Leica 35/1.4 Lux asph vs. 35mm/1.2 Nokt

[35mmdelux]

Anyone have experience wit the two lenses and care to compare and contrast? Do you think they're on par? Do they compete at full aperture? Just trying to get user opinion.

Thanks - Paul

 

[leicashot]

Hey you, I've compared both on film when the Nokton was first released. My opinion on the Nokt is very high. At f.1,2 center it's just as sharp as the Leica, possibly lacking a tad bit of contrast. At f/1.4 it's about equal in center, but the Nokton like most non-Leica lenses tends to soften towards the edges. This isn't as bad as it sounds as when one shoots in low light, it's not often where the photographer needs to rely on edge sharpness.

Handling wise, the Leica wins because it's smaller, lighter, has less obstruction (without hood...with hood about similar, just different) and focusing is easier with focusing tab/lever....but for an extra 1/3 stop and much cheaper, the Nokton is a great buy.

Bokeh between the two is very similar, both silky smooth and nice transition. I foudn there was a noticable difference between OOF drop off between the two from f/1.2 on the Nokton to f/1.4 on the Leica. Not sure about comparing flare or internal reflections, or CA, etc.

Hope this helps boss

Kris

 

[thomasw_]

I have had both until recently. The rendering is different, Paul. I think you know the ASPH Lux is sharp at all apertures, and rendering is neutral with smooth oof areas. The rendering of the Nokton is sharp but not as sharp as the asph lux, particularly as you open it up. The nokton gives more of creamy or dreamy rendering -- you'd love it in colour -- with the edges of the frame being slightly less sharp than you'd see with the asph lux. I'd call the nokton a warm rendering lens with beautiful, impressionistic oof areas. The nokton does not have a flare problem that I know.

All said, the nokton is a very large RF lens and that affects whether or not it stays or goes on certain days/nights. The nokton was as big as my big bertha lux 75! Is that going to strain your usage...of course, you need to answer that for yourself.

 

[leicashot]

I have had both until recently. The rendering is different, Paul. I think you know the ASPH Lux is sharp at all apertures, and rendering is neutral with smooth oof areas. The rendering of the Nokton is sharp but not as sharp as the asph lux, particularly as you open it up. The nokton gives more of creamy or dreamy rendering -- you'd love it in colour -- with the edges of the frame being slightly less sharp than you'd see with the asph lux. I'd call the nokton a warm rendering lens with beautiful, impressionistic oof areas. The nokton does not have a flare problem that I know.

All said, the nokton is a very large RF lens and that affects whether or not it stays or goes on certain days/nights. The nokton was as big as my big bertha lux 75! Is that going to strain your usage...of course, you need to answer that for yourself.

Not sure I agree it's the same size as the 75 lux...think it's a little smaller and certainly handles better. Due to the softness in the corners and vignetting, the oof can appear more dreamy, which is nice, if that's what you're into.

 

[35mmdelux]

leicashot, thomasw -- sort of lost my way. Got it.

thank you very much. Paul