You can stay up to date with Matts latest work at www.mattgrange... - join the mailing list! Check out the Nikon Expert Setup Guide: learn.mattgran... / _mattgranger / mattgranger
I like the Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f/1.7 Aspherical Lens ... obviously not as fast as any of these, but not that far off... its much sharper than the other two 35mm Voigtlander lenses, comes with a hood to help with the flair control and is under $800....
Henri de Feraudy .... thank you for your very helpful and useful comment.... I’m sure your English teacher is very proud... and after consultation with my other advisers, I’m happy to appoint you my volunteer internet editor...you can follow me around the internet editing all my posts... consider this my contribution to burnishing your obviously weak sense of self worth....
@@crinosil I'm glad I made your day, but I'm sorry to tell you I don't have the time to look at all your Internet posts. You might just look at lawlessenglish.com. I'm sure that it has even better advice than what I can offer.
@@carpediem5008 ... The post is a test to see how many control freaks are compelled to correct my English... you are number 2... thank you for participating.
I used to be more of a 50 type of guy but when I got my first Leica (an M6 Panda) it came with a 35mm pre-ASPH Summicron v4 and it became my new favorite FL. This also happened to coincide with my moving to NYC and the extra space in the frame was welcome. I tried out many 35s after that including the CV f/1.2, 1.7, 1.4 SC and MC, ZM f/2, and Canon f/2. I eventually traded up to the Summicron ASPH and I really loved that lens. So incredibly sharp and very compact. Then less than a year ago I traded up to the latest Summilux ASPH. It took me a while to warm up to it with its very abrupt focus transition when opened up but it is now my favorite lens for everyday shooting. I do a fair bit of night shooting so the extra stop comes in handy. If I didn't I would probably go back to the Summicron ASPH. I just got back from NZ for my honeymoon and I used the Lux ASPH about 90% of the time. I also have an old LTM Summaron for my IIIf that actually takes lovely shots on B&W film but I hardly ever use it on my digital body.
The Voigtlander 35mm f1.2 Nokton is the version II. Could be interesting to see how the version III does in comparison. Add to that the Zeiss 35mm f2 and/or f1.4 :)
Great video. Agree with your opinion about Voigtlander lenses (have them and they're amazing). But if I'd like to use technical perfection I'd prefer Zeiss ZM lenses. Best quality and not too much overpriced for TM.
always enjoy your offerings Matt...but do wish apples to apples were being compared vis a vis coatings. Two lenses I prefer are the 35mm biogon zm and the old summicron 35mm f2 and lastly when you have some curiousity time try the Voit 35mm f2.5 color skopar....the renderings are quite sublime....I too find 35mm one of the more useful carry around lenses. Best from BC
As I opened the video I thought "I bet about half the comments are "You should compare vs X lens" or something to that effect. There were only 9 comments at the time, and I was correct! ;-P
The 35mm f1.4 SC can't compete with the "original", the old 35mm f1.4 Summilux when it comes to character. I did a quick test to see if the Voigtländer would fit my needs - and bought the old Summilux instead (even though it cost me more than twice as much). It is hard to describe, and the amount of optical errors is actually higher in the old Leica lens - but somehow it just delivers what I was after. For those who want the old look and a really compact lens, but for a much more affordable price, the Voigtländer would be a good choice!
@@JohnSmith-gs4zv It weights 90g less than the CV35mm f/1.2 It's sharper than the Voigtlander at every aperture. It's only 1mm longer than the Voigtlander, but also is internally focusing, so it never get longer (the CV increases by more than that). And it's less than half the price of the Leica, for a resolution difference that is negligible. Go ahead and dislike it, whatever. But that's still a reasonable set of compromises.
That's a good point. Trouble is, I'm not a fan of the Summilux's bokeh rendering. Despite the size benefit and minimal finder blockage, that's a deal breaker for me.
The Zeiss ZM 35mm f/1.4 Distagon is the BEST 35mm lens for Leica M. It is probably one of the very best 35mm lenses, all systems considered. Only downside is size/weight for a 35mm lens in the very specific traditions of the Leica M ecosystem. As big as the VM 35 f/1.2. It might be subjective and marginal in the broader scheme of things, but the Summilux, while less brilliant in terms of rendering (really!), remains within the "correct" size/weight expectations for a 35mm lens on a M. The Zeiss feels like a 75mm 'cron or a 90mm elmarit on the M10, not like a faster 35mm 'cron. I absolutely love my Distagon, but I often sigh a little when I decide to use it as my lens for the day and hang the camera on my shoulder. Of course, I smile in joy when I download the pics in the evening: absolutely stunning rendering at f/1.4. Clarity, human friendly contrast, very high resolution, irreproachable bokeh, immunity to flare, very gentle vignetting..... Really, everyone should try that Distagon at least once, and decide for themselves.
