Voigtlander Nokton 58mm F/1.4 Review!

Rush2112 · 01-07-2009, 12:03 PM

Saw the couple of reviews here, seems like a lens I'd be happy to buy and do have a need for. Had to send back my 40mm f2.8 pancake to Adorama, bad gear inside sticking and wouldn't autofocus. So I've decided to get that one at a later time and get the Voightlander instead.

I've ordered the OEM53 eyepiece to help a bit with the view, and I have no issues using a MF lens only (I often manual focus anyways), in fact I quite like it and wish more photographers would get comfortable with manual focusing.

Anyone else with experience with this lens that you'd like to share some views on it with me? I know it is a good lens, just looking for some like minded people's opinions for some fun talk on this lens.

One characteristic that particularly raised an eyebrow was the performance at f8 with a near perfect edge to edge performance characteristic (best I've seen yet). Too bad Klaus doesn't have a K20D to do some of these tests on, I'd like to see the resolution figures with it, vs. the Nikon D200. Either way I'm sure it is a gem but im looking for some bragging rights to be quite honest (and fun about it).

I really like items built to the hilt like this, handcrafted or not, it is something that will last a lifetime that has "soul" and will be a very good gen. purpose prime for me.

Cheers,

Carl

thePiRaTE!! · 01-07-2009, 12:10 PM

Come join the fun

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/20336-voigtlan...-4-nokton.html

or

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/13248-voigtl-n...-thoughts.html

Rush2112 · 01-07-2009, 12:20 PM

Thank you, didn't see that thread, did a search too. Sorry to start another!

nostatic · 01-07-2009, 12:36 PM

I ordered one from Cameraquest on Monday. Should be here today (though I won't be home to sign for it). CameraQuest Home. I'm looking forward to it.

jsherman999 · 01-07-2009, 12:44 PM

And I'm in the process of trading my DA 35ltd macro for one. I'll probably get another DA 35 this summer, but for now I'll get more use out of the Nokton.

Rush2112 · 01-07-2009, 01:20 PM

Excellent. Just excellent. I can't wait to get it and dive in, and to see what you guys do with it as well...

C

roentarre · 01-07-2009, 02:07 PM

Seriously, we are starting a cult for VL Nokton here.

Voe did a comparison on this lens to its older cousin

Voigtlander 58mm f/1.4 vs. Topcor 58mm f/1.4

Rush2112 · 01-07-2009, 02:57 PM

Good stuff, thanks for the link.

I'm all about a cult for such a cool design.

nostatic · 01-07-2009, 03:42 PM

We need a secret handshake. Or at least a slogan. Something catchy.

"I got your Nokton right here"

"Nokton: fast done right but focused left"

"We like Noktonal emissions"

rover · 01-07-2009, 06:03 PM

If you flickr don't forget to add your photos to our group.

Flickr: Voigtlander 58/1.4 Nokton

Rush2112 · 01-07-2009, 08:43 PM

Originally posted by nostatic

We need a secret handshake. Or at least a slogan. Something catchy.

"I got your Nokton right here"

"Nokton: fast done right but focused left"

"We like Noktonal emissions"

Wow, I'm drawing a big blank. LOL

lbam · 01-07-2009, 11:43 PM

The last lens door to be Nokton...

( Actually knowing me that's pretty unlikely :-S )

soccerjoe5 · 01-08-2009, 01:30 AM

Originally posted by jsherman999

And I'm in the process of trading my DA 35ltd macro for one. I'll probably get another DA 35 this summer, but for now I'll get more use out of the Nokton.

Can't wait to get the DA35, Jay. I'll just have to get another Nokton sometime this summer!

nostatic · 01-08-2009, 12:57 PM

Slapped the lens on today and took a few quick snaps. I have to say that I've been spoiled by AF and this thing has a looooong throw. Of course that make MF all the better, but with my shooting style it is a challenge. The thing is brutally sharp though - imho outperforming my 43/1.9 in that regard (shooting at about 2.8). Just due to the fact that I often do a lot of "hip shooting", this one will likely see more limited use, but it appears to be a keeper. For times when I have both hands free it'll rock.

A few snaps, nothing earth shattering, just messing around to get a feel for the look.

roentarre · 01-08-2009, 01:43 PM

The long throw here is nothing comparing to Voigtlander 125mm f2.5 macro.

