Forgot Password
Pentax Camera Forums Home
 

Reply
Show Printable Version Search this Thread
03-03-2015, 03:51 AM   #1
Veteran Member
hoopsontoast's Avatar

Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Oxfordshire
Posts: 861
Voigtlander 58mm Nokton / K55 f1.8

I have had very good experience with the Voigtlander 90mm APO previously, especially with the quality/smoothness of the Bokeh. I replaced this with the K85 which I feel is just as good while being a fair bit faster.

I currently have a cheap K55 f1.8 which I really like the focal length, on the MZ-5N/MZ-S and K-01. I have had good results too, although its not sharp @ f1.8 its useable, and pretty sharp stopped down to f2.8.

Question, would the Nokton 58mm f1.4 be much on an advantage over the K55?

I would like something to sit between the FA43 and the K85, that is not a 50mm; as I have an FA50 f1.7 which I don't really use and I like the extra wide of the FA43 or the slightly longer on the K55.

I have discounted the DA*55 as its lack of aperture ring means its more difficult to use on film as I believe it can only be used Speed Priority Mode or full Auto. I believe its SMD only too so no AF on Film bodies?

03-03-2015, 04:28 AM   #2
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
Digitalis's Avatar

Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 11,694
The K55mm f/1.8 and Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f/1.4 are both unique lenses. I work with the 58mm f/1.4 Nokton in Nikon F mount and I find it renders images very differently than the Noct-nikkor 58mm f/1.2 or the Carl Zeiss 55mm f/1.4 Otus. The Pentax SMC K55mm f/1.8 has a pictorialist rendering to its images - it doesn't suffer from the low contrast and coma that most f/1.4 lenses have, aberrations are well controlled. In terms of resolution I would say that there is no significant difference between the two lenses, the Voigtlander lens does tend to flare easily though, I will recommend getting the lens hood for this lens. the K55mm f/1.8 handles flare very well considering its vintage.


Pentax K5IIs - SMCP-K 55mm f/1.8


Pentax K5IIs - SMCP-K 55mm f/1.8
03-03-2015, 04:59 AM   #3
Veteran Member
hoopsontoast's Avatar

Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Oxfordshire
Posts: 861
Original Poster
I would agree with that on the K55, this is the only shot that I have taken that shows up aberrations with a highly backlit situation. I now have a original Pentax Hood (same as the K85) which helps with any flare.

K55 shot wide open:


Last edited by hoopsontoast; 03-03-2015 at 09:37 AM.
03-03-2015, 05:25 AM   #4
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
Papa Lazarou's Avatar

Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, UK
Posts: 340
Rob - I can bring my 58mm SLII to Scalford if you want to borrow it for a month or two?

03-03-2015, 05:31 AM   #5
Veteran Member
hoopsontoast's Avatar

Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Oxfordshire
Posts: 861
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by Papa Lazarou Quote
Rob - I can bring my 58mm SLII to Scalford if you want to borrow it for a month or two?
Phil, thanks for the offer very generous!
03-03-2015, 05:33 AM   #6
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
Papa Lazarou's Avatar

Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, UK
Posts: 340
I have the proper hood for it too. It is a lovely lens, I really should use it more often TBH.
03-03-2015, 08:15 AM   #7
Otis Memorial Pentaxian
stevebrot's Avatar

Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Vancouver (USA)
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 42,007
QuoteOriginally posted by Papa Lazarou Quote
Rob - I can bring my 58mm SLII to Scalford if you want to borrow it for a month or two?
QuoteOriginally posted by hoopsontoast Quote
Phil, thanks for the offer very generous!
I guess so!

The Pentax-K 55/1.8 is a sweet lens and not too expensive. You may want to get both! After all, you can never have enough fast 50s, right?


Steve

03-03-2015, 08:21 AM - 1 Like   #8
hcc
Pentaxian
hcc's Avatar

Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 3,999
I have the VL58mm f1.4 SL II, but I never used the K55mm. On the other hand, I have a FA50mm f1.7 and A50mm f1.2, and I am happy to share my thoughts on the VL58mm f1.4.

The VL58mm is very sturdy and perfect for harsh outdoor conditions. I shoot outdoor and this is critical to me. The IQ is superb. While I tend to prefer usually the IQ of the FA Limitd (FA31mm and FA77mm), the VL58mm is extra-ordinary (IMHO) in poor lighting conditions: e.g., fog, smoke, smog. In these difficult conditions, I prefer the VL58mm, over the FA31mm, for example. Lastly the VL58mm is superior in very-very-low light when the AF does not lock. The MF ring of the VL58mm is very smooth and easy to use, superior to the MF ring of the FA Limiteds.

Compared to the FA50mm f1.7, the VL58mm outperforms so much the FA50mm f1.7 that I do not use the FA50mmm anymore. Compared to the A50mm f1.2, I prefer by far the colours and sharpness of the VL58mm f1.4. I use the A50mm f1.2 (over the VL58mm f1.4) in rare situations when I need to shoot fast (at high shutter speed) in low light.

