vc nocton 50mm f1.5 vs leica dr summicron, (old) 50mm f2

[mojobebop]

i wondered which was sharper.
leica i have read has less contrast.
which would you purchase?

 

[Sonny Boy Havidson]

As far as sharpness is concerned, a new Nocton is better than an old Summicron even in good shape but the difference is character. The Nocton is a modern lens with plenty of contrast. The Summicron as perhaps less contrast but a particular 3D bokey that helps to separate things in the composition and - according to me - this compense this difference in contrast.

In both cases, these lenses need a lens hood if you want contrast.

 

[waileong]

I've used both.if you don't need 1.5 the DR is the way to go. It's tiny, takes 39mm filters, whereas the big Nokton takes 52 mm filters.

 

[Erik L]

i have both i think they are both sharp as you will need.
i have not done a comparison however.

 

[mojobebop]

As far as sharpness is concerned, a new Nocton is better than an old Summicron even in good shape but the difference is character. The Nocton is a modern lens with plenty of contrast. The Summicron as perhaps less contrast but a particular 3D bokey that helps to separate things in the composition and - according to me - this compense this difference in contrast.

In both cases, these lenses need a lens hood if you want contrast.

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i appreciate the responses.
the bokea of the summicron is possibly more important than sharpness to me.