Which Nokton 40mm f1.4?

[ClaremontPhoto]

The single coated or the multi coated? Which one is best?

I made my choice already, and I'm happy with it. Very happy. But what if I'd chosen the other one...

 

[pvdhaar]

Don't have one, but as a user would choose the multi-coated version. There's always the possibility of adding a diffusing filter to tweak the looks, or if you're not purist, then there's PhotoShop to touch things up..

If I'd want the character of lenses from the 50s, I would go the whole road and get one with an altogether simpler lens formula.. (tessar/triotar/..)

Of course, if you want a brand spanking new high quality lens with an oldies character...

 

[MacDaddy]

My choice

My choice

Can't speak for the SC, but I'm extremely well pleased with my MC Nokton 40mm. Shots are sharp, clean and, once you figure out the bokeh, very pleasing in both B + W and color.

 

[Huck Finn]

I don't have one, but I've read that the MC results in very high contrast, which makes it seem harsh to some like many lenses with modern coatings. It probably also makes it more flare resistent.

MacDaddy, what have you figured out on the bokeh thing?

Huck

 

[rover]

Flare sucks, I would get the MC version. If you want a "classic" look buy a 1950s vintage 50mm lens to go along with it.

 

[jja]

Jon, for SC samples, look for photos by sockeyed, both here and on his flickr page. He posted a photo near the end of this link:
http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00DqbJ

To say that the MC is more flare resistant is not to imply that the SC is flare prone. Can any SC users comment on the SC's flare control?

 

[rich815]

I have the SC version and love its look. As for flare control you wold never think it was SC. I did not want too much contrast and reports I read seem the MC might be more contrasty than I want. I get good contrast and good "look" with my SC.

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

Thank you.

Sockeyed has got some very nice images there. But most people here already seem to prefer the MC version.

 

[rover]

Jon, as for Huck and I, we do not own this lens so weigh the opinions of the owners over ours. It is just goes without saying that a MC lens would be more flare prone than a SC one. As jja says, this does not mean that the SC lens is flare prone.

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

"...goes without saying that a MC lens would be more flare prone than a SC one."

Are you serious?

 

[rover]

My bad....you are correct I made an misstatement

should read more flare resistant.

Sorry.

 

[dcsang]

Flare sucks, I would get the MC version. If you want a "classic" look buy a 1950s vintage 50mm lens to go along with it.

Yep... that's what I did.

I have the MC version and it's uber contrasty - but I also have a 50mm Collapsible cron that is soft and sweet

🙂

Dave

 

[rich815]

Flare sucks, I would get the MC version. If you want a "classic" look buy a 1950s vintage 50mm lens to go along with it.

My SC is much less flare prone than many lenses I own, new and old. I would not discount the SC on flare concerns alone by any means.