| Author: | | Junior Member Registered: January, 2013 Location: Texas Posts: 32 | | Review Date: March 29, 2022 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Well Built | | Cons: | Chromatic Aberration, Flare | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 8
Camera Used: Fujifilm X-T3
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My review is for the SL-IIs version, that was not made for Pentax K unfortunately, but it is identical optically to previous versions.
It is a delight to use: all metal; smooth 'just right' (not too light, not too tight) focusing ring, nice aperture ring.
At f/1.4 there is a lot of chromatic aberration, green and magenta. A lot less at f/2.0, and at f/2.8 C.A. is gone. Vignetting (on APS-C) and distortion are moderate. Flaring is pretty bad. Sharpness is very good but nothing exceptional. Barely acceptable at F/1.4. good to very good at f/2.0, excellent at f/2.8 and above. Not too much losses from the center to the corners.
| | | | | | | amateur dirt farmer Registered: December, 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Posts: 41,677
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: January 1, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $400.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | clarity, bokeh, color rendition, sharpness, build quality | | Cons: | occasional CA | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 8
Camera Used: K-3
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an impressive lens, but that was the reputation going in...
I bought this lens used from another PF member here and it arrived in new condition (boxed, OEM hood and caps) and at a surprising price ($400 US), but remember that, since they are no longer in production, you'll be shopping for a used lens...
having used the Ultron 40/2 in previous months, I expected the quality of a Voigtlander and was not disappointed - engraved markings, tight tolerances, metal build, smoooooooooth focus ring...
but, like the good, you're interested in the bad and the only thing I've gleaned over the last month is occasional CA in super-high contrast shots, and easily correctable either by stopping down or in post...
that's it - that's as bad as this lens gets...
but the good - color, clarity, bokeh, all in spades...
and the shots!
 frozen asters by Pepperberry Farm, on Flickr
 Christmas decorations by Pepperberry Farm, on Flickr
 up 4th St... by Pepperberry Farm, on Flickr
 advent yarn by Pepperberry Farm, on Flickr
 hexed glass by Pepperberry Farm, on Flickr
and the rest of my flickr folder for this lens:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/pepperberryfarm/albums/72157711893695532/with/49107276982/
in short, if you are looking for a midrange, manual focus lens with superior optics, this should be on your short list....
| | | | | New Member Registered: June, 2018 Posts: 6 | | Review Date: June 20, 2018 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Excellent build quality, bright, very sharp, smooth bokeh | | Cons: | Rendering is much better on full frame | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 9
Camera Used: A7
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I think this became my favorite lens ever !
Bought my first one to use as a 85mm equivalent on an APS-C camera... and sold it. It was sharp, nice to use, smooth bokeh, but I felt nothing special.
Finally found a good deal on a second hand one and bought it again for my new Sony A7... And even if my first sample was as good as my current one, it's like I discovered a totally new lens !
Build quality is as usual with Voigtlander, very good. I think it's a good compromise between "build like a tank" and modern plastic lenses.
Sharpness is great, fully usable wide open at f/1,4 even if you can't have everything sharp from corner to corner due to limited depth of field. It's an excellent lens optically, the only dowside I can see is light chromatic aberration at full aperture, nothing abnormal I think.
I like it's bokeh very much, it's nice and smooth, better than a 50mm due to slightly longer focal lenght. It's good for portraits, landscapes and not too long for everyday use if you like it.
Like all Voigtlander lenses, it's collectible. Means it is not so expensive when new, but having a good price for it second hand is not easy.
I now really feel this Nokton 58mm f/1,4 has something exceptional on full frame, and I want to keep mine as long as possible. Results on APS-C camera can be good too, the lens performs well but it feels much better on full frame.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: June, 2010 Location: Sebastopol, California Posts: 2,020
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 19, 2017 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Superb IQ, fast, rich color and 3D rendering, lightweight | | Cons: | Can't think of any other than the lens is hard to find. | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 10
Camera Used: K7, K3, K1
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Since discovering Voigtlander lenses several years ago I've owned every one of them, some twice. The Nokton 58mm was one I sold during my "exploring" phase of trying out all the high-reputation lenses made for Pentax. I bought the 58mm a second time when I got my K-1 hoping that a FF sensor might make a big difference—it does.