Choosing a manual lens detection profile can help manage the vignetting on the Voigtlanders. It won't get rid of it completely but it helps significantly. It also goes away as you stop down past f/4. For example, for the 35/f1.4 (multi-coat) I have the M10-P set to "35 f/1.4 11869/11870/11860" - this works well enough.
The test is not competent he didn’t research the lenses Voigtlander make an insane 40mm 1.2 that blows these old version lenses out of the water. The 40mm is so good I would choose it over Leica if it was double the price!. Voigtlander 40mm & 50mm 1.2 look them up on Flickr & 🤤
I am using a pre-a 35 summicron which is probably even smaller than the voigt 35 1.4. Absolutely love the rendering and near zero distortion. IQ wise it is no where to compare with ASPH lenses of modern Leica but the small size gives its own charm
There are a lot of "links below" but I don't see anything for downloading the images or capture one. Of course I see now that this video is 3 years old! That figures - it just popped up on my UA-cam like it was brand new.
Yeah, but the camera body is $7, so if someone can afford that (with all it's imperfections) then they definitely won't hesitate to fork over another $5k for a lens...or two or three... ;-)
Very nice review. I own the 35 lux FLE and would say that it's the best lens for 35 mm I have ever used. While technically great, I don't agree with you that the 35 lux doesn't have character (it has character in terms of vignetting, colors etc.). I also own the 50 summicron (v. 5, not the crazy expensive new one), and that one - while also technically very capable - has much less character. In fact, I find it a bit dull and often grab the Zeiss 50 1.5. sonnar instead (which is technically flawed but gorgeous for people shots)
Hey thanks for another good review. Since I'm not into Leica, but I'd like to have that "technical perfection" why not buy expensive cinema lenses (they cost that much or many times more, but some cost less) and I can mount them to Sony A7R3 or a Hasselblad XD-1, or any other body I like? The A7R3 costs half as much as the Leica, so I could invest the balance into a lens (or two if I'm lucky). What are your thoughts Matt? Also, would you review some cinema lenses mounted to a D850 or A7R3 or the Hassy? Thanks again for all your work. You do sooo many high-quality videos every week, and they are chuck full of great information (and quite often beautiful models LOL). :-D
The main reason people don't do that is because they're way too bigger and bulkier. If you still want technical perfection, I recommend Zeiss lenses. You can add a rubber gear thingy too if you want to do video shooting.
Thanks for the review I just purchased the 40mm Voigtlander f/1.2 Nokton . It’s price helped me but I’m liking what I see in it’s rendering. Perfection and Classic look combined is ok vs one or the other . It’ll pair good with my other glass . I like good rendering lens . Not it’s not Leica good but compare it to a Sony GM or Nikon S and it has a Special character and that’s the look I’m after. Something modern and something classic for a special rendering but not so special it becomes unusable for my professional video work. I am looking into a few other Voigts for my video work also . Guess I’m rambling because I know you won’t have time to read this in an old review. Peace y’all in gone
Found a zeiss bigon 35 at a shop I'm not sure if its 2.8. 2 or maybe 1.8 I know they wanted $200 for it and I thinking that's a steal I'm not sure of the mounts it looks like it could be contax Yashica but I'm sure I can find an adapter for It Whatever It Is. You think it's worth getting StayWell
Hi Matt - Thanks for a great review - such a shame that the street comparisons shown from 7:15 use different compositions and distances for each lens - it makes it so much harder to judge the differences between the three lenses - otherwise thanks for such a clear and articulate review of the three.
Agree. So many reviewers do this. have to keep the camera on the tripod or mark your shooting spot & just change lens to get exact comparisons. Most know this.
