colonel Posted January 24, 2021 Share #1 Posted January 24, 2021 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) This is really confusing me and interested in hearing from those that have used both and picked one, or perhaps then picked another 35mm ? BTW I will be using with an M-P 240 ... I am looking for a lightweight and reasonably priced 35mm. I use mainly for street and scenery. I take a lot of street at night, but conversely a lot of wide scenes and landscapes during the day, with the occasionally tripod long exposure for buildings at night. This is a lens for travel and I will also possibly bring a 75mm and a 24mm. I am confused about exactly what I want, but I love old fashioned colours (more Kodachrome then washed out, but I have used the Voightlander 35mm f1.2 ii and loved everything about it except the weight) and slightly glowy look for people, but I also like sharpness (ie. even with glowy). I guess in low light at night using f1.4-f2, the ethereal look is great. At f8 during the day, when shooting a bridge over a river, I prefer sharp. I don’t need biting sharpness, and don’t print out above A4, but I often crop. The review of these lenses are quite confusing. They are both very good. The Ultron is no doubt the sharpest, but at f2 there is not that much in it. Also having f1.4 is very useful occasionally and for portraits and night shooting (unlike on a 50mm, on a 35mm it is quite usable). Voigtlander itself describes the Nokton as having spherical aberrations for that vintage look, after effectively eliminating focus shift with a slightly tweaked design and replacing one element with a low dispersion type. The Ultron achieves its look with a new aspherical element, and has been described as in spitting distance of the new Summicron. I have drifted between one and the other and really need to make a decision now. I have tried the Zeiss 35mm f2, but it’s a bit hazy at f2 and I think the new Voigtlanders represent better value and size. I have used the Zeiss 35mm f1.4, which I consider one of the best 35mm ever made, but it’s cost and less so, but the design, somewhat overrules it for this project. Well that was a ramble. What do you guys think ? Edited January 24, 2021 by colonel 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 24, 2021 Posted January 24, 2021 Hi colonel, Take a look here Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f1.4ii or Ultron 35mm f2. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
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Keith (M) Posted January 24, 2021 Share #2 Posted January 24, 2021 54 minutes ago, colonel said: I am confused about exactly what I want, but I love old fashioned colours (more Kodachrome then washed out, but I have used the Voightlander 35mm f1.2 ii and loved everything about it except the weight) and slightly glowy look for people, but I also like sharpness (ie. even with glowy). I guess in low light at night using f1.4-f2, the ethereal look is great. At f8 during the day, when shooting a bridge over a river, I prefer sharp. I don’t need biting sharpness, and don’t print out above A4, but I often crop. In this thread in November I wrote about my newly arrived f1.2 and said that for a 35mm f1.2 it is pleasingly light (332g) and compact (Voigtlander state it is 30% lighter and 20% shorter than version II). Highly delighted with the lens. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 2 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/317301-voigtlander-nokton-35mm-f14ii-or-ultron-35mm-f2/?do=findComment&comment=4124485'>More sharing options...
TomB_tx Posted January 24, 2021 Share #3 Posted January 24, 2021 I don't have the Ultron, but have used the Nokton 1.4 in vers. 1 & 2 for years. I find the size, focus tab, etc. ideal, and really enjoy using it. I have sharper 35s, and do use the Summarit 2.5 more on my M10, but the ver. 2 1.4 stays on my M9. I still use the ver. 1 on my M6 a lot, as the focus shift isn't as much an issue on film. It would be a good value at twice the price. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted January 24, 2021 Share #4 Posted January 24, 2021 3 hours ago, colonel said: I am confused about exactly what I want, but I love old fashioned colours (more Kodachrome then washed out, but I have used the Voightlander 35mm f1.2 ii and loved everything about it except the weight) and slightly glowy look for people I'd forget the CV 35/2 then. It is a modern lens with similar IQ as Leica 35/2 asph in a smaller package. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sergiomarried Posted January 24, 2021 Share #5 Posted January 24, 2021 I've been using for almost a year the Nokton 35mm f1.4 v2 in both M10 and M10M and absolutely love this lens. I'm very demanding of my gear (especially Leica!) and this little guy is impossible not to love for the price, optical quality... I love it for everyday, street, travel, documenting... And if you like as you say vintage look it's a no brainer man... Go for it. I'd recommend also getting the official LH-6 hood, a bit expensive but worth it. You can see examples on my website or instagram. Cheers Sergio Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
colonel Posted January 24, 2021 Author Share #6 Posted January 24, 2021 2 minutes ago, sergiomarried said: I've been using for almost a year the Nokton 35mm f1.4 v2 in both M10 and M10M and absolutely love this lens. I'm very demanding of my gear (especially Leica!) and this little guy is impossible not to love for the price, optical quality... I love it for everyday, street, travel, documenting... And if you like as you say vintage look it's a no brainer man... Go for it. I'd recommend also getting the official LH-6 hood, a bit expensive but worth it. You can see examples on my website or instagram. Cheers Sergio interesting I have just bought one. It'll come next week. very excited ... 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dennis Posted January 24, 2021 Share #7 Posted January 24, 2021 Advertisement (gone after registration) No experience with both. But I have read a lot of the Ultron. And being a 35/2.8 ZM owner (I like more modern rendering) I would opt for the Ultron. I don't shoot at f/1.4, my minimum is f/2. S0, the Ultron for me would be my logical choice. This lens is on my radar. 9 hours ago, colonel said: At f8 during the day, when shooting a bridge over a river, I prefer sharp. Zeiss Biogon then ... But it's not fast But the Ultron at f/8, would be probably similar 🤔 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sergiomarried Posted January 24, 2021 Share #8 Posted January 24, 2021 1 hour ago, colonel said: interesting I have just bought one. It'll come next week. very excited ... One made today as an example... Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 3 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/317301-voigtlander-nokton-35mm-f14ii-or-ultron-35mm-f2/?do=findComment&comment=4124889'>More sharing options...
