Superb summary. I do wish Voigtlander would put a floating group in the back of the 50 F1.5 to solve the close focusing issues and give the Summilux a real run for its money.
I chose the Voigtländer 50mm f1.2 as my first M lens. Subjects jump out of the images. After the 50mm f2 APO, came out I’ve always been tempted to swap, nothing really pops like that f1.2 it really is a world class 50mm lens.
Don't swap, if you like the romantic / vintage look of the 50mm f1.2. The Voigtlander 50mm f2 Apo is a clinically sharp, technical lens with a totally different look.
Me being on youtube for about 8 years now, and having seen ALL your videos (i think ), i finally subscribed to your channel. Please make a note that i am not a subscriber for any other channel. We thank you for your time and the videos. Well done Matt. Keep shooting !!! :)
50 apo for landscapes. 50 1.5 v2 for everything else and general use. The nickel/black one is just beautiful and gives my Leica glass a run for its money in build.
Another great video Matt. I sold my Noctilux f0.95 and replaced it with the Voigtländer 50mm f1. I loved the Noctilux but it was too much of a liability to carry with me everywhere. The 50/f1 is sharper and actually passed more light than the f0.95 from Leica. I also have the superb 40mm f1.2 which is like 2 lenses in one, glowing and soft wide open, and modern when you stop down a little. I really rate the new Voigtländer lenses as a viable, quality alternative. They work brilliantly on my film cameras and also on my mirrorless.
I just added my “Like.” In my case, the Nokton f/1.0 ASPH offers what my existing Leica Summilux-M ASPH, Summicron-M, and Elmar-M 50mm lenses did not, plus, I seem to like lenses with a bit of heft and forward balance, much of the time. I looked closely at images captured with the various Leica Noctilux-M lenses, and decided that it was not simply a matter of lower cost, but actually preferring the images shot with the Nokton f/1.0 ASPH. Buying sight unseen was a gamble, as I was not sure I would like the ergonomics and balance, but I am now quite satisfied with the handling and performance of my Nokton f/1.0 ASPH. An added bonus is that I like the external appearance more than I thought I would.
Had my hands on them all, but the APO is too clinically perfect for me. The f1.2 is by far my favourite. It's beautifully soft wide open, but every bit as sharp as the APO when shot at f2 or below.
Not really true in my opinion. The 1.2 is more fun most of the time, but if you want clean, sharp results in difficult lighting, it can’t compete with the apo , especially f/2 - 5.6 . I did night photos with both, the apo was much better.
100 percent agree I'd love to see Voigtlander make something like the Elcan or Summarit. I know Light Lens Lab has done this, but would love to see Voigt's take on a tiny F/2 50mm. And the more I use the 7Artisan 50mm f/1.1 Gold Limited Edition, the more I like it. I had to calibrate it on my M240, but now it's perfect. Only bummers for me is I like clicks on my aperture and I wish it had a built in metal focus tab instead of a rubber stick on one. That dreamy look at f/1.1 is amazing for portraits
Voigtlanders are awesome. I had the Ultron 35mm 1.7 VM and loved it. I am after the Nokton 50mm 1.5 II now for my Leica M3 or maybe the Helier 40mm 2.8 asph.
I’ve had the 50mm f/3.5 for over a year now and use it when I want a light weight setup on my SL2-S. Combined with the stabilization in the camera, I can one hand it (set to infinity) and drive and shoot at the same time. I also use it for the 3D pop and for some people pictures. I have gotten some decent shots including one where I was crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. Cropping and straightening in LR brought it to life. Thanks for the cool review; I look at your work all the time.
Already bought a used but like new looking Leica CL after watching your reviews + a M-L Adapter and I think I will go for the Nokton VM 1.5 next… Or the 40mm 1.2. Very good review! 👍
Very good and useful summary, thank you. I used to have the CV 50/1, CV 50/1.2, CV 50/2 APO, Leica 50/1.4 Lux and Leica 50/2 APO. Sold the Leica 50/2 APO and the CV 50/1. Now have the CV 50/1.2, Leica 50/1.4 Lux and CV 50/2 APO, and I use all three of them, depending on the use case. None of them can completely replace the other two, and all three are addictive!
Thanks! Interesting to see you kept the CV 50 APO.. I do like the size of the Leica APO but have never owned it. Yes to each being different tools. f1 best at f1 (ofc), f1.4 best at f1.4 from my tests, f2 APO is the winner if you shoot from f2 onwards.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom - I used to have the Leica 50/0.95 Noctilux also, which I replaced with the CV 50/1, but eventually sold the CV 50/1 also. Yes, there is an incremental bit of smoother bokeh (which I prefer to pronounce as bo-kay) that comes from the 50/0.95 or 50/1, which are the same max aperture for all practical purposes. But either of these lenses comes at the cost of the bulk, weight, awkwardness of usage and cost. The CV 50/1.2 is a far more practical Noctilux, if you're bokeh-driven. The CV 50/2 APO is the far more practical Leica 50/2 APO - virtually identical for a fraction of the cost, when you need the edge to edge sharpness and micro contrast. If aliens landed in my backyard and told me I'd be abducted and taken away to a far, far galaxy, never to return home, but in an act of kindness, allowed me to bring my M11 camera and just one 50 mm lens, then it would have to be my 50/1.4 Summilux-M, which I have owned since December 2009, when I bought my Leica M9!
might be too much to ask, since you're mainly stills, but some of these lens I've noticed have, for video at least, an critical amount of focus breathing.
