Voigtlander 50/1.5 II or 50/1.2 ? To shoot at 1.5 (or 1.4)

[Dennis]

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So far, I'm happy with my 50 Summicron v5. I'm just looking to get a faster 50 to use it in certain situations. I would love a superior performance wide open or so 🙂 I was just wondering if someone has both lenses (or knows about them) and can comment how the new 50/1.5 II performs wide open compared to the 50/1.2 at 1.4. It doesn't matter the price, size, or weight, just interested in IQ and lenses characteristics. How do they act with flare and which one is the sharpest and different distances? 
Thank you in advance for your help. Any feedback is welcome.

Edited January 24, 2022 by Dennis

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[Dennis]

Any clue, someone? 🤔

[BastianK]

Have used (and reviewed) both, so will try to help out here.

50mm 1.5 II is sharper at f/1.5 than the f/1.2 @ f/1.4, at all distances (I checked infinity, ~1.4m and 0.7m).
50mm 1.5 II has more issues with onion ring bokeh and optical vignetting, it gives more of a swirly look compared to the 50mm 1.2.
Correction of longitudinal CA is similar.
Both lenses show a similar (low) amount of focus shift.
The 50mm 1.2 gives a softer look, as it is a bit undercorrected for spherical aberration, the 50mm 1.5 II is a little bit harsher here.
The 50mm 1.2 is the best f/1.2 or faster lens I have ever used when it comes to flare resistance, the 50mm 1.5 II otoh is surprisingly bad for a modern Voigtländer lens (talking about the MC version).

You can also have a look at my reviews for further reference/sample pictures:
https://phillipreeve.net/blog/review-voigtlander-vm-50mm-1-5-ii-mc-vintage/
https://phillipreeve.net/blog/review-voigtlander-vm-50mm-1-2-nokton/

It shall be noted though: the review of the 50mm 1.2 is only on Sony, whereas that of the 50mm 1.5 II is mainly on M10, but this is irrelevant to everything stated above.

 

[Dennis]

33 minutes ago, BastianK said:

Have used (and reviewed) both, so will try to help out here.

50mm 1.5 II is sharper at f/1.5 than the f/1.2 @ f/1.4, at all distances (I checked infinity, ~1.4m and 0.7m).
50mm 1.5 II has more issues with onion ring bokeh and optical vignetting, it gives more of a swirly look compared to the 50mm 1.2.
Correction of longitudinal CA is similar.
Both lenses show a similar (low) amount of focus shift.
The 50mm 1.2 gives a softer look, as it is a bit undercorrected for spherical aberration, the 50mm 1.5 II is a little bit harsher here.
The 50mm 1.2 is the best f/1.2 or faster lens I have ever used when it comes to flare resistance, the 50mm 1.5 II otoh is surprisingly bad for a modern Voigtländer lens (talking about the MC version).

You can also have a look at my reviews for further reference/sample pictures:
https://phillipreeve.net/blog/review-voigtlander-vm-50mm-1-5-ii-mc-vintage/
https://phillipreeve.net/blog/review-voigtlander-vm-50mm-1-2-nokton/

It shall be noted though: the review of the 50mm 1.2 is only on Sony, whereas that of the 50mm 1.5 II is mainly on M10, but this is irrelevant to everything stated above.

 

This is fantastic. Thank you so much for taking the time. And for writing (and sharing) the reviews, It's beneficial information. I'm interested in a modern (but not clinical) look 50mm, faster than my Summicron, with equal or better sharpening and flare resistance as possible (I use to shoot a lot against the sun).

I already have the 35/1.2III and like it. So why not get a 50/1.2 which has the mood, similar size, and ergonomics of the 35, plus the same filter thread. But the 50/1.5 II could give me just what I need (an extra stop) for a smaller size and weight. I would love to try both and make a decision.

But so far, because I don't want aggressive flare or super harsh sharpening and/or bokeh, maybe, the 35/1.2 III is an intelligent choice. It also makes more sense being a companion of my 50 Cron v5, which I like.

[derleicaman]

Hola Dennis!

I am very familiar with the 50/1.2, and I wrote a review of it for Viewfinder. Take a look in the Archives. In fact I used it when I was allowed to photograph in the Leica factory in Portugal in November. They were a little non-plussed when I pulled it out to shoot. I wanted something that would be utterly reliable to get the best results. I had special permission to photograph the production lines, as my group was one of the few to ever tour the plant in Portugal. I will be doing an article in Viewfinder on this as well.

I do own the original CV 50/1.5, but it can’t touch the 50/1.2. I have not tried out the new 50/1.5.

[Dennis]

11 hours ago, derleicaman said:

Hola Dennis!

I am very familiar with the 50/1.2, and I wrote a review of it for Viewfinder. Take a look in the Archives. In fact I used it when I was allowed to photograph in the Leica factory in Portugal in November. They were a little non-plussed when I pulled it out to shoot. I wanted something that would be utterly reliable to get the best results. I had special permission to photograph the production lines, as my group was one of the few to ever tour the plant in Portugal. I will be doing an article in Viewfinder on this as well.

I do own the original CV 50/1.5, but it can’t touch the 50/1.2. I have not tried out the new 50/1.5.

Great you're familiar with the lens, I will find the review on VF, thank you! I'm sure that documenting the Leica factory in Portugal was an incredible experience. Share with us when it's out.

11 hours ago, derleicaman said:

They were a little non-plussed when I pulled it out to shoot. I wanted something that would be utterly reliable to get the best results.

I can imagine! I'm curious to know why you picked that lens. What do you like better than other 50s? 🤔

[cp995]

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I owned the Nokton 1.2 50 VM and own the Nokton 1.5 50 VM II now.