otto.f Posted March 6, 2021 Share #9 Posted March 6, 2021 (edited) On 1/24/2021 at 8:30 PM, sergiomarried said: One made today as an example... Very nice! A good reason to stay away from Leica’s new APO 35 😊. The new Ultron seems to have great bo-keh too. I’m very curious because my good old Summicron 35 iv is getting old and the new Ultron seems to be more sturdy from what I’ve read. Edited March 6, 2021 by otto.f 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sergiomarried Posted March 7, 2021 Share #10 Posted March 7, 2021 On 3/6/2021 at 9:26 AM, otto.f said: Very nice! A good reason to stay away from Leica’s new APO 35 😊. The new Ultron seems to have great bo-keh too. I’m very curious because my good old Summicron 35 iv is getting old and the new Ultron seems to be more sturdy from what I’ve read. I’m very curious about that new Ultron as well! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dennis Posted March 7, 2021 Share #11 Posted March 7, 2021 (edited) 25 minutes ago, sergiomarried said: I’m very curious about that new Ultron as well! +1 And the new APO too. Having a stellar lens as the 35/2.8 ZM, I have expectations 🙂 I would love a lens with similar size and weight, but f/2 ... SO the Ultron II is my next choice. Maybe it is not stellar as the Biogon, but I heard fantastic things. Waiting seriously for the focus tab in a small lens. I don't enjoy shooting with the Zeiss, besides the size, weight, and IQ 🙂 The focus knob is (for me) awful. Or nothing, or a complete focus tab, not such a thing. 1/3 stops, aesthetics. I just love how it performs. So the Zeiss 35/2 is not an option. I thought a lot about the Distagon. It's w/o a doubt one of the best 35mm out there, right? But the lens is very long and not optimal for me. As a large lens, I highly prefer a lens such as a 50/1.2 Nokton III instead. So Ultron is still my top choice. And finally, what about the APO? If I'm looking for my ideal 35 workhorses, it could be my perfect 35mm. In exchange for weight and size of course. Never-ending story 🤦♂️ And maybe the new APO is more a Distagon than a Nokton. I would love to see the lenses comparison, mounted an an M camera Edited March 7, 2021 by Dennis Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
otto.f Posted March 8, 2021 Share #12 Posted March 8, 2021 7 hours ago, Dennis said: +1 And the new APO too. Having a stellar lens as the 35/2.8 ZM, I have expectations 🙂 I would love a lens with similar size and weight, but f/2 ... SO the Ultron II is my next choice. Maybe it is not stellar as the Biogon, but I heard fantastic things. Waiting seriously for the focus tab in a small lens. I don't enjoy shooting with the Zeiss, besides the size, weight, and IQ 🙂 The focus knob is (for me) awful. Or nothing, or a complete focus tab, not such a thing. 1/3 stops, aesthetics. I just love how it performs. So the Zeiss 35/2 is not an option. I thought a lot about the Distagon. It's w/o a doubt one of the best 35mm out there, right? But the lens is very long and not optimal for me. As a large lens, I highly prefer a lens such as a 50/1.2 Nokton III instead. So Ultron is still my top choice. And finally, what about the APO? If I'm looking for my ideal 35 workhorses, it could be my perfect 35mm. In exchange for weight and size of course. Never-ending story 🤦♂️ And maybe the new APO is more a Distagon than a Nokton. I would love to see the lenses comparison, mounted an an M camera I have the Leica 35 FLE, I love it and I don’t need another big 35 and I wouldn’t want to miss the specialty of 1.4 on 35mm lens. The Apo Lanthar will be too big for me. From what I’ve seen from the APO 35 and the APO 50, I cannot believe they are worth their price, compared to other lovely alternatives at Leica. As an investment they might be very good, seeing what the Noctilux 0.95 did the last years. Zeiss is nice 😊 in IQ, but I hate their vision on hoods. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