I agree that the 50/1.2 Nokton is a real sweet spot for size, speed, and price. Uses 52mm filters, same as my 35/1.2 v1 Nokton. For use on a Digital M, check the image if you code it as a 50/1.2 Noctilux. The latter has pronounced Barrel Distortion. If the camera/post-processing applies that correction to the image: you get Pin Cushion effects on the Nokton. I started using it with coding turned off. Of course with film- not an issue!
Thanks for the nice video! I have the Voigtlander 50mm f1.5 in M-mount which is a great lens. For Sony E-mount I have the 50mm f2 Apo Lanthar, and I think it is an absolute stunner, I really love the colours and contrast out of that lens combined with the excellent sharpness.
The most perfect optically is the 50 APO-Lanthar. Doesn’t balance well and may be a bit too big and heavy for some people. The smallest and most practical overall is the 50f1.5 Nokton II. While using the 50 APO I missed the 50f1.5 Nokton II. Simply because of size. I made a mistake selling it IMO. I guess the APO-Lanthar balances best on the SL. Not so much on the M. I sold the APO-Lanthar for the 50 Summicron. All that technical perfection just wasn’t as romantically perfect as the Summicron. It’s like 3 lenses in one lens. It’s sweet at f2, a little more perfect at f4 and perfection at f8. Just amazing. This is the issue with the APO-Lanthar. It’s perfect from f2 but that’s also the issue. It gives you the same image no matter what aperture. The one they need to make is the 50f2 Ultron. Why they make 28 and 35 but not the 50 is beyond me. The 28 Ultron II is a gem, and they should make a 50 just like it. If I wanted a more dreamy look, absolutely 100% I would get the 50f1.2 Nokton for portraits.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom ha. Yea. Your pictures go from perfect to perfect. If I was shooting landscapes with the SL it would definitely be in my bag. The pictures are quite lovely.
When shopping for a 50mm lens I was looking at all the Voigtlander offerings, but ended up going with the Zeiss 50mm f2 Planar and very happy with the images. Thanks Matt...
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom What are your thoughts on the 35mm f2 Biogon? Thinking of replacing my VM 35/1.4 Nokton. Really enjoy your video's. Thanks Matt..
Thanks for this great review, ive been binge watching on your videos while i build my full leica sl setup, and i think ill settle for the nokton 1.5 v2 for my street photography. I currently have the older nokton 1.5 LTM mount which is rather soft at the center so planning to upgrade to v2 soon, hope i dont make the wrong choice 😁
I picked up the Nokton 1.5 as one all around lens mainly because it is compact and still capable. I thought that I can always shoot from the minimum focusing distance at f2 and get decent sharpness. At the end of the day if a lens is big and heavy it wont leave the house.
I reviewed almost all the Leica 50 options as well and I drew the exact same conclusion, the 50 1.2 vm is the most versatile. So now I have the Leica 50 apo, summilux 1.4, noct f1e58, noct 1.2 new one, rigid50v1, vm50 1.2 and vm 50 1.5 helier😂 oh well that’s way too many 50s I know but that’s why we love Leica😊
The Voigtlander 50mm lens, that I wish that I could justify adding, is the 50 APO VM. I do not shoot products, and no longer have a need to do forensic/evidentiary photography, so, a technically “perfect” 50mm lens might not see much use, after the new-toy-joy has faded. I believe that I was correct, in choosing the Nokton f/1.0 ASPH, to complement my Leica 50mm lenses.
agreed on the Voigtlander 50mm f2.0 Apo being better than the Summilux 50 F1.4. I own the Summilux, not the Apo VL but I do own the Leica Summicron 50mm F2 Apo and it destroys the Summilux and I have the latest version. You do have to stop down a lot to get rid of CA and get a sharp image (About F4) and the Apo is sharper at F2.0 than the Summilux at F4.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom at F 1.4 is a halation and chromatic aberrations fest especially that now you can get closer the aberrations are worse than with prior versions. And because the M11 range finder can only focus up to 0.7 meters this lens requires for me to use the screen or the expensive digital vistaflex 2 which not only ads significant more weight and ruins the camera esthetics. But they could be planing an M12 with Hybrid range finder (digital/ optical) kind of like the one on the fuji X100V...
I know I've recently commented this same thought on another video -- but listening to you talk about the inconvenience of carrying one lens for a "sharp" look and another for a "less clinical" look, I wonder if you shouldn't investigate a cinematography solution such as the Moment CineBloom or Tiffen ProMist filters. I don't know much about the Tiffens, but the CineBloom is a recent introduction that comes in three strengths - 5%, 10%, and 20% - for a choice of how much effect you want. I own the 20%, but haven't been brave enough to try using it for model portraiture; still, it seems that if someone could have a "sharp" lens such as the Voigtlander APO, then just add a filter when a "less clinical" look was desired, it would be more convenient than having to buy and carry a whole flock of lenses. Worth investigating, if you can find a shop that would lend you a set?
Been with the M3 and the 50 1.2 and my 90mm elmar for years, and I really don't see any need for anything else from this kit. Other cameras for other situations, but that nails down my Leica rock.
I never use 50mm focal length Lens for full frame Cameras, but if I have to choose one, I will get the sharpest, the Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 50mm 2.0 ! It is not only sharp, it have excellent resolution so you can make very large prints with very fine details.
