Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2, f/1.4, f/2.5 image comparison

quick summary

quick summary

The blurb at the top explains how 50mm lenses are standard for 35mm film camers, but how a 35mm lens nevertheless provides a perspective that can, on a rangefinder, be called a new sort of normal lens, and goes on to provide examples of how a 35 can be used for different effects. Primarily, a 35 enables relatively small DOF to be combined with a wide view...

The descriptions of each individual lens:

the 35/1.4 is described as having unusual character for a modern lens.

the 35/1.2 is described as a perfect all around lens at all apertures with high performance low light capabilities and still compact given its parameters.

the 35/2.5 is described as being compact yet able to deliver high contrast, high resolution images.

Interesting how the 35/1.4 only has one photo wide open. Examples from the 35/1.2 are all between 1.2 and 1.4 (even though the lens is described as an all arounder) ... Hmmm. It seems to me like they don't really want the two lenses to be compared straight on.
 
Hard to compare those photos - some are colour, others - B&W. Different subjects, etc. But considering all that - I still have to say - CV 35/1.2 is the best 35 ever. CV 35P is a superb valuve for the money. And CV 35/1.4 - OK - maybe not a flop, but doesnt do anything for me. I'm glad I have my 35/1.2!
 
I'm maybe a little off topic, but I'll chime in - three cheers for the 35mm f1.2!! That lens has never disappointed me or done anything to shake my confidence in it - there's not many things I could say that for. The results are fantastic, the build quality is excellent, the handling is just right for me - even it's size & weight can be an asset when working in very low available light (it makes it easy to handhold steady at low shutter speeds).

I recently bought the little 35mm f2.5 PII thinking I'd use it as an unobtrusive daytime lens.. and very quickly found that even in daytime, 9 times out of 10 I still opted for the big nokton. For me, the benefits of the f1.2 nokton clearly outweigh it's relatively large (for RF, not SLR!) size and weight.

Right now in Laos I'm using the big nokton on a M6 TTL 0.58x (usually it's on my Zeiss Ikon), with the M6 wrapped in a zhou half case (which has front and back nubs for better grip) & with a soft release, shooting provia 400x +2 at iso 1600 - all the parts of this system work together so well, it's a joy to use and the results are excellent!
 
I had originally wanted a 35 1.4 for the small size as a one lens take everywhere street package. As chance had it, I came across a 35 1.2 reasonably priced on ebay and, on inpulse, bought it. My first (used) M lands on Monday, the 1.2 should arrive mid week. Can't wait. Will report back once I have my first roll developed.
 
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