People became aware of Voigtländer in the 1990’s as a cheap Leica alternative? Voigtländer is the oldest name in photography, founded in 1756. In 1839 Daguerre started selling cameras, but they were just adapted versions of the artist’s camera obscura. In 1840 Voigtländer designed and sold the first metal camera purely designed for photography. Voigtländer was very innovative but was absorbed by Zeiss in 1955. In the early 1960’s Voigtlander was a pioneer in introducing the first zoom lenses for stills photography. Sadly Zeiss closed the Voigtlander factory in 1964 and the old company ceased to exist. Zeiss then resurrected the name as a brand name by licensing the name to Cosina who have worked with Zeiss recreating and adapting Voigtländer and Zeiss designs to be sold under the Voigtländer label. It is a sad tail end to the Voigtlander story, but since it is one of the biggest names in photographic history, I am aghast at it being referred to as just a cheap Leica alternative appearing in the 1990’s. Having said that I love your review. One of the best on UA-cam and you quite brilliantly showed the real world differences between the lenses. For me, I am am an old time type of guy and manual focus is my natural element, but there is a lot to like about that Nocticron.
I pinned this so people hopefully see it! Yeah my little history lesson was for sure more of a recent history as I didn’t see this video as the place for an expanded history but it is quite an old and famous lens company, often making lenses just as good or better than their competition! I mostly thought it was interesting that Leica and Voigtlander were competing again even into the modern day. Thanks for comment and thanks for stopping by!
@@RhettThompsonFilm I also think it is great that Zeiss and Cosina use the Voigtländer brand to create lenses that are a blend of modern optical concepts with older ones. It means the Voigtländer lenses made by Cosina have character that is too often missing these days whilestill being in many ways better than the old lenses, especially in contrast and flare resistance. I have used the 25mm 0.95 Voigt since it was first introduced back in 2009 or 2010 (I forget) and there is no other MFT that gives more pleasure when using it. It just feels right, and being able to use 0.95 at midnight makes night street photography easy. That lens can see more than the human eye can.
Finally someone! A real German gem! Period. I'm Hungarian 🇭🇺 and my grand dad had a lovely Voigtländer Bessa range finder camera, still remember its smell 🤭 By the way, in German, they pronounce it "FOIGTlender" 💖
I was agonizing about which to get and in the end compromised. I got both. 😄 Found a used Voigt months ago and figured I was set with that, a 25, and the 17.5, but the other day a client proposed a seven-interview shoot and faced with 14 opportunities to not quite nail the focus in one day I decided to go ahead and get the Leica too. To me it's like the difference between a Citroen 2CV and a new BMW. For every person who'd be charmed if you rolled up in the first there are about 50 who'd be impressed with the second. Nobody has ever asked me how much character the lenses I use have, but I've been asked for it to look "crisp." But if anyone ever asks if I can give the footage a dreamy look, a filmic look, an old-school vintage lens non-videoey look, I'll fold them tenderly in my arms and say I've got it covered.
The same compromise I made for a time! Eventually I sold the Leica but damn that was a hard one to let go. The problem is the Voigtlander looks dreamy wide open, and it looks crisp the close to F2 or f2.8 if you're a stickler. Its got quite the versatility in its look but the Leica has way more features. I can see why you got stuck between the two!
@@RhettThompsonFilm Ultimately I think the decision comes down to what bugs you more: tying up the money in two lenses with mostly overlapping capabilities, or not being able to take advantage of the differences when you want to. And then of course there's the standard advice from UA-camrs about expensive and not entirely necessary gear: If you want it and you can afford it, go nuts. : )
Rhett Thompson I have the 10.5 and the 25mm. The 17 seems to me to be the best of all and it would be my choice if I had to have a single one. I usually work between 10 and 25 (21 and 50mm) and in some shoots I like to work in tele. I'm very interested in the 60mm. 42.5 is excellent but it's not on my list. Excellent video!
@@TITAOSTEIN voigtlander is a superb lens. I have the 10.5, the 17.5 and the 25mm. Love all of them and planing to keep them forever. Although the 42.5 it's a cool lens and I'm planing to have the whole set, I still prefer to buy first the 60 one. That baby is a beast and a dream
Fantastic review. Thanks for including a portrait shootout and covering so many aspects during it that section. I'd love to see you do more content with portraiture and video technique. Personally I would choose the Leica, even though I have the 17.5mm Voigtlander, but like others here I'd always want both..
Great review. I went with the Voigtlander for the closer focusing distance and to match my Voigtlander 25mm in video. If you can handle the working distance, the Sigma 56mm 1.4 pretty much has the exact same subject isolation as the Leica, is incredibly sharp and much much cheaper. You would probably need a body with in built stabilisation though.
I would have and would still really like to include the Sigma 56mm and Olympus 45mm 1.2 in a future comparison honestly but Im glad I was able to guide you toward the Voigtlander! The matching lens set thing is a huge deal for me too as I understand where you're coming from.
I had the leica and was never 100% happy with it. Even at f5.6 pr f8 it was never showing details as expected now I have the oly 45mm f1.8 and this is top
Was surprised when I saw the post date of this video. Hard to find new content on this system, thanks!! I have the 12-35 2.8 leica panny and the 42.5 0.95 voigtlander and trying to decided if I should get the panny leica primes or voigtlander primes to finish my set.