I think it's been done several times. In a nutshell: 35 ASPH summicron is technical perfection and transparent while 35 Summilux ASPH is more of a character lens
Dear Matt, writing this post very late, but I only saw your video today (and today I subscribed to your channel). In the meantime, the Leica Summilux 35/1.4 FLE II has also been released. I am a non-professional photographer (in the sense that it is not my job but my hobby) who has been using Leica for 30 years, and I must say that around this brand there is an aura of myth, partly deserved and partly not. The 35mm in question is a beautiful lens, and it works beautifully (for what it costs!) but it's by no means perfect. Anyone who buys a 1.4 imagines taking many wide-aperture photos. Our 35/1.4 shows, precisely at 1.4, some showy and annoying aberrations, such as color fringes (green and magenta in particular, especially visible by enlarging the out-of-focus areas, obviously.). I believe these residual aberrations are due to the fact that the lens is physically small. The perfect 35mm lens is the Leica SL Apo 35/2 Asph, in which there is no trace of aberrations, but it is a "monster" weighing over 700 grams, large, only F2, which requires a lot of gym (but I love it and I always carry it with me) Anyway, apart from the clarification, congratulations for your clarity of exposition and the usefulness of your video: from today I'm following you too. Greetings
Wasn't interested in this when it first aired. I watched it so Matt would get views.. Now i am in the market for a 35mm.. so i am back again.. THIS TIME paying attention..
Voigtlander now is ar Leica level expept for pricing. I use mainly Voigtlanders on my M11. The APO Lanthar's are so the same and Nokton's 1.2's nock the Leica's out of the park... 28mm Ultron... same thing. Voigtlander Voigtlander ✨👌🏼
Since the 35mm f/1.4 was my favorite lens for my Nikon SLR, I knew that I wanted a 35mm f/1.4 for my Leica M6 rangefinder. Since I was happy with the Zeiss glass I used on my Nikon SLR and my Contax G1 rangefinder, the first lens I bought for my Leica M6 was a used Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 for $1,600. I wish you had included the Zeiss in your video.
recently I bought a Fuji X-E4. I'm considering buying the Nokton 40mm 1.4 MC. I want something sharp and small in industrial design style. Can't decide whether I'm making a good choice and investment
Matt, you used both Voigtländer Lenses without a matching Lens Hood, but shoot your Leica Summilux with Lens Hood. Even with, the Leica is clearly the best of this Trio, easy. As being stated, i would like to see Comparsions with the Zeiss ZM Distagon 35mm F1.4 - which costs a hell lot less, rhan the Leica Summilux 35/1.4 ASPH.
Thanks for this Matt. I been have particularly interested in the sweet little Voigtlander f1.4 because it appears to be made as an alternative to the almost identical Leica so-called 'steel rim' .. Leica Glow' lens, .. which as you no doubt know has been re-released recently. .. at a $premium, although much cheaper that it's larger siblings. I want it for b&w film, and it will live on an M2. 'Stories' of production issues with this re-make lens have dampened the enthusiasm a bit, until I find the truth in it, otherwise I'm saving for it. Maybe Leica in Melbourne will have a demo example I can go walkabout with for a couple of hours. .. and also the Voigtlander 35 f1.4 SC Nice presentation. Cheers, Kevin 👌
At 11:08, the shot using the Nokton 35mm f/1.4 is just bad... dark and poorly focused. By the time you get to the Leica, the entire composition is different. She has removed her hood for more light to the face, and the focus is spot on.
Did you take the Voigtlander for the Leica Summilux at 11:26? If not then the smoothness of bokeh of the Voigtlander Nokton 35mm 1.2 is imho vastly superior to the Leica lens in that "card" test shot.
feel like ur blinded by the Leica price tag. I have owned several crons and luxes and have never been too impressed by Leica's offerings. I recently decided to see for myself what the fuss about the apo-summicron was about so I bought it - and to my dismay it was not heavy but the focus ring wasnt precise and the aperture ring was loose as a goose. I returned the lens and opted for a zeiss planar. in exchange for less corner sharpness, I have reduced vignetting and handling that is leagues above the apo cron. Leica owners seem very fond of waxing lyrical about their lenses when in reality they're making up excuses to lighten the weight of their purchase on their bank account and conscience. you're really just paying the premoim wages of German factory workers.
The flare and vignette differences are disappointing, but would have liked to see indoor portrait comparisons. Btw, in Wyoming, that is considered balmy weather;-)
I shoot Nikon. I found a 1983-85 28mm-50mm f:3.5 AI-S zoom in a used display that's physically as small as that Leica 35mm. It's the perfect walk-around lens even though focus is manual. Running with variable ISO it's sweet. They all should make such a lens. Love the cap.
You should have included the 7Artisans 35mm f2 to represent the full price range. It also is much sharper than the Voigtländer Classic and has the classic Zeiss Sonnar characteristic.
Rado Tej I’ve owned the 35 Nokton for years. IMHO, the flare and loss of contrast are features, not bugs. It gives images shot with this lens a certain character 5hat more modern designs might lack. I’d never use it for perfect landscapes, tho, but for street or environmental portraits it’s a splendid little lens.
