Nokton 35mm f1.4 SC or Ultron 28mm f2.0 for R4M

[Dwayneb9584]

OK so for the past week I've been doing lots of research as to what lens to get for my new R4M body. I plan to get my first lens for my first rangefinder body on Thursday. So far I am sold on the Nokton 35mm f1.4. However, I have been looking at the Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f/2.0. I think it's awesome by the looks of the wide angle it gives from pictures I've seen. What's all of your thoughts on this lens. I'm always looking for extra reach and like the looks of both lenses. I absolutely love the 35mm f1.4 SC version because of its classic rich pastel/dreamy look. I shoot a lot of black and white as well. What do you all think?

 

[Bob Michaels]

Simple. Which focal length do you like better? 35mm or 28mm? I do not find 35mm and 28mm lenses to be similar. But that is me.

I believe that 99% of a lens working well for you is having the focal length you like. I have an optically spectacular lens in a focal length that many love. But it does not suit my eye. So it sits on the shelf without much use.

 

[elshaneo]

Well mate, according to your own description, I would definitely recommend you to get the Nokton 35mm lens first, then wait for at least six months, when you get some money, get the 28mm Ultron then 🙂

I used to own both lenses, I would say that they were equally excellent lenses, but my preference would definitely be the Nokton 35mm lens...

 

[bennyng]

Whilst I like the extra speed on the 35mm Nokton, the singular 28mm frameline on the R4M is great. So far, I've not seen any other camera offering the 28mm frameline on it's own. I would prefer the 28mm for this reason alone.

Cheers,

 

[Juan Valdenebro]

As Bob said, 28 and 35 are truly different focal lengths...

As you said it will be your first RF lens, I recommend you to get the 35... Reasons:

From both, it's the one that will offer you more "focal length versatility" for different needs...
From both, it's the one that will give you faster shutter speeds for low light scenes...
From both, it's the one that's more suited for portraits...
From both, it's the one (because of its FL and speed) that will allow you to get narrower depth of field and more pronounced background blur to isolate subjects...And yet it will allow you to shoot it prefocused and stopped down if you want it...

Cheers,

Juan

 

[Juan Valdenebro]

Whilst I like the extra speed on the 35mm Nokton, the singular 28mm frameline on the R4M is great. So far, I've not seen any other camera offering the 28mm frameline on it's own. I would prefer the 28mm for this reason alone.

Cheers,

Right! The best way to do it would be getting the 28 for the R4, and the 40 1.4 for an R3...🙂

Cheers,

Juan

 

[Dwayneb9584]

Thanks guys for the fast replies. I think I'm definitely going to go with the Nokton 35mm f1.4 SC lens for my first lens. I think it's going to meld into my workflow a bit better than the 28mm f.2.0 right now. But I will definitely get a 28 later down the line when I can afford it. Again, thanks so much everyone.

 

[kshapero]

The single coating is also a reason to go for the 35.

 

[Dwayneb9584]

I hear that the Nokton 35mm is extremely hard to focus on the R4M at f.14. Is this true?

 

[mfogiel]

Juan is right, R4 is best coupled with a 28mm lens, the 35mm frame is rather small, while the R3 is usable (just) with a 40mm lens if you do not wear glasses. BTW I would much prefer the A versions of Bessa for AE capacity, if you do not like it you can always shoot uncoupled, but not the other way round.

 

[Dwayneb9584]

Thanks mfogiel. Has anyone on here shoot with the R4M/A with a 35MM lens. If so please shed some light on this subject.

 

[sper]

I have shot a 35mm lens on an R4a and I own the CV 28mm ƒ2.

Shooting 35 is a delight. Like shooting a 50mm on a standard .72 finder. Lots of room to compose.

The 28mm lines are alone, and beautiful. To me it's a toss up between these two.

Buy which one you think you'll use more. They're both totally awesome!