Re. the vignetting on the Sony: make sure you have an adapter made explicitly for the FE mount. Some E adapters go back to when Sony's entire mirrorless lineup used APS-C sensors. I've run into this with Voigtländer's own Contax rangefinder mount adapter. There are two different ones, the first for E (APS-C) cameras and a later second one for "full frame" cameras.
Think it was some of the shots in this review that convinced me to buy one. Haven’t quite matched your shots yet, but it is a phenomenal lens; incredible optics and build quality - very, very solid. Manual focusing - especially on the street, is a challenge, so any pointers to increase my keeper rate would be appreciated.
Do you shoot with EFCS turned on with Sony (it is usually on by default)? That usually can ruin the image and bokeh when shooting in bright light at faster than 1/500s shutter values. The efcs can make other side of the image darker than the other and the bokeh tends to "cut in half", fading away towards the bottom of the image (on landscape oriented image). Please try it out again with either all-electronic shutter or the mechanical shutter (efcs turned off). ;)
Yeah. Most certainly. Not an issue with the lens. I've seen lots of gorgeous examples taken with that lens with Sony cameras. It's a specific issue with the electronic first curtain shutter (efcs) that causes the issues with the bokeh as well as darkens the upper part of the frame (see how the "vignetting" is mostly on the top side of the image). You can read more about these issues here: phillipreeve.net/blog/limitations-of-the-electronic-shutter-function/
No, only with efcs. Electronic shutter/ silent mode has it own issues for example with certain type of artificial lights but has no similar issues that efcs has. You really should read the article I linked in my previous post. Lot's of information there about these different shutter modes. ;)
You can actually test this easily with a Sony camera. Just use ANY large aperture lens, look for a background in bright outdoors situation (foliage showing sky through etc) that you can blur so you can see the bokeh balls easily. Then take pictures wide open with fast shutter speed (something like 1/3000 to 1/8000s) with both efcs and mechanical shutter (or silent electronic if you have it). Then compare images.
Would you happen to have any experience with the Zeiss Makro-Planar 50mm f2 (either the Milvus or the classic version)? I am interested in purchasing this or the Voigtlander with the hopes of getting the best 50-ish lens for my Nikon F3.
I use Voigtlander lenses and I just love them. A color skopar 21 mm f /4 with leica screwmount and a voigtlander nokton 40 mm f mm f /1,2 VM love to use them.
the zeiss 35mm f2 has the same effect as this lens but but amplified. it's so 3dimensional, you feel you can measure the space between object foreground mid and background. its insane. the 28mm f2 also does just as well.
I just re-bought those two excact lenses for that purpose. The Zeiss 35 f2 dist and the SL2 58 1.4. Magical lenses. Zeiss holds up well on the 47 mpx SL2. Extremely well actually. No sure yet regarding the 58 mm.
I use this lens on a fujifilm XT2, it's absolutely beautiful, it stayed on my camera until, believe it or not, I purchased the Mitakon 35mm mk II .95...it took some getting used too but also produced fantastic images. Now, I'm wondering about the new voigtlander 40mm f1.2...does anyone have experience with this on a fujifilm? Does the 40mm render like the 58mm?
Pleade guide me what adapter did you use for fuji and what mount Nokton (leica or Nikon)? I will be Grateful for the reply! I wanna use 58 f1.4 Nokton the on my xh-1! Thanks!
I use it on Nikon D800. My favorite lens. Voigtlander doesn't want to develop new lenses for Nikon unfortunately, though have many new excellent lenses for Leica M
I use it on a z6 and it works great with the FTZ adapter. I enjoy manual focus so much more with the z6 than I did with the D850 and have been using my voigtlanders more than ever since getting one.
Harder as focusing with an SLR OVF is much much harder to nail focus when wide open. Tried it with the Df and Nikon 50 1.4 Manual lens. Hit rate was maybe 50%.
I have been using this lens on a D800 and it is an amazing combination, the color and saturation are hard to beat and the micro contrast and perceived sharpness are superior to modern auto focus lenses in the 50mm range. It does take a little time to get used manual focusing on the Nikons.
Love this lens! I use it on my D700, FA, and FM3A. The 1983 FA can matrix meter with this lens because it is technically the Nikkor AI-s type. And since it's chipped you get full functionality in modern AF cameas. Also it's cool to see the aperture ADR markings in the viewfinder of the manual cameras, an analog function digital shooters are missing!