I have a Voiglander 35/1,4MC and a '83 Leica Leitz 35/1,4 non ASPH and they are the same size. I find the Voigt to be superior to the nonASPH for anything digital, but the nonASPH renders a lot better for anything analog. This is brilliant, cause my nonASPH lives on my M6, and my Voigt is used for anything digital.
Matt, please compare also new voigtlander 35 f2 ashp vintage line vs some leica cron 35 asph. If you can get this lens of course. I am using 35 1.2 nokton on my M240, but I also use vintage canon 35 f2 ltm, it has beautiful caracter and its quite sharp even wide open.
10:36 well put across, folk are so Toxic it's important to remember you use a camera for it's results. Where as with film you'd just change the film to suit the scene. Which comes to a pont 2k on Nikon gear or 25 sheets of film, which is cheaper to take a photograph :D
Even through I use the Leica 35mm f1.4 from last November, I still think the best 35mm lens on Leica mount is voigtlander’s 35mm f1.7, which I used before I bought the Leica glass which only worth $2000, but cost me almost $6000.
why are you using capture one software, as I understand it Leica files (cameras) are designed with the premise of being edited in PHOTOSHOP LIGHTROOM, and are colour corrected,etc. for this software platform. and isn't capture one meant for the MEDIUM format files of the Mamiya( PHASE ONE ) 645 D F cameras?
I use Capture One as well and get amazing results. I've compared CO to LR and PS over several months and with several different cameras and CO has better output and a nicer UX by far. I currently shoot the M10-P.
A worthy point: you missed out on the Summarit, LEICA f 2.5 35 mm lens, not Leica's best lens {35 f 1.4 takes that with no Questions asked!!}; however it is a more affordable option for your list @ Australian $1,700 vs the price you said! This lens is of the newer series ( ~2018 it came out ) and might be a better option for the more budget conscious, and has a similar, if not as spectacular bokeh than the ones you mentioned, AND because of the greater iris opening your depth of field is far greater , therefore you can focus much easier and quicker! ( less precision in focus required and the added depth helps you - aka makes using the lens WIDE open a more viable/practical option).
Well, I hope at some point you'll be able to afford de Summilux. Otherwise, at least in my opinion, it makes no sense to buy such an expensive camera to end up buying such a "weak" lens. It's like buying the most expensive Hi-Fi electronics system (preamp + amplifier + SACD) and end up buying budget speakers which, in the end, are the ones that give most part of the quality of the sound...
@@Zapruderfilm1963 Sadly your lack of reading comprehension makes you appear both ignorant, and like a typical overly defensive Pentax shooter since my comment had nothing to do with the lenses.
Good review Matt, shame that you didn't have the Zeiss 35 2. 8 m lens in there, or perhaps it's just getting too close to the Leica but without the tag? And yes before anyone trolls me I'm well aware that Zeiss are made by Cosina just like the voigtlander's 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Yes, both Zeiss and Voigtländer are made in Japan by Cosina, but they are NOT Cosina (or what we were used to see in Cosina). These lenses are made with the highest standards: materials (all metal and best high quality light transmission optic glass instead of plastic and polycarbonate), best coatings, internal and external design, tolerances, precission of fit & finish, right resistance and precission of rings... And of course following just the strict guidelines from Zeiss, using just the optics ordered by them and applying an individual quality control process signed manually on an individual certificate, one by one. Just the best of the best.
I always enjoy your reviews and analysis. I would love to own a Leica but not in my budget. As a Nikon shooter, I enjoy putting Voigtlander and Zeiss lenses on my camera. I found the Zeis 35mm f2 lens to be delicious in easy to focus, sharpness and character, it's my 35 of choice.
While I love the look of Leicas, they are sexy as hell. I would rather take that $10k-11k, and grab myself a Fuji Xpro2, with like 5 lenses, then use the remaining cash for a holiday away to make use of the camera. I feel like if I had to buy a Leica, I better live in a pretty amazing house, because that's the only place I'll be shooting for the next 10-15 years.
Matt, Great stuff here!! helps back up the justification for the price of the Q2. I had the chance to go to the Leica shop the other day and Play with it. It's wide.. it's going to take a little getting used to. Love the 4k upload too! Thanks!
I have the 35mm f1.2 Voigtländer ASPH and the 35mm f2.8 Zeiss Biogon. Both are great and its a good combination. The Biogon is so small and if i need more light, i use the Voigtländer.
What about the Zeiss Distagon 35MM ZM F1.4 ?
Less than half of price of Leica and for many better lens.
