I’ve owned this lens for almost 3 years. There are lenses with more precision and fewer flaws, but aesthetically, it’s absolutely wonderful. It flatters every single person I’ve photographed. Defocused areas look buttery smooth. I had a Zeiss Loxia 50mm f2 before this, but returned it; a bit clinical and lacking in character by comparison.
I modified the e-mount version of this lens for GFX. It's not a simple adapter due to the flange distances (I really should have just adapted the m-mount version, but I had the e-mount on hand). It has a lot of vignette, but like your review shows on full frame, it's a smooth artistic transition and not super harsh. I don't ever use it at 1.2, but at f1.4 and f2 I really like how it gives a vintage-style dreamy look, while still mostly holding up to the 50mp sensor. I've tried adapting fast vintage glass, and they all kinda fall apart with the high resolution sensor. This gives me the vintage "glow" that I wanted (I'm not sure which of the various optical "issues" result in this...), but without being mushy - and that's a really pleasing combo.
This lens grows on you. The colors are phenomenal and the Sunstar is gorgeous. It's a fun lens that allows you to do everything from dreamy environmental portraits or artistic images when shot wide open to very sharp landscapes when stopped down.
You are so right about the feel Dustin. I love how this lens renders wide open, and It doesn't take a lot to get the sharpness, if wanted. Great review, as always!
There is something truly special about this lens, while it has a few 'flaws', its actually what makes it stand out above other more technically perfect (and surprisingly boring) lens, I've had it for a year now, and while its harder to manually focus in fast moving scenes, when I look back at my photos its always the VL401.2 ones that I like, it a must-buy if you love character lens and love the small mirrorless format
This is a great review and hits the mark. I own this lens as well. One thing I would add is that this is the best lens for skin tone renditions that I have owned (at least black skin tones). Skin tones are somehow rendered both very accurately and beautifully at the same time. All my other lenses, you have to give up some accuracy to enhance skin beauty, with this one, you have your cake and eat it too.
THANK YOU for reviewing this lens. Even though I have yet to see your review, I already know it will be good! I am privileged to own the entire Loxia set and don't want to constantly switch between the 35 and 50 to get a "normal" focal length. 35 is a little too wide, and 50 is too restrictive. The Loxia 35 is also a poor performer in the corners until F4, especially at close distances. This quirk is also present in the Voigtlander 40 1.2, but it is greatly resolved by stopping the lens down to where the Loxia starts. I am moving more towards Voigtlander FE lenses because sharpness isn't everything; colour and contrast are also top priorities. Now if Voigtlander made a 85 1.2 / 1.4 for Sony FE... Blessings to you!
@@DustinAbbottTWI I've never been more excited about a lens! Your reviews are AWESOME! I 👍😃 In darkened interiors, this lens can create a dreamy image while helping the photographer keep both the ISO and shutter speed at reasonable settings. And when stopped down to f5.6, landscapes are incredibly sharp and etched! No zoom can do this. In my opinion, this lens only has two shortcomings: 1) no autofocus (🙃😄) and 2) less than perfect bokeh balls.
I own one and love it really grows on you I use it for pictures of classic motorcycles and carry it on a motorcycle so size is important. I pop a bit of contrast in post. and it's a delight to use.
Thank you this video is right on time.. I’m looking into the SE version when it gets released in June for stills only.. much smaller.. I hope they add weather sealing..
This lenses looks like 2 lenses in one body - 1,2-2f portrait intended, dreamy look, and everything above 2f becomes quite the standard, sharp and well corrected optic. I believe these lenses shine in black and white photography as well, because that dreamy look under a controlled light should give extraordinary images. Actually it should perform a lot better in low light conditions. This glow effect wide open reminds me of vintage lenses, that are pretty bad wide open on a very sunny conditions, but once the sun sets, they become a lot more sharper and they get a lot more contrast as well. One such lens is Nikkor 55mm 1,2f. It has no contrast and a lot of glow around edges at 1,2f in normal conditions, but once the light looses intensity the lens become really sharp and gives very pleasing results. These old design lenses were designed to give the best performance wide open when they could be used wide open, no one was shooting them wide open on a sunny conditions, there were no cameras capable of that. By the way, talking about astro it is also important to talk about vignetting effect, because sometimes, due to the high vignette 1,2f might be actually comparable to f4 :) The same lens sometimes gives a more consistent evenly lit image across the frame when you stop it down to avoid vignette.
Love mine. Got it when it first came out. You nailed it - it really is dual purpose; also, because it’s small and light, it never leaves my bag and gives me options many other lenses don’t.
Really like this review. I’ve fooled around with this lens, but don’t yet own it. But the point that yeah: there might be sharper F1.2s but they’re bigger is edifying. And the observation that the detail is there at F1.2 but perhaps not the contrast, and thus the ‘dreamy’ image... very well conceived. Glad I took the time to watch this definitive review of a lens I’ve always had a fantasy about owning. Well done and thank you.
I really appreciate your reviews: they are accurate, considered, fair, and extremely informative - often the best on the blogosphere. You also have a mild, friendly, even charming manner. Why don’t you PLEASE run for president. These qualities are needed in the age of sociopathic narcissists. Your country needs you. Please give it some thought.