Bonjour Mat. Comme souvent, j'arrive tardivement !. Toujours aussi bien vos vidéos !. Comme vous le savez, je possède depuis peu le Nokton 1.5/75mm, et très satisfait. Je possède le 35mm et 50mm APO LANTHAR, deux belles optiques techniquement, mais très clinique, votre vidéo vient de me convaincre de l'achat du Nokton 1.2/50MM pour mes portraits/portrait en situation.
GREAT video, as always, and on an equally great topic. I have a CL body that I love shooting with (soon to get an SL as my other body) and have the 50mm APO, which I really like. I also have the Nokton 35mm 1.2 ASPH so can relate (and agree) to your comparison of the 50mm version with the APO. It is such a conundrum to sift through the various options for a given focal length, and videos such as this really help when making decisions. Thanks again! Your channel has been a steady resource for me on my fairly new Leica journey (coming from Fujifilm xPro and GFX with adapted 35mm glass). Gratitude, sir.
Hi thank you I think the Summilux 50mm f1.4 then Voigtlander 50mm f2.0 and 50mm 1.2 and Zeiss 50mm 1.5 I believe are all very good. I have the older 50mm Summilux it work great for me, maybe one day I will move up to Voigtlander 50mm F1.2 but now.
The immediate question arises, is there something as a "wrong" Voigtlander. One should always mind "the bang for a buck" although this will not make bad performers any better. I agree that the 50 V 1.2 is a 50 Summilux killer, overall they are equal in performance and both have their strong points and less strong points (there are no weaker) but the price difference is ENORMOUS and with a sensible mind the V will always be a smarter choice. Good video, thanks for sharing.
Hi Matt I am choosing between Nokton f1.2 and Nokton 1.5 for my first 50mm VM lens. You mentioned that the f1.2 Nokton has a glow look @f1.2. While f1.5 Nokton looks softer at MFD 0.7m. Are you referring to the same type of soft lens character wide open? I really like small lens I slightly prefer the f1.5 as lightnweight, dual character lens. It is a difficult choice though. What is your pick between the two ?
The 1.2 is a better lens but it's bigger. I ended up getting the APO as my 50mm as smaller than the 1.2 and as sharp or sharper at f2. I add a mist filter for a glow look when needed. (I wanted to love the 1.5 but it didn't deliver for me).
Nice overview Matt :) How easy would the Nokton 1.2 be to focus on a rangefinder M camera, could you nail focus on M3 consistently at 1.2 without any attachments to the viewfinder for example?
I'm still waiting for the Voigtlander 50mm lens for the Fuji X mount and hoping for a shorter minimum focusing distance. If I can't make it before spring, I guess the Nokton 1.5 II and reduction will solve it.
The Nokton 50mm f/1.2 has been attached to my M4 about 95% of the time since I purchased it. I prefer using it to my 50mm Summicron DR because it's faster in low light, and I think the images look just as good. I'm shooting film and I'm not interested in pixel peeping so sharpness isn't the end-all-be-all for me
This is a bit out of scope but I’ve found the Zeiss Sonnar 1.5 (which you’ve covered before) to be in a sweet spot for non-Leica lenses. Very classic rendering wide open and the handling+form factor combo is superb. And for those looking for a sharp first 50mm lens for well under $1k, the Zeiss Planar (which you’ve also covered) is a good bet, especially used. Optically identical to the Summicron with a slight different flavor in rendering.
Thanks Cary! The Planar is sharper and less smooth than the Cron. I had both. Cron maybe nicer falloff for portraits. Yes Sonnar is excellent. Maybe i'll try to get one to test again. I miss that lens!
Thank you for another very good video! I personally often use the M Elmar 2.8/50 mm on my M10P, easy to carry and the model is not afraid of a big lens … and incredibly sharp. Tested it against the M Summicron 2/50mm, yes different, but the Elmar is pretty good and nice skin tones. If it is about over 50 mm: I really love and use the Voigtländer 1.5/75 mm - preferred on the SL2-S.
I am using Sony A7IV with a Minolta Auto Rokkor 58mm f1.4 MD… I wonder how you would compare it? So far I like the results but I am so intrigued if my I will like it even more with the Voightlander 50mm VM.
Rent or borrow the Cooke Amotal 2" f/2.0 for glow and sharpness with great skin tones in color and gradation in B&W. No fooling, and UK made! The "Cooke Look" is no BS.
I'm bewildered, Matt. You sold your Carl Zeiss 50mm/2 Planar because it was too sharp, yet you sing the praises of Voigtlander's 50mm/2 APO lens which you say is sharper than the Planar, and give that the as the reason you bought it. I own the Planar; I've owned it since before most of this crop of Voigtlanders existed, and I'm perfectly happy with it. Please explain from a professional's standpoint why one sharp lens you reject, and an even sharper one you relish.
Hi Chris, sorry to confuse! When I had the M9 the ZM combo did render a bit too sharp for me but maybe my taste has changed as I love the APO on the SL. If you have the ZM the APO is very similar. I would happily use the ZM today. (Maybe i'm better at photography now so I know how to light if bad skin+sharp lens combo etc). I was still learning (moreso before).
