ZM 50/1.5 vs. CV 40/1.4

[A.S.]

Hello,

Focus shift aside, how does the Sonnar compare to the 40/1.4 in all of the usual technical metrics? I've not come across any direct comparisons in my searches, though I suppose that's understandable.

- Abbott

 

[Daryl J.]

No technical metrics in this answer:

I use both lenses regularly with b&w 35mm film.
The Nokton and Sonnar simply render differently enough they aren't really up for comparison in my opinion.
And between the two, I like them both very much. They are also two of my most-used lenses.
They bring photographic adventures every time. And that love of character and surprise is why I don't also use the highly predictable 50mm Planar and rarely use my 50mm 'Chron. The Nokton Classic and C-Sonnar are to me much more fun.

 

[FrozenInTime]

I have both; must do a side-side comparison some day.
Without looking through my files, I would say the the Sonnar is more prone to purple fringing wide open and the Nokton has harsher edgy bokeh.

 

[A.S.]

I've been using the Nokton on an MP, and the Planar on an M4-2 almost exclusively for the past couple of years. Aside from the differences in magnification, which I could get over, if the Sonnar sort of falls in between the two optically, I think I'd pare down to it alone.

- Abbott

 

[Daryl J.]

Again, nothing technical in my reply:

The 1,5/50 C Sonnar is my second favorite lens in any format. The first being the 178mm Aero Ektar. Its artistic rendering in virtually every image pleases me immensely. Others can verbalize far better than I can in regards to the original question, but if I had to choose 1 body/one lens, this would be the lens.

 

[Pioneer]

I am confused. The Zeiss 50/1.5 is a Sonnar design, not a planar. The VC 40/1.4 is a Nokton, not a planar or a sonnar. So where does this planar come from?

 

[raid]

Only one person here mentioned the Planar. There is no Planar design lens here.

 

[A.S.]

Pioneer,

I wasn't speaking of the lenses optical formulas, but of their performance. My post referencing the Planar was to further clarify the intention of my original post.

Thanks, Daryl and FrozenInTime, for providing your observations and preferences.

- Abbott

 

[FrozenInTime]

Let make take a few side by side photos for you :
What do you want to see : wide open - contrast , bokeh and sharpness ?

 

[Pioneer]

Pioneer,

I wasn't speaking of the lenses optical formulas, but of their performance. My post referencing the Planar was to further clarify the intention of my original post.

Thanks, Daryl and FrozenInTime, for providing your observations and preferences.

- Abbott

Not a problem Abbott. Sometimes I am just easily stumped.

 

[A.S.]

Let make take a few side by side photos for you :
What do you want to see : wide open - contrast , bokeh and sharpness ?

That's generous of you, FrozenInTime. I would be most interested in a comparison at f/2.8 and/or f/4 at a medium distance (around 3 meters) that's normalized to account for the difference in coverage.

Thanks for the offer.

- Abbott

 

[FrozenInTime]

Abbott - time and the weather were against me, but finally I managed to get out and run a few shots - they wont win any prizes, but hopefully they are useful comparisons.

Donald.

At about 3m ;
The Nokton is the SC version.

50mm Sonnar @f/1.5

50mm Sonnar @f/2.8

50mm Sonnar @f/5.6

40mm Nokton @f/1.4

40mm Nokton @f/2.8

40mm Nokton @f/5.6

40mm Nokton @f/1.4 a bit closer to try to get equivalent frame as Sonnar

40mm Nokton @f/2.8 a bit closer to try to get equivalent frame as Sonnar

40mm Nokton @f/5.6 a bit closer to try to get equivalent frame as Sonnar

 

[FrozenInTime]

Same as above but cropped

50mm Sonnar @f/1.5

50mm Sonnar @f/2.8

50mm Sonnar @f/5.6

40mm Nokton @f/1.4

40mm Nokton @f/2.8

40mm Nokton @f/5.6

40mm Nokton @f/1.4 a bit closer to try to get equivalent frame as Sonnar

40mm Nokton @f/2.8 a bit closer to try to get equivalent frame as Sonnar

40mm Nokton @f/5.6 a bit closer to try to get equivalent frame as Sonnar

 

[A.S.]

Abbott - time and the weather were against me, but finally I managed to get out and run a few shots - they wont win any prizes, but hopefully they are useful comparisons.

Donald.

Prizes or not, I dig the subject matter, and appreciate you taking the time.

I'm not particularly familiar with the look of photographs on sensors. At f/2.8 here, I can't make the difference. Perhaps it'd be best for me to hold on to the Planar for awhile if I make the jump.

What's your opinion on the Sonnar and Nokton's performance in the field?

Thanks again, Donald.

- Abbott