Most photographers know about the super IQ and build quality of the Nokton 58mm; I'm posting this mainly to highlight its extraordinary transformation by a full frame sensor. But I'd mention too that if, like me, 35-40mm tends to be your "normal" FL on full frame, then you may find 58mm to be a great short tele focal length. Also, my rating of 10 for "handling" is because its focus ring size, grippy-ness, location, short throw (just past 1/2 turn), and buttery-smooth rotation make the Nokton the easiest lens to manually focus I've ever owned (and most all my lenses are manual focus). It is center sharp from f1.4, and sharp edge to edge by f4. Add brilliant color and contrast, metal construction, weighing only 320g . . . that is why it truly deserves a 10 rating.
 | | | | | | | Senior Member Registered: May, 2011 Location: Hanoi Posts: 213
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: March 7, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $500.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | excellent render color | | Cons: | body paint is weak | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 9
Value: 10
Camera Used: K-3
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At first I really confused when make a choice between CZ T* 50 f1.4 ZK and Voigt 58mm f1.4. However, it take one day to control this lens, and I do love the way of rendering color which Voigt has been working. Besides that, when taking BW pics, it's also amazing effect.
| | | | | New Member Registered: January, 2012 Posts: 14
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: April 22, 2015 | Recommended | Price: $400.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Sharpness at f/2 and above, color, bokeh | | Cons: | CA, sharpness below f/2 | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 10
Camera Used: K-5, K-7
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 | | | | | Site Supporter Registered: January, 2010 Location: The Black Hills Posts: 1,108
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: March 25, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $400.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Very sharp, excellent miro-contrast, well built. | | Cons: | Lens hood situation not well thought out. | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 9
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Every bit as good as I thought it would be. I had read lots of reviews and seen lots of samples before buying. I have been seeing a nice separation between elements in some landscape photos(3-D type effect) that has been a nice surprise. Purchased the Nokton and a Pentax 77ltd around the same time and am finding the Nokton to be the equal (or more) in every situation so far, and I think that is saying a lot. Have not compared the two in pure bokeh quality yet, but when flowers come out this spring I will be busy with both, and compare directly.
@F8
Will try to post more later...............
Update 4-08 Loving it , some samples
 | | | | | Site Supporter Registered: July, 2009 Location: eastern Pennsylvania, USA Posts: 151
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 17, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $389.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | build quality, image quality, versatility | | Cons: | none | |
This is largely repeating what has been said by others. But I would add that this is probably my most versatile lens.
With just the right reach, and a generally pleasing bokeh, the 58mm Norkton is a superb portrait lens. It is slightly (but only slightly) soft wide open; however, it quickly gets sharp--very sharp--when stopped down. In addition to portraits, I routinely use it for street shooting and landscapes.
I find the colour slightly subdued compared to my Pentax limited and Zeiss lenses; but this gives many shots a more natural look.
If you are in the market for a normal/short tele lens and you don't mind manual focus, you should try to locate one of these beauties. I'm not sure what they're fetching these days, but at US $389, the lens was a steal.
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: September, 2010 Location: Kent, UK Posts: 104 | | Review Date: March 20, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $500.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Build, sharpness | | Cons: | No AF, no case. | |
Beautifully build lens: the focus ring is nicely weighted. It is sharper than you could ever need but at 1.4 the bokeh is wonderful.
If you are used to the Limited lenses you might find it larger and heavier than you were expecting.
Its a shame it is now out of production for pentax mount.
| | | | | Junior Member Registered: September, 2009 Location: Galati on Danube-Romania Posts: 33
1 user found this helpful
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: April, 2010 Location: SF, CA Posts: 78 | | Review Date: October 13, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $400.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Fast and sharp | | Cons: | Cheapy lens cap, optional hood | |
Nice bulid, though not quite as fine as my Voigtlander 90mm APO Lanthar SL. Cheapy lens cap. Super lens at this price. Too bad Cosina discontinued production on the Pentax mount. 
Fast. Great low light performance makes it perfect for night shots. Very nice color and contrast. Wide open it's dreamy soft, but SHARP at 2.8+. Fringes on open high contrast shots. Stopping down and using a hood greatly reduces the fringe. Not quite perfect due to the fringe.. would call it a 9.5...