I like the Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f/1.7 Aspherical Lens ... obviously not as fast as any of these, but not that far off... its much sharper than the other two 35mm Voigtlander lenses, comes with a hood to help with the flair control and is under $800....
you mean "than" rather than "then"
Henri de Feraudy .... thank you for your very helpful and useful comment.... I’m sure your English teacher is very proud... and after consultation with my other advisers, I’m happy to appoint you my volunteer internet editor...you can follow me around the internet editing all my posts... consider this my contribution to burnishing your obviously weak sense of self worth....
@@crinosil I'm glad I made your day, but I'm sorry to tell you I don't have the time to look at all your Internet posts. You might just look at lawlessenglish.com. I'm sure that it has even better advice than what I can offer.
@@crinosil Then?
@@carpediem5008 ... The post is a test to see how many control freaks are compelled to correct my English... you are number 2... thank you for participating.
Gotta compare the Voigtlander 35/1.2 II with the Zeiss 35/1.4 ZM and the Leica 35/1.4 Lux FLE
Hello Matt, there are no links for the RAW files?
Have you tested the Zeiss Distagon T* 2/35? If so, how does it perform compared to the Leica Summilux 1.4/35?
I used to be more of a 50 type of guy but when I got my first Leica (an M6 Panda) it came with a 35mm pre-ASPH Summicron v4 and it became my new favorite FL. This also happened to coincide with my moving to NYC and the extra space in the frame was welcome. I tried out many 35s after that including the CV f/1.2, 1.7, 1.4 SC and MC, ZM f/2, and Canon f/2. I eventually traded up to the Summicron ASPH and I really loved that lens. So incredibly sharp and very compact. Then less than a year ago I traded up to the latest Summilux ASPH. It took me a while to warm up to it with its very abrupt focus transition when opened up but it is now my favorite lens for everyday shooting. I do a fair bit of night shooting so the extra stop comes in handy. If I didn't I would probably go back to the Summicron ASPH. I just got back from NZ for my honeymoon and I used the Lux ASPH about 90% of the time. I also have an old LTM Summaron for my IIIf that actually takes lovely shots on B&W film but I hardly ever use it on my digital body.
The Voigtlander 35mm f1.2 Nokton is the version II. Could be interesting to see how the version III does in comparison. Add to that the Zeiss 35mm f2 and/or f1.4 :)
Great video. Agree with your opinion about Voigtlander lenses (have them and they're amazing). But if I'd like to use technical perfection I'd prefer Zeiss ZM lenses. Best quality and not too much overpriced for TM.
Hey Matt. Thanks for the content. Awesome video.
The hood of the 35 Summilux FLE being slightly off center would drive me nuts
It would have helped control the Flare though. ;-)
If you can get used to a lens shade actually blocking 20% of the viewfinder, i think you could get used to a bit of aesthetic asymmetry.
Off center?
He just didn't turn it all the way. That's not how it's designed
Hi when will you do a test on the Voigtlander 35mm f1.2 III please let me know.
No plan to sorry
always enjoy your offerings Matt...but do wish apples to apples were being compared vis a vis coatings. Two lenses I prefer are the 35mm biogon zm and the old summicron 35mm f2 and lastly when you have some curiousity time try the Voit 35mm f2.5 color skopar....the renderings are quite sublime....I too find 35mm one of the more useful carry around lenses. Best from BC
You are right about that little VM 35mm f2.5 color skopar. Have it and love it. Using on Sony A7iii with a close-focus M adapter.
As I opened the video I thought "I bet about half the comments are "You should compare vs X lens" or something to that effect. There were only 9 comments at the time, and I was correct! ;-P
mavfan1 At the end of the video he literally asked “what lenses would you like to see compared”.
The 35mm f1.4 SC can't compete with the "original", the old 35mm f1.4 Summilux when it comes to character. I did a quick test to see if the Voigtländer would fit my needs - and bought the old Summilux instead (even though it cost me more than twice as much). It is hard to describe, and the amount of optical errors is actually higher in the old Leica lens - but somehow it just delivers what I was after. For those who want the old look and a really compact lens, but for a much more affordable price, the Voigtländer would be a good choice!
Christian Augustin Both have character. Even the China Cron has character, but it is disputable whether you like it.
Would be worth throwing the Zeiss ZM 35mm f/1.4 Distagon into the mix.
@@JohnSmith-gs4zv
It weights 90g less than the CV35mm f/1.2 It's sharper than the Voigtlander at every aperture. It's only 1mm longer than the Voigtlander, but also is internally focusing, so it never get longer (the CV increases by more than that). And it's less than half the price of the Leica, for a resolution difference that is negligible.