Lawrence Adjei thats rough man. If you ever do photography or do videography where auto focus before you shoot the shot or even during is important then it’s leica all the way. If you don’t mind manual focus or manual everything to avoid landers have a super great look, have tons of character wide open but are super usable stopped down to f1.4 or 2 and then voigtlander lineup goes from 10.5-60mm where the Leica only goes from 12 to 42.5mm. Another set that could be interesting that I’ve never used is the Olympus pro lenses. All f1.2s, have AF if needed, have a manual focus clutch, and weather sealing but the widest angle is 17mm and the most telephoto is 45 or maybe 75 if you count the 75mm 1.8. Sorry to add in a new lens set to make it even more difficult but yeah, the Olympus in theory kinda fits in between the Panasonic Leica lenses and the Voigtlander lenses.
@@RhettThompsonFilm thanks for the advice. I think I'll go with the landers, I'm mainly a film maker and getting into photography as a hobby I actually don't mind manual focusing but it does get tricky with photography especially when you realize in post that you missed. But might just use the 12-35mm if it's a paid photography gig just in case. I'll probably get the 10.5, 17.5 to add to my 42.5 voigtlander
Im just putting out my thoughts on stuff that I havent seen a solid video on (can you believe no one pitted these two against each other before?) and if the views and subs come. so be it! Thanks for stopping by.
Great video. The Leica is has the best color reproduction of the two but is just to expensive for me. The two lumix 42.5 f1.7 I have, have been my work horses for me shooting video for myself and other events.
They are pretty close around F1.4 and around F2-2.8 they’re super close but we only really care about wide open right? The Voigtlander certainly does have a look to it and it’s manual features are very handy for filmmakers.
Nice job. Would love to see you use the Voightlander and Leica in practice showing off video techniques you take for granted and the rest of us would love to learn,
@@RhettThompsonFilm It would be interesting to see pulling focus/rack focus and how you would do it with a hybrid lens like the leica (not a stepless apeture) versus Voight. Techniques for handheld video assuming IBIS is there on how to pull off run and gun decent video without a gimbal. Settings for MFT in terms of what formats to shoot when, and how to get good results color wise without too much post production. Slo-mo techniques and guidance. Anything at all would be good to help us less knowledgeable.
I am deciding between the leica 42.5 vs Voigtlander 42.5 for wedding videography. Both are great to have. Love the looks for the voigt but then the autofocus is soo tempting, haha.
Honestly for me the Voigtlander takes it. IBIS is amazing and the minimum focus distance is super handy for macro shots, and the Leica just doesn’t have good macro specs for ring details etc. for sharp images go to 1.4 to 2 and for closeups 2.8 to be safe. .95 is always dreamy but part of me wonders if a full voigtlander set would be ideal for weddings. Like a 10.5, 42.5 and 60mm would be amazing! A 25 too and three cameras. Wow. Makes me want to go for it.
@@RhettThompsonFilm haha, agree. The full set of Voigtlanders would be good. They are soo pricey. I am also thinking of picking up the 10-25mm f1.7 to pair with the 25 and 42.4mm voigt. What is your take on the Leica zoom?
I would go with the Leica. Still hesitating a bit because of the bokeh bubbles you said had a more vintage look on the voigtlander (which I would prefer). Except for the nice picture at 18.53 most of the bokeh shots were with long distance background. So they look blury and it is hard to say which is the best lens of the two in this situation. These are certainly 2 great portrait lenses.
Laurent Yarp yeah it’s really tough. I’d say the Voigtlander can get the smoothest bokeh of the two in some situations but can also produces the busiest and grittiest bokeh in others whereas the Leica is always really good in the majority of situations. I’d say pick the lens based on the features more than the IQ for the most part. And if you can’t justify either the lumix 42.5 1.7 is still super great for the price, and I’m sure the olympus 45mm 1.8 is good also.
@@RhettThompsonFilm Thanks. Sure the Olympus is a greeat competitor too. I've seen a couple of videos about this one in the meantime. They say it is a near perfect lens (I was looking at the 1.2 pro version). Though the videos on the olympus were far less in depth than yours. Thank you for your time.
Laurent Yarp if I had all the time and money in the world I’d get the Olympus and test it but alas I don’t. It looks like a cool blend of the Voigtlander and the Leica to me.
@@RhettThompsonFilm Sure, your review was good enough to me. It gave a good overview of the 2 lenses. There are so many M43 lenses. In the 42/45mm range I've got five primes in my reference list.
@@RhettThompsonFilm The Olympus is quite good but to my eye the way it handles color is markedly different from the Panny family and if you were using both, like in interviews, you'd have a lot of extra work matching them.
Brilliant review. Exactly what I was looking for. I own the Voigtlander 25mm and love that lens. Have shot almost full run and gun docu-style content on it. Looking for a lens for my 2cd interview camera thought the 42.5 Voigtlander would be a slam dunk. Got to be honest, I like the Leica better for the bokeh and it would pair well with the G5S. Decisions. =)
I’m so obsessed with lens sets for me the Voigtlander is an easy choice cuz it’ll be perfect for those two camera or film set type shoots, which is why I’ve got a voigtlander 17.5 and 42.5. That being said the stabilization in the Leica is really handy. I honestly think the bokeh is pretty much even given some of the texture issues the Leica has, but the Voigt also has some highlighting and fringing problems. One of the biggest things for me is the close focus which the Voigtlander is objectively much much better. Still it is tough.
