Which one should I get? nokton 40mm f1.4 or heliar 50mm f2.0

[wblati]

Hi,

I've been using a Canon QL17 III for a while now and I'm looking to upgrade to a Voigtlander BessaR2(manage to gather enough funds). Was searching on the net and found two lenses that i think will get me started. Anyone have any advice on the difference, characteristics(photos), and a current used price for them.

Ive also seen people using Jupiter lenses(3, 8). Are these any good or should i spend slighltly more on a Voigtlander? What model will fit a R2? Do I need a special adaptor?


Thanks.

 

[rlouzan]

Hi,

My vote goes to the CLE 40mm f2 M-Rokkor. Better built than the Nokton 40mm (Ver 1).

http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=M-Rokkor+40mm+F2

Regards RLouzan

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[Austerby]

The R2x does not have 40mm framelines - it has both 35/50/90 I think. If you'd like a 40mm then the R3x has the correct frameline option. You could just use the 35 or 50 of course on the R2 and estimate from there.

Between the two I'd suggest the Nokton in preference to the Heliar. The Nokton is a great everyday lens, fast and compact. The Heliar is a re-creation of an old formula in a retro-styled collapsible body. It's had great reviews but is a specialist product compared to the Nokton and is perhaps 50% more expensive. No special adaptor needed for either.

The Russian lenses will be vastly cheaper but of variable quality - the good ones are worth having but not all examples of the same lens will be of the same standard.

You may also like to consider the collapsible 50mm Summicron if you can find a good one.

 

[payasam]

I had a Heliar 50/2 for a short while. A good lens, a bit soft at full aperture, too pricey. In my view the Nokton 50/1.5 would be the better option in that focal length. Austerby has told you that the R2 does not have 40mm frame lines. My advice is to get a Jupiter 8 to begin with, or an Industar 61 L/D. With the R2, either will need an M adapter ring (as will the 50/1.5).

 

[ray*j*gun]

The 50 Nokton 1.5.....if you can handle the sheer size is a great lens! Sharp and well made.

 

[wblati]

Hi,

thanks for all the advice. Just to update the thread I was lucky enough to buy an R2 with the Nokton 50mm f1.5 lens. Will do some photos and see how it performs. For my next purchase I'll be thinking of getting a 28mm f1.9/2.0 Ultron.

Anyone have a rough secondhand price for the 50mm f1.5 Nokton.