It's like that in strong lights... I thought I got a counterfeit when I saw the results. But indoor, it's so sharp that the RAW file will cut your fingers
Same, I can't use it at f/1.4 unless it's a black and white picture, there's way too much CA, even indoors. But then at f/2 the CA is completely gone, thank goodness
The angry photographer have being praising this lens before and after the updated version. not sure if you know who he is (a GAS guy but very knowledgeable, others might feel differently). I believe its the cheapest lens anyone can purchase for its reproduction and rendering.
There are more options, the Zeiss Planar T* 1.4/50 that has a hood included (almost $100 option on the Voigtländer). Then the Nikon 50mm 1.2 AI-S, for which the metal hood isn’t as expensive. I have no trouble focusing on a Df or D800.
Ken claims he knows about Russia and Ukraine better than any other living being. 24 hrs after the invasion he said the Russians would definitively decapitate the Ukrainian President within 24-48 hrs. 3 weeks later ... the fight goes on.
Great lens very vintage Nikkor, problem with the Sony is that the so called full frame mount is actually designed for APSC. Wish reviewers would be honest about issues with Sony, then again all those invite only events are such fun....
The issue is not with the mount. The mount works just fine (I've used more than 50 different lenses adapted with no issues). The issue is caused by electronic first curtain shutter that you should avoid using with Sony cameras when shooting faster than 1/500s or so shutter speeds. Yeah it's a flaw, but easily avoided.
Daniel, do you understand that what you just wrote doesn't make any sense? The adapters are made to fit the adapted lens to a specific distance from the sensor so that it will project the image on the sensor plane correctly.
Oh well. I kinda thought we were talking about DSLR lenses ADAPTED to Sony cameras. But I understand now what you were after. Yes, this is the case with Sigma lenses that were originally designed for DSRL cameras with mirrors. You need to add "spacers" (ie. adapters) in between to quickly make versions for Sony. And yes, in some cases like with Tamrons design for mirrorless ends up with longer optics. But we are just scratching the surface what is POSSIBLE with mirrorless systems with short flange distances. Designing all new lenses for these systems takes several YEARS. Sigma just took the short route to get jump-started. On the other hand, just take a look at FE28/2, FE 35/2.8, FE55/1.8, FE85/1.8 or something new like the Samyang 35/2.8 or 24/2.8. Or my favourite, the Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f/1.2 FE. All pretty incredible optics and compact as hell. And all designed for shorter FL's. Also rangefinders have used compact optics with short FL's for ages. The only problem with those when adapted to Sony has been how close the light converges on the sensor surface and with FE versions of these lenses it is usually optically corrected. But having a camera with short FL i would NOT call a "problem". It's just a challenge for optics designers.
Re. the vignetting on the Sony: make sure you have an adapter made explicitly for the FE mount. Some E adapters go back to when Sony's entire mirrorless lineup used APS-C sensors. I've run into this with Voigtländer's own Contax rangefinder mount adapter. There are two different ones, the first for E (APS-C) cameras and a later second one for "full frame" cameras.
I bought this and the 40mm for my Nikon. Incredible lenses!
Purchased this lens a couple years ago and adapted it for my Canon, haven’t taken it off since! Use it for all my portraits! Fantastic!
Awesome!
I've been dreaming about this lens but will be using it on my Nikon DSLR which it is intended for. Thank you for the excellent review.
What a great looking lens. It looks like it has a small amount of spherical aberration, which renders nicely.
Nice! Another lens to add to my list for the SL! Great review!
I use this lens on my Nikons and my Fuji X-T1. It's an incredible lens. Many of my favorite images were shot with it.
What adapter did you use on your Fuji?
Amazing lens. I hope Voigtlander will shortly deliver it for z mount
Think it was some of the shots in this review that convinced me to buy one. Haven’t quite matched your shots yet, but it is a phenomenal lens; incredible optics and build quality - very, very solid. Manual focusing - especially on the street, is a challenge, so any pointers to increase my keeper rate would be appreciated.
Zone focus
Do you shoot with EFCS turned on with Sony (it is usually on by default)? That usually can ruin the image and bokeh when shooting in bright light at faster than 1/500s shutter values. The efcs can make other side of the image darker than the other and the bokeh tends to "cut in half", fading away towards the bottom of the image (on landscape oriented image). Please try it out again with either all-electronic shutter or the mechanical shutter (efcs turned off). ;)
Toni Palmén is that what you think is the issue causing those problems? Was gonna get that lens but having second thoughts now
Yeah. Most certainly. Not an issue with the lens. I've seen lots of gorgeous examples taken with that lens with Sony cameras. It's a specific issue with the electronic first curtain shutter (efcs) that causes the issues with the bokeh as well as darkens the upper part of the frame (see how the "vignetting" is mostly on the top side of the image). You can read more about these issues here:
phillipreeve.net/blog/limitations-of-the-electronic-shutter-function/
Toni Palmén does this also happend when you use the electronic shutter (silent mode)?
