D.o.f. comparison Noctilux 1.0 vs Summilux 50mm and long focus throw

[Muizen]

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Often the narrow d.o.f. at f1.0 is held against the Noctilux because of the difficulty to reach sharp focus. The Summilux 50mm is then considered easier to use, without a focusing problem ever mentioned. However the differences are not that great!

At f1.0 and 1m distance the d.o.f of the Noctilux is 2.3 cm; while the Summilux 50mm at f1.4 and 1m distance only has a d.o.f of 3.2 cm. At a distance of e.g. 3m the Noctilux shows a d.o.f. of 21.6 cm and the Summilux a d.o.f. of 31.2 cm.

I wonder how important this argument against the Noctilux really is?

 

Another inconvenience of the Noctilux mentioned is the long focus throw (the long turn of the focus ring to lock it in). But is this really a problem? If I estimate the shooting distance and first adjust the focus ring to this estimate, I can thereafter easily reach correct sharpness with a simple turn of the focus ring.

I am impressed with what I read about the capabilities of the Noctilux and plan to buy a f1.0 on my M9. However I try to be realistic about the pro's and con's and I am certainly fully aware of the relative high weight!

[ho_co]

Your points are both valid.

 

The problem with limited depth-of-field is that any movement by the subject or the photographer can move the plane of sharp focus noticeably.

 

In addition, the long focus throw of the Noctilux means it isn't fast, but it's more accurate. Some people prefer the long throw, others don't.

 

I think the reason the Summilux is recommended is that it's lighter and less expensive. That is, for someone who's not sure he needs that extra stop, the Summilux may serve quite well while he decides exactly what his priorities are.

 

The Noctilux is an overwhelmingly beautiful lens, much less 'clinical' than the Summilux in the way it renders.

 

Forum member Mark Dubovoy shows that beautifully in his LuLa farewell to Kodachrome, The end of an era.

[yanidel]

From my experience using the 60mm Hexanon 1.2 and 50mm Lux Asph jointly for a month (the Hex has about the same dof as a Noctilux), it is really beyond 5-10 meters that you will see a big difference. Indeed, a Nocti or Hex can separate the subject from background a lot, and this even at about 10 meters. With the 50mm Lux, you can't anymore.

[Jager]

I own both the Noct and the 50 Lux ASPH. Both are exceptional lenses. But they are very, very different with respect to both their signatures and their handling.

 

There's no question in my mind that the Noct is a far slower lens to operate. My modus operandi with all Leica lenses is to return the lens to infinity between shots. I'm then always rotating the focus ring in the same direction as I focus on a subject. The long focus throw on the Noct - a wise and beneficient design feature - inevitably makes that a slower process.

 

Which is not at all to suggest that the Noct can't be used as an all-round 50 lens. It certainly can. It's just that it'll never be as fast or handy as a 50 Lux or Cron.

 

Buy the Lux 50 if you want the best all-around prime 50 ever made. Buy the f1 Noct for its unique and lovely signature.