You wouldn't be bewildered if you tried the CV 50 APO. Wide open at closer distances, it reminds me of images I used to get with the Pentax 6x7 + 105mm 2.4.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom i found a used one locally for USD$175 Love how small the lens is And I found out about the TTArtisan M-Z 6bit ring adapter for Nicon Z for focus confirmation! 👌 AWESOME Thanks again 👍
If you want a lens that will give you both a dreamer look wide open and a more accurate and explicit rendering stopped down, the Voigtländer 50mm f/1.2 Nokton would be a good choice. If you only want a realistic look, then either the Voigtländer 50mm f/2 APO-Lanthar or the Voigtländer 65mm f/2 APO-Lanthar, which can produce half-life-size reproductions, would be the ones to consider. I own both the 50mm Nokton and the 65mm APO-Lanthar.
Hi Liam, I’ve not. I’m kinda hoping Voigtlander re release that next (see my recent 40mm f2.8 video where I mention a new 50). All Skopar are good so I’m sure it’s great.
Hi Matt, re the APO-SUMMICRON-M 50mm/f2 ASPH have you tested this very expensive lens? Number of reviewers reporting that this very expensive lens is in many aspects equal to APO Lanthar 2.0/50mm have you done any direct comparison?
Hi Jan, I've tested the SL APO which is even more corrected than the M APO. See the video but the Voigtlander easily matched it for me. (M APO is nice size but otherwise Voigtlander works optically).
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks for your comment Matt, as I have a 2/35 Lanthar and I am more then happy with it I will sell 1.4/50 M Summilux and get a 50 Lanthar.
Why not use a sharp lens and then reduce clarity or texture or sharpness in your raw editor? Buying a lens for each look is not only expensive, but also a lot of work when shooting and you want some different looks or just experiment?
Yes if you only own one sharp lens, say the APO here you can use a mist filter to make it less perfect. (Or any of the other lens hacks mentioned in my ebook)
the 50mm F1.0 is too expensive for what it offers. It's specialist lens, so you pay through your nose for it. Similar price to a Sony 50mm F1.4 lens. Is there are large difference between F1.0 and F1.4 ? I'll rather take the GM lens any day and make do with the F1.4 aperture. At F1.0, the depth of field is so thin that it really takes some time for an accurate manual focus, whereas the Sony is just a snap away.
![Jack Harlow - Hello Miss Johnson [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Q86_nlRoIGw/mqdefault.jpg)
💫 MRLEICA LR PRESETS - mrleica.com/presets/
✅ ROBERT WHITE - Discount Code "MRLEICA" - www.robertwhite.co.uk
✅ BUY HERE (Non-UK): mrleica.com/kitlist/
⭐ PATREON: 100+ Videos & Zoom - mrleica.com/patreon/
🚀 EBOOK: mrleica.com/ebooks/
▶ WATCH NEXT: See All Leica Videos - bit.ly/33H7pPq
📞 ZOOM: Not sure what camera or lens to buy? Arrange a call today - bit.ly/3lBkdgq
✅ CHECK PRICES: (US) ebay.to/2F0HoxY (UK) ebay.to/3ijzle2 (DE) ebay.to/3iqDNYs (FR) ebay.to/2ZJ3E75 (HK) ebay.to/32A8xBu
🛎 SUBSCRIBED?: Monthly Giveaways! bit.ly/3qET0ZO
📷 SEE MY KIT: mrleica.com/kitlist/
💫 MRLEICA LIGHTROOM PRESETS - mrleica.com/presets/
🚀 LEICA WORKSHOPS: mrleica.com/workshops/
▶ VIDEO PLAYLISTS: mrleica.com/youtube/
🎞 NEED FILM?: mrleica.com/do-you-need-film/
☕ COFFEE: Thank Matt with a coffee - www.paypal.com/paypalme/MrLeica
⛔ INSURANCE: Aaduki UK Photography Insurance - with since 2014 - www.aaduki.com
Superb summary. I do wish Voigtlander would put a floating group in the back of the 50 F1.5 to solve the close focusing issues and give the Summilux a real run for its money.
Thanks Marcus! Yes that would be perfect :)
I chose the Voigtländer 50mm f1.2 as my first M lens. Subjects jump out of the images. After the 50mm f2 APO, came out I’ve always been tempted to swap, nothing really pops like that f1.2 it really is a world class 50mm lens.
Thanks William, yes it is a really nice lens!
Don't swap, if you like the romantic / vintage look of the 50mm f1.2. The Voigtlander 50mm f2 Apo is a clinically sharp, technical lens with a totally different look.
Me being on youtube for about 8 years now, and having seen ALL your videos (i think ), i finally subscribed to your channel. Please make a note that i am not a subscriber for any other channel.
We thank you for your time and the videos.
Well done Matt. Keep shooting !!! :)
Thanks Kostas! Very much appreciated! Noted with thanks.
50 apo for landscapes. 50 1.5 v2 for everything else and general use. The nickel/black one is just beautiful and gives my Leica glass a run for its money in build.
Great combo Christopher!
Another great video Matt. I sold my Noctilux f0.95 and replaced it with the Voigtländer 50mm f1. I loved the Noctilux but it was too much of a liability to carry with me everywhere. The 50/f1 is sharper and actually passed more light than the f0.95 from Leica. I also have the superb 40mm f1.2 which is like 2 lenses in one, glowing and soft wide open, and modern when you stop down a little. I really rate the new Voigtländer lenses as a viable, quality alternative. They work brilliantly on my film cameras and also on my mirrorless.
