Wait for 50mm 1.5 (M mount) or buy f1.1

[valdas]

I have a weakness for fast lenses... Now in M mount I only have Cron and I was waiting for new Nokton 1.5 in M mount. But I also have a possibility to buy Nokton 1.1 for 650 EUR. What would you do if you were in my shoes? How critical is an extra stop to me? Not much, but then it does not hurt having it, it helps from time to time. I will use it on film cameras only. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

 

[gilpen123]

The faster the lens the bigger it becomes. The 50 1.5 screw mount is a very good performer, the M version may be the same if not better.

 

[Brian Legge]

I picked up the 1.1 because I wanted one really fast lens. There are a bunch of 50/1.4s floating around out there.

The Nokton takes up more room in a bag than I prefer in a daily carry so its a bit of a specialize lens for me but shooting film, there are times I need as much speed as I can get. I know I'll end up with another 50 - or a bunch if I'm honest - but this lens is unique within that range of options.

 

[thegman]

Whether you want the extra stop (and consequent shallow DOF) is up to you. Personally, I'd like the speed, but not the shallow DOF or size of the lens. I used had a Nokton 1.1 for a little bit, and I do feel that these ultra-fast lenses are "one trick ponies".

Whether it's for you, is entirely up to you, personally, I'd rather have a tiny f/3.5 lens.

 

[edge100]

If you're buying the 1.1, it should be to use it primarily at or near 1.1. The lens has focus shift, and will be outperformed by the 1.5 (and other 50s) when stopped down.

I would not buy the 1.1 as a general use 50, but would definitely buy it as a speciality lens. On the other hand, I have the Nokton 1.5, and it's a terrific everyday 50.

 

[Austerby]

At that price I'd buy it as you can use it now and should you decide to sell when the 1.5 comes out (assuming within a few months from now) then a) it shouldn't have fallen in value much if at all and b) you'll have had use of the faster lens in the meantime.

 

[valdas]

Thanks for your comments. Maybe I should sell cron 50 and get both Noktons... Hm...

 

[CrisR]

I use a combination of a 50/2 Planar and the 50/1.1. The latter is smooth and swirly and highly isolating, the former is sharp and small and isolates well wide open.

i'd not be after the 50/1.5 as it would be too close to the 1.1, but the 2 i have have very different signatures and sizes, so are a great pairing.

In reality, the 1.1 only goes in the bag for events (weddings, etc) and when i know i'll be shooting after dark. Otherwise, it's the Planar.