Voigtlander Nokton 58mm F/1.4 Review!

khardur · 07-30-2008, 06:52 PM

thx James. Yes indeed... even back when I was shooting slides, before I found out the correct term for it, I realized I've got a lot of lenses that have not so good bokeh.

I think this lens is going to end up on my short list.

frank · 07-30-2008, 08:01 PM

Excellent shots again, James. You made me wanna have this lens too. I might just buy one so I'd have two Voigtlander lenses instead of one (the other one is VL125

). How do you compare this VL58/1.4 against the A50/1.2 or 1.4? I had both A50/1.2 and 1.4, now only a A50/1.7. Since the VL58 is instock here in SG, I might just buy one to give it a try ... How do you think?

OrenMc · 07-30-2008, 08:27 PM

Just trying to get a little of the same texture with my K 50.
I know I could have done a lot better getting the bee in focus but I sure like the color of this one.
It was very difficult chasing this guy around to get a shot.

frank · 07-30-2008, 09:43 PM

Went through the whole thread again, I'm very impressed by those excellent shots you guys posted by this metal junky. I think I'd join you guys in 24 hours

roentarre · 07-30-2008, 11:25 PM

Originally posted by khardur

thx James. Yes indeed... even back when I was shooting slides, before I found out the correct term for it, I realized I've got a lot of lenses that have not so good bokeh.

I think this lens is going to end up on my short list.

Mind you that it does have problems with bokeh CA and imperfect circles with certain lighting. It still has issues but behaves rather differently from the usual 50mm out there

Originally posted by frank

Excellent shots again, James. You made me wanna have this lens too. I might just buy one so I'd have two Voigtlander lenses instead of one (the other one is VL125

). How do you compare this VL58/1.4 against the A50/1.2 or 1.4? I had both A50/1.2 and 1.4, now only a A50/1.7. Since the VL58 is instock here in SG, I might just buy one to give it a try ... How do you think?

Nokton is not expensive but it is quite surprise to my lens line up. You will find this lens very "different" since you owned A 50 f1.2 and 1.4

Nokton gives a cool tone (much more than Voigtlander 125mm macro). Even with higher aperture, the colour tends to be crisp with clarity instead of orange hue. The manual focus can be hard at f1.4 (not as hard as A f1.2 at f1.2) but it is the bokeh I really care about. Bokeh is all there is with this lens. Earlier with the purchase, I had cursed the lens many times for its unsharpness at f1.4 (due to my clumpsy hands). But the bokeh rendering being soooo soft and dreamy. This is a crafty lens to own.

A 50mm f1.2 has a problem with harsh edges in the bokeh. Any post processing might increase the contrast in the bokeh compartment but the bokeh can become ugly and unpleasant.

With Nokton bokeh, there is a lot of possibility to post process. Really somethig. Not to mention the build, it is a pleasure to use this prme.

Funnily, I got my nokton and ultron from a clubsnap community seller

Small community but very knowledgeable members. Really nice and helpful!

frank · 07-31-2008, 12:06 AM

Originally posted by roentarre

Nokton is not expensive but it is quite surprise to my lens line up. You will find this lens very "different" since you owned A 50 f1.2 and 1.4

Nokton gives a cool tone (much more than Voigtlander 125mm macro). Even with higher aperture, the colour tends to be crisp with clarity instead of orange hue. The manual focus can be hard at f1.4 (not as hard as A f1.2 at f1.2) but it is the bokeh I really care about. Bokeh is all there is with this lens. Earlier with the purchase, I had cursed the lens many times for its unsharpness at f1.4 (due to my clumpsy hands). But the bokeh rendering being soooo soft and dreamy. This is a crafty lens to own.

A 50mm f1.2 has a problem with harsh edges in the bokeh. Any post processing might increase the contrast in the bokeh compartment but the bokeh can become ugly and unpleasant.

With Nokton bokeh, there is a lot of possibility to post process. Really somethig. Not to mention the build, it is a pleasure to use this prme.

Funnily, I got my nokton and ultron from a clubsnap community seller

Small community but very knowledgeable members. Really nice and helpful!

I have quite some experiences w/ the A50/1.2, so MF isn't a big deal to me I guess, well, at least I hope so

The same seller who sold you the three VL lenses here from clubsnap will come to me tomorrow morning, w/ the 58/1.4 of course

Thought I wouldn't buy any lens at all for this year and the year comes. But I guess I just can't keep my promise as far as LBA goes

roentarre · 08-09-2008, 07:43 PM

I see.

