CV Nokton 1.5/50 vs Zeiss ZM Sonnar 1.5/50

CV Nokton 1.5/50 vs Zeiss ZM Sonnar 1.5/50

  • CV Nokton 1.5/50

    Votes: 152 41.3%

  • Zeiss ZM Sonnar 1.5/50

    Votes: 216 58.7%
  • Total voters
    368
I think RD1-s has the same VF as R3. I use it on RD1s wide open w/o a problem. Same goes for other fast lenses including 50/1.2 Hexanon.
 
SimonSawSunlight said:
the last two you posted are killer shots, helen.
right on!
Click to expand...

Than
4041248758_349b224789_b.jpg
x Simon
Your actually ONE of the people that INSPIRED me to get the 1.5
Love your work w/that lens !!!
 
Last edited:
The Nocton is the sharper lens and draws with a modern signature. Basically it's equal to the pre-ASPH Summilux in this regard and therefore a huge bargain. But I find it to be a little on the big side in the size department. I can't remember exactly how much it intrudes on the 50mm framelines, but it was more than the pre-ASPH Summilux.

The Sonnar is very sharp once you stop it just a little. Wide open it looks like, well...the classic Sonnar 1.5/50. Even Zeiss doesn't claim that at f1.5 it is a powerhouse in terms of sheer performance, but it does render with a unique look. Physically it's more compact than the Nokton. I would suggest getting one with the focus adjusted for f1.5, although I believe that these days they all ship like that from the factory.

Personally I have the pre-ASPH Summilux and am very, very happy with it. If I had too much money laying around I would pick up a Sonnar, just because of the way it renders images.
 
I am just back from Japan. No news about a Nokton 50f1.5 in M-mount. I asked and it is not "on the board" at the moment. Production of 50f1.1 and 35f1.2 is using the resources at the moment.
It is possible that there will be one, but as to when, I have no idea.
On the other hand, it is not a big deal to use an M-adapter with it. Mine have adapters on them more or less permanently (only comes of when I use them on Canon Rf's or Leica IIIf's).
As to the difference between a Nokton 50f1.5 and the ZM Sonnar 50f1.5. Both are very good lenses. The Nokton is extremely good at f1.5 - but a bit "technical" in its rendering (sharp, contrasty etc) whilst the Sonnar has a smoothness and "lush" rendition in black/white. It is all a matter of taste and I switch between them as to my "mood" and the film I use.
 
naql said:
I've been planning on getting the Nokton for a while but was wondering if anyone has any focus problems with the EBL of the Bessa R3 at 1.5? I can use it with my M2 but I love having TTL when shooting inside.
Click to expand...

I use my 1.5 Nokton on my R3A all the time wide open, I don't find I have any problems getting shots in focus... go for it! I absolutely love the lens, some people say it's too big, but I've got sausage fingers so I'm happy to have a nice big barrel to focus with, I can't stand most of the fiddly little lenses with focusing tabs 🙂
 
The Nokton is a great lens! I voted for it because I have one and fully recommend it. Since I bought the Nokton it has become the lens I use most frequently. I actually can't comment on the Sonnar but if its in your budget then why not try it?
 
Great shot Helen, this is mostly the type of shot that would have been taken with the original version of this lens. Cmogi's photos are also great, but obviously his is tweaked for close, wide open, and thus can give a "clinical" look.
 
ampguy said:
Great shot Helen, this is mostly the type of shot that would have been taken with the original version of this lens. Cmogi's photos are also great, but obviously his is tweaked for close, wide open, and thus can give a "clinical" look.
Click to expand...

That or maybe he just knows how to focus his lens wide open and w/o camera shake? 🙄
 
Krosya said:
That or maybe he just knows how to focus his lens wide open and w/o camera shake? 🙄
Click to expand...
Krosya: just to let YOU know

I find the C Sonnar which I literally just got (this is my first roll developed)
very DIFFICULT to Focus @1.5
not sure if its my EYES or the lens
my two Lux's the 35 & 50 I have no trouble w/@ 1.4

May sell the Sonnar
if I can-t get Keepers at 1.5
though it has a LOVELY signature
I did better with the nokton 1.5

THANK YOU TED ...xo- helen
 
Last edited:
helenhill said:
Krosya: just to let YOU know

I find the C Sonnar which I literally just got / this os my first roll developed
very DIFFICULT to Focus @1.5
not sure if its my EYES or the lens
my two Lux's the 35 & 50 I have no trouble w/@ 1.4

May sell the Sonnar
if I can-t get Keepers at 1.5
though it has a LOVELY signature
I did better with the nokton 1.5

THANK YOU TED ...xo- helen
Click to expand...

helen, i second joe's encouragement. wide-open at min focus distance, unless yours is optimized for f1.5, requires a slight "nod" to the subject because of the focus shift. i have a c-sonnar (optimized for f2.8) and this took me awhile to figure out. i think the lens is well worth the trouble. (have sold other 50s except for the little planar 50.)

best
 
helen, there we go. both your sonnar and the fed stimulus package doing very well.

wouldn't it be quite nice if fast 50s focused as easily up close?
 
back alley said:
helen, i'm saddened to see the the c sonnar on the block already.
i was so looking forward to the images you were going to make with it.
Click to expand...

its a Spectacular lens
but a TRICKY little Beast @1.5
It Demands
It Commands
Discipline
not sure I can SUBMIT to the Whip.....:bang:....😱

btw- been wearing glasses as of Late !

xo-H
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom