Voigtlander 50mm f2.0 Heliar, vs Voigtlander 40f1.4 Nokton M

[mojobebop]

not in terms of focal length.
just the quality of the lens; sharpness
distortion, vignette, etc.

considering one or the other.
i can work with either focal length.

thanks,

 

[meven]

The heliar is a very special lens, some like it some hate it. For me, it is one of my favorite lens. The bokeh is fantastic and I find it sharp even wide open.

I also have the Nokton 40/1.4 SC but can't comment on it I haven't used it intensively yet.

Also, the built quality of the Heliar is exceptionally good.

You can have a look at my flickr for shots with the Heliar, CLICK HERE. FYI, the vignetting is added in Lightroom, the Heliar does NOT vignet.

 

[Benjamin Marks]

As you stop down the Nockton, all of your additional gains in depth of field are behind the point of focus. By f8 or so, the effect is masked. But you do have to learn to deal with it. No such issue with the Heliar. Also, I personally think the Heliar's bokeh is nicer, but everyone's taste is different.

 

[Artorius]

I like 'em both

I like 'em both

I have both and use them on my M3 and M8. When low light is expected, I use the 40mm f/1.4, otherwise, for walk around, the 50mm f/2 is always on the camera.
I don't think you can go wrong with either.

 

[35mmdelux]

I have read, often, about the Heliar's softness wide open. Not so with the 40mm.

 

[meven]

I have read, often, about the Heliar's softness wide open. Not so with the 40mm.

IMO, the Heliar is not soft wide open, have a look at the photo below, this is taken at f2 and no sharpening applied.

 

[Doug]

I have both as well, but it hasn't occurred to me to make direct comparisons. It's not "either or" for me, as the 40 Nokton is used only on cameras having 40mm viewfinder framelines, while the 50 Heliar goes on cameras having 50mm framelines. I can say that both lenses have a somewhat classical non-ASPH look, and I like 'em both. 🙂

I'll use the Heliar Classic on the M8 but not the Nokton (and I decline to file the mount to bring up 35mm framelines; that's what the 1.4/35 Nokton is for!)

Anyway, here are a couple shots... First discussing cancer treatment options with 1.4/40 on CLE, fairly wide aperture.

Second, the 2.0/50mm Heliar Classic on an M8, couple of acquaintances of mine at a social gathering indoors, wide open.

 

[kemal_mumcu]

I don't have the heliar so I can't comment on that but the 40 Nokton has a nice draw and is very versatile. I wouldn't buy it again to put it on a Leica M though because of the lack of proper framelines. It's something I thought I would get used to but haven't. I'll most likely eventually sell the Nokton because of this.

Another thing about the Nokton: I'm wondering if it's a true 1.4 or not since my latest test on the last roll of film indicated that it was not gathering a full stop of light between F2 and 1.4. I need to do more tests on this though.

 

[sherm]

"meven"

first I must say I like your example very much!! However I sold the Heliar because of the lack of sharpness whether actual or perceived at f2.0. I've had the the 40 nokton for the last 2+ years and find the performance much better..... IMO 🙂

 

[hiromu]

I liked the Heliar a lot except one thing,,, minimum focus distance.. It can only focus down to 1m, which is sometimes limiting for me and that's why I have sold it. Other than that, it is very well built, and sharp wide open and has very good bokeh.

Hiromu

 

[tyrone.s]

No lack of sharpness to my eyes. Lovely photo that really displays the sort of SNAP & POP & 3-dimensionality (for want of better adjectives) that the Heliar seems to be capable of. Really inspiring pictures for me as I'm waiting for Hiromu's Heliar (post above) to turn up in my postbox!

IMO, the Heliar is not soft wide open, have a look at the photo below, this is taken at f2 and no sharpening applied.

 

[meven]

No lack of sharpness to my eyes. Lovely photo that really displays the sort of SNAP & POP & 3-dimensionality (for want of better adjectives) that the Heliar seems to be capable of. Really inspiring pictures for me as I'm waiting for Hiromu's Heliar (post above) to turn up in my postbox!

Thanks for the comment, I am sure you will enjoy using this very special lens.

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

I hate to be so mercenery here, but I'm selling a Heliar in the classifieds at a ridiculously low price. I'm not sure why nobody has gone for it yet. FYI!

 

[meven]

I hate to be so mercenery here, but I'm selling a Heliar in the classifieds at a ridiculously low price. I'm not sure why nobody has gone for it yet. FYI!

I also can't believe it is still for sale!!! Good luck with the sale.

 

[elude]

The Heliar is A W E S O M E. Far better (performance) than a Summicron Collapsible. And not even soft at F/2.0

 

[payasam]

Well, someone should wish me luck with Mabelsound's Heliar. Buyer more mercenary than seller.

 

[MacDaddy]

Just for grins, go read this article: http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/why-40mm.html
Sorry if I just made your decision harder! *o)

 

[Film dino]

Well, someone should wish me luck with Mabelsound's Heliar. Buyer more mercenary than seller.

Good luck Mukul 😀

 

[meven]

Well, someone should wish me luck with Mabelsound's Heliar. Buyer more mercenary than seller.

You won't regret, it's a great lens!!!!

 

[payasam]

David and meven, thank you. I don't believe in prayer, but I think that good wishes do help.