@@RhettThompsonFilm 100% I get that. The Voigt set for cinematic work is amazing - if you like that particular ascetic. I had the 17.5 and reluctantly sold it when I was burned out. I dig the sharpness and colour better on the Leica at 1.2f - and it is amazing the shift in colour to 2f. I agree the Voigt seems like it has a marginally better bokeh but that colour shift. I guess you can correct that in post like you mentioned. There is something incredibly satisfying about the mechanical focus ring on the Voigt. At the end of the day it may just come down to the fact my wife will more easily be able to use the Leica for photos since she favours auto focus. Haha. = )
Great video test , like them both , but i chose the Leica , but in video mode it struggles with face tracking on G9 and works better on GH5 v2.6 now , but i mainly bought it for great photos , its awesome and so quick to lock on action shots and a dream lens for hi res mode on G9 , cheers and now subscribed . PS love that gh4 advantages video with 50mbps mode for longer video shooting but still good quality , chow .
Another 50mbps user!! I always love when I run into another. Yeah the 42.5 is the obvious choice for someone who plans on doing photography. I’ve got both right now, but I really should try and get rid of one.
@@RhettThompsonFilm Cheers , yes i kept gh4 , great camera , perfect weight and the handy built in flash , i still love its 4k too on a tripod, its very hard to get rid of really nice lenses that you don't use often that are so great when you do use them , like the 75mm 1.8 , is so sharp and that lush bokeh . Thanks for the reply Rhett .
To me it depends on what kinda of photographer or dop you're. I use mine ones on a bmpcc4k, only shot raw, and analog it's my type of visual. So there's no question to me, I chose voigtlander. But I do se the leica being the one that performes perfectly on marriage, advertising and more modern type of shooting. I have 3 noktons and planing to buy the 2 other ones that I didn't own
Man I just shot a film on the Pocket 4k and Voigtlanders. Check out Pinky String on Instagram for some shots. It was amazing! I used the 17.5 and 42.5s
Rhett - Do you think the Leica 42.5 would cut well with the 25mm Voigtlander in a 2-camera interview? I notice that you mentioned you could not tell the Leica and Voigt apart expect for metadata. Thanks. =)
Maybe especially if you use a white balance card to get the color perfect and mess with the contrast in post. Of course two Voigtlander lenses or two Leica lenses would match better.
I've been on the verge of getting the Panny Lecia for a while now. This video was very good for me to see. I'm going to for the Panny. You did not mention the lenes when it comes to video really. I shoot more video but photos are important too. I shoot a lot of Entertainers comics and speakers and lighting is poor so the 1.2 should help a lot I think in video as well. What do you think Rhett?
So tough and I’ve been thinking about this a lot. For video this lens has recently been updated to have linear focus on many of the newer cameras (GH5mkii or GH6) but the older cameras it’s still fly by wire which isn’t the best. For video the Olympus 45 1.2 or Voigtlander might be better for video honestly and of course the Leica 25-50 is like the KING but way more expensive. It all really depends. What’s your camera and other lenses right now?
@@RhettThompsonFilm I have a GH6 and still have my GH5 which I think I'll keep since the price has gone down. I see GH5's for as little as 600 in great shape. I have a Lecia 8 -18, a Lecia 12-60, panny 100-300 (but looking at the 100 400 which I had but returned and I regret it) a Panny 50mm 1.7. and a panny 45mm to 150mm. I can't really go for the 50 to 100 lecia but I can pick up the lecia 42.5 for 700. I think that is a good common place for me. Do you have the 50 to 100 yourself? What do you think of all this. I do all kind of every kind of video. A ton of nature/outdoors, Lots of comics and entertainers and speakers. I am slowly but surely becoming a real photographer so photos are very important too. that is one of the reasons I'm think 42.5 for photos as well. I really want a fast lens. I suppose if I wanted to break the bank I could go for the 50 to 100 but I like the idea of a 1.2 on the 42.5
@@RhettThompsonFilm also Rhett, Would love to see a video explain the fly by wire focus thing you speak of.. I’ve heard a lot about it but never really understood it. When I got the GH6 I updated my 12 60 Leica and my 100 to 300 .
Some of the few lenses Ive never got my hands on. For me if you are doing cinematic work or certain video work you kinda choose between the Meike lenses and the Voigtlander lenses and Ive gone Voigtlander...for now anyway. To me the Meike are great if you want better image quality and manual controls, but of course the voitlanders can go faster, and may be a little more photography friendly. That would be a fun test though one of these days!
@@RhettThompsonFilm dang you think the meike cine lenses have better image quality ? Interesting. They are def a different look from what I've seen. I actually am returning my meike 16mm. I should have got the 12 but now I'm thinking to save up for the voigtlander 17.5 as my mid focal length basically my standard do all
I have compred the Nokton 25mm with the Meike 25mm. At f/2.2 both lenses are absolutely comparable. They are truely excellent lenses. The bonus of the Nokton 25mm is its speed. I love these 25mm lenses especially for video work. The Meike is more prone to flare.