Great to hear. Yes I enjoy non- Leica lenses too
I just added my “Like.” In my case, the Nokton f/1.0 ASPH offers what my existing Leica Summilux-M ASPH, Summicron-M, and Elmar-M 50mm lenses did not, plus, I seem to like lenses with a bit of heft and forward balance, much of the time. I looked closely at images captured with the various Leica Noctilux-M lenses, and decided that it was not simply a matter of lower cost, but actually preferring the images shot with the Nokton f/1.0 ASPH. Buying sight unseen was a gamble, as I was not sure I would like the ergonomics and balance, but I am now quite satisfied with the handling and performance of my Nokton f/1.0 ASPH. An added bonus is that I like the external appearance more than I thought I would.
The Nokton f1 is a great lens. I much prefer to the 0.95.
Had my hands on them all, but the APO is too clinically perfect for me. The f1.2 is by far my favourite. It's beautifully soft wide open, but every bit as sharp as the APO when shot at f2 or below.
Cheers Lee! Yes that's why I think I should have got the 1.2 as a great allrounder. Maybe I'll swap them at some point. Thanks for stopping by.
Not really true in my opinion. The 1.2 is more fun most of the time, but if you want clean, sharp results in difficult lighting, it can’t compete with the apo , especially f/2 - 5.6 . I did night photos with both, the apo was much better.
@@juliussternfeld428 thanks Julius!
100 percent agree I'd love to see Voigtlander make something like the Elcan or Summarit. I know Light Lens Lab has done this, but would love to see Voigt's take on a tiny F/2 50mm.
And the more I use the 7Artisan 50mm f/1.1 Gold Limited Edition, the more I like it. I had to calibrate it on my M240, but now it's perfect. Only bummers for me is I like clicks on my aperture and I wish it had a built in metal focus tab instead of a rubber stick on one. That dreamy look at f/1.1 is amazing for portraits
Nice Patrick and agree for 50/2!
Voigtlanders are awesome. I had the Ultron 35mm 1.7 VM and loved it. I am after the Nokton 50mm 1.5 II now for my Leica M3 or maybe the Helier 40mm 2.8 asph.
Yes! The 50 1.5 II is a little too soft for me but the Heliar is fantastic. See those videos.
I have seen them Sir! 🤩@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom
I’ve had the 50mm f/3.5 for over a year now and use it when I want a light weight setup on my SL2-S. Combined with the stabilization in the camera, I can one hand it (set to infinity) and drive and shoot at the same time. I also use it for the 3D pop and for some people pictures. I have gotten some decent shots including one where I was crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. Cropping and straightening in LR brought it to life. Thanks for the cool review; I look at your work all the time.
Thanks! Yes I still enjoy the 50 3.5 too! Unmatched for size.
Already bought a used but like new looking Leica CL after watching your reviews + a M-L Adapter and I think I will go for the Nokton VM 1.5 next… Or the 40mm 1.2. Very good review! 👍
Great! Yes the 40mm is very popular for mirrorless bodies
Very good and useful summary, thank you. I used to have the CV 50/1, CV 50/1.2, CV 50/2 APO, Leica 50/1.4 Lux and Leica 50/2 APO. Sold the Leica 50/2 APO and the CV 50/1. Now have the CV 50/1.2, Leica 50/1.4 Lux and CV 50/2 APO, and I use all three of them, depending on the use case. None of them can completely replace the other two, and all three are addictive!
Thanks! Interesting to see you kept the CV 50 APO.. I do like the size of the Leica APO but have never owned it. Yes to each being different tools. f1 best at f1 (ofc), f1.4 best at f1.4 from my tests, f2 APO is the winner if you shoot from f2 onwards.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom - I used to have the Leica 50/0.95 Noctilux also, which I replaced with the CV 50/1, but eventually sold the CV 50/1 also. Yes, there is an incremental bit of smoother bokeh (which I prefer to pronounce as bo-kay) that comes from the 50/0.95 or 50/1, which are the same max aperture for all practical purposes. But either of these lenses comes at the cost of the bulk, weight, awkwardness of usage and cost. The CV 50/1.2 is a far more practical Noctilux, if you're bokeh-driven. The CV 50/2 APO is the far more practical Leica 50/2 APO - virtually identical for a fraction of the cost, when you need the edge to edge sharpness and micro contrast. If aliens landed in my backyard and told me I'd be abducted and taken away to a far, far galaxy, never to return home, but in an act of kindness, allowed me to bring my M11 camera and just one 50 mm lens, then it would have to be my 50/1.4 Summilux-M, which I have owned since December 2009, when I bought my Leica M9!
might be too much to ask, since you're mainly stills, but some of these lens I've noticed have, for video at least, an critical amount of focus breathing.
Sorry I've not shot video with these but I know what you mean.
I agree that the 50/1.2 Nokton is a real sweet spot for size, speed, and price. Uses 52mm filters, same as my 35/1.2 v1 Nokton. For use on a Digital M, check the image if you code it as a 50/1.2 Noctilux. The latter has pronounced Barrel Distortion. If the camera/post-processing applies that correction to the image: you get Pin Cushion effects on the Nokton. I started using it with coding turned off. Of course with film- not an issue!
Thanks Brian!
Thanks for the nice video! I have the Voigtlander 50mm f1.5 in M-mount which is a great lens. For Sony E-mount I have the 50mm f2 Apo Lanthar, and I think it is an absolute stunner, I really love the colours and contrast out of that lens combined with the excellent sharpness.
Thanks Edwin! Great combo!