Go ahead and dislike it, whatever.
But that's still a reasonable set of compromises.
That's a good point.
Trouble is, I'm not a fan of the Summilux's bokeh rendering. Despite the size benefit and minimal finder blockage, that's a deal breaker for me.
And the Biogon 35 f/2...
The Zeiss ZM 35mm f/1.4 Distagon is the BEST 35mm lens for Leica M. It is probably one of the very best 35mm lenses, all systems considered. Only downside is size/weight for a 35mm lens in the very specific traditions of the Leica M ecosystem. As big as the VM 35 f/1.2.
It might be subjective and marginal in the broader scheme of things, but the Summilux, while less brilliant in terms of rendering (really!), remains within the "correct" size/weight expectations for a 35mm lens on a M. The Zeiss feels like a 75mm 'cron or a 90mm elmarit on the M10, not like a faster 35mm 'cron. I absolutely love my Distagon, but I often sigh a little when I decide to use it as my lens for the day and hang the camera on my shoulder. Of course, I smile in joy when I download the pics in the evening: absolutely stunning rendering at f/1.4. Clarity, human friendly contrast, very high resolution, irreproachable bokeh, immunity to flare, very gentle vignetting.....
Really, everyone should try that Distagon at least once, and decide for themselves.
Choosing a manual lens detection profile can help manage the vignetting on the Voigtlanders. It won't get rid of it completely but it helps significantly. It also goes away as you stop down past f/4. For example, for the 35/f1.4 (multi-coat) I have the M10-P set to "35 f/1.4 11869/11870/11860" - this works well enough.
What about zeiss zm
Thank you for such competent,sympathic and "real life" review.
The test is not competent he didn’t research the lenses Voigtlander make an insane 40mm 1.2 that blows these old version lenses out of the water. The 40mm is so good I would choose it over Leica if it was double the price!.
Voigtlander 40mm & 50mm 1.2 look them up on Flickr & 🤤
I am using a pre-a 35 summicron which is probably even smaller than the voigt 35 1.4. Absolutely love the rendering and near zero distortion. IQ wise it is no where to compare with ASPH lenses of modern Leica but the small size gives its own charm
There are a lot of "links below" but I don't see anything for downloading the images or capture one. Of course I see now that this video is 3 years old! That figures - it just popped up on my UA-cam like it was brand new.
5 thousand bucks whoa - well, at least the other ones are more affordable
Yeah, but the camera body is $7, so if someone can afford that (with all it's imperfections) then they definitely won't hesitate to fork over another $5k for a lens...or two or three... ;-)
I really wish you'll take an eye on the 7artistans leica M lens, they're pretty damn cheap and interesting!
I love 35mm. I have 3 lenses and am tempted to get a 4th. Would love a Leica, but i can't afford it :)
The Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 is now selling for $5,995 at B&H.
Nice review! the Voigtlander 1.4 II seems a sweet small option
Pronounciation is: "Fohgtlender" (German) - good review though
Even if I were a pro, I could never, ever justify spending the price of a used car on a camera lens. Just not gonna happen.
Very nice review. I own the 35 lux FLE and would say that it's the best lens for 35 mm I have ever used. While technically great, I don't agree with you that the 35 lux doesn't have character (it has character in terms of vignetting, colors etc.). I also own the 50 summicron (v. 5, not the crazy expensive new one), and that one - while also technically very capable - has much less character. In fact, I find it a bit dull and often grab the Zeiss 50 1.5. sonnar instead (which is technically flawed but gorgeous for people shots)
Instablaster.
Hey thanks for another good review.
Since I'm not into Leica, but I'd like to have that "technical perfection" why not buy expensive cinema lenses (they cost that much or many times more, but some cost less) and I can mount them to Sony A7R3 or a Hasselblad XD-1, or any other body I like? The A7R3 costs half as much as the Leica, so I could invest the balance into a lens (or two if I'm lucky).
What are your thoughts Matt?
Also, would you review some cinema lenses mounted to a D850 or A7R3 or the Hassy?
Thanks again for all your work. You do sooo many high-quality videos every week, and they are chuck full of great information (and quite often beautiful models LOL). :-D
The main reason people don't do that is because they're way too bigger and bulkier. If you still want technical perfection, I recommend Zeiss lenses. You can add a rubber gear thingy too if you want to do video shooting.
hello Mat , whats is the manufacturer of the black/red strap ? thks
No real comparison offered because you are smitten with the Leica
Thanks for the review I just purchased the 40mm Voigtlander f/1.2 Nokton . It’s price helped me but I’m liking what I see in it’s rendering. Perfection and Classic look combined is ok vs one or the other . It’ll pair good with my other glass . I like good rendering lens . Not it’s not Leica good but compare it to a Sony GM or Nikon S and it has a Special character and that’s the look I’m after. Something modern and something classic for a special rendering but not so special it becomes unusable for my professional video work.