Thanks for the review.. was about to buy then I seen the 40mm F/1.2 SE (still edition) was announced.. smaller.. and strictly for photography.. can’t wait.. 😬😬
Really good review, thank you. I already have this gem of a lens in VM mount and was considering purchasing another one purely for Sony. The electrical contacts and interaction with the camera is what I wanted to know about but you also confirmed the optical performance is just like my VM version. It's almost like 2 lenses in one, a vintage classic wide-open, and a more modern, tack sharp lens as you stop down.
Another cool lens ! So many coming out for the Sony E mount . As a Nikon shooter I’d like to see more for the f and z mounts . I do realize f is going by the wayside. Not sure why the Z mount from Nikon is being guarded so hard by Nikon . They should realize the more lenses they have available the more bodies they would sell. I really like this lens and it’s character. Myself I like both the very well corrected BIG lenses and love them with character. We learn to use this character to its creative advantages like a painter choosing different brushes for different effects. Thanks for another great review. I did get the Sigma 40mm Art after your review and was going back and forth over it and the Tamron 35 f/1.4 . I love this Sigma it’s an ART lens for sure you can really create with it . The creator in me would also love to have the Tamron also for its super creamy backgrounds and beautiful subject rendering. Thanks again for the reviews
I've asked a lot of questions regarding Z and RF mounts to third parties, and they all seem to be taking a "wait and see" attitude for now. I think it would be fairly easy to convert existing E-mount lenses (Samyang has already done it with the 14mm F2.8 for Canon RF).
E to Z is do-able for sure . I’m not into the Z system yet . I too am too doing the “wait and see” . I have put myself monetarily into the Nikon system and will stay if they are staying. I like all the manufacturers in one way or another but so invested in Nikon .
Thanks for the review. Was really debating on this lense. I want a prime, and I want to learn manual focus a bit more. I guess b/c I'm newer it is "sad" that the f/1.2 isn't super shape. The quality of the photos you're showing at f/2.0 & f/2.8 are just incredible.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I'd be interested in a "favorite lens" series. If you highlighted your preferred Sony & Canon Lenses. As somebody newer to the Sony FE lineup, the wide selection is intimidating. Also made a Patreon out of me. Keep up the great work.
Thanks Dustin. Thorough review. I bought one last year fro my R3 and it hogs the camera, so versatile, especially when I'm on tour, and because I shoot in low light frequently. It's my desert island lens.
Thank you for this excellent review. Is there any chance to do a review for the 40 mm f1.2 SE version as well? Or maybe a comparison between the two. I just ordered the SE version for Sony and I would have liked to find more information about this lens. From my own research I understand that it is about the same optics. Thanks!
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks for the reply. I finally chose to buy the same version presented in this review because the SE version was out of stock and I think I made the right decision. This lens really has a lot of character. Wish you all the best!
Thank you for great review I’m having a dilemma between this lens and APO 65 mm F2 and APO 50mm f2 . If it comes to quality which one would you place first
@@DustinAbbottTWI 65 mm has been on my mind since I’ve seen your review not that long ago. I’m new to photography and after watching numerous amount of Lens reviews on RUclips I’ve found you the most thorough and knowledgeable lens expert. And for that thank you 🙏
I can't remember when was the last time I saw this 100 drachmas bill... This lens reminds me of the Mamiya 645 80mm f1.9 in a way... Greets from Greece and keep on making those excellent reviews!
Thanks Dustin, greta review this lens has just found its way into my bag and joins some Milvus lens they both have there application. I agree the look of Voigtlander is just what I want.
Fantastic review. I've been bingeing your channel as I recently picked-up an A7C for my compact kit. I'm torn between the 40mm f1.2 Nokton, 65mm f/2 APO-Lanthar or Sigma 65mm f2 for my general purpose prime to complement my Tamron zooms. I also briefly considered the Sigma 45mm f2.8 and love the rendering from the spherical aberration, but its close-up performance combined with the relatively small aperture give me pause.
Great review. I really like all your D-review series, it's a must see for me before I go shopping now. BTW, I am new to 3rd party lens, so I am wondering... I am aware of the electric contact points on this lens, so does that mean if I shoot jpeg in my Sony A7C II, all the in-camera lens corrections will also be applied automatically to this lens? Or do I have to shoot RAW and do those corrections in Lightroom? Thanks again👍
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks Dustin, interesting stuff. Looking forward to seeing how you get on with the Tamron 70-180 - I'm trying to figure out if there's a tiny amount of spherical aberration wide open but not sure how to test it consistently - might also be radial blur. Suggestions welcome! Keep up the good work.
Definitely not for everyone, but it can be a good value if you hop between systems with your camera. I find myself buying a lot of voigtlander Leica m mount lenses as they can work on my Fujifilm, Sony, and Leica with little issue. BTW, your conclusions here for the 40mm were the same as mine for the 35mm f1.2 nokton.
Thanks Dustin for a comprehensive review as always! Just wondering what watch are you wearing indoors at 4:05? And is that a separate leather band you purchased? Thanks!