Honestly, it' s just a matter of taste. If you are primarily a videographer and don't need the speed, go for the Meike - or if you plan to buy a set of cine lenses. If you do photography AND videography and like taking pictures or videos at lowlight, go for the Nokton. BTW the Meike 25mm is top notch at minimum focus, even at full aperture! To get roughly the same results with the Nokton you have to stop down to f2.8. at f0.95 or f1.4 the pic is dreamy.
It really is the easiest way to differentiate the two, although I think the Leica can do video better than the voigt can do stills, so if you do a mix of both I would say Leica. Some day Im gonna get the Olympus 45 1.2 and sigma 56mm 1.4 and do a complete portrait lens battle for the ages.
I know you said you do more video how do you feel these compare when it comes to photos? I'm more so going to be taking photos of cars I will say st f2 I liked the voigt but the leica has a few advantages
The Leica is versatile in terms of look. Wide open it’s creamy and vintage and low contrast and of course brighter, and stop down to 1.4 or 2 or becomes a little more modern and sharp. To me for photos it’s just hard to beat a lens with autofocus though, but if you don’t mind talking your time the Voigtlander might m be fine. For me for photos I’d reach for the Leica just cuz that AF but I think you’re good to go either way man.
I had the version 1 and eventually sold it, Ive heard the version two is much better and could certainly give the Voigtlander a run for its money. You got one I can borrow? haha
Any point for me to get Leica when I got a crappy camera (Panasonic G7)? I was told some people buy good lenses and cheap cameras. But it makes no sense. My camera got only 16mp. How will Leica make my shots look better? I can instead upgrade to G95 with 20mp, and get a cheap $350 42.5mm lens for same price! How will Leica make my pics look better with only 16mp vs 20mp on G95?? I don't get it.
People like expensive glass because it gives them something. More features, faster aperture, better characteristics and so on. The Leica is certainly better than the 1.7 version but is it that much better? Not really. If you can afford it or need it then yes.
@@RhettThompsonFilm haha in the same boat. I was suggesting the lens to @King Tut as an alternative that's similar in price to the 1.7 but with similar subject separation to the Leica 1.2. Currently my favorite lens. I did badly want to get the Voigtlander 42.5mm as well but I just don't think I can justify having both. Great Review as always
@@Noble_r717 never buy non-manufactured /3rd part lenses. you'll have weird incompatibiliy issues with pics and/or videos down the line. i learned the hard way.
@@RhettThompsonFilm I have one pro lense from olympus. the look and feel , the focus clutch, its a beautiful lense. i guess for a mft cam you cant get better ones but they are expensive tough.
Didn’t want to leave anything out! I get very frustrated at the lack of examples of some of the most basics properties of the most popular lenses. Plus that’s why I include chapter times!
@@RhettThompsonFilm I've watched this video twice and appreciate the thoroughness, and the chapters make it easy if you're only interested in a couple aspects. I've been looking hard at both of these as video interview lenses and neither lens is cheap, so thorough reviews are good. I have Voigts in 17.5 and 25, so it would make sense to have the whole dream team, but I want to really consider it. Would enjoy seeing the three-way autofocus shootout you mentioned.
@@mfreeman313 see I am OBSESSED with matching lens sets so for me the Voigtlander would be the way to go for sure. That being said the Leica is very good. I’d be curious to see which way you go. I’ve been getting away with just the 17.5 and 42.5 but have been interested in the 10.5 and 60mm too.
@@RhettThompsonFilm I just purchased the 10.5mm and looking forward to using that one. I already have the 25mm which I've used a ton, the overall look it gives, the stepless aputure ring and the amazing smooth mechanical focus makes u never want to go back to fly by wire again.
People became aware of Voigtländer in the 1990’s as a cheap Leica alternative? Voigtländer is the oldest name in photography, founded in 1756. In 1839 Daguerre started selling cameras, but they were just adapted versions of the artist’s camera obscura. In 1840 Voigtländer designed and sold the first metal camera purely designed for photography. Voigtländer was very innovative but was absorbed by Zeiss in 1955. In the early 1960’s Voigtlander was a pioneer in introducing the first zoom lenses for stills photography. Sadly Zeiss closed the Voigtlander factory in 1964 and the old company ceased to exist. Zeiss then resurrected the name as a brand name by licensing the name to Cosina who have worked with Zeiss recreating and adapting Voigtländer and Zeiss designs to be sold under the Voigtländer label. It is a sad tail end to the Voigtlander story, but since it is one of the biggest names in photographic history, I am aghast at it being referred to as just a cheap Leica alternative appearing in the 1990’s.
Having said that I love your review. One of the best on UA-cam and you quite brilliantly showed the real world differences between the lenses. For me, I am am an old time type of guy and manual focus is my natural element, but there is a lot to like about that Nocticron.
I pinned this so people hopefully see it! Yeah my little history lesson was for sure more of a recent history as I didn’t see this video as the place for an expanded history but it is quite an old and famous lens company, often making lenses just as good or better than their competition! I mostly thought it was interesting that Leica and Voigtlander were competing again even into the modern day. Thanks for comment and thanks for stopping by!
@@RhettThompsonFilm I also think it is great that Zeiss and Cosina use the Voigtländer brand to create lenses that are a blend of modern optical concepts with older ones. It means the Voigtländer lenses made by Cosina have character that is too often missing these days whilestill being in many ways better than the old lenses, especially in contrast and flare resistance. I have used the 25mm 0.95 Voigt since it was first introduced back in 2009 or 2010 (I forget) and there is no other MFT that gives more pleasure when using it. It just feels right, and being able to use 0.95 at midnight makes night street photography easy. That lens can see more than the human eye can.
