CV 50/1.5 or CV 50/1.1 for my M9

[kshapero]

Looking for a faster 50 mm lens for my M9. Found a seller offering both M Mount lenses for about the same price. I know the obvious comparisons, so I am looking for a, "yeah I tred them both on the M9 and I found etc., etc." or at least your experience with one of them. Thanks😀

 

[raid]

I like my CV 50 1.5 ltm, but I have not tried the CV 50 1.1. The latter is a bargain. Get it.

 

[mdarnton]

The 1.1 is huge and heavy, so I don't carry it around and use it nearly as much as I thought I would.

 

[jsrockit]

The 1.1 has focus shift and the 1.5 doesn't (at least the V1). That may sway you. However, both are very nice lenses.

 

[gunston]

i find cv f1.5 is good enough.
Gardening tools by Gunston shoots photo

 

[Huss]

Tried them both. The 1.5 is pretty much faultless, the 1.1 not only is very big, but will block about 1/3 of your viewfinder. It is more of a specialty lens, and once the novelty has worn off, you will be much happier having the 1.5 on your camera for 99% of the time.

 

[Brian Legge]

I love the f1.1 but would only go with it I'd you are keeping another lens for day to day use. The f1.1 is stellar when you need the light but not the most practical every day lens forost people.

 

[Bille]

Here´s the problem with the 1.1
http://www.kenrockwell.com/voigtlander/images/50mm-f1/IMG_1138-finder-blockage.jpg

 

[raid]

Here´s the problem with the 1.1
http://www.kenrockwell.com/voigtlander/images/50mm-f1/IMG_1138-finder-blockage.jpg

I would not turn to anything written by Ken Rockwell. The lens is big because it has a max aperture of 1.1. If this is unimportant to you, then go for the 1.5 lens.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Here´s the problem with the 1.1
http://www.kenrockwell.com/voigtlander/images/50mm-f1/IMG_1138-finder-blockage.jpg

You can put another shade on the lens, from the same maker. That one gives a slightly better view.

I have this lens for many years, bur I've never seen any focus shift.

It is razor sharp, even on the bigger apertures, and has NO distortion.

Leica M5, Nokton 50mm f/1.1, Tmax400.

Erik.

 

[bideford]

I found the 1.1 way too soft wide open (and why would you use it otherwise). Substantial focus shift almost as soon as it is stopped down.

1.5 lens is spectacular. Would still be a player at three times the cost. Reid reviews it favourably.

If you want light at a reasonable price hunt down a Canon 50mm 1.2 LTM - probably get a decent copy for less than the 1.1 - much sharper wide open. The Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM lens is also a good alternative to the 1.5 but will cost more for a good copy.

Get the 1.5 - you will never sell it.

James

 

[kshapero]

Pulled the trigger on the 1.5.

 

[bideford]

Good choice - mine is the LTM version but accordingly the new M mount one is the same optics but with improved coatings.

Enjoy.

James

 

[Out to Lunch]

I am lusting after this lens in the chrome version but I have too many 50mm lenses to justify the purchase.

 

[filmtwit]

Ya, it's big, it's heavy and it's not a bad lens. But I'd also add that it kind of lacks "Character" too. The 1.5 Nokton is ASPH and across the entire road sharper too. I'd go with the 1.5 Nokton over the 1.1 any day.

The 1.1 is huge and heavy, so I don't carry it around and use it nearly as much as I thought I would.

 

[seakayaker1]

Congratulations on picking up the 50/1.5, a wonderful lens!


Like others, I do own the LTM version and love it!

 

[uhoh7]

There's really no comparison between these lenses. If you want low light, the 1.1 is excellent, and can take the M9 where f/1.5 won't dream of going. In fact I'd prefer the 1.1 to the f/1.5 except it's big and heavy. The lens is very sharp stopped down, and it is the equal of the Leica f/1 WO.

Here is a detailed comparison which includes the zm50/1.5.
http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2014/06/comparing-rangefinder-and-slr-50mm-lenses-version-0-7
Rockwell is an idiot, and had a calibration problem with his CV50/1.1 Mine is perfect and can easily focus WO with the M9. If you get one that can't, you either send it back or send it to DAG for calibration.

Mike Hughes by unoh7, on Flickr

L1025414 by unoh7, on Flickr

Zuck by unoh7, on Flickr
These all WO on M9

The CV 50/1.5 is a very nice lens, but the 1.1 is way way faster. Just big. In short the Nokton is underrated, mostly because it's rarely used and when it is used it's always wide open where things can never be as sharp and lots can go wrong. At f/2 maybe the CV will give better edges. At 5.6 I'd think they will be very close. In the center the nokton will equal the CV 50/1.5 at all apertures, I would wager.

The nokton is now easily found for 700USD, a steal. But I confess I mostly take my Sonnetar at 50mm for low light because it's so little.

 

[Godfrey]

I've not used a Nokton 50mm f/1.1 because I'm completely satisfied with the performance and rendering qualities of the Nokton 50mm f/1.5 ASPH (LTM).

G

 

[Godfrey]

... The CV 50/1.5 is a very nice lens, but the 1.1 is way way faster. ...

The 50/1.1 is one stop faster than the 50/1.5, not accounting for (potential) additional light falloff at corners and edges when wide open. "Way way faster" seems to be a bit of hyperbole.

G

 

[kshapero]

BTW I also have the 250 Jahre Heliar 50/2 and is a charming lens in it's own right.