colonel Posted March 8, 2021 Author Share #13 Posted March 8, 2021 1 hour ago, otto.f said: I have the Leica 35 FLE, I love it and I don’t need another big 35 and I wouldn’t want to miss the specialty of 1.4 on 35mm lens. The Apo Lanthar will be too big for me. From what I’ve seen from the APO 35 and the APO 50, I cannot believe they are worth their price, compared to other lovely alternatives at Leica. As an investment they might be very good, seeing what the Noctilux 0.95 did the last years. Zeiss is nice 😊 in IQ, but I hate their vision on hoods. Everyone who I have seen who buys an APO lens is astonished. Jono Slack has a good review It's hard to say any item is worth it, but German hand made with glass ground the price of silver, it is very special 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dennis Posted March 8, 2021 Share #14 Posted March 8, 2021 (edited) Time will tell. Let's see first when they are available, the IQ, lenses size mounted on an M etc. But yes, in the last few years, Zeiss and CV made giant steps to reach Leica levels. And sometimes they are even better. Edited March 8, 2021 by Dennis 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ko.Fe. Posted March 8, 2021 Share #15 Posted March 8, 2021 35 1.4 II @1.4 is kind of wonky. Not soft, but glows sometimes and rendering is on the wild side. Well, it is less wonky @1.4 on film. New Ultron 35 f2 seems to be perfectly build lens. But I have no idea how it renders. Meanwhile nothing beats Color Skopar 35 2.5 PII for its compactness and price. I used 2.5 and 3.5 lenses in low light on film and M8, M-E220. 1/8 shutter speed and no mirror slapping is sufficient for f2.5. Goggled 35 3.5 on M4-2. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! The real reason I got 35 1.4 II is because I was waiting for it for sometime to be released. 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! The real reason I got 35 1.4 II is because I was waiting for it for sometime to be released. ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/317301-voigtlander-nokton-35mm-f14ii-or-ultron-35mm-f2/?do=findComment&comment=4156318'>More sharing options...
Dennis Posted March 8, 2021 Share #16 Posted March 8, 2021 12 minutes ago, Ko.Fe. said: The real reason I got 35 1.4 II is because I was waiting for it for sometime to be released. Many people are in love with this lens. More for film, but for digital too. Size and price and incredible. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ko.Fe. Posted March 8, 2021 Share #17 Posted March 8, 2021 33 minutes ago, Dennis said: Many people are in love with this lens. More for film, but for digital too. Size and price and incredible. Does the same as old Lux 35 does, IMO. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! And exterior has better paint coat than old Lux, IMO. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! And exterior has better paint coat than old Lux, IMO. ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/317301-voigtlander-nokton-35mm-f14ii-or-ultron-35mm-f2/?do=findComment&comment=4156341'>More sharing options...
otto.f Posted March 8, 2021 Share #18 Posted March 8, 2021 1 hour ago, Ko.Fe. said: wonky I mostly shoot at 1.7 which is noticeable more selective in focus than 2.0 and it has more definition over the whole image 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dennis Posted March 8, 2021 Share #19 Posted March 8, 2021 9 minutes ago, otto.f said: I mostly shoot at 1.7 which is noticeable more selective in focus than 2.0 and it has more definition over the whole image 39 minutes ago, Ko.Fe. said: Does the same as old Lux 35 does, IMO. So, quick question for you guys. What about the Nokton 1.4II (used from f/2) compared with the Ultron v1. Because they are both super small and light. But I heard that for digital M, the Ultron is better corrected. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted March 8, 2021 Share #20 Posted March 8, 2021 Apo lenses will always be larger i suspect. What Ultron II are you referring to if i may ask? Mine is this Ultron 35/2 asph lens (right) and renders more or less like my Summicron 35/2 asph v1 in a smaller package. It has no focus tab, only a focus stick that one can like or hate depending on taste. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/317301-voigtlander-nokton-35mm-f14ii-or-ultron-35mm-f2/?do=findComment&comment=4156381'>More sharing options...
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