I have been waiting for Da 15mm predominantly. The seller gave me good discounts and I really appreciate his service. Good to have a supportive community in vincinity. I have shifted most of my money to port folio investment so my LBA has already died down for a few months...

Here is another bokeh from Nokton 58mm f1.4

roentarre · 08-09-2008, 07:46 PM

roentarre · 08-09-2008, 07:56 PM

thePiRaTE!! · 08-09-2008, 09:05 PM

You wield it well! Only because I've been so enamored with the 25/2.8 lately have I been slacking on the Nokton front lately. Its images such as these that remind me why its a permanent member of my lens bag, thanks for posting!

iunknown · 08-12-2008, 09:58 AM

Anyone compared these side by side? Though there are differences in focal length, aperture (Nokton is F/1.4 where as Pentax 43mm isd F/1.9), and focus (Pentax is autofocus), how is the image quality (sharpness, bokeh etc) between these two?

I believe the build quality is almost similar (both are excellent)

I am trying to see whether I need to keep the my 43mm or sell it to get a Nokton.

Suggestions and comments are greatly appreciated...

-IU

Matt Miller · 08-12-2008, 10:48 AM

I've owned both, and they're both very good. I prefer to manual focus, which feels much better with the Nokton. I prefer the focal length of the Nokton as well. As far as sharpness goes, the 43 has the edge I think, though I'm not a pixel peeper. For bokeh, the Nokton is the king. The Nokton is quite a bit bigger than the 43, and has the same style screw-on hood.

I faced the same decision you are and sold the 43. I miss it occasionally, but much prefer the Nokton. It's a sweet lens for sure.

Mark Littlewood · 08-12-2008, 01:26 PM

interesting, i'm also thinking of selling the 43 for the 58.... hope it's not gonna be a mass migration among those of us who can't afford both!

roentarre · 08-23-2008, 07:36 PM

Thanks, Kelly. I just spotted your signature photo featuring all these lovely lenses I want to include in my collection as well.

Wow!

I am still waiting on Da* 30mm, Da 15 ltd and hopefully Da* 135 f2.0 if I am day dreaming too much...

roentarre · 08-23-2008, 07:37 PM

Another update shot

08-12-2008, 09:58 AM	#116
iunknown Inactive Account Join Date: May 2008 Location: New Jersey, USA Posts: 94	Voigtlander Nokton 58mm or Pentax 43mm Limited Anyone compared these side by side? Though there are differences in focal length, aperture (Nokton is F/1.4 where as Pentax 43mm isd F/1.9), and focus (Pentax is autofocus), how is the image quality (sharpness, bokeh etc) between these two? I believe the build quality is almost similar (both are excellent) I am trying to see whether I need to keep the my 43mm or sell it to get a Nokton. Suggestions and comments are greatly appreciated... -IU

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07-30-2008, 06:52 PM	#106
khardur Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Massachusetts Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,560	thx James. Yes indeed... even back when I was shooting slides, before I found out the correct term for it, I realized I've got a lot of lenses that have not so good bokeh. I think this lens is going to end up on my short list.

07-30-2008, 08:01 PM	#107
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202	Excellent shots again, James. You made me wanna have this lens too. I might just buy one so I'd have two Voigtlander lenses instead of one (the other one is VL125 ). How do you compare this VL58/1.4 against the A50/1.2 or 1.4? I had both A50/1.2 and 1.4, now only a A50/1.7. Since the VL58 is instock here in SG, I might just buy one to give it a try ... How do you think?

07-30-2008, 08:27 PM	#108
OrenMc Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,901	Just trying to get a little of the same texture with my K 50. I know I could have done a lot better getting the bee in focus but I sure like the color of this one. It was very difficult chasing this guy around to get a shot.

07-30-2008, 09:43 PM	#109
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202	Went through the whole thread again, I'm very impressed by those excellent shots you guys posted by this metal junky. I think I'd join you guys in 24 hours

