M8/9 users that use the Nokton 50mm f1.1. How do you like the lens?

[eleskin]

Since the price is reasonable for such a fast lens, I am wondering those of you who bought one, how do you like it on your M8 and or M9? Another question is how many of you own a Noctilux, and bought this lens as well. I own both the f1.0 Noctilux and the 35 f1.2 Nokton as my high speed lenses, but for the price, the Nokton f1.1 may be a good second fast 50mm when I do not feel like lugging a Noctilux around. It also offers a slightly different look, so owning a Nokton may not be a bad idea since it wont break the bank account.

 

[hteasley]

I'm of two minds about the lens. I've found it frustrating to use on many occasions, with odd bokeh and focus issues. At the same time, I've gotten some images I quite like from it. Here's one:

Since getting a 50mm Summilux II from another RFF member, I love the quality of images from that lens so much more, more of the time, and haven't really encountered a situation where the slight loss of speed mattered.

A Summilux II can be hand for a similar price, and I'd go that way instead, if I had it to do over again.

 

[250swb]

Its a fine lens. It focuses very well with no focus shift on my M9, and the bokeh is different to the Noctilux. There is nothing wrong with the Nokton, think of it as a different brush to paint with, which may suit some people and not others.

I like the bokeh, it is more contrasty and confused than the Noctilux, but thats what I wanted, something slightly edgy. I'd rather make a better emotional photograph than a better technical photograph.

Steve

 

[Krosya]

Its a fine lens. It focuses very well with no focus shift on my M9, and the bokeh is different to the Noctilux. There is nothing wrong with the Nokton, think of it as a different brush to paint with, which may suit some people and not others.

I like the bokeh, it is more contrasty and confused than the Noctilux, but thats what I wanted, something slightly edgy. I'd rather make a better emotional photograph than a better technical photograph.

Steve

Interesting. Based on a following web site, Nokton 50/1.1 has focus shift:
http://www.ultrasomething.com/photography/2010/08/ruminations-on-a-50mm-f1-1-nokton/

I wonder if Cosina has such a huge sample variation that some lenses have it and some dont (dont really see how this would be possible, but never know, I suppose).

 

[theno23]

One thing - I don't think the Nokton is significantly lighter than then Noctilux, though I don't own one, I have only handled one in a shop brielfy.

They have quite a different look from each other, even though there's only 1/3rd of a stop difference in speed.

- Steve

Edit to add: I've got some Nokton photos here too:
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=nokton&w=92145033%40N00

I've not had the lens that long, so don't fully "get" it yet, but I've enjoyed shooting with it so far.

 

[rwchisholm]

I like the lens quite a bit. While focus can be hard to nail wide open, as expected at 1.1, I find the lens acceptably sharp and the bokeh enjoyable. The subject has a nice 3d pop as well. I am putting together a set of images here

http://www.flickr.com/photos/feros-ferio/sets/72157624821402982/

Boring family pics, but you can get an idea of the lens.


Rob

 

[250swb]

Interesting. Based on a following web site, Nokton 50/1.1 has focus shift:
http://www.ultrasomething.com/photography/2010/08/ruminations-on-a-50mm-f1-1-nokton/

I wonder if Cosina has such a huge sample variation that some lenses have it and some dont (dont really see how this would be possible, but never know, I suppose).

I agree with you, its unlikely that Cosina have such a high sample variation. So that leaves only one other sample variation, human.

All I can say is that its not a problem with my lens, maybe its the way I use it. Other than that there is only one person I trust to do a proper test of the Nockton f1.1, and Sean Reid is doing that now.

Steve

 

[egor]

I agree with you, its unlikely that Cosina have such a high sample variation.
Steve

I wrote the ultrasomething 50mm Nokton article in question, and I can assure you there is a bit of focus shift on my personal copy. Note that this did NOT impact my opinion of the lens. I'm very pleased with mine (as I stated in the conclusion).

I would tend to disagree with your assumption that lenses can't have sample-to-sample variation -- though I have known one or two photographers who have never purchased a 'problem' lens. Maybe they're lucky. Maybe I'm just unlucky. I have several Voigtlander lenses, and have never bought one without first trying a few samples -- the results almost always indicate variations between copies (sometimes minor, sometimes major). Even Sean Reid says this about several of the CV lenses he's reviewed. Back in my SLR days, 1 in 4 Canon L-lenses that I would purchase new in-box would need to be sent back to Canon. In every one of these cases, Canon verified that the lenses were, indeed, out-of-spec, and repaired them. Like I said, maybe I'm unlucky. But sample variation really does exist.

In regards to the 50mm Nokton, I was able to pre-test two different samples. Both had absolutely identical focus shift. Ultimately, I chose one sample over the other because of a different variable -- the focusing mechanism. One had a focusing ring that turned smoothly and was evenly damped over the entire rotational range. The other varied throughout its rotational access between 'too lose,' 'too tight,' and 'too raspy,' which made it harder to focus reliably and quickly at f1.1. That second lens might have 'fixed itself' over time, but I bought the one that was already 'smooth.'

