Voigtlander 50 VM or Pre-asph Lux?

[tohara]

Hi friends,
i'm currently the proud owner of a pre-asph lux and i love it, but i've read great things about the Nokton! Many are claiming it's rendering is reminiscent of the pre-asph lux. Has anyone 'downgraded' (although this is debatable whether its a downgrade or not) and been super happy? Obviously the near $2k difference in weighing heavy on my mind.
Cheers

 

[furcafe]

I had the original LTM CV 50/1.5 Nokton, then replaced it w/the rare LTM version of the last pre-ASPH 'lux. I recently acquired CV's new M-mount version of the Nokton (I assume that's the "VM" Nokton you're asking about).

There are plenty of articles/reviews comparing the LTM Nokton w/the pre-ASPH 'lux. The bottom line of the articles I read, & borne out by my experience w/both lenses, was that they were quite comparable overall, w/the LTM Nokton outperforming the 'lux by some measures but w/the 'lux being superior in quality control, build quality, & ergonomics (possibly flare-resistance, too). In my opinion, the optical differences were very minor/subtle compared to the difference in cost. I had no performance complaints about my Nokton, but did prefer the 'lux's handling & build quality.

My experience so far w/the new Nokton indicates that CV has closed the quality control & ergonomics gap as well as added closer focus capability to the Nokton (the LTM version of the 'lux only focuses to 0.9m), so if you're looking to replace your pre-ASPH to free up money, I would say that's a viable decision.

 

[tohara]

thanks for the feedback furcafe, a very well considered reply, exactly what i was looking for.

 

[Pioneer]

I have them both and find them to be very, very competent lenses. From strictly an IQ perspective they are so close I can't chose one over the other. If I had to make a choice though I would keep the Lux simply because of the build quality and the Leica service.