New Voigtlander Viewfinders compared to the Zeiss Vf's

[kyler.]

Hi,
I am looking for a wide angle VF and was going to go with a zeiss until I heard about the new Voigtlanders.
How is the quality of the Voigt finders compared to the renowned Zeiss finders?

THanks,
Kyle

 

[thrice]

Hi,
I am looking for a wide angle VF and was going to go with a zeiss until I heard about the new Voigtlanders.
How is the quality of the Voigt finders compared to the renowned Zeiss finders?

THanks,
Kyle

Which viewfinders are you looking at? I know that the optics of the 12mm x 1.5 finder for the RD-1 are identical to the Zeiss Ikon 18mm finder as I own both and have compared. The Zeiss is much more durable and made from better materials though.

 

[Neare]

Zeiss's overall are much larger and brighter, but also much more expensive. They are, IMO, the best external finders you can buy, ever.
CV's finders are also very good (albeit smaller, however some prefer this) and won't break the bank, I would say they are the wiser decision.

 

[dyao]

I compared Zeiss and Voigtlander ones at a shop...Zeiss ones are like water, super clear...however, much bigger and more expensive.

 

[sanmich]

The image in the Zeiss is better, but I prefer the CV's for several reason:
1- smaller
2- cheaper
3-The Zeiss is so big it covers the part of the dial showing what speed you are using on a Leica M
4- Most important: I have grown to really dislike combined VFs. I have the 28/25 Zeiss and the 28 VC too. The VC is the best inn use, despite it's lower IQ/ distortion. The reason is that the cluttered Zeiss finder gives a much less readable frame, at least for the 28 (I use the 25mm very seldom). Personally, I would stick with VC.

 

[umcelinho]

when I was looking for a 21mm I tried Zeiss', Leica's and Voigtlander's. The Zeiss is indeed another league... in both quality, brightness and (unfortunately) price. Leica's and Voigtlander's seemed to be pretty close to me.

For the price of the Zeiss 21mm vf you can buy an LTM 21/4 from Voigtlander, which comes with a 21mm finder... it's too expensive for a finder, I think, unless you use it as your main lens. for occasional use, the Voigtlander finder will be fine. I went with a plastic one from CV (the metal one has 25mm lineas also so it's a bit cluttered).