The most perfect optically is the 50 APO-Lanthar. Doesn’t balance well and may be a bit too big and heavy for some people. The smallest and most practical overall is the 50f1.5 Nokton II. While using the 50 APO I missed the 50f1.5 Nokton II. Simply because of size. I made a mistake selling it IMO. I guess the APO-Lanthar balances best on the SL. Not so much on the M.
I sold the APO-Lanthar for the 50 Summicron. All that technical perfection just wasn’t as romantically perfect as the Summicron. It’s like 3 lenses in one lens. It’s sweet at f2, a little more perfect at f4 and perfection at f8. Just amazing.
This is the issue with the APO-Lanthar. It’s perfect from f2 but that’s also the issue. It gives you the same image no matter what aperture.
The one they need to make is the 50f2 Ultron. Why they make 28 and 35 but not the 50 is beyond me. The 28 Ultron II is a gem, and they should make a 50 just like it.
If I wanted a more dreamy look, absolutely 100% I would get the 50f1.2 Nokton for portraits.
Thanks Carlos! Agreed for a new small 50 f2 :) ..good point on APO being sharp and ...sharp :)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom ha. Yea. Your pictures go from perfect to perfect. If I was shooting landscapes with the SL it would definitely be in my bag. The pictures are quite lovely.
When shopping for a 50mm lens I was looking at all the Voigtlander offerings, but ended up going with the Zeiss 50mm f2 Planar and very happy with the images. Thanks Matt...
Thanks! The Planar was my first 50 for my Leica M9. Super sharp. Not far off the 50 APO (I re-bought it just for the APO video to compare).
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom What are your thoughts on the 35mm f2 Biogon? Thinking of replacing my VM 35/1.4 Nokton. Really enjoy your video's. Thanks Matt..
@@mwales2112 not tried but I love Biogons (and thanks!)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Have you seen the rumor of Voigtlander releasing a new 75mm 1.9 lens?
@@mwales2112 no but I’ll certainly enquire! Thanks!
Thanks for this great review, ive been binge watching on your videos while i build my full leica sl setup, and i think ill settle for the nokton 1.5 v2 for my street photography. I currently have the older nokton 1.5 LTM mount which is rather soft at the center so planning to upgrade to v2 soon, hope i dont make the wrong choice 😁
Thanks Joe! Message me via the blog or Patreon if you ever need help before buying
I picked up the Nokton 1.5 as one all around lens mainly because it is compact and still capable. I thought that I can always shoot from the minimum focusing distance at f2 and get decent sharpness. At the end of the day if a lens is big and heavy it wont leave the house.
Agreed I normally prefer small lenses too!
I reviewed almost all the Leica 50 options as well and I drew the exact same conclusion, the 50 1.2 vm is the most versatile. So now I have the Leica 50 apo, summilux 1.4, noct f1e58, noct 1.2 new one, rigid50v1, vm50 1.2 and vm 50 1.5 helier😂 oh well that’s way too many 50s I know but that’s why we love Leica😊
Thanks Jimmy! Great to hear you found similar results! (Nice collection too! Yes they seem to multiply overnight don't they!)
Different lens, different purpose. I got the APO Lanthar for sharpness and clean look on my digital M. And I got the modern f1.2.
Thanks, nice, i'm still a little tempted by the small 50 1.5! :)
The Voigtlander 50mm lens, that I wish that I could justify adding, is the 50 APO VM. I do not shoot products, and no longer have a need to do forensic/evidentiary photography, so, a technically “perfect” 50mm lens might not see much use, after the new-toy-joy has faded. I believe that I was correct, in choosing the Nokton f/1.0 ASPH, to complement my Leica 50mm lenses.
Thanks Rex, the f1 is nice too!
agreed on the Voigtlander 50mm f2.0 Apo being better than the Summilux 50 F1.4. I own the Summilux, not the Apo VL but I do own the Leica Summicron 50mm F2 Apo and it destroys the Summilux and I have the latest version. You do have to stop down a lot to get rid of CA and get a sharp image (About F4) and the Apo is sharper at F2.0 than the Summilux at F4.
Yes and yes. The Lux for me is only worth it at 1.4
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom at F 1.4 is a halation and chromatic aberrations fest especially that now you can get closer the aberrations are worse than with prior versions.
And because the M11 range finder can only focus up to 0.7 meters this lens requires for me to use the screen or the expensive digital vistaflex 2 which not only ads significant more weight and ruins the camera esthetics. But they could be planing an M12 with Hybrid range finder (digital/ optical) kind of like the one on the fuji X100V...
I know I've recently commented this same thought on another video -- but listening to you talk about the inconvenience of carrying one lens for a "sharp" look and another for a "less clinical" look, I wonder if you shouldn't investigate a cinematography solution such as the Moment CineBloom or Tiffen ProMist filters. I don't know much about the Tiffens, but the CineBloom is a recent introduction that comes in three strengths - 5%, 10%, and 20% - for a choice of how much effect you want. I own the 20%, but haven't been brave enough to try using it for model portraiture; still, it seems that if someone could have a "sharp" lens such as the Voigtlander APO, then just add a filter when a "less clinical" look was desired, it would be more convenient than having to buy and carry a whole flock of lenses. Worth investigating, if you can find a shop that would lend you a set?
James you seem to know waaay too much! ..even as an awesome Patreon (as I've not mentioned on Patreon yet). Just to say stay tuned! :D
..and great suggestion BTW* i've seen this filter mentioned online. They are a few brands as you say.
Been with the M3 and the 50 1.2 and my 90mm elmar for years, and I really don't see any need for anything else from this kit. Other cameras for other situations, but that nails down my Leica rock.
