Nokton 35/1.2 II + M9 = wow !!

[Atom]

I regret never giving the V1 a fair run. I was somewhat put off by the size. And it seemed overly soft and lacking in contrast wide open. Perhaps the sample I tried was below par. Who knows? Either way, this V2 is a cracker !!

My V1 is quite sharp wide open. It must have been the version you tried.

The shorter barrel length on the V2 is appealing. Glad to see this lens live on and with a seeming rival of the handsomely expensive lux asph.

 

[prosophos]

The new version is looking very nice.

Peter.

 

[Alnitak]

As always, a new version leads people to speculate...I'm working on some side-by-side images comparing the V2, V1 and Summilux ASPH. (non-FLE). In a carefully controlled test, the only difference I am seeing between the V1 and V2 lenses is a slightly smoother bokeh with the V2 lens. Given that the diaphragm blades appear identical, and appear to be identically placed, the only thing I can conclude is that a slight adjustment of the optical formula has helped--possibly a result of the changes to allow a .5m close focus.

Overall, both copies of these lenses are slightly sharper on the whole than my copy of the Summilux, even in the corners. That said, there is always sample variation--the first copy of the V1 Nokton I had was a good bit softer, and while my Summilux is very good, I know there are worse and better copies of Leica lenses out there as well.

The smaller size of the new V2 is very handy, although it's still bigger than the Leica. The V2 does have slightly better construction quality than the V1 lens. The overall feel is a lens that is "tighter" in construction, and closer in quality to the Zeiss lenses than some of the other Voigtländer lenses. The close focus change means that it has a longer focus throw than the V1 lens. The length difference is all but imperceptible, but the reduced barrel diameter is very noticeable, and makes the V2 lens seem much smaller.

Coding to correct for vignetting is important, unless you like the vignette. I have found that the best correction is using the v1 Summilux ASPH code, although it slightly overcorrects the image at the f/2-4 range. For those who like to hand-code their lenses on the M8 and M9, the groove on the new V2 lens mount is a boon.

Overall this lens is a great value--like most of the Voigtländer lenses. I'm working on a full write-up with a comparison of 100% crops. I'll post a link here in a few days when its complete.

Meanwhile, here's an image of OOF lights that shows the smoother bokeh of this lens--no busy lines in the OOF highlights, or harder edges.


L9996836 by jhapeman, on Flickr

 

[umcelinho]

Meanwhile, here's an image of OOF lights that shows the smoother bokeh of this lens--no busy lines in the OOF highlights, or harder edges.
L9996836 by jhapeman, on Flickr

Looks like the v2 has no bullseye effect like the v1! Sweet!!!

 

[Vickko]

ohmigod, I can't wait to get my lens into my hands. Thanks so much for posting the photos.

 

[leicashot]

As always, a new version leads people to speculate...I'm working on some side-by-side images comparing the V2, V1 and Summilux ASPH. (non-FLE). In a carefully controlled test, the only difference I am seeing between the V1 and V2 lenses is a slightly smoother bokeh with the V2 lens. Given that the diaphragm blades appear identical, and appear to be identically placed, the only thing I can conclude is that a slight adjustment of the optical formula has helped--possibly a result of the changes to allow a .5m close focus.

Overall, both copies of these lenses are slightly sharper on the whole than my copy of the Summilux, even in the corners. That said, there is always sample variation--the first copy of the V1 Nokton I had was a good bit softer, and while my Summilux is very good, I know there are worse and better copies of Leica lenses out there as well.

The smaller size of the new V2 is very handy, although it's still bigger than the Leica. The V2 does have slightly better construction quality than the V1 lens. The overall feel is a lens that is "tighter" in construction, and closer in quality to the Zeiss lenses than some of the other Voigtländer lenses. The close focus change means that it has a longer focus throw than the V1 lens. The length difference is all but imperceptible, but the reduced barrel diameter is very noticeable, and makes the V2 lens seem much smaller.

Coding to correct for vignetting is important, unless you like the vignette. I have found that the best correction is using the v1 Summilux ASPH code, although it slightly overcorrects the image at the f/2-4 range. For those who like to hand-code their lenses on the M8 and M9, the groove on the new V2 lens mount is a boon.

Overall this lens is a great value--like most of the Voigtländer lenses. I'm working on a full write-up with a comparison of 100% crops. I'll post a link here in a few days when its complete.

