifted photographer, why? why? why? Wilfredo, I think a gifted photographer would blew me off my shoes by just using a 900 USD Summarit 50mm... But you know, road to paradise is paved with sacrifices. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mc_k Posted November 4, 2009 Share #25 Posted November 4, 2009 Well things are odd now, because the 1.0 was relatively inexpensive several years ago. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mc_k Posted November 4, 2009 Share #26 Posted November 4, 2009 Summar has also been put up as a cost effective Noctilux (not for the speed, obviously.) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilfredo Posted November 6, 2009 Share #27 Posted November 6, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Whoa! That's a loaded set of comments there, Wilfredo. First of all, you imply that I or anyone buying the Noctilux is doing it for Ego. Second, you imply that the Noctilux is a lens that should be reserved for gifted photographers. Both of these are fallacies and that shouldn't take explaining. By that logic, most of us here on the boards should be using the cheapest point and shoot cameras possible, since our Egos shouldn't be involved, and we don't have the gifts for anything expensive. I'm sure you didn't mean that, right? Don't worry, I'm not questioning your motives, you seem sincere enough. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilfredo Posted April 6, 2010 Share #28 Posted April 6, 2010 Jeff, I came back to this thread today after seeing Reiner's series "Semana Santa" in the People section of the forum where he makes fantastic use of the f/1.1 Nokton on the M8 (http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/people/121194-semana-santa-carabanchel.html). I want to apologize to you for being reactive in my initial response to this thread. I believe that came from a place of bewilderment for me because a $10,000 investment in Leica glass for me is simply not an option, and would require enormous sacrifice. It simply is not an option for me. I realize that for some, and perhaps for you, that is not an issue. By the same token I wanted to thank you for this thread because it helped me to look further into considering the Nokton. Wide open it seems the Nocti has a slight edge over the Nokton and of course the bokeh of the Nocti is simply more beautiful. I admit I would prefer the Nocti wide open and for its bokeh, and perhaps even for its micro-contrast. Having said that your test has convinced me that the Nokton is an incredible value and something within my level of affordability. I will be purchasing one soon. Overall, your test demonstrates that its performance is excellent, and Reiner's work has sealed it for me. Thank you again for this thread, it has been very helpful. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
twolniewicz Posted April 9, 2010 Share #29 Posted April 9, 2010 Great comparison... Nicely done. Seems to me that the Noctilux has a bit of pincushion distortion. (I had both images opened and tabbed back and forth between them). I presume your test was from the same distance on a tripod. Another thing I noticed... at f/2.0 the Nokton's sharpness is identical to the leica and its hard to spot the difference. Also the bokkeh is much smoother too at that f-stop for the Voigtlander then at any other wider range. Once again, great job! I'm seriously considering the Nokton... would love to get one if they make a chrome version (I've got the chrome 35mm f/1.2 asph). Albeit its a different lens I find it very sharp at f/2.8 and higher and cannot tell the difference between my 35mm leica and the CV. T. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamie Roberts Posted April 9, 2010 Share #30 Posted April 9, 2010 Wilfredo (and others), Here's some things to consider. The Nocti .95 really combines two Leica lenses in one: the 50 Lux ASPH above about f1.8 and a Noctilux or a PRE-ASPH 50 in character below f1.8. That alone represents a significant savings if you were to buy both new, though since you can't buy a Nocti 1,0 new anymore it's moot But even used they'd cost you at least $7-9K right now. That may not be seem 'normal', but that's Leica M glass. And it's all relative; I have no idea what a couple of S lenses cost but I'm betting it wouldn't be much cheaper. I also see many subtle (and some not so subtle) differences between the Nokton and the Nocti, and this brick wall shot is taken in pretty normal illumination; nothing where the Nocti will really trounce the Nokton (like backlight, or extremely low light with flare, or with busy backgrounds). Under those conditions, I don't think the Nokton holds up well at all, to tell you the truth, and I've said so before. But is it a good deal? Heck yeah! You'd have to be totally crazy--or a Noctilux owner already--not to want that lens if you shoot M It's not as controlled as any Nocti--those people shots you linked to prove it outright, IMO--but for the money it's a tough one to beat and gives a nice balance of sharpness, contrast and superb light-gathering capability. But it's not a Nocti 1.0, let alone the 0.95, in terms of what it can do in adverse situations. The best things often cost a premium for seemingly small differences and diminishing returns. Until, of course, you need those results Who needs those results? I don't know...but I shoot M because a lot of other stuff disappoints me (and I'm not talking about CV for the most part). There's generally ways of getting 80% of something good for 15% of the original cash... but not always reliably, and when you want that last 10% of quality or difference in a consistent fashion, it tends to cost a lot, in my experience. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamie Roberts Posted April 9, 2010 Share #31 Posted April 9, 2010 {snipped} Another thing I noticed... at f/2.0 the Nokton's sharpness is identical to the leica and its hard to spot the difference. Also the bokkeh is much smoother too at that f-stop for the Voigtlander then at any other wider range. {snipped} I dunno--to my eyes the Nocti has better micro-contrast in the brick and at the edges; the colour is more vibrant in the Nocti as well. Even in bricks you can see a lot of small differences that might ultimately make big differences overall... The bokeh of the Nokton does settle down enormously by f2 in these shots. Again, they're only leaves, and not something likely to make the Nokton fail (like high contrast point source lights out of focus at night). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilfredo Posted April 9, 2010 Share #32 Posted April 9, 2010 I've gone ahead and ordered the Nokton. I'm eagerly awaiting its arrival. For the last few years I've relied on the little celebrated Hexanon f/2 for my 50mm lens, and I've been very happy with it. After I receive the Nokton I will decide whether to part with this lens or not? I sometimes shoot in low light situations in churches, and I've managed with the Hexanon but I think I will manage a lot better with the Nokton. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamie Roberts Posted April 9, 2010 Share #33 Posted April 9, 2010 I've gone ahead and ordered the Nokton. I'm eagerly awaiting its arrival. For the last few years I've relied on the little celebrated Hexanon f/2 for my 50mm lens, and I've been very happy with it. After I receive the Nokton I will decide whether to part with this lens or not? I sometimes shoot in low light situations in churches, and I've managed with the Hexanon but I think I will manage a lot better with the Nokton. Hey Wilfredo! I'm sure you're going to love it. I can't wait to see what you get with it! But watch the backgrounds when you're opened up wide Given that 50mm is such an important focal length (for me, anyway), I always have a few 50s kicking around. They're an important "brush" and some suit my mood some days and some don't. If I were you I'd probably hold on to the Hexanon as well; it's a different kind of lens altogether. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alnitak Posted April 10, 2010 Author Share #34 Posted April 10, 2010 Thanks for the follow-up Wilfredo. The Nokton is a great lens, and I am sure you will love it. If I didn't already have two 50's I probably would have kept it. It's definitely a better value than the Noctilux. Post some shots when it arrives! Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilfredo Posted April 12, 2010 Share #35 Posted April 12, 2010 Hey Wilfredo! I'm sure you're going to love it. I can't wait to see what you get with it! But watch the backgrounds when you're opened up wide Given that 50mm is such an important focal length (for me, anyway), I always have a few 50s kicking around. They're an important "brush" and some suit my mood some days and some don't. If I were you I'd probably hold on to the Hexanon as well; it's a different kind of lens altogether. I like the analogy of the brush. I hear you. For my Canon 5D Mark II I have both a 90mm Elmarit R and a fast 85mm Zeiss f/1.4. They each have their own flavor, and both outstanding IMHO. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ldhrads Posted April 12, 2010 Share #36 Posted April 12, 2010 Funny, The other week I posted a comparison of my Canon 0.95 and my new Nocti 0.95 I got flamed too!!! But since then, the Canon is gone and I'm loving the Nocti. It's amazing. I used it all last week out in Western Canada, used a +3 ND filter and got some impressive results out on the Columbia icefield. Enjoy yours!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
plasticman Posted April 12, 2010 Share #37 Posted April 12, 2010 Funny,The other week I posted a comparison of my Canon 0.95 and my new Nocti 0.95 I got flamed too!!! I really don't think anyone was flaming. A few people thought the Canon rendering was nicer than the Noctilux was my recollection. Glad you're enjoying your new lens - if it makes you happy, that's the important thing. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angelos Viskadourakis Posted June 21, 2010 Share #38 Posted June 21, 2010 does anybody using CV NOKTON has notice any focus shift????? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hteasley Posted June 21, 2010 Share #39 Posted June 21, 2010 does anybody using CV NOKTON has notice any focus shift????? Yes, I notice fairly significant focus shift. I focus, and then nudge the focus ring a couple mm before shooting. With such a shallow dof wide open, it is very easy to mis-focus and lose the shot. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
markowich Posted June 21, 2010 Share #40 Posted June 21, 2010 Interesting. The CV doesn't lag far behind from what I can see. And both lenses show fairly spectacular purple fringing wide open (at the edge of one of the bricks, when viewed at 'original' size). that purple fringing is called 'lens character' by leica aficionados---))) peter Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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