I've watched many video reviews by Jimmy Cheng, and while I don't always agree with his conclusions, I was really surprised by this one. I wasn't expecting what he said, but in this case, I completely agreed with his conclusion. A while back, when I reviewed the Voigtlander 28mm f/1.5 Nokton, I was so impressed by its similarities to the Summilux that I ended up selling my Leica for it.
I think his review is definitely worth a watch. Here's the video:
While I have the FE version, after selling my VM version, I feel like I like the rendering of the 28/1.5 VM more--feels a little less smooth and maybe a pinch less sharp.
Has anyone seen a good comparison between the 2 versions?
I have not ever tried the 28 Lux but I will say that the Voigtlander 28/1.5 is probably my most used and favorite lens. I bought the brass/Black Paint version and could not be happier.
I think I'll buy one myself, to pair it with the Sonnar-C 50/1.5 ZM. They seem to share the same size and max aperture, a useful low/available light kit.
Just need to decide if I go with the heavier version or not, since I'll pair it with a BP M-P camera.
catacore wrote:
I think I'll buy one myself, to pair it with the Sonnar-C 50/1.5 ZM. They seem to share the same size and max aperture, a useful low/available light kit.
Just need to decide if I go with the heavier version or not, since I'll pair it with a BP M-P camera.
Honestly, I just don't find the brass version that heavy. I would definitely get the heavier black paint version to go with your BP M-P.
BruceRH wrote:
Honestly, I just don't find the brass version that heavy. I would definitely get the heavier black paint version to go with your BP M-P.
Compared to the Leica 28/1.4 Summilux, which is much larger and heavier, even the brass version is quite manageable at around 320 grams. For me, choosing the brass version isn't just about the looks; I also notice the difference in haptics compared to the aluminum version.
Fred Miranda wrote:
Compared to the Leica 28/1.4 Summilux, which is much larger and heavier, even the brass version is quite manageable at around 320 grams. For me, choosing the brass version isn't just about the looks; I also notice the difference in haptics compared to the aluminum version.
Well, I am sure it is much easier to make a choice when one have in hands both versions of the lens, but that is not my case. I'll have to shop online. But the brass version will be for me, have decided (although I am not a fan of the knurled focusing ring, in general).
catacore wrote:
Well, I am sure it is much easier to make a choice when one have in hands both versions of the lens, but that is not my case. I'll have to shop online. But the brass version will be for me, have decided (although I am not a fan of the knurled focusing ring, in general).
Yes, I received both versions for review, so I can describe the differences. If someone is looking for the lightest option, the aluminum barrel version is the better choice. However, as you mentioned, the aesthetics of the brass barrel and the tactile feel while focusing and handling do make a noticeable difference in the overall experience, even though it comes with a slight weight penalty. I agree with you and prefer the brass version as well.
A very ordinary snapshot from a photo walk in a local train station. This lens is a bit unpredictable sometimes, in a nice way. I believe in this case, it is the chrome ring that caused that crazy flare
Not sure this had been shared before, I remembered I remarked about the 28lux and M10-P as a match made in heaven at Leica forum, and the 28 1.5 nokton did the very same. I would get this lens no question if I have M10-P! The rendering looked so good on M10-p specifically!
Not sure this had been shared before, I remembered I remarked about the 28lux and M10-P as a match made in heaven at Leica forum, and the 28 1.5 nokton did the very same. I would get this lens no question if I have M10-P! The rendering looked so good on M10-p specifically!
Curious. I once borrowed the 28mm from my local camera dealer and really liked its optical quality overall (even though 28mm just isn't my thing), but when shot wide open, the Nokton produced extreme purple fringing.
But in that review, the two lenses are really so evenly matched that, for the Summilux, the only real advantage is its external design in classic Leica styling. On the other hand, the Nokton is available in different designs and also in silver. And even in glossy black paint, for those who like that.
No idea what's going on, but like many things in life, things aren't made equal. I believe there's some exceptional copies but also it could be some undisclosed editing done to the images.
gammarART wrote:
Curious. I once borrowed the 28mm from my local camera dealer and really liked its optical quality overall (even though 28mm just isn't my thing), but when shot wide open, the Nokton produced extreme purple fringing.
But in that review, the two lenses are really so evenly matched that, for the Summilux, the only real advantage is its external design in classic Leica styling. On the other hand, the Nokton is available in different designs and also in silver. And even in glossy black paint, for those who like that.
gammarART wrote:
Curious. I once borrowed the 28mm from my local camera dealer and really liked its optical quality overall (even though 28mm just isn't my thing), but when shot wide open, the Nokton produced extreme purple fringing.
But in that review, the two lenses are really so evenly matched that, for the Summilux, the only real advantage is its external design in classic Leica styling. On the other hand, the Nokton is available in different designs and also in silver. And even in glossy black paint, for those who like that.
Both the 28 Lux and the 28 Nokton show high levels of axial chromatic aberration and purple fringing. This is actually one of the main complaints about the Leica, and the Voigtlander does not perform any better. Even when it comes to this downside, the two lenses are pretty similar.
Fred Miranda wrote:
Both the 28 Lux and the 28 Nokton show high levels of axial chromatic aberration and purple fringing. This is actually one of the main complaints about the Leica, and the Voigtlander does not perform any better. Even when it comes to this downside, the two lenses are pretty similar.
This has always been my issue with a variety of Voigts ... but, they have certainly upped their game in this area. There are certain limits wrt physics that remain in play, but they aren't lagging behind as far as they once were (imo).
I have been ardent, that I do not like LOCA and purple fringing, for many years.
As with spherical aberations I am having second thoughts more recently. It popped up when my daughter much prefered a shot of a fountain with wonderful green and purple droplets in contrast to the alternative image with sterile white droplets. I have come to realise that just as full (or over correction) of sperical aberations may lead to less desireable effects and bokeh, less than perfect LOCA correction may lead to interesting effects as well (especially at night).
If you use these effects purposefully, it doesn‘t really matter, that a lens is not perfect in a technical sense: you have to use it with its strengths in mind.
