Voigtländer Top 3 !
- Thread starter Bille
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I really like the 75/2.5, but it is an odd focal length for me.
I really look forward to getting the new M Nokton 50/1.4, but I don't have it yet.
The 28/3.5 is very very good, but this is a top three list.
Mine are:
1) LTM 21/4, simple, unique and affordable
2) 35/1.7 Ultron, I like it better than the 35 Summicrons
3) 35/1.2 Nokton V1, a classic I think, If I had to have just one....
I really look forward to getting the new M Nokton 50/1.4, but I don't have it yet.
The 28/3.5 is very very good, but this is a top three list.
Mine are:
1) LTM 21/4, simple, unique and affordable
2) 35/1.7 Ultron, I like it better than the 35 Summicrons
3) 35/1.2 Nokton V1, a classic I think, If I had to have just one....
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
I have certain favourites that tend to go along when I go out. The Nokton 35mm f1.4 SC - has replaced my late version Summilux 35. Always deliver what I want.
The Color Skopar 28f3.5 because it gives me the best place/white negs - something about this lens gives really good blacks - and it is small.
The Nokton 50mm f1,5 - just because it is a superb medium speed 50mm - and the chrome M-version elicits more comments about its look than any other lens."Wow - that lens is drop dead gorgeous!" The black version is a bit lighter - but the chrome one is the only lens that rivals the 1st generation Summilux 50f1.4 with the crackle finished hood for looks - and it is a vastly improved performer too.
Those are my main three lenses, but they are all astounding performers when you put them on.
I like the 35f1.7 but I have problem with the egonomics of it - difficult to handle the aperture ring.
The Color Skopar 28f3.5 because it gives me the best place/white negs - something about this lens gives really good blacks - and it is small.
The Nokton 50mm f1,5 - just because it is a superb medium speed 50mm - and the chrome M-version elicits more comments about its look than any other lens."Wow - that lens is drop dead gorgeous!" The black version is a bit lighter - but the chrome one is the only lens that rivals the 1st generation Summilux 50f1.4 with the crackle finished hood for looks - and it is a vastly improved performer too.
Those are my main three lenses, but they are all astounding performers when you put them on.
I like the 35f1.7 but I have problem with the egonomics of it - difficult to handle the aperture ring.
Jerevan
Recycled User
Only two for me: the Color-Skopar 50/2.5 - great lens in a compact package (I wish I still had it!), and the Color Skopar 35/2.5 - fantastic lens for the price - I was pleasantly surprised by the ergonomics and the optical crispness. Would love to try the 35/1.2 just to see how it handles.
teleparallel
Established
Color-Skopar Collection
4/21mm
2.5/35mm
2.5/50mm
What is not to love?
4/21mm
2.5/35mm
2.5/50mm
What is not to love?
jsrockit
Moderator
Out of what I've used...
28mm 3.5
35mm 2.5
50mm f/2 Heliar
For perspective, I've used (other than my top 3):
21mm f/4
25mm f/4
28mm f/2
35mm 1.4
40mm 1.4
50mm 1.1
50mm 1.5
50mm 2.5
50mm 3.5
75mm 2.5
28mm 3.5
35mm 2.5
50mm f/2 Heliar
For perspective, I've used (other than my top 3):
21mm f/4
25mm f/4
28mm f/2
35mm 1.4
40mm 1.4
50mm 1.1
50mm 1.5
50mm 2.5
50mm 3.5
75mm 2.5
Sam N
Well-known
All kinds of polls / surveys like this tend to be full of the most popular lenses. How many of the people in this thread have extensively used a majority of the Voigtlander lenses out there? I've only owned 5, but here are my top 3 FWIW:
40/1.4: I miss this lens and loved it on the R3a. By f2.0 it got sharp enough for me and I actually liked the bokeh.
21/4 (ltm): Tiny, inexpensive, good image quality. What's not to love?
15/4.5: Great fun on the R-D1 despite the corner issues. Good on film too, but a bit wide for general use.
Other's I've used:
28/1.9 Ultron: Flared in horrible ways. Very nice to use otherwise.
25/4 snapshot (ltm): Good lens, but I like the 21mm focal length better.
40/1.4: I miss this lens and loved it on the R3a. By f2.0 it got sharp enough for me and I actually liked the bokeh.
21/4 (ltm): Tiny, inexpensive, good image quality. What's not to love?
15/4.5: Great fun on the R-D1 despite the corner issues. Good on film too, but a bit wide for general use.
Other's I've used:
28/1.9 Ultron: Flared in horrible ways. Very nice to use otherwise.