I shared a subjective limited comparison between the FA31mm and VL58mm during a trip on the Great Barrier Reef:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/209251-fa31...mm-f1-4-a.html

The VL58mm f1.4 was my 2nd lens purchase, after the DA18-250mm. The VL58mm is my most used prime lens and I regard its purchase as my best investment. As you can see, I am biased for the VL58mm and I strongly encourage you to get one.

I hope that the comment will help.
03-03-2015, 09:37 AM   #9
Veteran Member
hoopsontoast's Avatar

Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Oxfordshire
Posts: 861
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by stevebrot Quote
I guess so!

The Pentax-K 55/1.8 is a sweet lens and not too expensive. You may want to get both! After all, you can never have enough fast 50s, right?

Steve
I already have a the K55

---------- Post added 03-03-15 at 04:39 PM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by hcc Quote
I have the VL58mm f1.4 SL II, but I never used the K55mm. On the other hand, I have a FA50mm f1.7 and A50mm f1.2, and I am happy to share my thoughts on the VL58mm f1.4.

The VL58mm is very sturdy and perfect for harsh outdoor conditions. I shoot outdoor and this is critical to me. The IQ is superb. While I tend to prefer usually the IQ of the FA Limitd (FA31mm and FA77mm), the VL58mm is extra-ordinary (IMHO) in poor lighting conditions: e.g., fog, smoke, smog. In these difficult conditions, I prefer the VL58mm, over the FA31mm, for example. Lastly the VL58mm is superior in very-very-low light when the AF does not lock. The MF ring of the VL58mm is very smooth and easy to use, superior to the MF ring of the FA Limiteds.

Compared to the FA50mm f1.7, the VL58mm outperforms so much the FA50mm f1.7 that I do not use the FA50mmm anymore. Compared to the A50mm f1.2, I prefer by far the colours and sharpness of the VL58mm f1.4. I use the A50mm f1.2 (over the VL58mm f1.4) in rare situations when I need to shoot fast (at high shutter speed) in low light.

I shared a subjective limited comparison between the FA31mm and VL58mm during a trip on the Great Barrier Reef:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/209251-fa31...mm-f1-4-a.html

The VL58mm f1.4 was my 2nd lens purchase, after the DA18-250mm. The VL58mm is my most used prime lens and I regard its purchase as my best investment. As you can see, I am biased for the VL58mm and I strongly encourage you to get one.

I hope that the comment will help.
Thanks for the in depth comparison, I have already found that with the FA43/FA50/K55 that I just have not used the FA50 f1.7 at all.
03-03-2015, 10:25 AM   #10
Veteran Member
aleonx3's Avatar

Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Brampton, Ontario
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 3,996
I have the auto-Topcor 58/f1.4 converted from Exakta mount to m42. Many people have compared that to the VL 58/f1.4 and found some similarities between them. I have used my auto-Topcor 58f1/4 quite frequently as I prefer the 58mm focal length on APS-C for events and portraits.
03-03-2015, 07:13 PM   #11
Pentaxian




Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: North
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 4,704
I have the SMC Takumar 55/1.8 which is the M42 mount predecessor of the K55.

For the price, its one of the best in my books.
Less of a problem with hexagonal OOF highlights too compared to many cheap f1.7,f1.8, f2 50mm options out there.

In fact, I just completed a 'lens a week' self challenge with it.
On FF,










For the price, I do think you should get one even if you are set on the Voigtlander.
Reply

Bookmarks
  • Submit Thread to Facebook Facebook
  • Submit Thread to Twitter Twitter
  • Submit Thread to Digg Digg
Tags - Make this thread easier to find by adding keywords to it!
58mm, a50mm, comparison, conditions, f1.2, f1.4, f1.7, f1.8, fa31mm, fa43, fa50mm, film, k-mount, k55, k85, lens, nokton, nokton / k55, pentax lens, slr lens, voigtlander, voigtlander 58mm nokton
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
For Sale - Sold: Voigtlander SLII 58mm F1.4 Nokton 8stripe Sold Items 4 12-21-2013 10:28 PM
Wanted - Acquired: Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f1.4 pentax mount TaiChiTom Sold Items 3 10-30-2013 11:04 AM
For Sale - Sold: Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f1.4 ryno Sold Items 16 08-05-2009 12:19 PM
For Sale - Sold: Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f1.4 Matt Miller Sold Items 10 01-29-2009 08:32 PM



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 01:56 PM. | See also: NikonForums.com, CanonForums.com part of our network of photo forums!
  • Red (Default)
  • Green
  • Gray
  • Dark
  • Dark Yellow
  • Dark Blue
  • Old Red
  • Old Green
  • Old Gray
  • Dial-Up Style
Hello! It's great to see you back on the forum! Have you considered joining the community?
register
Creating a FREE ACCOUNT takes under a minute, removes ads, and lets you post! [Dismiss]
Top