Dustin Abbott I see.. May I suggest that you join Fred Miranda's photography community? You're very popular there already. Fred, the admin, is a good reviewer and he usually uses his own copies for reviews. However, very often the forum members supply him with their lenses for review purposes. Many members are located in Canada, and I'm pretty sure many of them will be happy to send you their copies for review. There are lots of gear nerds there, and they don't take most RUclipsrs seriously, except for you 😃
Excellent review. I own the lens and Dustin gives all of the pluses and minuses honestly and fairly. It's a very artistic lens. That's how I use it. I don't pixel peep much with the beautiful images I capture with it.
Thanks for a great review. A 40/1.2 was not on my list of planned purchases (for my Z6) but it might be a nice thing to have, especially given the relatively low price and the lens's obvious character, as my first Z lens. I shoot a lot with film on SLRs and older lenses so I'm used to (prefer, even) manual glass. Food for thought.
I love your reviews and really appreciate the effort you put into them but one criticism is that you always refer to astigmatism as coma. Have a deeper look into them as they're two completely different issues
Hi Alyn, thanks for the feedback, though I will say this: millions of people have watched my reviews and you are the first to complain about this. ...I suspect most people (including all the various companies that make lenses) don't share your concern. I'm using the term in the way that it is most commonly used in the industry.
@@DustinAbbottTWI it's not a complaint, just pointing out something that is factually wrong and something I thought a man who is so critical and otherwise on point would have appreciated. And yes your videos have been watched by millions, so it comes as little surprise that people now use the term coma synonymously with other aberrations and that is of course why people don't have the same concern, because they are oblivious to the difference anyway, they're led to believe that's coma because of the misuse of the word by RUclipsrs and reviewers with large followers. I just assumed you'd appreciate factual correctness over the colloquial use by the average Joe. Anyway, don't want the pedantic points to nullify my appreciation for the work and effort you put into your reviews!
Hi Dustin: thank you for your wonderful review on Voigtlander lens. I like the manual lense for some still street and landscape shots. May I ask you a favor to give some suggestions on a lens selection from 28mm to 40mm for street walkaround photography. my camera body is sony. I learned online, Voigtlander 35mm 1.7 M mount is good for 35mm. but I need an adaptor to make it work on sony. thanks
@10:04 the CA's just seem to give the whole image more depth. I heard Ken Wheeler yack on about CA's giving depth to an image. I've seen video footage of video games where you can add or switch off CA's and it definitely gives the game more depth and also ambience. I was actually told about the CA's meant the image has depth and dimensionality about 15 years ago on the Pentax forums. Like red and blue 3D glasses gives the 3D movie depth, and red and blue added together makes purple down a single lens. Video games designers are adding lens aberrations to their video games to create a more cinematic and realistic or organic feel to the games. I bet that image would look better and more dimensional in black and white. I enjoy your reviews! This makes me want to go out and shoot with my worst purple fringing lens.
Actually had to flip my Canon 50mm f/1.2 since even after multiple auto focus adjustments in-camera I was unable to achieve the sharpest results. I held onto my Sigma 50mm Art f/1.4 in it's stead. Canon gave dream like views as stated in your previous posts, will probably pick up another copy in the future, but would for sure pick up a Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/1.4 before acquiring again.
Hi! I just got the SE version of this lens and I have a question: the focus ring is not quite smooth, there is a slight noise that I can only hear when I put the lens closer to my ear. When I use the camera and look through the viewfinder, I can hear it too. That’s how I noticed that. It’s like a light clicking noise at some point only and not through the whole focusing range. Is it normal? Thanks!
I haven't tested the SE version, but the whole point of those is that you are getting the optics in a cheaper housing. The handling is not going to be as good or smooth as the version I tested.
The purple fringing when shoot wide open drives me crazy, you sample picture is a really really great way to demonstrate that issue. this lens is really a " classic" style lens, so low contrast, nowhere as bad as the Voigtlander 35 F1.4 Classic but still pretty low contrast, and I really can't stand that, also when shoot wide open for Astro, it 's got boat load of coma, really ugly looking, so I sold mine, the only Voigtlander I regret buying. .
After seeing this review, I'm wondering if the Nokton could be my wide lens to go with the Apo-Lanther 65/110? I'm not too concerned about performance wide open. I sorta like the look wide-open, but feel like I could stop down if I wanted better sharpness/contrast...
Voigtlanders are hard for me to source for reviews because they don't have distribution in Canada. I borrowed this one while I happened to be traveling in the US
hi dustin, better for sharpness leica m attack, or sony e attack? I thought for my sony a7rii leica m attack with adapter ring techart pro. what do you think is better as a solution?
Thank you very much for this really interesting review. Too bad that the Voigtländer lenses - especially this one - don't use rounded aperture blades. I don't care much about sunstars, but I do care about round bokeh balls.
Hi Rafael - I can't make any promises. I have limited access to Voigtlander lenses, and did the 40mm and 110mm during a time that I was traveling and had an easier chance to get access to them.
It seems to me that there's a conundrum where moderately sized fast lenses can either be sharp or apochromatic but not both. Most lenses seem to prioritize sharpness and leave in the ugly LoCA and green/magenta transition, but I really think it should be the other way around. I rathe my image be a bit soft/low contrast than have those ugly fringes everywhere. Of course there are very big lenses that are both sharp and apochromatic but those are just too big for anything but professional use.
Seems like a nice lens, however, for that kind of money you can buy half dozen nice, fast vintage lenses, what's far better value, in my opinion at least...