Meanwhile, here's an image of OOF lights that shows the smoother bokeh of this lens--no busy lines in the OOF highlights, or harder edges.

Wow, its funny how people's opinion's can be so different. I couldn't see any advantage in the new version in terms of build quality. If I was to make a bet which was better, I'd say 'maybe' the V1, but that probably only because it's bigger. Otherwise comparing them both side by side I couldn't see a difference to save my life.

Also, I couldn't see any difference in the bokeh at all.

It's good to see other new owners posting here. Keep them coming guys!

 

[Alnitak]

The build quality is mostly noticeable in two areas: Play of the aperture ring, which is much smoother and tighter, with cleaner detents, and the finish. The paint job on the V1 lenses could be a bit spotty in evenness, whereas the new lens appears to be an anodized coating which looks much better. You can see this in my shot here:


L9996545 by jhapeman, on Flickr

The bokeh difference is VERY minor. Nothing to get too excited about, IMO. I took mine out to the Getty Villa today and ran it through some paces. One thing I discovered is that the V2 lens is very flare-resistant. I'll have to see how that compares to the V1 lens.

Jeff

 

[leicashot]

The build quality is mostly noticeable in two areas: Play of the aperture ring, which is much smoother and tighter, with cleaner detents, and the finish. The paint job on the V1 lenses could be a bit spotty in evenness, whereas the new lens appears to be an anodized coating which looks much better. You can see this in my shot here:

The bokeh difference is VERY minor. Nothing to get too excited about, IMO. I took mine out to the Getty Villa today and ran it through some paces. One thing I discovered is that the V2 lens is very flare-resistant. I'll have to see how that compares to the V1 lens.

Jeff

Funny, I drove past there today and thought I should check it out some day. Still can't agree with you, as I still feel both were the same, but there may also be some sample variation to take into consideration. I also have never used two 35 Summilux ASPH's that felt the same. Their focus action has been quite different on about 10 different samples I've used/owned.

 

[Wobba]

The build quality is mostly noticeable in two areas: Play of the aperture ring, which is much smoother and tighter, with cleaner detents, and the finish. The paint job on the V1 lenses could be a bit spotty in evenness, whereas the new lens appears to be an anodized coating which looks much better. You can see this in my shot here:
Jeff

I never owned the V1 but the finish looks the same as my old VC 50/1.5 which had a painted finish that was somewhat delicate. The V2 is definitely anodized and the finish is remarkably close to a Leica lens. All kudos to Voigtlander for building a better product without jacking up the price.

 

[leicashot]

I never owned the V1 but the finish looks the same as my old VC 50/1.5 which had a painted finish that was somewhat delicate. The V2 is definitely anodized and the finish is remarkably close to a Leica lens. All kudos to Voigtlander for building a better product without jacking up the price.

I kinda prefer the 'black paint' look of the V1 actually. Guess my opinion is the odd one out so far

For those wondering about the V1, here's an appreciation thread I started some time ago... http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=93943

 

[Alnitak]

Funny, I drove past there today and thought I should check it out some day. Still can't agree with you, as I still feel both were the same, but there may also be some sample variation to take into consideration. I also have never used two 35 Summilux ASPH's that felt the same. Their focus action has been quite different on about 10 different samples I've used/owned.

It's an excellent place to shoot. The best time to go there is in the winter in the afternoon, when the light is golden and there are no crowds.

 

[leicashot]

It's an excellent place to shoot. The best time to go there is in the winter in the afternoon, when the light is golden and there are no crowds.

Thanks I'll check it out...winter is just around the corner

 

[Wobba]

I kinda prefer the 'black paint' look of the V1 actually. Guess my opinion is the odd one out so far

For those wondering about the V1, here's an appreciation thread I started some time ago... http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=93943

There's nothing wrong with being an individual

 

[jarski]

interesting read here.

comment about smoothness of ver x vs ver y. hope there is not new lens vs used lens factor in equation.