I am looking into a few other Voigts for my video work also . Guess I’m rambling because I know you won’t have time to read this in an old review. Peace y’all in gone
Is it just me who can't find a link to the raw files?
Sorry for my language but less talking more photos)
The 1.2 was cool in black and white but the Ca was horrible
Found a zeiss bigon 35 at a shop I'm not sure if its 2.8. 2 or maybe 1.8 I know they wanted $200 for it and I thinking that's a steal I'm not sure of the mounts it looks like it could be contax Yashica but I'm sure I can find an adapter for It Whatever It Is. You think it's worth getting StayWell
Did I miss something? What about Leitz 35mm summicron?
Not just VC, but autofocus too adding to the overall size.
yes of course!
Leica 35/2 version IV is another great option and works well adapted on Sony MLCs
Hi Matt - Thanks for a great review - such a shame that the street comparisons shown from 7:15 use different compositions and distances for each lens - it makes it so much harder to judge the differences between the three lenses - otherwise thanks for such a clear and articulate review of the three.
Agree. So many reviewers do this. have to keep the camera on the tripod or mark your shooting spot & just change lens to get exact comparisons. Most know this.
35mm summicron vs summilux would be interesting.
I think it's been done several times. In a nutshell: 35 ASPH summicron is technical perfection and transparent while 35 Summilux ASPH is more of a character lens
Dear Matt, writing this post very late, but I only saw your video today (and today I subscribed to your channel). In the meantime, the Leica Summilux 35/1.4 FLE II has also been released. I am a non-professional photographer (in the sense that it is not my job but my hobby) who has been using Leica for 30 years, and I must say that around this brand there is an aura of myth, partly deserved and partly not. The 35mm in question is a beautiful lens, and it works beautifully (for what it costs!) but it's by no means perfect. Anyone who buys a 1.4 imagines taking many wide-aperture photos. Our 35/1.4 shows, precisely at 1.4, some showy and annoying aberrations, such as color fringes (green and magenta in particular, especially visible by enlarging the out-of-focus areas, obviously.). I believe these residual aberrations are due to the fact that the lens is physically small. The perfect 35mm lens is the Leica SL Apo 35/2 Asph, in which there is no trace of aberrations, but it is a "monster" weighing over 700 grams, large, only F2, which requires a lot of gym (but I love it and I always carry it with me) Anyway, apart from the clarification, congratulations for your clarity of exposition and the usefulness of your video: from today I'm following you too. Greetings
Hey Matt, your videos are always great and I never have to think you have some other motive. Keep up the good work!
His motive is money. This is monetized channel dumbass !
What about the zeis 35mm 1.4
Wasn't interested in this when it first aired. I watched it so Matt would get views.. Now i am in the market for a 35mm.. so i am back again.. THIS TIME paying attention..
I really can’t understand why that one lens is $5k from the images you provided, they just look average.
Voigtlander now is ar Leica level expept for pricing. I use mainly Voigtlanders on my M11. The APO Lanthar's are so the same and Nokton's 1.2's nock the Leica's out of the park... 28mm Ultron... same thing. Voigtlander Voigtlander ✨👌🏼
The flares on the SC Voigt are sooooo nice
Since the 35mm f/1.4 was my favorite lens for my Nikon SLR, I knew that I wanted a 35mm f/1.4 for my Leica M6 rangefinder.
Since I was happy with the Zeiss glass I used on my Nikon SLR and my Contax G1 rangefinder, the first lens I bought for my Leica M6 was a used Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 for $1,600. I wish you had included the Zeiss in your video.
recently I bought a Fuji X-E4. I'm considering buying the Nokton 40mm 1.4 MC. I want something sharp and small in industrial design style. Can't decide whether I'm making a good choice and investment
Matt, you used both Voigtländer Lenses without a matching Lens Hood, but shoot your Leica Summilux with Lens Hood. Even with, the Leica is clearly the best of this Trio, easy. As being stated, i would like to see Comparsions with the Zeiss ZM Distagon 35mm F1.4 - which costs a hell lot less, rhan the Leica Summilux 35/1.4 ASPH.
Unfortunately there is no voigtlander ultron vm 35mm 1.7, it is much better than 1.2 and 1.4 voigts
But anyway, thank you for reviews!