Nice setup for your M3. Yes I think you’ve got it covered!
I never use 50mm focal length Lens for full frame Cameras, but if I have to choose one, I will get the sharpest, the Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 50mm 2.0 ! It is not only sharp, it have excellent resolution so you can make very large prints with very fine details.
Yes great idea!
Excellent Matt. Thank you.
Thanks Steve!
Hello.
Matt. Good video.
Thanks for the info. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Mike, yes just trying to help everyone with this common question!
Bonjour Mat. Comme souvent, j'arrive tardivement !. Toujours aussi bien vos vidéos !. Comme vous le savez, je possède depuis peu le Nokton 1.5/75mm, et très satisfait. Je possède le 35mm et 50mm APO LANTHAR, deux belles optiques techniquement, mais très clinique, votre vidéo vient de me convaincre de l'achat du Nokton 1.2/50MM pour mes portraits/portrait en situation.
Nice, I had to wait to translate the message. You might see me with the 1.2 again in a video soon
GREAT video, as always, and on an equally great topic. I have a CL body that I love shooting with (soon to get an SL as my other body) and have the 50mm APO, which I really like. I also have the Nokton 35mm 1.2 ASPH so can relate (and agree) to your comparison of the 50mm version with the APO.
It is such a conundrum to sift through the various options for a given focal length, and videos such as this really help when making decisions.
Thanks again! Your channel has been a steady resource for me on my fairly new Leica journey (coming from Fujifilm xPro and GFX with adapted 35mm glass).
Gratitude, sir.
Thanks, no problem, happy to help! (You will love the SL!!)
I’m using the 50 f2.5 It’s small, affordable and f2.5 isn’t very slow. The focusing tab is a welcomed add on
Nice, I have the 50/2.5 Summarit. Great lens!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I’m talking about the voigtlander color skopar 50 2.5. Maybe you can review it!😃
Hi thank you I think the Summilux 50mm f1.4 then Voigtlander 50mm f2.0 and 50mm 1.2 and Zeiss 50mm 1.5 I believe are all very good. I have the older 50mm Summilux it work great for me, maybe one day I will move up to Voigtlander 50mm F1.2 but now.
Thanks yes all good at what they do!
The immediate question arises, is there something as a "wrong" Voigtlander.
One should always mind "the bang for a buck" although this will not make bad performers any better.
I agree that the 50 V 1.2 is a 50 Summilux killer, overall they are equal in performance and both have their strong points and less strong points (there are no weaker)
but the price difference is ENORMOUS and with a sensible mind the V will always be a smarter choice.
Good video, thanks for sharing.
Thanks and yes good point re. the title. Agreed they are all great at what they do and offer amazing value.
Hi Matt I am choosing between Nokton f1.2 and Nokton 1.5 for my first 50mm VM lens. You mentioned that the f1.2 Nokton has a glow look @f1.2. While f1.5 Nokton looks softer at MFD 0.7m. Are you referring to the same type of soft lens character wide open? I really like small lens I slightly prefer the f1.5 as lightnweight, dual character lens. It is a difficult choice though. What is your pick between the two ?
The 1.2 is a better lens but it's bigger. I ended up getting the APO as my 50mm as smaller than the 1.2 and as sharp or sharper at f2. I add a mist filter for a glow look when needed. (I wanted to love the 1.5 but it didn't deliver for me).
Nice overview Matt :) How easy would the Nokton 1.2 be to focus on a rangefinder M camera, could you nail focus on M3 consistently at 1.2 without any attachments to the viewfinder for example?
Hey Thomas thanks! If your RF is accurate yes but I shoot at f2 on film so a bit sharper, yes no attachments etc
I'm still waiting for the Voigtlander 50mm lens for the Fuji X mount and hoping for a shorter minimum focusing distance. If I can't make it before spring, I guess the Nokton 1.5 II and reduction will solve it.
Can you just use a 7Artisan close focus adapter? That's how I do it on the Leica SL/CL
The Nokton 50mm f/1.2 has been attached to my M4 about 95% of the time since I purchased it. I prefer using it to my 50mm Summicron DR because it's faster in low light, and I think the images look just as good. I'm shooting film and I'm not interested in pixel peeping so sharpness isn't the end-all-be-all for me
Nice! Yes fast lenses are valuable on film bodies. 1.2 should give higher contrast vs. DR. (Great lens too!)
This is a bit out of scope but I’ve found the Zeiss Sonnar 1.5 (which you’ve covered before) to be in a sweet spot for non-Leica lenses. Very classic rendering wide open and the handling+form factor combo is superb.
And for those looking for a sharp first 50mm lens for well under $1k, the Zeiss Planar (which you’ve also covered) is a good bet, especially used. Optically identical to the Summicron with a slight different flavor in rendering.
Thanks Cary! The Planar is sharper and less smooth than the Cron. I had both. Cron maybe nicer falloff for portraits. Yes Sonnar is excellent. Maybe i'll try to get one to test again. I miss that lens!
Great video again Matt. Do you know if voigtlander make a 50mm lens that fits your Kiev 4A?
Thanks Andrew, sadly no. Look at Zeiss Sonnar 50mm f1.5 perhaps (see my video, great lens)
Thank you for another very good video! I personally often use the M Elmar 2.8/50 mm on my M10P, easy to carry and the model is not afraid of a big lens … and incredibly sharp. Tested it against the M Summicron 2/50mm, yes different, but the Elmar is pretty good and nice skin tones. If it is about over 50 mm: I really love and use the Voigtländer 1.5/75 mm - preferred on the SL2-S.