No, only with efcs. Electronic shutter/ silent mode has it own issues for example with certain type of artificial lights but has no similar issues that efcs has. You really should read the article I linked in my previous post. Lot's of information there about these different shutter modes. ;)
You can actually test this easily with a Sony camera. Just use ANY large aperture lens, look for a background in bright outdoors situation (foliage showing sky through etc) that you can blur so you can see the bokeh balls easily. Then take pictures wide open with fast shutter speed (something like 1/3000 to 1/8000s) with both efcs and mechanical shutter (or silent electronic if you have it). Then compare images.
Would you happen to have any experience with the Zeiss Makro-Planar 50mm f2 (either the Milvus or the classic version)? I am interested in purchasing this or the Voigtlander with the hopes of getting the best 50-ish lens for my Nikon F3.
I use Voigtlander lenses and I just love them. A color skopar 21 mm f /4 with leica screwmount and a voigtlander nokton 40 mm f mm f /1,2 VM love to use them.
the zeiss 35mm f2 has the same effect as this lens but but amplified. it's so 3dimensional, you feel you can measure the space between object foreground mid and background. its insane. the 28mm f2 also does just as well.
Is it M mount Zeiss lens?
@@berjarak2535 it's Nikon F mount.. but if u can adapt it.. I promise u, the rendering is phenomenal
@@fourth1000 One of the most 3d lens pops wide open -- for sure !!
I just re-bought those two excact lenses for that purpose. The Zeiss 35 f2 dist and the SL2 58 1.4. Magical lenses. Zeiss holds up well on the 47 mpx SL2. Extremely well actually. No sure yet regarding the 58 mm.
How much of that contributes to the way Leica sensor renders?
What about coupling instead of the Leica SL in a Nikon Zf, this would be the ultimate match.
Hi, Just wait for a z mount version, it will be far more pleasant to use on a zf !
I did! And I am using the Techart autofocus adapter so now I am autofocusing with it even at f 1.4 :)
its magic on the gfx
Marc H how’s the vigneting of this lens on gfx?
Electronic shutter needs to be turned off on the Sony for good bokeh at fast shutter speeds. Looks much better with mechanical shutter.
I know they aren't the same focal length or max aperture, but do you prefer this lens or the Leica 50mm Summicron?
What beautiful lens. I think i could afford the lens but def miss the budget for an sl 😂
I use this lens on a fujifilm XT2, it's absolutely beautiful, it stayed on my camera until, believe it or not, I purchased the Mitakon 35mm mk II .95...it took some getting used too but also produced fantastic images. Now, I'm wondering about the new voigtlander 40mm f1.2...does anyone have experience with this on a fujifilm? Does the 40mm render like the 58mm?
What adapter did you use?
Pleade guide me what adapter did you use for fuji and what mount Nokton (leica or Nikon)? I will be Grateful for the reply! I wanna use 58 f1.4 Nokton the on my xh-1!
Thanks!
Leica sl would be a M39 adapter for Fuji
40mm f2 is better than 58 1.4 to me personaly
I use it on Nikon D800. My favorite lens. Voigtlander doesn't want to develop new lenses for Nikon unfortunately, though have many new excellent lenses for Leica M
That D800 is a brilliant camera even today. Never get rid of it.
Do you know how this compares to the Voigtlander 50mm 1.2 Nokt?
So beautiful 😮
Has anyone used this lens with a Nikon z6? Thanks!
I use it on a z6 and it works great with the FTZ adapter. I enjoy manual focus so much more with the z6 than I did with the D850 and have been using my voigtlanders more than ever since getting one.
Thanks kelly
Thanks so much for the Sony adaptation as well! Was thinking about getting this lens but now I'm not so sure!
Would love to see how it shoots on its native Nikon camera.
Harder as focusing with an SLR OVF is much much harder to nail focus when wide open. Tried it with the Df and Nikon 50 1.4 Manual lens. Hit rate was maybe 50%.
I have no issues shooting it wide open on film, especially if you have a split prism / micro-collar focus screen.
manual focus is not hard if you have good technique and eyesight.
I have been using this lens on a D800 and it is an amazing combination, the color and saturation are hard to beat and the micro contrast and perceived sharpness are superior to modern auto focus lenses in the 50mm range. It does take a little time to get used manual focusing on the Nikons.
Best for low light
On an a7iii which will be a better lens, this one or the 50 1.5 VM? Thanks
Voigt make all kinds of native Sony E mount lenses
Fabrizio Mastronardi Thanks, yes I know but not interesting in Manual voigts, I use them with techart 🙂.
hello !, it is compatible with EOS ?