25/4 snapshot (ltm): Good lens, but I like the 21mm focal length better.
drew.saunders
Well-known
I own/have owned:
15/4.5 LTM
21/4 M
50/1.5 LTM (sold it and replaced with...)
50/1.5 M
75/1.8
And I briefly owned a 50/2 collapsible, but it was manufactured incorrectly, in that it brought up the 35mm framelines, so I sent it back. I didn't really like the collapsing mechanism, but I've since gotten a Leica 50/2.8 from 1997 and I like it, so maybe my opinion on collapsing lenses changed.
My rankings would be:
1: 50/1.5 M
2: 75/1.8
3: 50/1.5 LTM
I really like the 21 and 15, but I don't use them all that often. The 50/1.5 LTM close focus limitation really bugged me, enough to get the 50/1.5 M, but I never had a problem with the results or the mechanical build.
I have a Leica 24/2.8, and I may get the 25/4 M simply because it's about half the volume of the Leica (with hood) and I could fit the 21 and 24 CVs in just about the same space as the 24/2.8. I won't sell the Leica 24/2.8, it's just too good of a lens. I already have Cosina's zoom finder. The 12 looks intriguing, but not unless i find an unexpected and large sack of money somewhere.
15/4.5 LTM
21/4 M
50/1.5 LTM (sold it and replaced with...)
50/1.5 M
75/1.8
And I briefly owned a 50/2 collapsible, but it was manufactured incorrectly, in that it brought up the 35mm framelines, so I sent it back. I didn't really like the collapsing mechanism, but I've since gotten a Leica 50/2.8 from 1997 and I like it, so maybe my opinion on collapsing lenses changed.
My rankings would be:
1: 50/1.5 M
2: 75/1.8
3: 50/1.5 LTM
I really like the 21 and 15, but I don't use them all that often. The 50/1.5 LTM close focus limitation really bugged me, enough to get the 50/1.5 M, but I never had a problem with the results or the mechanical build.
I have a Leica 24/2.8, and I may get the 25/4 M simply because it's about half the volume of the Leica (with hood) and I could fit the 21 and 24 CVs in just about the same space as the 24/2.8. I won't sell the Leica 24/2.8, it's just too good of a lens. I already have Cosina's zoom finder. The 12 looks intriguing, but not unless i find an unexpected and large sack of money somewhere.
back alley
IMAGES
if i were to buy (or buy again) my top 3 cv lenses…
the 50/2.5
28/3.5
and the 75/2.5
all small, sharp and well built.
the 50/2.5
28/3.5
and the 75/2.5
all small, sharp and well built.
lawrence
Veteran
I've had a few Voigtlander lenses and these are my experiences (* I still have the lens):
- *12mm - Bizarre. Like a pinhole, fisheye and ultrawide rolled into one..
- 21mm - Great for the price, size & weight but too much vignetting for my taste. Upgraded to C Biogon.
- *28mm Color-Skopar - Nice little lens but not as crazy about the look as some other people. The way it draws is a bit too technical.
- *28mm Ultron f1.9 - Apart from size & weight it's a wonderful lens with a great look and very sharp from f4.
- 35mm Color Skopar - Too contrasty for b&w. Not particularly solid compared to the 28mm & 50mm Skopars.
- 35mm Ultron - Had two of them. Silver one was very good, black one had some flare. Voightlander's QC isn't perfect.
- 35mm Nokton - Great lens but too big. Ended up swapping for 28mm M-Hexanon, which is superb.
- *50mm Color-Skopar - Totally underrated lens and not far from a Planar or 'Cron performance-wise. Lovely handling.
- 50mm Heliar f2 - Quite a lot of focus shift. Strange handling. Doesn't collapse much.
- *75mm Heliar f2.5 - Wonderful lens and my only RF tele.
hepcat
Former PH, USN
Like most of the folks who've already posted, I REALLY like the VC lens lineup.
I currently have:
21mm f/1.8 Ultron
28mm f/2 Ultron
35mm f/1.2 Nokton v1
50mm f/1.1 Nokton
75mm f/1.8 Heliar
I've had the 35 mm f/1.7 Ultron and the 50mm f/1.5 Nokton as well.
Its tough to pick favorites. I like large aperture glass. If I had to pick three though, it'd probably be the 35mm f/1.2, the 50mm f/1.1, and the 75mm f/1.8.