Anyway, I agree with your "trust" issue: Sean's the man when it comes to reviewing M-mount lenses. I also know, for fact, that he's read my review (though I don't know what his findings will be).

I also agree with you on the bokeh, and drew an almost identical conclusion in my article. The 50mm Nokton is a nice lens... whether you believe mine has focus shift or not. 😉

 

[Alnitak]

One thing - I don't think the Nokton is significantly lighter than then Noctilux, though I don't own one, I have only handled one in a shop brielfy.

They have quite a different look from each other, even though there's only 1/3rd of a stop difference in speed.

- Steve

Edit to add: I've got some Nokton photos here too:
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=nokton&w=92145033%40N00

I've not had the lens that long, so don't fully "get" it yet, but I've enjoyed shooting with it so far.

The Nokton is substantially lighter than the new Noctilux f/0.95. I don't have a scale handy, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Noctilux weighed twice as much--and I do have both lenses in my bag right now.

Jeff

 

[Alnitak]

I agree with you, its unlikely that Cosina have such a high sample variation. So that leaves only one other sample variation, human.

All I can say is that its not a problem with my lens, maybe its the way I use it. Other than that there is only one person I trust to do a proper test of the Nockton f1.1, and Sean Reid is doing that now.

Steve

First off, the Cosina-Voigtlander lenses are very well-known for sample variation. Sean Reid points that out, and you trust Sean, so you don't have to believe me. The sample variation is one of the trade-offs for the lower price; if you accept that, then all you have to do is be willing to try out a couple lenses before buying.

As for focus shift, it seems to be a highly misunderstood topic, but its really very simple: It's a function of physics and optical design. A lens either has it or doesn't, and every single model of a lens WILL have it or won't have it. What can mask it is how the lens is calibrated. If for example, a lens is calibrated to front-focus wide open, and the focus shifts when stopped down, then someone who only shoots stopped down will never notice any focus shift--but it doesn't mean its not there.

The 50mm f/1.1 Nokton most definitely has focus shift. The simple test in that review very clearly demonstrates focus shift and was well-done. I and many others have already demonstrated it. But in the end, it doesn't really matter--you buy this lens to shoot it wide open, and as long as the focus is calibrated to be spot on wide open, you will love it. When I want to shoot stopped down, I pack a much smaller lens that performs much better when stopped down.

Jeff

 

[theno23]

The Nokton is substantially lighter than the new Noctilux f/0.95. I don't have a scale handy, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Noctilux weighed twice as much--and I do have both lenses in my bag right now.

Jeff

Ah, OK, I've not handled a new one yet, only an old one, and I didn't compare directly.

That actually puts me off the 0.95 quite a bit, I really like the look of the pictures I've seen from it, but that's a considerable weight. According to the Manual, the Nokton 1.1 weighs 428g without hood.

- Steve

 

[bluepenguin]

There are lenses that I want it when I look at the pictures.
The Nokton 50mm f1.1 is the lens that falls into "I don't want it" category.

I like Noctilux 50mm (E58), Noctilux 50mm f1.2, Canon 50mm f1.2, Canon 50mm f0.95... etc.

 

[Alnitak]

Ah, OK, I've not handled a new one yet, only an old one, and I didn't compare directly.

That actually puts me off the 0.95 quite a bit, I really like the look of the pictures I've seen from it, but that's a considerable weight. According to the Manual, the Nokton 1.1 weighs 428g without hood.

- Steve

The Leica website lists the 50/0.95 at "Approx. 700g" so I wasn't too far off in guessing that the Nokton was half the weight.

The Noctilux is a bit of a burden...but the results are so lovely. I hadn't picked mine up in a few months, and I brought it with me on a trip to Europe and I am really enjoying it, regardless of the weight.

Jeff

 

[Alnitak]

There are lenses that I want it when I look at the pictures.
The Nokton 50mm f1.1 is the lens that falls into "I don't want it" category.

I like Noctilux 50mm (E58), Noctilux 50mm f1.2, Canon 50mm f1.2, Canon 50mm f0.95... etc.

Why not smudge a bunch of vaseline onto the Nokton--that will get you the Canon 50/0.95 look. 😱

Just kidding.

Jeff

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Yup. Talk like that is how I got my Canon 50/0.95 for $200.

 

[Alnitak]

Yup. Talk like that is how I got my Canon 50/0.95 for $200.

Now, now, I said I was joking.

This highlights the fact that different folks like different looks. I personally really like the new Noctilux, but I like my images to be bitingly sharp in the focal plane, and then smooth bokeh with a tight roll-off. That means that I don't like the f/1 version as its just a bit too soft wide open, and the same applies to the Canon 50/0.95. My main complaint about the Nokton is the busy or harsh bokeh, otherwise I like it.

Jeff