Finally someone!
A real German gem! Period.
I'm Hungarian 🇭🇺 and my grand dad had a lovely Voigtländer Bessa range finder camera, still remember its smell 🤭
By the way, in German, they pronounce it "FOIGTlender" 💖
I was agonizing about which to get and in the end compromised. I got both. 😄 Found a used Voigt months ago and figured I was set with that, a 25, and the 17.5, but the other day a client proposed a seven-interview shoot and faced with 14 opportunities to not quite nail the focus in one day I decided to go ahead and get the Leica too. To me it's like the difference between a Citroen 2CV and a new BMW. For every person who'd be charmed if you rolled up in the first there are about 50 who'd be impressed with the second. Nobody has ever asked me how much character the lenses I use have, but I've been asked for it to look "crisp." But if anyone ever asks if I can give the footage a dreamy look, a filmic look, an old-school vintage lens non-videoey look, I'll fold them tenderly in my arms and say I've got it covered.
The same compromise I made for a time! Eventually I sold the Leica but damn that was a hard one to let go. The problem is the Voigtlander looks dreamy wide open, and it looks crisp the close to F2 or f2.8 if you're a stickler. Its got quite the versatility in its look but the Leica has way more features. I can see why you got stuck between the two!
@@RhettThompsonFilm Ultimately I think the decision comes down to what bugs you more: tying up the money in two lenses with mostly overlapping capabilities, or not being able to take advantage of the differences when you want to. And then of course there's the standard advice from UA-camrs about expensive and not entirely necessary gear: If you want it and you can afford it, go nuts. : )
Nokton User here! I’m a Filmmaker! I love the Voigtlanders! And I work in MF anyway. Clickless aperture is a dream!
TITAOSTEIN Do you only have the 42.5 or do you have others as well? I can’t decide if I want the 10.5 or the 60 or to just save my money for a while
Rhett Thompson I have the 10.5 and the 25mm. The 17 seems to me to be the best of all and it would be my choice if I had to have a single one. I usually work between 10 and 25 (21 and 50mm) and in some shoots I like to work in tele. I'm very interested in the 60mm. 42.5 is excellent but it's not on my list. Excellent video!
@@TITAOSTEIN voigtlander is a superb lens. I have the 10.5, the 17.5 and the 25mm. Love all of them and planing to keep them forever. Although the 42.5 it's a cool lens and I'm planing to have the whole set, I still prefer to buy first the 60 one. That baby is a beast and a dream
Leica for me, they're both lovely but having the option of auto-focus, if you need it, can be very helpful.
Awesome Video !
For me, the Leica have best colors and contrast
Fantastic review. Thanks for including a portrait shootout and covering so many aspects during it that section. I'd love to see you do more content with portraiture and video technique. Personally I would choose the Leica, even though I have the 17.5mm Voigtlander, but like others here I'd always want both..
Great review. I went with the Voigtlander for the closer focusing distance and to match my Voigtlander 25mm in video. If you can handle the working distance, the Sigma 56mm 1.4 pretty much has the exact same subject isolation as the Leica, is incredibly sharp and much much cheaper. You would probably need a body with in built stabilisation though.
I would have and would still really like to include the Sigma 56mm and Olympus 45mm 1.2 in a future comparison honestly but Im glad I was able to guide you toward the Voigtlander! The matching lens set thing is a huge deal for me too as I understand where you're coming from.
Not putting weather sealing in an expensive lens is just lazy.
What a superb review. Thanks for making this!
Nocticron is the bob - blows me away.
I had the leica and was never 100% happy with it. Even at f5.6 pr f8 it was never showing details as expected now I have the oly 45mm f1.8 and this is top
Was surprised when I saw the post date of this video. Hard to find new content on this system, thanks!! I have the 12-35 2.8 leica panny and the 42.5 0.95 voigtlander and trying to decided if I should get the panny leica primes or voigtlander primes to finish my set.
Lawrence Adjei thats rough man. If you ever do photography or do videography where auto focus before you shoot the shot or even during is important then it’s leica all the way. If you don’t mind manual focus or manual everything to avoid landers have a super great look, have tons of character wide open but are super usable stopped down to f1.4 or 2 and then voigtlander lineup goes from 10.5-60mm where the Leica only goes from 12 to 42.5mm. Another set that could be interesting that I’ve never used is the Olympus pro lenses. All f1.2s, have AF if needed, have a manual focus clutch, and weather sealing but the widest angle is 17mm and the most telephoto is 45 or maybe 75 if you count the 75mm 1.8. Sorry to add in a new lens set to make it even more difficult but yeah, the Olympus in theory kinda fits in between the Panasonic Leica lenses and the Voigtlander lenses.
@@RhettThompsonFilm thanks for the advice. I think I'll go with the landers, I'm mainly a film maker and getting into photography as a hobby I actually don't mind manual focusing but it does get tricky with photography especially when you realize in post that you missed. But might just use the 12-35mm if it's a paid photography gig just in case. I'll probably get the 10.5, 17.5 to add to my 42.5 voigtlander
I’ve got the 17.5 and obviously the 42.5. I’ve heard the 25 is the weakest and the 10.5 and the new 60mm look super fun and unique!