01-07-2009, 12:03 PM	#376
Rush2112 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: RSM, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 505	Voightlander Nokton 58mm 1.4 Saw the couple of reviews here, seems like a lens I'd be happy to buy and do have a need for. Had to send back my 40mm f2.8 pancake to Adorama, bad gear inside sticking and wouldn't autofocus. So I've decided to get that one at a later time and get the Voightlander instead. I've ordered the OEM53 eyepiece to help a bit with the view, and I have no issues using a MF lens only (I often manual focus anyways), in fact I quite like it and wish more photographers would get comfortable with manual focusing. Anyone else with experience with this lens that you'd like to share some views on it with me? I know it is a good lens, just looking for some like minded people's opinions for some fun talk on this lens. One characteristic that particularly raised an eyebrow was the performance at f8 with a near perfect edge to edge performance characteristic (best I've seen yet). Too bad Klaus doesn't have a K20D to do some of these tests on, I'd like to see the resolution figures with it, vs. the Nikon D200. Either way I'm sure it is a gem but im looking for some bragging rights to be quite honest (and fun about it). I really like items built to the hilt like this, handcrafted or not, it is something that will last a lifetime that has "soul" and will be a very good gen. purpose prime for me. Cheers, Carl

01-07-2009, 08:43 PM	#386
Rush2112 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: RSM, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 505	Hmmmm how about.. Originally posted by nostatic We need a secret handshake. Or at least a slogan. Something catchy. "I got your Nokton right here" "Nokton: fast done right but focused left" "We like Noktonal emissions" Wow, I'm drawing a big blank. LOL

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01-07-2009, 12:10 PM	#377
thePiRaTE!! Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Calgary, AB Photos: Gallery Posts: 942	Come join the fun https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/20336-voigtlan...-4-nokton.html or https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/13248-voigtl-n...-thoughts.html

01-07-2009, 12:20 PM	#378
Rush2112 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: RSM, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 505	Thank you, didn't see that thread, did a search too. Sorry to start another!

01-07-2009, 12:36 PM	#379
nostatic Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: socal Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,575	I ordered one from Cameraquest on Monday. Should be here today (though I won't be home to sign for it). CameraQuest Home. I'm looking forward to it.

01-07-2009, 12:44 PM	#380
jsherman999 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,237	And I'm in the process of trading my DA 35ltd macro for one. I'll probably get another DA 35 this summer, but for now I'll get more use out of the Nokton.

01-07-2009, 01:20 PM	#381
Rush2112 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: RSM, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 505	Excellent. Just excellent. I can't wait to get it and dive in, and to see what you guys do with it as well... C

01-07-2009, 02:07 PM	#382
roentarre Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 11,783	Seriously, we are starting a cult for VL Nokton here. Voe did a comparison on this lens to its older cousin Voigtlander 58mm f/1.4 vs. Topcor 58mm f/1.4

01-07-2009, 02:57 PM	#383
Rush2112 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: RSM, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 505	Good stuff, thanks for the link. I'm all about a cult for such a cool design.

01-07-2009, 03:42 PM	#384
nostatic Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: socal Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,575	We need a secret handshake. Or at least a slogan. Something catchy. "I got your Nokton right here" "Nokton: fast done right but focused left" "We like Noktonal emissions"

01-07-2009, 06:03 PM	#385
rover Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 149	If you flickr don't forget to add your photos to our group. Flickr: Voigtlander 58/1.4 Nokton

01-07-2009, 11:43 PM	#387
lbam Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery Posts: 442	The last lens door to be Nokton... ( Actually knowing me that's pretty unlikely :-S )

01-08-2009, 01:30 AM	#388
soccerjoe5 Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Philippines Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,343	Originally posted by jsherman999 And I'm in the process of trading my DA 35ltd macro for one. I'll probably get another DA 35 this summer, but for now I'll get more use out of the Nokton. Can't wait to get the DA35, Jay. I'll just have to get another Nokton sometime this summer!

01-08-2009, 12:57 PM	#389
nostatic Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: socal Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,575	Slapped the lens on today and took a few quick snaps. I have to say that I've been spoiled by AF and this thing has a looooong throw. Of course that make MF all the better, but with my shooting style it is a challenge. The thing is brutally sharp though - imho outperforming my 43/1.9 in that regard (shooting at about 2.8). Just due to the fact that I often do a lot of "hip shooting", this one will likely see more limited use, but it appears to be a keeper. For times when I have both hands free it'll rock. A few snaps, nothing earth shattering, just messing around to get a feel for the look.

01-08-2009, 01:43 PM	#390
roentarre Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 11,783	The long throw here is nothing comparing to Voigtlander 125mm f2.5 macro.