Any F-mount lens is compatible with EOS with the proper adapter
please put a low cut filter on your audio
That is not the problem. The problem is he has a ground loop and no pop filter. [Sound Engineer speaking here.]
28mm is super sexy as well. I'm looking to pick up the 40mm too!
Love this lens! I use it on my D700, FA, and FM3A. The 1983 FA can matrix meter with this lens because it is technically the Nikkor AI-s type. And since it's chipped you get full functionality in modern AF cameas. Also it's cool to see the aperture ADR markings in the viewfinder of the manual cameras, an analog function digital shooters are missing!
hows the vignetting on film?
i need to get this lens ASAP. nikkor 58mm 1.2 is a very soft lens. not my cup of tea. im getting the Voig 50mm f1.4. great review
40/1.2 e mount for sony. go for it, no regrets
Hmm I wonder why when I used mine wide open. It's all soft and have terrible ca
It's like that in strong lights... I thought I got a counterfeit when I saw the results. But indoor, it's so sharp that the RAW file will cut your fingers
wide open the a lens is not at is' best.
@@fourth1000 at f1.4 is soft, at f2.8 is AWESOME and at f4 is God lens.
@@Agora1981 thats what I found too.
Have you tried the 40mm f2? If so, how would you rate that lens?
Same, I can't use it at f/1.4 unless it's a black and white picture, there's way too much CA, even indoors. But then at f/2 the CA is completely gone, thank goodness
The angry photographer have being praising this lens before and after the updated version. not sure if you know who he is (a GAS guy but very knowledgeable, others might feel differently). I believe its the cheapest lens anyone can purchase for its reproduction and rendering.
Maybe he should show some images he shot with it.
There are more options, the Zeiss Planar T* 1.4/50 that has a hood included (almost $100 option on the Voigtländer). Then the Nikon 50mm 1.2 AI-S, for which the metal hood isn’t as expensive.
I have no trouble focusing on a Df or D800.
@@TheGreatLoco good options for 50mm, but most 58mm are of a higher grade is true for al brands, i believe. But i like your opinions
Ken claims he knows about Russia and Ukraine better than any other living being. 24 hrs after the invasion he said the Russians would definitively decapitate the Ukrainian President within 24-48 hrs. 3 weeks later ... the fight goes on.
it's an old lens but a goodie
the reason is the sony mount is small
nice
The Sony mount was originally designed for APS sensor and FF was later stuffed into the space. That would explain the vignetting.
Electronic shutter and e-front curtain should be turned off. Use mechanical shutter.
it is like everything is better with bacon, same story with Lika, everything is better with Lika...
sony is cold and leica is warm
Great lens very vintage Nikkor, problem with the Sony is that the so called full frame mount is actually designed for APSC. Wish reviewers would be honest about issues with Sony, then again all those invite only events are such fun....
Actually Sony have a bigger mount than Nikon FF.
The issue is not with the mount. The mount works just fine (I've used more than 50 different lenses adapted with no issues). The issue is caused by electronic first curtain shutter that you should avoid using with Sony cameras when shooting faster than 1/500s or so shutter speeds. Yeah it's a flaw, but easily avoided.
Daniel Spaniel Too close for what?
Daniel, do you understand that what you just wrote doesn't make any sense? The adapters are made to fit the adapted lens to a specific distance from the sensor so that it will project the image on the sensor plane correctly.
Oh well. I kinda thought we were talking about DSLR lenses ADAPTED to Sony cameras. But I understand now what you were after. Yes, this is the case with Sigma lenses that were originally designed for DSRL cameras with mirrors. You need to add "spacers" (ie. adapters) in between to quickly make versions for Sony. And yes, in some cases like with Tamrons design for mirrorless ends up with longer optics. But we are just scratching the surface what is POSSIBLE with mirrorless systems with short flange distances. Designing all new lenses for these systems takes several YEARS. Sigma just took the short route to get jump-started. On the other hand, just take a look at FE28/2, FE 35/2.8, FE55/1.8, FE85/1.8 or something new like the Samyang 35/2.8 or 24/2.8. Or my favourite, the Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f/1.2 FE. All pretty incredible optics and compact as hell. And all designed for shorter FL's. Also rangefinders have used compact optics with short FL's for ages. The only problem with those when adapted to Sony has been how close the light converges on the sensor surface and with FE versions of these lenses it is usually optically corrected. But having a camera with short FL i would NOT call a "problem". It's just a challenge for optics designers.
Good info but you need to take care with your transitions