Middle aperture? Voigtlander 35 f1.2 Nokton V1

[tonal1]

I keep reading about the Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton, but almost everything I read or see is about this lens wide open. I'd like to hear how people like using this lens for more general purposes. I could really use an ultra fast 35, but it would be used around F5.6-16 75% of the time.

I've come from using the version IV 35 Summicron, 35 M-Hexanon and the Hexar AF, which are both quite pleasant at all apertures. Is the Nokton at all similar in general performance?

I've also looked at the 35/1.4 Nokton, but pictures I've seen seem a little harsh wide open.

Suggestions?

 

[sazerac]

I don't think that you'll be dissappointed at middle apertures, but this is a big lens to carry around for shooting at f5.6. I think the sweet spot is f2.8-4. There is a nice satin glow at these apertures.

 

[MikeL]

I'd go with one of the slow 35mm lenses 75% of the time. Other than some slight differences in color/contrast, they are all good, especially from f5.6 on. If you don't mind the bulk on the front and in the view finder, than you could cover everything with the Nokton. I was happy with it at all apertures, but I sold it due to the bulk and problems with the focus ring.

 

[Chris Bail]

I have shot this at middle apertures, but 90% of the time it ends up wide open...I like the extra size and weight of the lens myself, but coming from DSLR-land, maybe that makes sense.