I wonder : Why did Voightlander not DARE (?) to "throw in" other than conventional apperture. WHY not, say, 11, 19, 21.. and pronouncedly curved blades, and perhaps even be strait at f11 (for star burst) ? Why so conservative ? I REALLY wonder. Or in other words : Would any present qualities suffer in any way if they re-issued the same lens with such unconventional high blade-count (rounded) ? (You all guessed it, let's NOT talk about costs.)
I’m curious - what do you perceive as an advantage for different apertures…or are you talking about aperture iris blades? Voigtlander already has fairly straight blades if sun stars are a prioritity for you.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I wonder(???) how this lens would render with a highest(!) quantity of ROUNDED blades (they certainly made high-number blade apertures in the "old days". ) Why not nowadays? Why don't the try to have most rounded openings at every apperture settings? (No I am not a sunstar hunter at all. I just wanted to say that from a marketing point of view, technically they also can make rounded blades to become progressivally -or suddenly - strait And that could be another marketing incentive. If they don't do it is it because it would be "to perfect?, or they just pretend nobody would by it? It's bound to be because they "chose the best compromise". But I doubt. Nobody so far affirms that more (and rounded) blades would make less pleasing bokeh up to say f8 as with those conventional irises. (BTW I have one, ( picked it out of four copies I was allowed to carefully test and choose from.) Outstanding. I have it as a EDC. Professionlly I go AF with the GM50)
![Coheed and Cambria - Searching for Tomorrow [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/hDsYGLbmadg/mqdefault.jpg)
![[#2024MAMA] G-DRAGON - 무제(Untitled, 2014)+POWER+HOME SWEET HOME+뱅뱅뱅+FANTASTIC BABY | Mnet 241123 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ox29z5Nf1Uk/mqdefault.jpg)
This is honestly one of the best review channels out there. Thank you so much for your hard work!
I appreciate the kind feedback
I’ve owned this lens for almost 3 years. There are lenses with more precision and fewer flaws, but aesthetically, it’s absolutely wonderful. It flatters every single person I’ve photographed. Defocused areas look buttery smooth. I had a Zeiss Loxia 50mm f2 before this, but returned it; a bit clinical and lacking in character by comparison.
There are a lot of happy owners out there.
Which one do you own now to replace it?
So, which is the best lens youve tried?
I modified the e-mount version of this lens for GFX. It's not a simple adapter due to the flange distances (I really should have just adapted the m-mount version, but I had the e-mount on hand). It has a lot of vignette, but like your review shows on full frame, it's a smooth artistic transition and not super harsh. I don't ever use it at 1.2, but at f1.4 and f2 I really like how it gives a vintage-style dreamy look, while still mostly holding up to the 50mp sensor. I've tried adapting fast vintage glass, and they all kinda fall apart with the high resolution sensor. This gives me the vintage "glow" that I wanted (I'm not sure which of the various optical "issues" result in this...), but without being mushy - and that's a really pleasing combo.
Nice.
This lens grows on you. The colors are phenomenal and the Sunstar is gorgeous. It's a fun lens that allows you to do everything from dreamy environmental portraits or artistic images when shot wide open to very sharp landscapes when stopped down.
I view this as a lens for photographers who love the process of photography rather than ease or technical perfection.
You are so right about the feel Dustin. I love how this lens renders wide open, and It doesn't take a lot to get the sharpness, if wanted. Great review, as always!
Exactly. You have to understand lenses like this one.
There is something truly special about this lens, while it has a few 'flaws', its actually what makes it stand out above other more technically perfect (and surprisingly boring) lens, I've had it for a year now, and while its harder to manually focus in fast moving scenes, when I look back at my photos its always the VL401.2 ones that I like, it a must-buy if you love character lens and love the small mirrorless format
That sounds about right to me!
Keep watching this review , been saving up for the last 6 months and another $100 dollars I’ll finally have this beauty for my Nikon ZF.
Enjoy!
This is a great review and hits the mark. I own this lens as well. One thing I would add is that this is the best lens for skin tone renditions that I have owned (at least black skin tones). Skin tones are somehow rendered both very accurately and beautifully at the same time. All my other lenses, you have to give up some accuracy to enhance skin beauty, with this one, you have your cake and eat it too.
That seems accurate to me. Voigtlander optical glass delivers really, really nice color.
THANK YOU for reviewing this lens. Even though I have yet to see your review, I already know it will be good! I am privileged to own the entire Loxia set and don't want to constantly switch between the 35 and 50 to get a "normal" focal length. 35 is a little too wide, and 50 is too restrictive. The Loxia 35 is also a poor performer in the corners until F4, especially at close distances. This quirk is also present in the Voigtlander 40 1.2, but it is greatly resolved by stopping the lens down to where the Loxia starts. I am moving more towards Voigtlander FE lenses because sharpness isn't everything; colour and contrast are also top priorities. Now if Voigtlander made a 85 1.2 / 1.4 for Sony FE... Blessings to you!
It sounds like this lens could be a good fit for you, then, and while it isn't Loxia sized, it is still very compact.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I've never been more excited about a lens! Your reviews are AWESOME! I 👍😃 In darkened interiors, this lens can create a dreamy image while helping the photographer keep both the ISO and shutter speed at reasonable settings. And when stopped down to f5.6, landscapes are incredibly sharp and etched! No zoom can do this. In my opinion, this lens only has two shortcomings: 1) no autofocus (🙃😄) and 2) less than perfect bokeh balls.