Satisfying walk-about lens. Lovely for portaits. It's on the camera quite a bit these days.
Just starting to test it out on my IR modified K7... Looks super in most shots if I'm careful with the lightsource, but will hotspot like crazy if I'm not.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: September, 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 25,123 | | Review Date: June 5, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $379.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Build Quality-Great Image Quality-Fast | | Cons: | Poor lens cap/ Expensive hood | |
This lens needs no further praise than what it has already received here. Simply a superb lens and a delight to use......if you don't mind Manual Focus. I bought it for Portrait work, but it is just plain fun to use for many other purposes as well.
If you buy one, order a Center Pinch lens to go with it, the one it comes with is a joke. If you get the hood, go to B&H and get a plain metal hood, they are cheaper and just as nice as the Nokton hood. I personally use a center pinch 58mm Pentax lens cap and a 58mm Pentax 645 Rubber hood, that works well and looks great mounted on this lens.
Highly Recommend this lens.
Best Regards!
Rupert
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: November, 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 4,002 | | Review Date: April 30, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $350.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Superb image quality, Very solid, Ease to use, Value for money | | Cons: | AF? | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 10
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I bought the Voigtlander Nokton 58 mm f1.4 to complement the DA18-250mm with my K-7, with the Nokton being originally purchased to shoot outdoor in low light. I do a lot of outdoor shooting and the Voigtlander 58mm is a very solid lens, perfect for outdoor shooting. I use it under rain, storm and muddy conditions. No worry at all.
I found myself to love the MF shooting and the superb image quality. As a result I use more and more the Nokton 58mm for many occasions: indoor, outdoor, sunny, dark... You can do anything with the Nokton 58mm. It is also a lens that is easy to use and I learn a lot about MF with that lens. Late I have used the Nokton outdoor and I find the results amazing. Especially when the lights are not the best like Haze, smoke, fogg. The lens is a fast prime and it delivers nicely in low light conditons.
The image quality has been discussed in other places incl. Photozone.de and earlier posts. Simply outstanding. If I was to buy again a 50mm fast prime, I would go again for the Nokton 58mm, unless I had the means to buy the Zeiss 50mm.
I madea subjective comparison between the FA31mm Lts, one of the three amigos, and the VL58mm f1.4, in a real situation. Have a look:https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/209251-fa31mm-...mm-f1-4-a.html.
All in all, a highly recommended lens. | | | | | New Member Registered: October, 2009 Location: Princeton, NJ Posts: 1 | | Review Date: April 19, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $379.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Built, Fast, Nice K7 match | | Cons: | None | |
I am new to the DSLR world and what a nice way to get into it with the K7 Nokton combo. No more point and shoots for me after getting my hands on a K7.
I am actually quite impressed with low light performance, but one need to practise a bit. I heard some bad things about K7 and low light, so I went for a good low light lens, glad I picked this one. K7 looks pretty good in low light with the Nokton. I was concerned about manual focus and the extra time it take to frame a shot, but it is turning into alot of fun. I use this for indoor portraits, but some sunny shot came out pretty amazing as well. This lens is heavy (like the k7..nice), sturdy and I can change Aperture and I find it very accurate.
Now how do I get a 180mm? Can't find it anywhere.
| | | | | New Member Registered: August, 2009 Location: Cornwall Posts: 13 | | Review Date: April 1, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $400.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Precision engineering, smooth focus, A++ results. | | Cons: | CA in high contrast, slightly soft wide open, lens cap. | |
The lens produces excellent results. Lovely shallow depth of field at wide apertures. Fabulously sharp at small apertures. There is a bit of fringing with high contrast shots, I noticed this in bright sunlight but the other characteristics more than compensate. It is slightly soft wide open. The lens feels smooth to use and the focus has perfect drag. It is an all metal quality construction.
I'd like to knock 1/2 point off for the fringing and slight softness but in all other aspects it gets 10.
I broke the lens cap within a week. But I leave the hood attached all the time and you can't use the cap with the hood on. Minor niggle
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OK June 2010 update:
Revising the rating up to 10. More use has only increased my liking for the lens. Even in bright sunshine if used correctly it is excellent.
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