Nice (and thanks)! Agreed the 75/1.5 is excellent on SL bodies and yes iI've got great results from the Elmar. I still have it.
I am using Sony A7IV with a Minolta Auto Rokkor 58mm f1.4 MD… I wonder how you would compare it? So far I like the results but I am so intrigued if my I will like it even more with the Voightlander 50mm VM.
I've not used your lens so I can't comment sadly but the Voigtlander lenses offer something for most people.
Rent or borrow the Cooke Amotal 2" f/2.0 for glow and sharpness with great skin tones in color and gradation in B&W. No fooling, and UK made! The "Cooke Look" is no BS.
Nice, I know off the Cooke look, maybe I can get one to test one day.
I'm bewildered, Matt. You sold your Carl Zeiss 50mm/2 Planar because it was too sharp, yet you sing the praises of Voigtlander's 50mm/2 APO lens which you say is sharper than the Planar, and give that the as the reason you bought it. I own the Planar; I've owned it since before most of this crop of Voigtlanders existed, and I'm perfectly happy with it. Please explain from a professional's standpoint why one sharp lens you reject, and an even sharper one you relish.
Hi Chris, sorry to confuse! When I had the M9 the ZM combo did render a bit too sharp for me but maybe my taste has changed as I love the APO on the SL. If you have the ZM the APO is very similar. I would happily use the ZM today. (Maybe i'm better at photography now so I know how to light if bad skin+sharp lens combo etc). I was still learning (moreso before).
You wouldn't be bewildered if you tried the CV 50 APO. Wide open at closer distances, it reminds me of images I used to get with the Pentax 6x7 + 105mm 2.4.
@@settingofthesuns thanks James. That’s a big statement :)
Hey Matt, have you ever tried the VM Voigtlander 50mm f1.1? if so how is it?
Hi Eric, yes a long time ago at a workshop I was teaching. I wasn't impressed enough to get it. (Get the 7A 50 1.1 - that IS excellent!)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom OK great, Thanks for sharing your advice ✌
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom i found a used one locally for USD$175
Love how small the lens is
And I found out about the TTArtisan M-Z 6bit ring adapter for Nicon Z for focus confirmation! 👌 AWESOME
Thanks again 👍
Hi Matt, To capture still life, I want to purchase a Voigtlander lens to use with my Sony a7RIV. What is the best lens you recommend? Thank you.
If you want a lens that will give you both a dreamer look wide open and a more accurate and explicit rendering stopped down, the Voigtländer 50mm f/1.2 Nokton would be a good choice. If you only want a realistic look, then either the Voigtländer 50mm f/2 APO-Lanthar or the Voigtländer 65mm f/2 APO-Lanthar, which can produce half-life-size reproductions, would be the ones to consider. I own both the 50mm Nokton and the 65mm APO-Lanthar.
Thanks!
Thanks Zoltan!
Ever used the voigtlander 50mm f2.5 color-skopar?
Hi Liam, I’ve not. I’m kinda hoping Voigtlander re release that next (see my recent 40mm f2.8 video where I mention a new 50). All Skopar are good so I’m sure it’s great.
Hi Matt, re the APO-SUMMICRON-M 50mm/f2 ASPH have you tested this very expensive lens? Number of reviewers reporting that this very expensive lens is in many aspects equal to APO Lanthar 2.0/50mm have you done any direct comparison?
Hi Jan, I've tested the SL APO which is even more corrected than the M APO. See the video but the Voigtlander easily matched it for me. (M APO is nice size but otherwise Voigtlander works optically).
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks for your comment Matt, as I have a 2/35 Lanthar and I am more then happy with it I will sell 1.4/50 M Summilux and get a 50 Lanthar.
@@janfrosty3392 yes the idea crossed my mind too!
What do you think of Nokton LTM mate?
Excellent! Fine to use wide open on digital
bought the APO lanthar no regrets. not a one.
Great lens!
So what do I do with all this info?… I have voigtlander 40 mm 1.2 🤔😁🤷🏻♂️
Nothing, be happy that you have the sharp smaller 40mm :D
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 😁😁🥰🖖🏼📸
Why not use a sharp lens and then reduce clarity or texture or sharpness in your raw editor? Buying a lens for each look is not only expensive, but also a lot of work when shooting and you want some different looks or just experiment?
Yes if you only own one sharp lens, say the APO here you can use a mist filter to make it less perfect. (Or any of the other lens hacks mentioned in my ebook)
Got 2 extremes on M11, 50mm f1 & heliar classic 50mm f1.5
Nice Gordon, yes nice size difference!
the 50mm F1.0 is too expensive for what it offers. It's specialist lens, so you pay through your nose for it. Similar price to a Sony 50mm F1.4 lens. Is there are large difference between F1.0 and F1.4 ? I'll rather take the GM lens any day and make do with the F1.4 aperture. At F1.0, the depth of field is so thin that it really takes some time for an accurate manual focus, whereas the Sony is just a snap away.
You can find fast lenses cheap with more character than those you mention. I love the 7Artisan 50 f1.1
APO, but that’s me.
Thanks Calvin! I am loving mine too
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Yes, it's my go to too. My 50mm choices are Summilux, Summicron, Summarit, Zeiss Planar and the APO Lanthar.