I own one and love it really grows on you I use it for pictures of classic motorcycles and carry it on a motorcycle so size is important. I pop a bit of contrast in post. and it's a delight to use.
It doesn't surprise me that it has grown on you.
Glad I own this lens, the contrast and clarity is beyond my expectation. and the mechanical is... smoothhh..
It's a lovely lens.
I own this lens about week its grate!
Thank you this video is right on time.. I’m looking into the SE version when it gets released in June for stills only.. much smaller.. I hope they add weather sealing..
Glad it was helpful!
This lenses looks like 2 lenses in one body - 1,2-2f portrait intended, dreamy look, and everything above 2f becomes quite the standard, sharp and well corrected optic.
I believe these lenses shine in black and white photography as well, because that dreamy look under a controlled light should give extraordinary images. Actually it should perform a lot better in low light conditions. This glow effect wide open reminds me of vintage lenses, that are pretty bad wide open on a very sunny conditions, but once the sun sets, they become a lot more sharper and they get a lot more contrast as well. One such lens is Nikkor 55mm 1,2f. It has no contrast and a lot of glow around edges at 1,2f in normal conditions, but once the light looses intensity the lens become really sharp and gives very pleasing results. These old design lenses were designed to give the best performance wide open when they could be used wide open, no one was shooting them wide open on a sunny conditions, there were no cameras capable of that.
By the way, talking about astro it is also important to talk about vignetting effect, because sometimes, due to the high vignette 1,2f might be actually comparable to f4 :) The same lens sometimes gives a more consistent evenly lit image across the frame when you stop it down to avoid vignette.
That's my take as well. It gives you different ways to approach your vision.
Love mine. Got it when it first came out. You nailed it - it really is dual purpose; also, because it’s small and light, it never leaves my bag and gives me options many other lenses don’t.
More lens makers need to realize that real photographers often do value smaller and lighter.
I know this video is old but is it worth getting in 2023 I’m trying to get as close as possible to that special Leica look
This is a pretty timeless lens, so the look remains.
Really like this review. I’ve fooled around with this lens, but don’t yet own it. But the point that yeah: there might be sharper F1.2s but they’re bigger is edifying. And the observation that the detail is there at F1.2 but perhaps not the contrast, and thus the ‘dreamy’ image... very well conceived. Glad I took the time to watch this definitive review of a lens I’ve always had a fantasy about owning. Well done and thank you.
It's a nuanced lens, so I did my best to treat it appropriately.
As always a complete and through review. Are there any manual focus lenses that are weather sealed?
Yes. All of the Zeiss Loxia and Milvus lenses, for example.
I really appreciate your reviews: they are accurate, considered, fair, and extremely informative - often the best on the blogosphere. You also have a mild, friendly, even charming manner. Why don’t you PLEASE run for president. These qualities are needed in the age of sociopathic narcissists. Your country needs you. Please give it some thought.
Comment of the day!
Thanks for the review.. was about to buy then I seen the 40mm F/1.2 SE (still edition) was announced.. smaller.. and strictly for photography.. can’t wait.. 😬😬
That's an interesting move by Voigtlander. We'll see how it works out for them.
Really good review, thank you. I already have this gem of a lens in VM mount and was considering purchasing another one purely for Sony. The electrical contacts and interaction with the camera is what I wanted to know about but you also confirmed the optical performance is just like my VM version. It's almost like 2 lenses in one, a vintage classic wide-open, and a more modern, tack sharp lens as you stop down.
Exactly.
Another cool lens ! So many coming out for the Sony E mount . As a Nikon shooter I’d like to see more for the f and z mounts . I do realize f is going by the wayside. Not sure why the Z mount from Nikon is being guarded so hard by Nikon . They should realize the more lenses they have available the more bodies they would sell. I really like this lens and it’s character. Myself I like both the very well corrected BIG lenses and love them with character. We learn to use this character to its creative advantages like a painter choosing different brushes for different effects. Thanks for another great review. I did get the Sigma 40mm Art after your review and was going back and forth over it and the Tamron 35 f/1.4 . I love this Sigma it’s an ART lens for sure you can really create with it . The creator in me would also love to have the Tamron also for its super creamy backgrounds and beautiful subject rendering. Thanks again for the reviews
I've asked a lot of questions regarding Z and RF mounts to third parties, and they all seem to be taking a "wait and see" attitude for now. I think it would be fairly easy to convert existing E-mount lenses (Samyang has already done it with the 14mm F2.8 for Canon RF).
E to Z is do-able for sure . I’m not into the Z system yet . I too am too doing the “wait and see” . I have put myself monetarily into the Nikon system and will stay if they are staying. I like all the manufacturers in one way or another but so invested in Nikon .
Thanks for the review. Was really debating on this lense. I want a prime, and I want to learn manual focus a bit more. I guess b/c I'm newer it is "sad" that the f/1.2 isn't super shape. The quality of the photos you're showing at f/2.0 & f/2.8 are just incredible.