@@RhettThompsonFilm yeah the 60mm looks dope.
Good work, I know that must’ve taken ages!
A few weeks working here or there haha. Subscribe if you want to see an upcoming video that easily took twice as much work! Thanks for stopping by!
@@RhettThompsonFilm done!
Great stuff here man. Keep up the awesome content and videos... Your channel will blow up fast!
Im just putting out my thoughts on stuff that I havent seen a solid video on (can you believe no one pitted these two against each other before?) and if the views and subs come. so be it! Thanks for stopping by.
Great video. The Leica is has the best color reproduction of the two but is just to expensive for me. The two lumix 42.5 f1.7 I have, have been my work horses for me shooting video for myself and other events.
Great video, review and style. Most definitely a like!
Leica all the way,,,that bokeh and image stabilisation,,,good deal
The iq of Panasonic lens looks better here but the lens body of Voigtlander looks handsome and sexy.
They are pretty close around F1.4 and around F2-2.8 they’re super close but we only really care about wide open right? The Voigtlander certainly does have a look to it and it’s manual features are very handy for filmmakers.
Nice job. Would love to see you use the Voightlander and Leica in practice showing off video techniques you take for granted and the rest of us would love to learn,
I’ve certainly always wanted to do more technique, filmmaking, and business side of things videos. Anything in particular you’d like to see?
@@RhettThompsonFilm It would be interesting to see pulling focus/rack focus and how you would do it with a hybrid lens like the leica (not a stepless apeture) versus Voight. Techniques for handheld video assuming IBIS is there on how to pull off run and gun decent video without a gimbal. Settings for MFT in terms of what formats to shoot when, and how to get good results color wise without too much post production. Slo-mo techniques and guidance. Anything at all would be good to help us less knowledgeable.
I am deciding between the leica 42.5 vs Voigtlander 42.5 for wedding videography. Both are great to have. Love the looks for the voigt but then the autofocus is soo tempting, haha.
What camera?
@@RhettThompsonFilm GH5
Honestly for me the Voigtlander takes it. IBIS is amazing and the minimum focus distance is super handy for macro shots, and the Leica just doesn’t have good macro specs for ring details etc. for sharp images go to 1.4 to 2 and for closeups 2.8 to be safe. .95 is always dreamy but part of me wonders if a full voigtlander set would be ideal for weddings. Like a 10.5, 42.5 and 60mm would be amazing! A 25 too and three cameras. Wow. Makes me want to go for it.
@@RhettThompsonFilm haha, agree. The full set of Voigtlanders would be good. They are soo pricey. I am also thinking of picking up the 10-25mm f1.7 to pair with the 25 and 42.4mm voigt. What is your take on the Leica zoom?
@@AmazingKitchen I have many videos on this lens hahaha it’s my daily driver for sure and I’ve preordered the 25-50 as well. So good!
I would go with the Leica. Still hesitating a bit because of the bokeh bubbles you said had a more vintage look on the voigtlander (which I would prefer). Except for the nice picture at 18.53 most of the bokeh shots were with long distance background. So they look blury and it is hard to say which is the best lens of the two in this situation.
These are certainly 2 great portrait lenses.
Laurent Yarp yeah it’s really tough. I’d say the Voigtlander can get the smoothest bokeh of the two in some situations but can also produces the busiest and grittiest bokeh in others whereas the Leica is always really good in the majority of situations. I’d say pick the lens based on the features more than the IQ for the most part. And if you can’t justify either the lumix 42.5 1.7 is still super great for the price, and I’m sure the olympus 45mm 1.8 is good also.
@@RhettThompsonFilm Thanks. Sure the Olympus is a greeat competitor too. I've seen a couple of videos about this one in the meantime. They say it is a near perfect lens (I was looking at the 1.2 pro version). Though the videos on the olympus were far less in depth than yours. Thank you for your time.
Laurent Yarp if I had all the time and money in the world I’d get the Olympus and test it but alas I don’t. It looks like a cool blend of the Voigtlander and the Leica to me.
@@RhettThompsonFilm Sure, your review was good enough to me. It gave a good overview of the 2 lenses.
There are so many M43 lenses. In the 42/45mm range I've got five primes in my reference list.
@@RhettThompsonFilm The Olympus is quite good but to my eye the way it handles color is markedly different from the Panny family and if you were using both, like in interviews, you'd have a lot of extra work matching them.
Brilliant review. Exactly what I was looking for. I own the Voigtlander 25mm and love that lens. Have shot almost full run and gun docu-style content on it. Looking for a lens for my 2cd interview camera thought the 42.5 Voigtlander would be a slam dunk. Got to be honest, I like the Leica better for the bokeh and it would pair well with the G5S. Decisions. =)
I’m so obsessed with lens sets for me the Voigtlander is an easy choice cuz it’ll be perfect for those two camera or film set type shoots, which is why I’ve got a voigtlander 17.5 and 42.5. That being said the stabilization in the Leica is really handy. I honestly think the bokeh is pretty much even given some of the texture issues the Leica has, but the Voigt also has some highlighting and fringing problems. One of the biggest things for me is the close focus which the Voigtlander is objectively much much better. Still it is tough.