 

[D&A]

I had a chance to quickly meet a long time aquantence and briefly inspect and shoot with his new V2 of this lens. Unfortunately I didn't have my chrome V1 with me to do any comparing optically, but I noted a few things which does strengthen the argument that individual sample variation in construction exists in both versions of this lens. The aperture clicks detent on the chrome V1 were rock solid and once placed in any detent, had absolutely no side to side play, not even the slightest. On his V2, once put into any aperture detent, a slight bit of side to side play could be felt. Nothing worth worrying about, but just noting the differences, since the same comparison was mentioned between two other samples of both of these lenses. The focus is slightly firmer on my Chrome V1, whereby the focus his V2 felt silky, but at times I could detect a very slight bit of "play" in the focusing with his V2 lens. Of course I couldn't compare the lens finishes, being that my V1 Is chrome, but both finishes were flawless. I think if one got a hold of a different chrome V1 lens than mine and a different V 2 than his, the observations I just mentioned, might be reversed....so I think it's hard to make a definitive statement on some of the different attributes of each lens until larger # of direct comparisons are made.

As for better side and edge definition and sharpness seen in the VC 35mm f1.2 lenses vs Leica's 35mm f1.4 Lux asph Ver 1 (prior to FLE)....I've attributed this is the considerable field curvature seen in the Leica lens, especially when focusing at closer distances...whereby the VC 35mm f.2 lenses have a flatter field. The new Leica FLE lens also has a flatter field and it's one of the reasons it too has markedly improved sis and edges when compared to it predissors. All fine lenses, each having there own particular strengths.

Dave (D&A)

 

[Krosya]

Thanks for the tests guys! I'm sure there will be more and more info coming, but so far , based on your pics I can say this:

1. Glad that Cosina didnt screw up the second version, as they managed to with some of thier other "updates". New lens looks good.
2. Again, not too much info to go by yet, but from what I see so far - not that much difference for me to want to sell my V1 and get V2. I was always happy with my sample of V1 and I dont think V2 will do more other than cost extra.
Still waiting to see more pics from a new one to form a better opinion, but I dont think I'll buy a V2 Nokton unless something happens to my V1.

 

[rsolti]

I have finished my testing...I have said what I wanted to say and stick by it. It IS sharper than the 35 Lux ASPH wide open and stopped down. This lens is amazing. The one thing is that from about 12 ft out the bokeh isn't as smooth as the 35 Lux....at distance it lacks a little in my opinion. Below are some shots for everyone to make up their own opinion

WIDE OPEN - NO SHARPENING

100% crop

wide open...no sharpening

100% crop

wide open

Here is a HUGE benefit if you ask me. Here is a shot at .7....normal mfd

Now here is the same scene at .5.....the mfd of this lens

Landscape....sure.....f/5.6 NO post processing

100% crop

 

[rsolti]

wide open...no sharpening or adjustments in post

100% crop

wide open with no adjustments....I tell you the contrast is very much improved if you ask me

f/1.4 I believe

wide open

f/1.2 with no post processing done

100% crop

Yes, it does people very well, too!

All shots wide open:

I love this lens...wasn't a huge fan of the two different VI samples I tried but I love this lens. I do not miss my 35 Lux ASPH (which I also loved) at all anymore.

 

[leicashot]

Wow thanks for posting some very convincing images. I have to be honest, I don't believe the lens is sharper than a good Summilux ASPH wide open, but it 'may' be when stopped down to f/1.4.

I also believe that later Nokton V1's had better contrast wide open, because as of late I've owned 4 late production V1 samples with great contrast wide open (possibly a change in coatings?).

In my comparison of V1 and V2 there was absolutely zero difference in contrast which is perfectly fine as the V1 samples I've recently owned have all be tops. As for the V2 vs Lux ASPH or FLE side by side comparisons, it remains to be seen.....but I bet the Lux FLE now has a formidable competitor. As for rendering qualities, look at the last pictures and show me one Summilux ASPH/FLE that looks as smooth as those....anyone?

EDIT: FYI, the closest Leica lenses to this in rendering are the Summicron 28mm and 50 Lux ASPH, IMHO.

 

[D&A]

Hi Kristian & All,

As far as I've been able to determine from fairly extensive testing (and simply my opinion), the new Leica 35mm lux asph FLE lens had the least desirable rendering and bokeh when compared to it's predecessor or either version of the VC 35mm f1.2 lens. In pure technical performance (ie: sharpness/resolution across the frame, even wide open), the FLE is a very strong performer, though unexciting at times. In addition, as Ryan accurately pointed out, the Leica 35mm lux asph V1 (pre FLE), had somewhat smoother bokeh than either V 1 or V2 VC 35mm f1.2 lenses, especially at distance.

Great observations and results posted so far!!

Dave (D&A)