Nokton 40/1.4 vs 35/1.2

[md2008]

I recently picked up a Nokton 40mm f/1.4 SC for its compact design so that I could leave the 35mm f/1.2 at home when I want to travel a bit lighter. I was a bit curious reading about the harsh bokeh of the 40 so I decided to take a few very unscientific test shots just to see if it was so bad compared to the 35/1.2. I didn't find the 40 too harsh under these conditions which is what I would usually be using it under. The 40 is a bit more "jittery" though especially around light/dark transitions. But for me, no worries with the 40 regarding the bokeh (it didn't really matter too much for me anyway but I'm on holiday break and had too much time on my hands).

All photos were at f/1.4. Upper - 35mm f/1.2 lens, Lower - 40mm f/1.4 lens

 

[carlosecpf]

thanks for this test! the 40mm 1.4 seems to be a very good option size/performance/price-wise. I am surprised on how good it compares to the Nokton 35mm in these samples.

 

[kzphoto]

Interesting test! I have lusted after a 40/1.4 / CLE as a walk around. Looks like I might follow through with that.

What's with the spots on the scans?

 

[pagpow]

Thanks for posting these. You might want to try the 40 Nokton @ f2 -- gets mighty sweet. I use it as a 40 f2, w. the 1.4 as an emergency reserve.

 

[md2008]

The spots were courtesy of the lab - they must have forgotten to clean their rollers the night before in their machines and I was the first customer of the day. But for $2.49/roll including scans in 1hr, I'm willing to overlook their occasional faults.

Interesting test! I have lusted after a 40/1.4 / CLE as a walk around. Looks like I might follow through with that.

What's with the spots on the scans?

 

[Matus]

Interesting real life comparisons. I think it shows well the small but notable difference in the look of OOF areas for these two lenses: 35/1.2 - very smooth, 35/1.4 - a bit "funny" with fine "structures".

Do you by any chance have a few similar shots done at f/2.0 ?