@@RhettThompsonFilm 100% I get that. The Voigt set for cinematic work is amazing - if you like that particular ascetic. I had the 17.5 and reluctantly sold it when I was burned out. I dig the sharpness and colour better on the Leica at 1.2f - and it is amazing the shift in colour to 2f. I agree the Voigt seems like it has a marginally better bokeh but that colour shift. I guess you can correct that in post like you mentioned. There is something incredibly satisfying about the mechanical focus ring on the Voigt. At the end of the day it may just come down to the fact my wife will more easily be able to use the Leica for photos since she favours auto focus. Haha. = )
Great video test , like them both , but i chose the Leica , but in video mode it struggles with face tracking on G9 and works better on GH5 v2.6 now , but i mainly bought it for great photos , its awesome and so quick to lock on action shots and a dream lens for hi res mode on G9 , cheers and now subscribed . PS love that gh4 advantages video with 50mbps mode for longer video shooting but still good quality , chow .
Another 50mbps user!! I always love when I run into another. Yeah the 42.5 is the obvious choice for someone who plans on doing photography. I’ve got both right now, but I really should try and get rid of one.
@@RhettThompsonFilm Cheers , yes i kept gh4 , great camera , perfect weight and the handy built in flash , i still love its 4k too on a tripod, its very hard to get rid of really nice lenses that you don't use often that are so great when you do use them , like the 75mm 1.8 , is so sharp and that lush bokeh . Thanks for the reply Rhett .
You great, man! Thanks 4 ur work!
To me it depends on what kinda of photographer or dop you're. I use mine ones on a bmpcc4k, only shot raw, and analog it's my type of visual. So there's no question to me, I chose voigtlander. But I do se the leica being the one that performes perfectly on marriage, advertising and more modern type of shooting. I have 3 noktons and planing to buy the 2 other ones that I didn't own
Man I just shot a film on the Pocket 4k and Voigtlanders. Check out Pinky String on Instagram for some shots. It was amazing! I used the 17.5 and 42.5s
Rhett - Do you think the Leica 42.5 would cut well with the 25mm Voigtlander in a 2-camera interview? I notice that you mentioned you could not tell the Leica and Voigt apart expect for metadata. Thanks. =)
Maybe especially if you use a white balance card to get the color perfect and mess with the contrast in post. Of course two Voigtlander lenses or two Leica lenses would match better.
Great REVIEW
Thank you!
What af mode do u use with the leica when taking portraits?
Generally the face/eye tracking works well. I leave it on continuous but I think that’s just a personal choice
@@RhettThompsonFilm Okay, good to know. Seems the af is quite usable on the Nocti. Thx for answering!
I've been on the verge of getting the Panny Lecia for a while now. This video was very good for me to see. I'm going to for the Panny. You did not mention the lenes when it comes to video really. I shoot more video but photos are important too. I shoot a lot of Entertainers comics and speakers and lighting is poor so the 1.2 should help a lot I think in video as well. What do you think Rhett?
So tough and I’ve been thinking about this a lot. For video this lens has recently been updated to have linear focus on many of the newer cameras (GH5mkii or GH6) but the older cameras it’s still fly by wire which isn’t the best. For video the Olympus 45 1.2 or Voigtlander might be better for video honestly and of course the Leica 25-50 is like the KING but way more expensive. It all really depends. What’s your camera and other lenses right now?
@@RhettThompsonFilm I have a GH6 and still have my GH5 which I think I'll keep since the price has gone down. I see GH5's for as little as 600 in great shape. I have a Lecia 8 -18, a Lecia 12-60, panny 100-300 (but looking at the 100 400 which I had but returned and I regret it) a Panny 50mm 1.7. and a panny 45mm to 150mm. I can't really go for the 50 to 100 lecia but I can pick up the lecia 42.5 for 700. I think that is a good common place for me. Do you have the 50 to 100 yourself? What do you think of all this. I do all kind of every kind of video. A ton of nature/outdoors, Lots of comics and entertainers and speakers. I am slowly but surely becoming a real photographer so photos are very important too. that is one of the reasons I'm think 42.5 for photos as well. I really want a fast lens. I suppose if I wanted to break the bank I could go for the 50 to 100 but I like the idea of a 1.2 on the 42.5
@@RhettThompsonFilm also Rhett, Would love to see a video explain the fly by wire focus thing you speak of.. I’ve heard a lot about it but never really understood it. When I got the GH6 I updated my 12 60 Leica and my 100 to 300 .
Man I'm sorry I took so long to subscribe lol your stuff is great... how do you feel about the meike lenses the cinema lenses
Some of the few lenses Ive never got my hands on. For me if you are doing cinematic work or certain video work you kinda choose between the Meike lenses and the Voigtlander lenses and Ive gone Voigtlander...for now anyway. To me the Meike are great if you want better image quality and manual controls, but of course the voitlanders can go faster, and may be a little more photography friendly. That would be a fun test though one of these days!
@@RhettThompsonFilm dang you think the meike cine lenses have better image quality ? Interesting. They are def a different look from what I've seen. I actually am returning my meike 16mm. I should have got the 12 but now I'm thinking to save up for the voigtlander 17.5 as my mid focal length basically my standard do all
I have compred the Nokton 25mm with the Meike 25mm. At f/2.2 both lenses are absolutely comparable. They are truely excellent lenses. The bonus of the Nokton 25mm is its speed. I love these 25mm lenses especially for video work. The Meike is more prone to flare.