I'm glad it helped in highlighting both strengths and shortcomings, as that it really my goal.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I'd be interested in a "favorite lens" series. If you highlighted your preferred Sony & Canon Lenses. As somebody newer to the Sony FE lineup, the wide selection is intimidating. Also made a Patreon out of me. Keep up the great work.
Thanks for the review Dustin! I love mine. It's lovely.
Glad you like it!
Thanks Dustin. Thorough review. I bought one last year fro my R3 and it hogs the camera, so versatile, especially when I'm on tour, and because I shoot in low light frequently. It's my desert island lens.
Those who "get" a lens like this will often love it.
Thank you for this excellent review. Is there any chance to do a review for the 40 mm f1.2 SE version as well? Or maybe a comparison between the two. I just ordered the SE version for Sony and I would have liked to find more information about this lens. From my own research I understand that it is about the same optics. Thanks!
Unfortunately I have a hard time getting Voigtlander loaners, so I'm afraid I probably won't be able to do that comparison.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks for the reply. I finally chose to buy the same version presented in this review because the SE version was out of stock and I think I made the right decision. This lens really has a lot of character. Wish you all the best!
Thank you for great review
I’m having a dilemma between this lens and APO 65 mm F2 and APO 50mm f2 .
If it comes to quality which one would you place first
I love the versatility and pop from the 65mm. It's my favorite.
@@DustinAbbottTWI 65 mm has been on my mind since I’ve seen your review not that long ago.
I’m new to photography and after watching numerous amount of Lens reviews on RUclips I’ve found you the most thorough and knowledgeable lens expert.
And for that thank you 🙏
I can't remember when was the last time I saw this 100 drachmas bill... This lens reminds me of the Mamiya 645 80mm f1.9 in a way... Greets from Greece and keep on making those excellent reviews!
Thank you!
You do the best reviews on the Internet. Thank you.
Thank you very much, Alex
Thanks Dustin, greta review this lens has just found its way into my bag and joins some Milvus lens they both have there application. I agree the look of Voigtlander is just what I want.
That's good company :)
Hi Dustin, did you ever do a review on tbe 35mm apo-lanthar?
Fantastic review. I've been bingeing your channel as I recently picked-up an A7C for my compact kit. I'm torn between the 40mm f1.2 Nokton, 65mm f/2 APO-Lanthar or Sigma 65mm f2 for my general purpose prime to complement my Tamron zooms. I also briefly considered the Sigma 45mm f2.8 and love the rendering from the spherical aberration, but its close-up performance combined with the relatively small aperture give me pause.
Out of those lenses the 65mm F2 Voigt is my favorite.
Voigtlander 65 is one of the best lenses ever made if you can deal with the ridiculously long focus throw.
I bought the E mount version and it is fantastic. I love it.
It has a ton of character.
Great review. I really like all your D-review series, it's a must see for me before I go shopping now.
BTW, I am new to 3rd party lens, so I am wondering...
I am aware of the electric contact points on this lens, so does that mean if I shoot jpeg in my Sony A7C II, all the in-camera lens corrections will also be applied automatically to this lens? Or do I have to shoot RAW and do those corrections in Lightroom?
Thanks again👍
The advantage of the electronic contacts is that all of that information will be automatically applied.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank you so much!
Great review, as usual.
The green fringing at 21:41 looks pretty intense!
It's not that fringing is terrible. It's more of a surface (radial) blur at wide apertures.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks Dustin, interesting stuff. Looking forward to seeing how you get on with the Tamron 70-180 - I'm trying to figure out if there's a tiny amount of spherical aberration wide open but not sure how to test it consistently - might also be radial blur. Suggestions welcome!
Keep up the good work.
Made by Cosina in Japan. Cosina is a very good lens; I have several. They also make some Leica and Carl Zeiss lenses.
It is worth reading the company's history (real name: Koshina) on Wikipedia.
That's correct.
Definitely not for everyone, but it can be a good value if you hop between systems with your camera. I find myself buying a lot of voigtlander Leica m mount lenses as they can work on my Fujifilm, Sony, and Leica with little issue. BTW, your conclusions here for the 40mm were the same as mine for the 35mm f1.2 nokton.
I didn't know that regarding M mount.
Thanks Dustin for a comprehensive review as always! Just wondering what watch are you wearing indoors at 4:05? And is that a separate leather band you purchased? Thanks!
It's a Mi Band 4 (amzn.to/34QgQbG) and yes, I got the leather band off Amazon too.
Great review as usual.. Are you planning to review the 50mm F2 apo?
Eventually. I don't have an easy way to get Voigt loaners, so it may be a while.
Dustin Abbott I see.. May I suggest that you join Fred Miranda's photography community? You're very popular there already. Fred, the admin, is a good reviewer and he usually uses his own copies for reviews. However, very often the forum members supply him with their lenses for review purposes. Many members are located in Canada, and I'm pretty sure many of them will be happy to send you their copies for review. There are lots of gear nerds there, and they don't take most RUclipsrs seriously, except for you 😃
Please do review it, it is a beauty and I think you will love it. I am in Ontario and could loan you mine if you want.
@@YasserSultan, great suggestion. The Fred Miranda forum is an amazing photography resource.
Hi Yasser - it's also time. I have six lenses on hand for future reviews already, with others scheduled to arrive in the next few weeks.
