Sonnar or Nokton

Sonnar or Nokton

  • Zeiss 50mm Sonnar 1.5

    Votes: 261 76.1%

  • Voigtlander 50mm Nokton 1.1

    Votes: 82 23.9%
  • Total voters
    343
I'm using the Nokton 1.1 now, and I've certainly found the extra stop to 1.1 has been quite useful. Though I think the DOF at 1.1 is surprisingly large and I also agree with what mfogiel said about it being a bit 'meh' with high speed films. Even so, I think the Nokton's harsh rendering has grown on me a little.

This is 1.1 and Fuji 800z


4317403986_3f29d01791_o.jpg
 
I do have both. Nokton is very sharp even wide open, sharper than Sonnar wide open, my copy had back focus problem. Bokeh is mixed bag, its not Noktilux for sure but its ok. It blocks part of the viewfinder. Sonnar is different, focus shift is issue and if you learn how to control it you can get great results,...and has much nicer bokeh than Nokton (at least for me).
 
I have both, my vote goes for Sonnar. 10cm closer focus and better rendering for portraits.

Nokton (m6, fujichrome sensia 100)
NoktonJodie.jpg


C-Sonnar (M9)
 
Nokton: cheap, sharp, easily available (on the Classifieds now!), but: low resolution wide open, finish quality disappoints, disturbing bokeh at times.

Sonnar 50/1.5: Small, sharp, well built, but: focus shift, two intermittent click stops (and would be the only lens in my bag with that), and whats with the fracking blue dot and lettering? :eek:

M-Hexanon 50/1.2: well built, sharp, high resolution wide open!, pleasing&smooth bokeh, but: big&heavy, not as characteristic as the Sonnar, expensive.

I'm not fond of the big&heavy aspect of the M-Hex, but still I'm sticking with mine. Got a 1943 Sonnar for that characteristic look :)
 
I like the look of the Sonnar but never was happy with focus shift. Too much error. If I want it soft wide open like the ZM Sonnar I now use a old Summarit
 
I don't find it soft wide open and have been enjoying the lens a lot more since I learned to forget the focus shift of the Sonnar.
 
Strange to read about all those focus shifts. Some 4 or 5 of my friends photographers use ZM Sonnar and it is very sharp wide open and with exact focus. Is indeed _has_ focus shift between f/2 and f/4, but all you have to do is to avoid those apertures, after f/4 it is sharp and exact again. Don't see any problem.

Here's ZM Sonnar wide open, focus on the wire. Can't exactly find where it's shifting or "soft" in any sense:
4535597741_2b2b696f29_b.jpg
 
The C-Sonnar has replaced the 1.1 nokton in my low-light kit. Focus is extremely accurate at f/1.5 and I actually have shot it stopped down a little (f/2.0-f/2.8) but don't do so at MFD so shift hasn't been an issue for me.

L1002042.jpg


L1001760.jpg


By the way that flare is very difficult to produce :p
 
Last edited:
Soft has to be clarified wrt center vs. corners.

If one forgets about focus shift, a good 50/1.5 Nokton will be "sharper" than the ZM Sonnar at all apertures across the field. From f2 and up, in terms of resolution, only the Summilux ASPH can beat the Nokton. 1.5 Nokton and ZM Sonnar also have both the same 0.9m min. focus.

The 1.5 Nokton has very nice OOF. With both lenses you risk focus "wobble" after a while. The Nokton is significantly larger.

No experience with the 50/1.1.

Roland.
 
ferider said:
Soft has to be clarified wrt center vs. corners.

If one forgets about focus shift, a good 50/1.5 Nokton will be "sharper" than the ZM Sonnar at all apertures across the field. From f2 and up, in terms of resolution, only the Summilux ASPH can beat the Nokton. 1.5 Nokton and ZM Sonnar also have both the same 0.9m min. focus.

The 1.5 Nokton has very nice OOF. With both lenses you risk focus "wobble" after a while. The Nokton is significantly larger.

No experience with the 50/1.1.

Roland.
Click to expand...

I wonder what lenses you are talking about when you say that only Lux Asph can beat Nokton from f2 and up. How about Hexanon 50/1.2? Do you have numbers for that?
 
C sonnar /M6 / trix / rodinal
just got back my C sonnar from Zeiss / optimised for 1.5...yeah !!!.....am considering Trading IT for the Noktion 1.1
The Sonnar is a Beautiful lens but something is lacking for me...
4731940116_3378d6a76e_b.jpg
 
Last edited:
where's the pic helen?

already thinking of trading it eh?

i have wondered about the same thing, thinking the 1.1 might be a better lens for me.

i also wonder about that for you...and i do think the nokton 1.1 might suit your style better...able to do some wonderful no light shots.
 
back alley said:
where's the pic helen?

already thinking of trading it eh?

i have wondered about the same thing, thinking the 1.1 might be a better lens for me.

i also wonder about that for you...and i do think the nokton 1.1 might suit your style better...able to do some wonderful no light shots.
Click to expand...

agreed Joe about the nokton (You seem to know me well ;) )
/ both noktons INTEREST me / 35 1.2 & 50 1.1

The sonnar is a BEAUTIFUL lens but my 'EYE' lusts for something so I'm on the prowl ...again...:eek:
 
helenhill said:
agreed Joe about the nokton (You seem to know me well ;) )
/ both noktons INTEREST me / 35 1.2 & 50 1.1

The sonnar is a BEAUTIFUL lens but my 'EYE' lusts for something so I'm on the prowl ...again...:eek:
Click to expand...


Good luck with whatever you finally settle on Helen ... you seem to be quite definitive with what you want fom a lens and as Joe says maybe the Nokton is the one for you!

"So many lenses ... so little time!"

:)
 
thanx Keith....How are YOU Doing ?

at least i have settled on a few under dog lenses....:eek:
the 21 SA, 1970 50 mm Summicron...Those I can't seem to part with !
 
helenhill said:
thanx Keith....How are YOU Doing ?

at least i have settled on a few under dog lenses....:eek:
the 21 SA, 1970 50 mm Summicron...Those I can't seem to part with !
Click to expand...


I've used the Sonnar a bit and am very happy with it ... but am a little distracted with other formats and cameras at the moment!

Particularly 4x5 in my Crown Graphic.

I've also developed a strong attraction to my OM's again and may play there for a while as I haven't done much SLR shooting of late.

They're all good! :)
 
YOU are Quite Right 'JSU' the nokton rocks ...
I have some utterly fantastic FAvorites with the 50 mm 1.5
thats why I am eager to try both the other noktons 1.2 35mm & 50mm 1.1
here is another Sonnar shot....
4731095207_0b7f901776_b.jpg
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom