50mm Nokton - f1.1 or f1.5?

[NicoM]

I cant decide.

I love the rendering of the f1.5, but I love the speed of the f1.1. I actually also prefer the ergonomics of the f1.1.

The only thing that is holding be back from pulling the trigger on the f1.1 is the harsher Bokeh. The f1.5 seems to win in this department.

Does anyone own both? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

 

[filmtwit]

If I remember right, the f1.5 will close focus to 0.7, while the f1.1 will only close focus to 0.9. The f1.1 is a heavier.

 

[xayraa33]

I would go with the f1.5

Nice physical size and still plenty fast.

 

[umcelinho]

if you dont like the 1.5 M ergonomics, then maybe the 1.5 LTM? I'd go for the 1.5 M, you can add a focusing tab with some DIY work

 

[NicoM]

Looks like everyone is leaning towards the f1.5!

Are there any in favor of the f1.1?

 

[Joosep]

50mm Nokton @ 1.1
Would not say harsher bokeh....

I eventually traded my Nokton 1.1 just because of the 1m limit. Loved the lens and the look tho.
Oh.. Traded for the Lux Asph...

 

[Brian Legge]

The size and ergonomics of the 1.1 are the typical arguments against it. If you are okay with them (or prefer it), then it seems like it comes down to:

* Lens speed
* Lens signature/fingerprint
* Cost
* Minimum focus distance
* Handling (already decided as 1.1)

Figure out your personal pros and cons of each and you'll probably have your decision. Most posters here seem to dislike the ergonomics and size of the 1.1 which dominates everything else for them. Your preferences may be very different.

 

[Erik van Straten]

The best thing is to take both.

Erik.

 

[NicoM]

The best thing is to take both.

Erik.

Haha, if only I had that kind of money!

 

[peterm1]

I do not own both, I own the f1.1. From what I have seen, I agree that the f1.5 has the better bokeh. However the bokeh on the f1.1 is mostly not anywhere near as bad as some would have you believe. Yes its not reputed to be so smooth but its only "caffienated" as some people express it with certain backgrounds. Mostly its perfectly fine. If you prefer the f1.1 becasue of its speed do not let the side issue of bokeh put you off would be my advice. The silver version of the f1.5 certainly has some things going for it - it has a reputation for sharpness and nice bokeh and it looks well. But as I own the f1.1 I certainly would not dispose of it to get the other lens. Besides it looks great either on an M camera or on something like a Sony NEX. In fact I mount it on an NEX f3 with adapter and it both looks and performs brilliantly.

 

[newsgrunt]

If the 1.1 would have focused closer, I'd have kept it. I mean how hard would it be to let the helicoid turn a bit more ?

 

[craygc]

I've had the LTM 50 f/1.5 and the f/1.1 and sold them both - compared to the Zeiss offerings they're both rather bland. Zeiss Planar for overall sharpness, and C-Sonnar for its signature (wide open)

 

[peterm1]

If the 1.1 would have focused closer, I'd have kept it. I mean how hard would it be to let the helicoid turn a bit more ?

I think its more to do with image quality loss at closer range. When working to a price its easier to restrict the range of the lens when this type of problem crops up. And most people don't mind too much. Heck although I prefer closer focus its seldom much of an issue in practice.

 

[NicoM]

I don't see the 1m minimum focusing distance as an issue because my previous 50mm was a Leica DR Summicron, which had a 1m MFD as well. I was perfectly content with it.

 

[Tom A]

Nokton 50mm f1.1 @ 1.1. This is shot with an old copy film, Orwo MA 8, rate at 12 iso and developed in Delagi D8 developer. The Nokton f1.1 is very good even at f1.1. I have both the Nokton 50f1.5 and the Nokton 50 f1.1. I use the f1.1 when I want the extremely shallow depth of field - or when the light is simply gone! It is a big lens, somewhat more compact than the Noctilux f1.1 - and much more compact than the Noctilux f 0.95. The Nokton 50mm f1.5 is more of my all round 50 - and usually goes on the road with me. The 50 f1.1 is a bit too heavy to drag around when walking.
As for the close up - for me it is not a big issue - the lens is sharp enough that you can crop edges to "fake" a closer look.

 

[uhoh7]

L1006058 by unoh7, on Flickr

Nokton on the m9 seems really excellent


L1003433-2 by unoh7, on Flickr

First I've heard that the lens has "bad bokeh"

 

[NicoM]

First I've heard that the lens has "bad bokeh"

I don't think anyone here said the bokeh was bad. Harsh/Busy bokeh is not the same as bad... 😛

 

[Erik van Straten]

I don't know what bokeh is, but I like the three-dimensional effect of both Noktons.

Leica M3, Nokton 50mm f/1.1 @ f/1.1, Tmax400.

Erik.

 

[CrisR]

I have the 50/1.1, it was actually my first lens and I've gotten a lot of use out of it. I also have a 50/2 Planar.

In the lowest light, the 1.1 has been very useful, but the look is soft compared to my Planar and as I'm now very much moved over to the Zeiss lenses and their crispness, I'm enjoying the wide open performance less and less.

I've taken to only shooting it at f1.4, unless utterly needed, but even then, it's still too soft for my taste. If I can get away with f2, it's the Planar every time.

As a f1.4 lens, it's needlessly big. I know that what I really want, is the 50 Lux ASPH and I will get one after I've funded my 75 Cron, but that means it won't be any time soon.

The new 50/1.5 is a great performer wide open as far as I can tell, far more to my taste with regards it's look, and practically the same speed as I currently shoot the 1.1.

I think if someone offered me a straight swap for the 50/1.5 for my 50/1.1 right now, I would take it.

In fact, I just put such an offer up on the want to trade section.

 

[CrisR]

Here are some examples of the f1.1, wide open, on both Leica M8 and M9

First Autumn by Cris Rose, on Flickr

Wedding Day Cuddles by Cris Rose, on Flickr

Wedding Jazz by Cris Rose, on Flickr

Aisle Expection by Cris Rose, on Flickr

All Smiles by Cris Rose, on Flickr

Huddled In by Cris Rose, on Flickr

Anna Mullin / Sneaky Raccoon - Portrait Session by Cris Rose, on Flickr