Excellent review. I own the lens and Dustin gives all of the pluses and minuses honestly and fairly. It's a very artistic lens. That's how I use it. I don't pixel peep much with the beautiful images I capture with it.
Totally agree!
Thank you so much for this video. Answered many of my questions. Keep it up! 👍
Glad it helped!
Thanks for a great review. A 40/1.2 was not on my list of planned purchases (for my Z6) but it might be a nice thing to have, especially given the relatively low price and the lens's obvious character, as my first Z lens. I shoot a lot with film on SLRs and older lenses so I'm used to (prefer, even) manual glass. Food for thought.
Enjoy!
I love your reviews and really appreciate the effort you put into them but one criticism is that you always refer to astigmatism as coma. Have a deeper look into them as they're two completely different issues
Some great info here - www.lonelyspeck.com/a-practical-guide-to-lens-aberrations-and-the-lonely-speck-aberration-test/
Hi Alyn, thanks for the feedback, though I will say this: millions of people have watched my reviews and you are the first to complain about this. ...I suspect most people (including all the various companies that make lenses) don't share your concern. I'm using the term in the way that it is most commonly used in the industry.
@@DustinAbbottTWI it's not a complaint, just pointing out something that is factually wrong and something I thought a man who is so critical and otherwise on point would have appreciated.
And yes your videos have been watched by millions, so it comes as little surprise that people now use the term coma synonymously with other aberrations and that is of course why people don't have the same concern, because they are oblivious to the difference anyway, they're led to believe that's coma because of the misuse of the word by RUclipsrs and reviewers with large followers.
I just assumed you'd appreciate factual correctness over the colloquial use by the average Joe.
Anyway, don't want the pedantic points to nullify my appreciation for the work and effort you put into your reviews!
Hi Dustin: thank you for your wonderful review on Voigtlander lens. I like the manual lense for some still street and landscape shots.
May I ask you a favor to give some suggestions on a lens selection from 28mm to 40mm for street walkaround photography. my camera body is sony. I learned online, Voigtlander 35mm 1.7 M mount is good for 35mm. but I need an adaptor to make it work on sony. thanks
I really like the 40mm focal length for what you describe.
@10:04 the CA's just seem to give the whole image more depth. I heard Ken Wheeler yack on about CA's giving depth to an image. I've seen video footage of video games where you can add or switch off CA's and it definitely gives the game more depth and also ambience. I was actually told about the CA's meant the image has depth and dimensionality about 15 years ago on the Pentax forums. Like red and blue 3D glasses gives the 3D movie depth, and red and blue added together makes purple down a single lens. Video games designers are adding lens aberrations to their video games to create a more cinematic and realistic or organic feel to the games.
I bet that image would look better and more dimensional in black and white.
I enjoy your reviews! This makes me want to go out and shoot with my worst purple fringing lens.
People have differing optical priorities, and that's why there will always be a market for a lens like this.
Actually had to flip my Canon 50mm f/1.2 since even after multiple auto focus adjustments in-camera I was unable to achieve the sharpest results. I held onto my Sigma 50mm Art f/1.4 in it's stead. Canon gave dream like views as stated in your previous posts, will probably pick up another copy in the future, but would for sure pick up a Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/1.4 before acquiring again.
It is very frustrating when an autofocus lens doesn't give you consistent focus results.
Nice, objective review. Would you recommend it, with an adapter, for use with a Fuji XT-3? Thanks
I don't see why not. It's a lovely lens.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks
Hi! I just got the SE version of this lens and I have a question: the focus ring is not quite smooth, there is a slight noise that I can only hear when I put the lens closer to my ear. When I use the camera and look through the viewfinder, I can hear it too. That’s how I noticed that. It’s like a light clicking noise at some point only and not through the whole focusing range. Is it normal? Thanks!
I haven't tested the SE version, but the whole point of those is that you are getting the optics in a cheaper housing. The handling is not going to be as good or smooth as the version I tested.
Sony just needs to update its 50mm F1.8
That would be nice.
Just get the 55mm 1.8
@@ElReySupr3me Already have it. Still want 50mm and a programmable button.
just get 1.4 and step down to 1.8
The purple fringing when shoot wide open drives me crazy, you sample picture is a really really great way to demonstrate that issue. this lens is really a " classic" style lens, so low contrast, nowhere as bad as the Voigtlander 35 F1.4 Classic but still pretty low contrast, and I really can't stand that, also when shoot wide open for Astro, it 's got boat load of coma, really ugly looking, so I sold mine, the only Voigtlander I regret buying. .
Some people love this lens, and others feel more like you. It really comes down to what you are looking for from the lens.
After seeing this review, I'm wondering if the Nokton could be my wide lens to go with the Apo-Lanther 65/110? I'm not too concerned about performance wide open. I sorta like the look wide-open, but feel like I could stop down if I wanted better sharpness/contrast...
There's a lot of fans of it out there. Just look at the comments.
Great video, will there be any difference if it was a Leica M mount with an adapter to the Sony FE?
I can't answer that, as I haven't tested that application.
@@DustinAbbottTWI 👍 thanks. I guess in theory should be about the same.
@@alfredtolentino8614 e mount version focuses down to 35cm and m mount 50cm.
@@0action847 thanks 👍📸
Thanks for the review Dustin!
