Canon 35mm f/2 black vs Voigtlander 35mm f/2.5 LTM

aoresteen

aoresteen

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I have a bit of gas and I'm in the market for a 35mm LTM lens. I've narrowed it down to two - the Canon 35mm f/2 black LTM and the Voigtlander Color-Skopar f/2.5.

I plan on using it with my Leica IIIf. Primarily it will be used with B&W film.

So which one do you recommend? Why?

Thanks!
 
I haven't used the Cosina, but I know it's highly regarded.

I DO have a lot of experience with the Canon, and it's truly one of my most favorite pieces of optical gear, ever. If you don't find the minimum focus to be a limitation (and you won't, if you're using a IIIf, then it's a dream. I love love love love the rendering, and it's so tiny, feels like a little gem.
 
I've used both. Personally I'd go with the Voigtlander. Its what I'd call a all-round type of lens. Great for both color and black and white, and image quality is pretty consistent across the frame. The Canon will give you images that have somewhat more 'character', due to less correction for vignetting and aberations at the edges when used wide open.

Of course, owning both would be ideal! :)
 
the Cosina is a fine lens, but very modern rendering....
 
I love my Canon 35/2 ltm on the M2, and am waiting breathlessly for the new Voigtlander 35/2.
If you decide to get a Canon, ask the seller if it "wobbles". Mine does slightly, it doesn't seem to affect its output, and they are known for having it, but if I had a choice, why not get one without wobble.
 
With 2.5 lens you'll get modern, even rendering.
With v1 you'll get below 1m focusing.
With v2 you'll get similar to f2 lens body and one meter MFD, with very short focus travel.
V2 was changing aperture on it's own with me.
V1 was staying put.
 
Thanks all! If I get the Canon it will be sent to DAG for a CLA right off. Right now I'm leaning toward the Canon as I have the 50mm f/1.2, the 50mm f/1.8 and the 50mm f/2.8 black Canon lenses.



Ko.Fe,

Is there an easy way to tell the difference between the Canon V1 & V2? I see that the V1 has meters in red numbers and V2 meters is in white. Does this hold for all of the Canon 35mm f/2 lenses?

V1:

https://global.canon/en/c-museum/product/s40.html

V2:

https://global.canon/en/c-museum/product/s41.html
 
davidnewtonguitars said:
I love my Canon 35/2 ltm on the M2, and am waiting breathlessly for the new Voigtlander 35/2.
If you decide to get a Canon, ask the seller if it "wobbles". Mine does slightly, it doesn't seem to affect its output, and they are known for having it, but if I had a choice, why not get one without wobble.
Click to expand...

it really does look like an exciting lens. :)
 
I've had both and I kept the Canon. I had the early chrome LTM Skopar and I didn't care for it enough to keep it. The rendering in b&w, for me, was too modern and contrasty.
 
Thanks all! I decided to get the Canon. I bought this one:

canon_35mm_f2_600.jpg


Looks like a V1, serial# 23922. Seller has 100% feedback and the lens appears to be in great shape. PLus it has the caps, case, and a filter.

While it's for my IIIf, it will find some time on my M4-P :). I know I have an M3 adapter for the 35mm/135mm here somewhere.
 
If I remeber correct, lens version visible difference is in the writings on the front.
I think, these lenses could work with tab via 3M tape adapter :)
 
I have a Canon that I use on my IIIc and Canon IVSB2. It's a great lens and works well with black and white - I haven't tried color.
 
Congrats on getting a really nice lens. I had the CV Skopar 35/2.5 and the Canon 35/2.0 v. II. Nice as it was, I sold the CV and kept the Canon, and have had no regrets. Quite a few recent photos taken with the Canon over on my Flickr, if you want to see samples.
 
I picked up a a Canon lens hood for the Canon 50mm f/1.8, 35mm f/2.8, & 35mm f/3.2. It's not marked for the 35mm f/2 but I will test it see how it does. It holds Series VI filters. I have used Series VI filters since 1975.

Was there a special shade for the 35mm f/2 Canon?
 
Edit - Moderator Note:

I'm not sure why this double-posted. Please delete. Sorry! Thanks!

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I picked up a a Canon lens hood for the Canon 50mm f/1.8, 35mm f/2.8, & 35mm f/3.2. It's not marked for the 35mm f/2 but I will test it see how it does. It holds Series VI filters. I have used Series VI filters since 1975 and have plenty of them.

Was there a special shade for the 35mm f/2 Canon?
 
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I have the voiglander f/2.5 and like it. I'm not a big user of that focal length, but every now and then.


I've heard enough good things about the Canon that I expect I would be happy with it also.
 
I have the Voigtlander (CV) 35mm f2.5 and have just acquired the Canon 35mm f2 (version 1). I haven't yet tried the latter. The CV produces images with great micro-contrast. However it seems prone to allowing ghost patches in the shape of the aperture when the sun is anywhere but behind. Consequently I have bought the dedicated hood (LH-2)and also a Canon lens so I can carry out a comparison. The dedicated LH-2 hood is large which somewhat detracts from the handiness of what is a tiny lens. I don't know if the Canon is less prone to this effect but the front lens element is recessed which is a good sign...One point about the Canon: it appears to be more solidly engineered than the CV. It's really easy to lubricate. Can anyone comment on the performance of these lenses when shooting contre-jour?
 
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