07-30-2008, 11:25 PM	#110
roentarre Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 11,783	Originally posted by khardur thx James. Yes indeed... even back when I was shooting slides, before I found out the correct term for it, I realized I've got a lot of lenses that have not so good bokeh. I think this lens is going to end up on my short list. Mind you that it does have problems with bokeh CA and imperfect circles with certain lighting. It still has issues but behaves rather differently from the usual 50mm out there Originally posted by frank Excellent shots again, James. You made me wanna have this lens too. I might just buy one so I'd have two Voigtlander lenses instead of one (the other one is VL125 ). How do you compare this VL58/1.4 against the A50/1.2 or 1.4? I had both A50/1.2 and 1.4, now only a A50/1.7. Since the VL58 is instock here in SG, I might just buy one to give it a try ... How do you think? Nokton is not expensive but it is quite surprise to my lens line up. You will find this lens very "different" since you owned A 50 f1.2 and 1.4 Nokton gives a cool tone (much more than Voigtlander 125mm macro). Even with higher aperture, the colour tends to be crisp with clarity instead of orange hue. The manual focus can be hard at f1.4 (not as hard as A f1.2 at f1.2) but it is the bokeh I really care about. Bokeh is all there is with this lens. Earlier with the purchase, I had cursed the lens many times for its unsharpness at f1.4 (due to my clumpsy hands). But the bokeh rendering being soooo soft and dreamy. This is a crafty lens to own. A 50mm f1.2 has a problem with harsh edges in the bokeh. Any post processing might increase the contrast in the bokeh compartment but the bokeh can become ugly and unpleasant. With Nokton bokeh, there is a lot of possibility to post process. Really somethig. Not to mention the build, it is a pleasure to use this prme. Funnily, I got my nokton and ultron from a clubsnap community seller Small community but very knowledgeable members. Really nice and helpful!

07-31-2008, 12:06 AM	#111
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202	Originally posted by roentarre Nokton is not expensive but it is quite surprise to my lens line up. You will find this lens very "different" since you owned A 50 f1.2 and 1.4 Nokton gives a cool tone (much more than Voigtlander 125mm macro). Even with higher aperture, the colour tends to be crisp with clarity instead of orange hue. The manual focus can be hard at f1.4 (not as hard as A f1.2 at f1.2) but it is the bokeh I really care about. Bokeh is all there is with this lens. Earlier with the purchase, I had cursed the lens many times for its unsharpness at f1.4 (due to my clumpsy hands). But the bokeh rendering being soooo soft and dreamy. This is a crafty lens to own. A 50mm f1.2 has a problem with harsh edges in the bokeh. Any post processing might increase the contrast in the bokeh compartment but the bokeh can become ugly and unpleasant. With Nokton bokeh, there is a lot of possibility to post process. Really somethig. Not to mention the build, it is a pleasure to use this prme. Funnily, I got my nokton and ultron from a clubsnap community seller Small community but very knowledgeable members. Really nice and helpful! I have quite some experiences w/ the A50/1.2, so MF isn't a big deal to me I guess, well, at least I hope so The same seller who sold you the three VL lenses here from clubsnap will come to me tomorrow morning, w/ the 58/1.4 of course Thought I wouldn't buy any lens at all for this year and the year comes. But I guess I just can't keep my promise as far as LBA goes

08-09-2008, 07:43 PM	#112
roentarre Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 11,783	I see. I have been waiting for Da 15mm predominantly. The seller gave me good discounts and I really appreciate his service. Good to have a supportive community in vincinity. I have shifted most of my money to port folio investment so my LBA has already died down for a few months... Here is another bokeh from Nokton 58mm f1.4

08-09-2008, 07:46 PM	#113
roentarre Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 11,783

08-09-2008, 07:56 PM	#114
roentarre Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 11,783

08-09-2008, 09:05 PM	#115
thePiRaTE!! Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Calgary, AB Photos: Gallery Posts: 942	You wield it well! Only because I've been so enamored with the 25/2.8 lately have I been slacking on the Nokton front lately. Its images such as these that remind me why its a permanent member of my lens bag, thanks for posting!

08-12-2008, 10:48 AM	#117
Matt Miller Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Cambridge, Iowa Photos: Gallery Posts: 339	I've owned both, and they're both very good. I prefer to manual focus, which feels much better with the Nokton. I prefer the focal length of the Nokton as well. As far as sharpness goes, the 43 has the edge I think, though I'm not a pixel peeper. For bokeh, the Nokton is the king. The Nokton is quite a bit bigger than the 43, and has the same style screw-on hood. I faced the same decision you are and sold the 43. I miss it occasionally, but much prefer the Nokton. It's a sweet lens for sure.

08-12-2008, 01:26 PM	#118
Mark Littlewood Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Northants, UK Posts: 55	interesting, i'm also thinking of selling the 43 for the 58.... hope it's not gonna be a mass migration among those of us who can't afford both!

08-23-2008, 07:36 PM	#119
roentarre Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 11,783	Thanks, Kelly. I just spotted your signature photo featuring all these lovely lenses I want to include in my collection as well. Wow! I am still waiting on Da* 30mm, Da 15 ltd and hopefully Da* 135 f2.0 if I am day dreaming too much...

08-23-2008, 07:37 PM	#120
roentarre Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 11,783	Another update shot