Sample 8, f2, focused on seawall, same lighting as above. I was curious how some foreground bokeh would render on diagonals. Also some more distant text on which to judge sharpness near the edges.
I look forward to seeing more samples. So far, my thoughts are:
1. As much as I like the small size of the Septon, and it looks perfect on a ZF, I don't think I would be happy with the IQ, for how I would want to use it.
2. I definitely need to use my Nokton more.
3. The Ultron performs better than I thought it would, but add on the FTZ, and I feel like I might as well just use my Nokton. There is definitely some magic in that lens.
4. I should try using my Nikon 40mm f2 more for general purposes photography. I am probably undervaluing it currently, thinking of it mainly as a compact and lightweight lens in case I need low light performance.
Thanks again for putting together these comparisons!
Sample 9 and 10, f2 and f4 respectively. I have seen chatter about some feeling that the Septon is sharper in the center than the Ultron, and I don't find that to be the case...they are virtually indistinguishable from a center sharpness perspective, but they render the edges quite differently (along with having different CA characteristics). The bloominess of the TTA and Nikon at f2 is always a little bothersome, and is deeply impactful on sharpness for closer subjects. I have been impressed with the Nokton outside of its habit of badly fringing, overall it has one of the more balanced vignettes of these 5, rarely leading to hotspots or mis-exposed highlights due to vignette.
Regarding handling, the Septon is constantly annoying and feels too small to have adequate control surfaces. I feel like I'm always holding a part that is rotating, and in that regard, appreciate the bigger barrel of the Nokton and the FTZ on the Ultron.
Thanks Scott for these samples. These are also what most convince me about the Nokton. I suspect they would be just as great with a 24MP sensor and f/11. If I decide on 40mm it will definitely be my choice.
DWOfPaul wrote:
I look forward to seeing more samples. So far, my thoughts are:
1. As much as I like the small size of the Septon, and it looks perfect on a ZF, I don't think I would be happy with the IQ, for how I would want to use it.
2. I definitely need to use my Nokton more.
3. The Ultron performs better than I thought it would, but add on the FTZ, and I feel like I might as well just use my Nokton. There is definitely some magic in that lens.
4. I should try using my Nikon 40mm f2 more for general purposes photography. I am probably undervaluing it currently, thinking of it mainly as a compact and lightweight lens in case I need low light performance.
Thanks again for putting together these comparisons! ...Show more →
On point 3, it's been most interesting comparing the Nok and Ult, given that they are roughly the same size once the Ultron is adapted. You gain the aperture ring functionality on the Nok, but you get better contrast and less vignette on the Ultron. Overall the Ultron is sharper at most apertures, though not by a ton.
If you were in the market for a single 40, the Nok is compelling. If you're like me and want a 40 for a film Nikon, there's very little reason not to just adapt the Ult to Z and share it between cameras. It not only "hangs" with the big boys, it IS the big boy in several ways.