I currently have:
21mm f/1.8 Ultron
28mm f/2 Ultron
35mm f/1.2 Nokton v1
50mm f/1.1 Nokton
75mm f/1.8 Heliar
I've had the 35 mm f/1.7 Ultron and the 50mm f/1.5 Nokton as well.
Its tough to pick favorites. I like large aperture glass. If I had to pick three though, it'd probably be the 35mm f/1.2, the 50mm f/1.1, and the 75mm f/1.8.
zuiko85
Veteran
My top two CV lenses (for I own only two and have tries no others) are the 35mm f2.5 PII and the LTM 21mm f4 and I'm real happy with both. The 35 f2.5 has the edge.
Bille
Well-known
Thanks everyone for the feedback.
I quickly counted ...
10 votes for 50/1.5 M or LTM
9 votes for 21/4
9 votes for 35/2.5
6 votes for 75/2.5
5 votes for 50/2.5
and 5 votes for 35/1.2
I think every CV lens was mentioned at least once, except the 12mm.
I quickly counted ...
10 votes for 50/1.5 M or LTM
9 votes for 21/4
9 votes for 35/2.5
6 votes for 75/2.5
5 votes for 50/2.5
and 5 votes for 35/1.2
I think every CV lens was mentioned at least once, except the 12mm.
CrisR
Well-known
35/1.4
50/1.1
15/4.5 Mk2
The first two are in no way technically perfect lenses, but the images they produce are full of character. The 35mm is impressively compact and bright.
The 15mm is a fantastic all-round lens.
I also own the 21/4, 25/4, 90/3.5 and 40/1.4
I'd love to try out the 50/1.5, 35/1.2 and 21/1.8 tho.
50/1.1
15/4.5 Mk2
The first two are in no way technically perfect lenses, but the images they produce are full of character. The 35mm is impressively compact and bright.
The 15mm is a fantastic all-round lens.
I also own the 21/4, 25/4, 90/3.5 and 40/1.4
I'd love to try out the 50/1.5, 35/1.2 and 21/1.8 tho.
NazgulKing
Established
Cosina's lens design team reached a new level of competency with their newer lenses.
Here's my selection:
21/1.8
35/1.2 version II
I like the 75/2.5 too. Great lens. Wish they made a newer version.
Here's my selection:
21/1.8
35/1.2 version II
I like the 75/2.5 too. Great lens. Wish they made a newer version.
sparrow6224
Well-known
I carry 4 of them, which I guess I'd list in this order:
35mm f/1.4 Nokton (best build, wonderful all around performer)
28mm f/3.5 Color Skopar (the most used)
75mm f/2.5 Heliar (second most used)
21mm f/4 Color Skopar (my first CV lens)
With these I have either the 40mm Summicron-C or 50mm DR Summicron (or the Nikkor SC 5 cm F 1.4 LTM or the Canon 50mm f1.5 LTM), and often the Elmar-C 90mm f/4, a perennially underrated lens. If I'm keeping it light, the CV 28mm and 75mm, with one of the standards, will do me just fine.
35mm f/1.4 Nokton (best build, wonderful all around performer)
28mm f/3.5 Color Skopar (the most used)
75mm f/2.5 Heliar (second most used)
21mm f/4 Color Skopar (my first CV lens)
With these I have either the 40mm Summicron-C or 50mm DR Summicron (or the Nikkor SC 5 cm F 1.4 LTM or the Canon 50mm f1.5 LTM), and often the Elmar-C 90mm f/4, a perennially underrated lens. If I'm keeping it light, the CV 28mm and 75mm, with one of the standards, will do me just fine.
Ed Bray
Established
I only have 3:
21mm f4 Color Skopar VM
35mm f1.7 Ultron Ltm
50mm f1.5 Nokton ltm
21mm f4 Color Skopar VM
35mm f1.7 Ultron Ltm
50mm f1.5 Nokton ltm
haempe
Well-known
Tough to choose...
The most used lens is the Nokton 40mm.
The one which impressed me most in terms of IQ is the Ultron 21mm.
The one which gives me the most fun is the Snapshot-Skopar 25mm.
whisper: (and the secret gem is the Heliar 50/3,5)
The most used lens is the Nokton 40mm.
The one which impressed me most in terms of IQ is the Ultron 21mm.
The one which gives me the most fun is the Snapshot-Skopar 25mm.
whisper: (and the secret gem is the Heliar 50/3,5)
teleparallel
Established
I find it so awesome that so many people like the 2.5/35
aoresteen
Well-known
21mm f/4 SM, 15mm SM, 28mm f/1.9 and....
25mm S mount for my Contax RF!
25mm S mount for my Contax RF!
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