You're welcome. Ethan.
Would be interesting to see a 35mm 1.2f review :)
Voigtlanders are hard for me to source for reviews because they don't have distribution in Canada. I borrowed this one while I happened to be traveling in the US
Yeah. Those straight aperture blades are quite distracting on the lights bubbles. 🙁 The lack of contrast wide open I could live with.
Yeah, it is a shame.
Great ! Thanks for the review once again
My pleasure!
hi dustin, better for sharpness leica m attack, or sony e attack? I thought for my sony a7rii leica m attack with adapter ring techart pro. what do you think is better as a solution?
I don't have enough experience with Leica to say.
Thank you very much for this really interesting review. Too bad that the Voigtländer lenses - especially this one - don't use rounded aperture blades. I don't care much about sunstars, but I do care about round bokeh balls.
I'm with you on that.
i agree but getting round bokeh balls were just less than 5% of my shots...
Too good that they have straight aperture blades. The reason I like Voigtlander lenses is the sunstar
Can you do a review on the voigtlander 35mm 1.4?
I'm afraid it is difficult for me to get Voigtlander loaners. They have no distribution in Canada. I did this review while traveling.
Dustin, let me know if interested in parting with the demo.
Hi Mark, this lens (like most of the gear I review) was loaned to me by either a retailer or the manufacturer.
Must be painful to be so tempted by loaners. Just purchased this lens. Perfect balance of old and new.
Do you know what’s the difference to the SE version? Thanks!
From what I can tell SE stands for "Stills Edition", and the only difference is that the aperture is clicked and doesn't have a declick option
@@DustinAbbottTWI thanks very much!
Hello, can you review the 50mm f/1.2 please?
Hi Rafael - I can't make any promises. I have limited access to Voigtlander lenses, and did the 40mm and 110mm during a time that I was traveling and had an easier chance to get access to them.
So it's essentially a modern vintage lens and aimed at the people vintage lenses appeal to.
I'd buy one if I didn't want a the 50mm APO-LANTHAR more.
That's fair.
The bokeh let me down, i mean i'd take this to shoot wide open but if i need it stepped down i'm screwed :( This needs a swirl bokeh to be perfect
That's always the conundrum - what if you want both the soft bokeh and sharpness?
Looks like the same glow as my old sigma 300/4
That's interesting.
It seems to me that there's a conundrum where moderately sized fast lenses can either be sharp or apochromatic but not both. Most lenses seem to prioritize sharpness and leave in the ugly LoCA and green/magenta transition, but I really think it should be the other way around. I rathe my image be a bit soft/low contrast than have those ugly fringes everywhere. Of course there are very big lenses that are both sharp and apochromatic but those are just too big for anything but professional use.
You're describing the choices that engineers have to make in lens design. You can't have everything, unfortunately.
The lens has a built-in mist filter.
LOL - pretty much.
Seems like a nice lens, however, for that kind of money you can buy half dozen nice, fast vintage lenses, what's far better value, in my opinion at least...
That would probably depend on which ones you are referring to, but there are a few that are quite good.
Is this leica mount ?
sony e mount
sony e mount
Not for everyone, I agree.
Definitely true.
This might be the cure to LBA... unless you need tele or shoot distant subjects.
Perhaps.
Yeah, well, I hope _YOU_ have a great day. So there.
LOL!
I wonder :
Why did Voightlander not DARE (?) to "throw in" other than conventional apperture.
WHY not, say, 11, 19, 21.. and pronouncedly curved blades, and perhaps even be strait at f11 (for star burst) ?
Why so conservative ?
I REALLY wonder.
Or in other words : Would any present qualities suffer in any way if they re-issued the same lens with such unconventional high blade-count (rounded) ?
(You all guessed it, let's NOT talk about costs.)
I’m curious - what do you perceive as an advantage for different apertures…or are you talking about aperture iris blades? Voigtlander already has fairly straight blades if sun stars are a prioritity for you.
@@DustinAbbottTWI
I wonder(???) how this lens would render with a highest(!) quantity of ROUNDED blades (they certainly made high-number blade apertures in the "old days".
) Why not nowadays?
Why don't the try to have most rounded openings at every apperture settings?
(No I am not a sunstar hunter at all.
I just wanted to say that from a marketing point of view, technically they also can make rounded blades to become progressivally -or suddenly - strait And that could be another marketing incentive.
If they don't do it is it because it would be "to perfect?, or they just pretend nobody would by it? It's bound to be because they "chose the best compromise". But I doubt.
Nobody so far affirms that more (and rounded) blades would make less pleasing bokeh up to say f8 as with those conventional irises.
(BTW I have one,
( picked it out of four copies I was allowed to carefully test and choose from.) Outstanding.
I have it as a EDC. Professionlly I go AF with the GM50)
this is the manual focus only cousin of the rather Canon EF 50mm 1.2L, soft, compact, bokehlicious and full of character
I think that's fair.
Or Sony
Sony e-mount
Hate you Dustin! I have a $800 dollar hole in my pocket now!!! ROFL!
I've heard that one before.
@@DustinAbbottTWI NO REGRETS!!!
NOKTON, not NOKTUN!! Pfft!
??? I say "Nokton", but perhaps you are just mocking my accent.