Voigtlander on SL

[Big John]

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Hi Guys,

 

Thanks for all the comments and advice on my other thread about my second lens for the SL (to go with the 24-90 which I really like, but find heavy).

 

I have never looked at Voigtlander lenses so would like some feedback from owners pls. Am looking at the 35mm 1.2 Nokton II (and comparing it to the Zeiss 35 1.4 distagon).

 

I am really happy with the images from my SL and 24-90 so don't want to spend a ton of cash on a second lens which will always be No 2! The Nokton is right on at about £1000 so quite interested.

 

Appreciate any thoughts. Thanks.

[steppenw0lf]

The best place I know is Reid Reviews - he has tested many Voigtlaender lenses. Did you check ?

Or Steve Huff - he wrote a "review" of the Nocton. Generally not as serious as Sean Reid, but maybe interesting anyway.

[jrp]

Or the Fred Miranda site, in the alternative gear forum, the Voigtlander and other non-native lenses are discussed (on a range of bodies).

[Big John]

The best place I know is Reid Reviews - he has tested many Voigtlaender lenses. Did you check ?

Or Steve Huff - he wrote a "review" of the Nocton. Generally not as serious as Sean Reid, but maybe interesting anyway.

  

Or the Fred Miranda site, in the alternative gear forum, the Voigtlander and other non-native lenses are discussed (on a range of bodies).

Thanks guys - read what I can on the net, wondered what folks here thought?

[ramarren]

The Voigtländer lenses work fine. I don't have any experience with the Nokton 35/1.2 II but there's no reason it wouldn't perform well. I've used the Nokton 40mm f/1.4 MC and Nokton 50mm f/1.5 ASPH (LTM) successfully on the SL. 

 

I do prefer to have a coded Leica lens on the SL (and the M-D) so that the EXIF data is properly populated, but that's a nice convenience rather than an absolute must have. (I had my Summilux 35 v2 from 1972 coded so it now gives me good EXIF data on both cameras.) 

 

G

[Big John]

Not bothered about EXIF data. Just learning about Voigtlander and liking what I am reading! Thanks

[Vieri]

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John,

 

on my blog you'll find reviews of two ultra-wide Voigtlander on the SL, the 10mm and the 15mm if you are interested (https://vieribottazzini.com/blog). I used the 35 f/1.2 on my M a couple of years back, and it was a great lens; the only downside on the M was its size, much larger than the Summilux (but not really much faster), blocking a bit too much of the VF. On the SL this is of course not a problem, so you will be fine. Drawing reminded me a bit of the Summilux pre-ASPH, if you are familiar with that lens, but with better sharpness.

 

Hope this helps, best

 

Vieri

[Big John]

John,

 

on my blog you'll find reviews of two ultra-wide Voigtlander on the SL, the 10mm and the 15mm if you are interested (https://vieribottazzini.com/blog). I used the 35 f/1.2 on my M a couple of years back, and it was a great lens; the only downside on the M was its size, much larger than the Summilux (but not really much faster), blocking a bit too much of the VF. On the SL this is of course not a problem, so you will be fine. Drawing reminded me a bit of the Summilux pre-ASPH, if you are familiar with that lens, but with better sharpness.

 

Hope this helps, best

 

Vieri

Thanks Vieri. Enjoyed reading those reviews - and your detailed review of the SL for landscape use. Lovely images too.

[Vieri]

Thanks Vieri. Enjoyed reading those reviews - and your detailed review of the SL for landscape use. Lovely images too.

 

Thank you John, am glad you enjoyed my articles and the images. Good luck with your lens choice! Best,

 

Vieri

[steppenw0lf]

Another thread: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/23411-voigtlander-35mm-nokton-12-on-leica-m8/

[Echo63]

Very happy with my Voigtlander 35 f1.2 on my M240 - i can't see any reason why it wouldnt work well on the SL.

 

If i get a chance i will give it a whirl on the SL at work.

[Linford]

I enjoyed using my 15mm Voigtlander on my M cameras for years, but alas sold it to a friend who was looking for a wide lens. Only recently I purchased the 1.8/21mm Ultron to use on my SL. The lens is extremely solid and well made. It performs beautifully IMO. The lens size is a nice balance to the SL. I love my Leica lenses but I would be hard-pressed to justify the expense for the Leica 21mm. In the future I hope to do some comparison shots between the Voigtlander and the WATE (16-18-21). Good luck in your quest. --lt

[Big John]

Handled my first Voigtlander lens today and it felt very very well made. Substantial weight but smooth focus ring and nice positive aperture ring. Had it on an SL and balance was nice but couldn't shoot test shots.

 

Shop assistant was trying to steer me to a used summicron citing a blue colour cast on the Nokton. Am still undecided. If I limit myself to £1000 then Nokton looks like prime contender.

[Echo63]

Handled my first Voigtlander lens today and it felt very very well made. Substantial weight but smooth focus ring and nice positive aperture ring. Had it on an SL and balance was nice but couldn't shoot test shots.

 

Shop assistant was trying to steer me to a used summicron citing a blue colour cast on the Nokton. Am still undecided. If I limit myself to £1000 then Nokton looks like prime contender.

If you are shooting digital, Auto white balance will neutralise the colour cast as you take the picture.

Film is a different story of course.

[blacksinner]

i have voigtlander 35mm f1.2 and 1.7, but i think zeiss 35mm f1.4 better. i like voigtlander 35mm f1.7. it sharp and the rendition is great and its half price of zeiss.

the 1.2 is not sharp at 1.2 but bokeh is excellent. Those 3 lenses has different character. so it really up to personal choice.

please tried it before you buy if possible. my favourite prime lens on SL is voigtlander 35mm f1.7. 

[meerec]

I own the latest versions Voigtländer 10mm and 15mm – very good lenses on SL