The f1.2 Nokton is a great lens regarding sharpness and bokeh!
But it was too big and heavy for my taste and I started  looking for a smaller lens.
In the end I took the new Nokton 1.5 50 VM II and for my needs it is absolutely a good deal!

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M10 - Nokton 1.5 50mm VM II - wide open

Edited January 28, 2022 by cp995

[Dennis]

2 hours ago, cp995 said:

I owned the Nokton 1.2 50 VM and own the Nokton 1.5 50 VM II now.

The f1.2 Nokton is a great lens regarding sharpness and bokeh!
But it was too big and heavy for my taste and I started  looking for a smaller lens.
In the end I took the new Nokton 1.5 50 VM II and for my needs it is absolutely a good deal!

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M10 - Nokton 1.5 50mm VM II - wide open

Thanks for sharing. It's a beautiful photo of an APINO (kind of a "little Ape," as we called in my native country), the type of light I enjoy 🙌
But TBH, before reading the text, I saw your pic and immediately thought it was the 50/1.2. Because it's not so harsh/swirl as expected.
Damn, I'm in a dilemma.
.
Now, let's talk about character and IQ. Super question: regardless of size and weight, which one do you think could be a better suit for you? Because you said you chose the 50/1.5 cause size and weight. But what if they were similar dimensions (and weight)?

 

[cp995]

Am 28.1.2022 um 21:15 schrieb Dennis:

...Now, let's talk about character and IQ. Super question: regardless of size and weight, which one do you think could be a better suit for you? Because you said you chose the 50/1.5 cause size and weight. But what if they were similar dimensions (and weight)?

As it is not possible to build the 1.2 50 VM with the size of the 1.5 Nokton II, I don't ask myself this question.
I sold my Nokton 1.2 two years ago and so I couldn't compare them side by side.
Today I'm happy with my Nokton 1.5, its sharpness and also the character.

Do you know the reviews at Phillip Reeve?

https://phillipreeve.net/blog/review-voigtlander-vm-50mm-1-5-ii-mc-vintage/

Edited January 31, 2022 by cp995

[Dennis]

On 1/31/2022 at 3:26 AM, cp995 said:

As it is not possible to build the 1.2 50 VM with the size of the 1.5 Nokton II, I don't ask myself this question.
I sold my Nokton 1.2 two years ago and so I couldn't compare them side by side.
Today I'm happy with my Nokton 1.5, its sharpness and also the character.

Do you know the reviews at Phillip Reeve?

https://phillipreeve.net/blog/review-voigtlander-vm-50mm-1-5-ii-mc-vintage/

Yes, I've read the review. Well written as the other one! And very informative. I just feel like this lens is the perfect all around 50, but it's (probably) not THE 50 I want.

The 50/1.2 is taking the lead, so far so good.

[Huss]

I just received my CV 50 1.5 vii and really do not like the handling.  The aperture ring is inconvenient with two ears sticking out which only feels good at the F4-F5.6 position (when the camera is at your eye).  And on my nickel version the two focus rings are unnecessarily narrow and sharp to the touch.  It seems that it is all about how this lens looks, not feels in use.

My other CV lenses with their scalloped or tabs focus rings are much more pleasant to use.

Optically this lens is great, but lots of my other lenses are great optically too, with the bonus of having good haptics.  Shot one roll yesterday, will think about whether I'll keep it.

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[AZD]

Huss, at the mention of one roll, I assume you’re using film. Any comments on the vignetting wide open?
 

Just wondering, as it is something frequently discussed with this lens. Presumably it’s less of a problem with digital cameras employing lens profiles, but something you’d have to account for differently on film. 

[paulleica]

Is there a 6bit code recommended for this lens?

[lct]

2 hours ago, paulleica said:

Is there a 6bit code recommended for this lens?

If you mean Nokton 50/1.5 v2, my SC copy is hand-coded as Summilux 50/1.4 pre-asph (000101). 

 

[Dennis]

FYI, I still have the 50 Summicron V, of course. But it's my one&only 50mm at the moment. And because I own and use a lot the 35/1.2III (love it) I guess the 50/1.2 would be my preferred choice.

[paulleica]

Am 4.7.2023 um 20:08 schrieb lct:

If you mean Nokton 50/1.5 v2, my SC copy is hand-coded as Summilux 50/1.4 pre-asph (000101).

I returned it because the extreme vigenting bothered me too much. Thanks anyway for the tip. I will now buy the Voigtländer 50mm 1.2 Aspherical. It's heavier but in a different class in terms of quality.

[pegelli]

After a year of analysis paralysis and reading/thinking a lot about this exact same choice I finally decided for the Voigtländer Nokton 50/1.2.

After testing it on my M246M I thought it balanced well, and it shares the hood/filter size with the Nokton 35/1.2 II that I already own. In the end it was this almost irrelevant aspect that tipped the balance for me 😳

 

[timo01]

i have the Nokton 1,5/50mm M.C.

Really liked the little lens  

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[timo01]

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[lct]

On 7/9/2023 at 12:55 PM, paulleica said:

I returned it because the extreme vigenting bothered me too much. [...]

Vignetting is not insignificant on my Nokton 50/1.5 SC v2 but it is easy to adjust in PP. I didn't feel the need to correct it on my pics below though. My only gripe is color fringing with this lens at fast apertures mainly. It is less visible on the second pic that i adjusted in PP. I just wanted to show the nice (to me) way this lens can render into the light. See color fringing on the last pic at f/1.5.

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Edited July 11, 2023 by lct