Zeiss 35/1.4 or VC 35/1.7 ?

[loneranger]

Which lens would you guys/ gals recommend for fast 35mm M lens, mainly to be used on M digital,
Zeiss 35/1.4 or the newly released VC 35/1.7
Let's just not consider the cost difference for now.
Appreciate any input from those of you who have experience with both,
Thanks

 

[pechelman]

that zeiss is a big lens

CV35/1.7 just because of that reason.
If you want something faster, and are willing to deal with the size of the Zeiss 1.4, why not just go with the CV 35/1.2?

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Huff strikes again!

http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2015/09/15/quick-comparison-zeiss-35-1-4-zm-vs-voigtlander-35-1-7-vm/

 

[raid]

I use a Zeiss Distagon 35/1.4 in Rollei QBM mount. I love the results. Yes, it is highe and very heavy.

 

[bobby_novatron]

I have the Zeiss Distagon 35/1.4 in M-mount. Superb lens in every way. The IQ is outstanding. Build quality is excellent. The only negative is the Zeiss is kind of large for a rangefinder lens. If size is an issue then I would lean towards the CV.

 

[Gregm61]

If I didn't already have a 35mm f2 pre-ASPH Summicron, I'd be all over that Voigtlander 35mm f1.7.

 

[jkjod]

I have the ZM 35/1.4. I'll admit when I first put it on the camera, I thought I was crazy (I just came from the VC 35/1.4). But it really isn't that big. I carried it on our recent vacation, was never unhappy with the size of the lens for sure. It sounds cliche, but it balances really well on my M2.

I used to have the VM 50/1.5 and was not the biggest fan of the scalloped focus ring and much prefer the Zeiss design in that regard. I do have mine for sale now - the ONLY reason is that I'd like to get into medium format and can't afford both that and a new 120 rig. Otherwise, I find zero faults with it.

 

[pepeguitarra]

I have sereral 35mms, but I find myself using.....!

I have sereral 35mms, but I find myself using.....!

The Canon 35/1.8 any time. And in special occasions in low light, the one I consider one of the best if not the best (sorry FLE), the Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f1.2 ASPH Ver. II.

 

[jonmanjiro]

Which lens would you guys/ gals recommend for fast 35mm M lens, mainly to be used on M digital,

For M digital? The Zeiss ZM 35/1.4, no doubt about it. It's a better (> no focus shift vs a little focus shift, less wide open vignetting, sharper corners, less wide open coma) lens than the fabled (and expensive) Summilux 35/1.4 FLE. I replaced my FLE with a ZM 35/1.4 and have no regrets whatsoever (and a lot of spare change in my wallet which I then proceeded to blow on a W-Nikkor 35/1.8 LTM which for very different reasons I also love 😀). The ZM 35/1.4 is also one of the smoothest focusing lenses I've ever used (based on three lenses - one which I owned and foolishly sold, its replacement which I still have, and a friend's copy). I don't know what Zeiss/Cosina did to improve this but they really got it spot on with this lens.

 

[Chromacomaphoto]

Seriously tempted by the VC, I'm thinking it would work well on my M2 and probably look the part as well. Don't often need the speed but when I do, this has gotta be good bang for the buck. Maybe later in the year.

 

[uhoh7]

The new CV is a fantastic lens. I looked at alot of shots, and it's the best 35 technically ever released by cosina as a voigtlander.

That said I would take the ZM 35/1.4, which does have some small quirks, but is really something; in the league of the FLE.

 

[ryanflynn]

I rented the new version of the CV 35/1.7, and it's really a fantastic lens. Really sharp, fairly decent bokeh, well built, smallish, lightish, etc. I can't see anyone being disappointed with it. It's really great, especially given the reasonable price. My only "real" complaint was I dislike the focusing ring, but I'm just a focusing tab kinda guy. So, YMMV.

The Zeiss is on it's way to me now, and I'm super excited. The size shouldn't be a big deal. I never minded the size of the CV 35/1.2, and the Zeiss is 100g lighter than that.

 

[maggieo]

I've been quite pleased with my CV Nokton Classic 35/1.4. It's got that mid-period Summilux thing down and is my most-used 35mm lens.

Voigtländer Nokton Classic 35/1.4


Chimney Rock, Nebraska, October 19, 2011 by Maggie Osterberg, on Flickr


Bunk Mates, December 21, 2012 by Maggie Osterberg, on Flickr