@@frankthoma6764 so i guess its better to go voigtlander?
Honestly, it' s just a matter of taste. If you are primarily a videographer and don't need the speed, go for the Meike - or if you plan to buy a set of cine lenses. If you do photography AND videography and like taking pictures or videos at lowlight, go for the Nokton. BTW the Meike 25mm is top notch at minimum focus, even at full aperture! To get roughly the same results with the Nokton you have to stop down to f2.8. at f0.95 or f1.4 the pic is dreamy.
Would I need an adapter to have these connect to my Black Magic 6k?
They will not work unfortunately. Sensor size might be too big and the flange distance isnt compatible
You missed the fact that cossina a Japanese company owns voigtlander.
I’m aware, it was a very abridged history haha
Photo-Leica. Film-voigt
It really is the easiest way to differentiate the two, although I think the Leica can do video better than the voigt can do stills, so if you do a mix of both I would say Leica. Some day Im gonna get the Olympus 45 1.2 and sigma 56mm 1.4 and do a complete portrait lens battle for the ages.
I know you said you do more video how do you feel these compare when it comes to photos? I'm more so going to be taking photos of cars I will say st f2 I liked the voigt but the leica has a few advantages
The Leica is versatile in terms of look. Wide open it’s creamy and vintage and low contrast and of course brighter, and stop down to 1.4 or 2 or becomes a little more modern and sharp. To me for photos it’s just hard to beat a lens with autofocus though, but if you don’t mind talking your time the Voigtlander might m be fine. For me for photos I’d reach for the Leica just cuz that AF but I think you’re good to go either way man.
@@RhettThompsonFilm hey sorry I missed this thanks for the input my dude ! Ya af is nice but some of these manual lenses just look sooooo good
You should compare them to the cheap kamlan 50 mm mk2
I had the version 1 and eventually sold it, Ive heard the version two is much better and could certainly give the Voigtlander a run for its money. You got one I can borrow? haha
@@RhettThompsonFilm sure....come get it in Portugal😄
@@NeroMC great! Next time I’m in the area I’ll hit you up. You can take the Voigt for a spin and I’ll check out the 50.
@@RhettThompsonFilm now that would né sweet👌👌
Any point for me to get Leica when I got a crappy camera (Panasonic G7)? I was told some people buy good lenses and cheap cameras. But it makes no sense. My camera got only 16mp. How will Leica make my shots look better? I can instead upgrade to G95 with 20mp, and get a cheap $350 42.5mm lens for same price! How will Leica make my pics look better with only 16mp vs 20mp on G95?? I don't get it.
People like expensive glass because it gives them something. More features, faster aperture, better characteristics and so on. The Leica is certainly better than the 1.7 version but is it that much better? Not really. If you can afford it or need it then yes.
I know this a little late but why not consider the sigma 56mm?
@@Noble_r717 because I’m poor! Haha I would have loved to include it though
@@RhettThompsonFilm haha in the same boat. I was suggesting the lens to @King Tut as an alternative that's similar in price to the 1.7 but with similar subject separation to the Leica 1.2. Currently my favorite lens. I did badly want to get the Voigtlander 42.5mm as well but I just don't think I can justify having both. Great Review as always
@@Noble_r717 never buy non-manufactured /3rd part lenses. you'll have weird incompatibiliy issues with pics and/or videos down the line. i learned the hard way.
good I made a video on Kaman 1.1
I may have to link it! The Kamlan is basically a cheap Voigtlander
FYI - you don't speak the "i" in Voigtlander - like "Voogtlander". How do I know? Well, look at my family name. ;-)
Americans don’t know how to pronounce anything lol
i guess the olympus pro 45 1.2 is better than both of them and is fully weather sealed the leica is not
It does seem like a very interesting option...I would have loved to have tested all three against each other
@@RhettThompsonFilm I have one pro lense from olympus. the look and feel , the focus clutch, its a beautiful lense. i guess for a mft cam you cant get better ones but they are expensive tough.
A bit too long for a review/comparison. Good information though.
Didn’t want to leave anything out! I get very frustrated at the lack of examples of some of the most basics properties of the most popular lenses. Plus that’s why I include chapter times!
Too long for a review ? Get outta here bro
@@RhettThompsonFilm I've watched this video twice and appreciate the thoroughness, and the chapters make it easy if you're only interested in a couple aspects. I've been looking hard at both of these as video interview lenses and neither lens is cheap, so thorough reviews are good. I have Voigts in 17.5 and 25, so it would make sense to have the whole dream team, but I want to really consider it. Would enjoy seeing the three-way autofocus shootout you mentioned.
@@mfreeman313 see I am OBSESSED with matching lens sets so for me the Voigtlander would be the way to go for sure. That being said the Leica is very good. I’d be curious to see which way you go. I’ve been getting away with just the 17.5 and 42.5 but have been interested in the 10.5 and 60mm too.
@@RhettThompsonFilm I just purchased the 10.5mm and looking forward to using that one. I already have the 25mm which I've used a ton, the overall look it gives, the stepless aputure ring and the amazing smooth mechanical focus makes u never want to go back to fly by wire again.