Zeiss 50 Planar f/2 vs Voigtlander 50 Nokton f/1.5

[hunta]

I'm looking for direct size comparisons between these two lenses. From what I've seen I prefer the rendering of the Voigtlander, but I can't gauge how big it will look and feel vs an f/2 lens.

I've discounted the Sonnar due to its focus shift.

Thanks in advance.

 

[karlin]

As far as I remember the Nokton, they are about the same size.
the planar hood is bigger.

 

[rolfe]

They are about the same size. Build quality on the Nokton is incredible...

Rolfe

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I have them both at the same time. They are about the same size. 50/2 is capable of faster focusing. 50 1.5 is build to resist fast focusing.
50/2 has one of the best hoods, 50 1.5 hood tends to unscrew by itself. If on digital 50 1.5 has purple fringing at 1.5. 50/2 has very long throw for aperture, hard to click and every 1/3 stop. To me it was annoying and next to painful.

 

[lawrence]

 

[Pioneer]

Thanks for the pix Lawrence.

"About" the same size seemed a bit ambitious to me. The Voightlander lens is certainly bigger on my cameras. And remember, the Chrome Nokton is much heavier then the black one.

I much prefer the Sonnar to either of them but would pick the Planar over the Nokton 1.5.

However, the differences are so minor as to amount to personal preference. Either lens will produce technically good photographs. It is up to you to make them great.

 

[sevres_babylone]

Thanks for the pix Lawrence.

"About" the same size seemed a bit ambitious to me. The Voightlander lens is certainly bigger on my cameras....

I much prefer the Sonnar to either of them but would pick the Planar over the Nokton 1.5.

However, the differences are so minor as to amount to personal preference. Either lens will produce technically good photographs. It is up to you to make them great.

I have the black ltm Nokton and the Planar. I agree the pictures are helpful, because my impression has been that the Nokton was quite a bit larger. Wrong. I also prefer Sonnars, mostly because I shoot a lot of wide aperture and like the Sonnar look in those instances, but less so when I'm shooting F8 or F11. In those instances I have tended to grab the Planar, mainly because of my perception of the size differential. That said, recently I was using the Nokton on my Sony, and I'd forgotten how good a lens it is. As has been said, you can't go wrong with either.

 

[hunta]

Superb, thank you for the responses and especially the side-by-side images.

I'm plumping for the Voigtlander given there's little in it physically. Wish me luck!

 

[lawrence]

Superb, thank you for the responses and especially the side-by-side images.

I'm plumping for the Voigtlander given there's little in it physically. Wish me luck!

Both are excellent lenses. IMHO you made the right decision on the Sonnar, I had one but the focus shift was too annoying despite the lovely bokeh.

 

[hunta]

Having taken delivery, first impressions are excellent.

I was a little surprised to find that the supplied lens cover attaches to the hood, which means that the hood needs to be attached in order to protect the front element. Given the extra bulk I'd like the option of leaving the hood at home.

Does anyone have any recommendations for aftermarket caps?

 

[karlin]

The Zeiss generic cap fits the lens perfectly.

 

[brbo]

Does anyone have any recommendations for aftermarket caps?

A Hasselblad Xpan 49mm lens cap, of course! Apart from looking utterly cool, with this lens cap your new lens can compete with Leica Summilux on price too (performance is there already) 😉

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Measure inner diameter or check filter size 🙂, order for 0.99$ and free delivery on ebay. Three. Caps are subject which tends to get lost if lens is in use.

I think this lens hood is not for protecting the front element, too shallow for it, but for decorative porpoise. This lens looks balanced with OEM hood, just like many other modern lenses and their OEM hoods. It often feels like the lens initial drawing was made with the hood.