I like the 1st generation 35mm ultron 1.7. Great lens, enjoyed it very much on film!
A new ulton is coming!
@@gobgobcachoo really? You mean 2.0?
I hate the size of it. Just saying.
Thanks for this Matt. I been have particularly interested in the sweet little Voigtlander f1.4 because it appears to be made as an alternative to the almost identical Leica so-called 'steel rim' .. Leica Glow' lens, .. which as you no doubt know has been re-released recently. .. at a $premium, although much cheaper that it's larger siblings. I want it for b&w film, and it will live on an M2.
'Stories' of production issues with this re-make lens have dampened the enthusiasm a bit, until I find the truth in it, otherwise I'm saving for it.
Maybe Leica in Melbourne will have a demo example I can go walkabout with for a couple of hours. .. and also the Voigtlander 35 f1.4 SC
Nice presentation.
Cheers, Kevin 👌
As a Yank, I love the way certain Aussies pronounce the word "here." And of course, how they drink their lenses lol 7:41
PS: Great comparo, thanks!
At 11:08, the shot using the Nokton 35mm f/1.4 is just bad... dark and poorly focused. By the time you get to the Leica, the entire composition is different. She has removed her hood for more light to the face, and the focus is spot on.
Did you take the Voigtlander for the Leica Summilux at 11:26? If not then the smoothness of bokeh of the Voigtlander Nokton 35mm 1.2 is imho vastly superior to the Leica lens in that "card" test shot.
feel like ur blinded by the Leica price tag. I have owned several crons and luxes and have never been too impressed by Leica's offerings. I recently decided to see for myself what the fuss about the apo-summicron was about so I bought it - and to my dismay it was not heavy but the focus ring wasnt precise and the aperture ring was loose as a goose. I returned the lens and opted for a zeiss planar. in exchange for less corner sharpness, I have reduced vignetting and handling that is leagues above the apo cron. Leica owners seem very fond of waxing lyrical about their lenses when in reality they're making up excuses to lighten the weight of their purchase on their bank account and conscience. you're really just paying the premoim wages of German factory workers.
The flare and vignette differences are disappointing, but would have liked to see indoor portrait comparisons.
Btw, in Wyoming, that is considered balmy weather;-)
I love my e mount Noktons! I've been getting great results with the 21mm f/1.4 and 50mm f/1.2.
8 bit coded that’s unique
I shoot Nikon. I found a 1983-85 28mm-50mm f:3.5 AI-S zoom in a used display that's physically as small as that Leica 35mm. It's the perfect walk-around lens even though focus is manual. Running with variable ISO it's sweet. They all should make such a lens. Love the cap.
You should have included the 7Artisans 35mm f2 to represent the full price range. It also is much sharper than the Voigtländer Classic and has the classic Zeiss Sonnar characteristic.
A "classic" (SC) analysis. These lens are easier to use TTL on Sony FE, Nikon Z & Canon R of course... ;)
silver ring on voigtlanders + no hood = flare + loss of contrast
Rado Tej I’ve owned the 35 Nokton for years. IMHO, the flare and loss of contrast are features, not bugs. It gives images shot with this lens a certain character 5hat more modern designs might lack. I’d never use it for perfect landscapes, tho, but for street or environmental portraits it’s a splendid little lens.
I have a Voiglander 35/1,4MC and a '83 Leica Leitz 35/1,4 non ASPH and they are the same size. I find the Voigt to be superior to the nonASPH for anything digital, but the nonASPH renders a lot better for anything analog. This is brilliant, cause my nonASPH lives on my M6, and my Voigt is used for anything digital.
Please compare the ZM 35f2 and 35f1.4 with the Leica lenses.
Matt, please compare also new voigtlander 35 f2 ashp vintage line vs some leica cron 35 asph. If you can get this lens of course. I am using 35 1.2 nokton on my M240, but I also use vintage canon 35 f2 ltm, it has beautiful caracter and its quite sharp even wide open.
Outdated now. The new Voigtlanders match and even outperform the expensive Leica lens.
This is a comparison of specific lenses. Not the brands overall
@@mattgranger I know. But back then Voigt had nothing that could go up against top Leica lenses, but now they do.
10:36 well put across, folk are so Toxic it's important to remember you use a camera for it's results. Where as with film you'd just change the film to suit the scene. Which comes to a pont 2k on Nikon gear or 25 sheets of film, which is cheaper to take a photograph :D
The images are not even exposed correctly, wasting time
Even through I use the Leica 35mm f1.4 from last November, I still think the best 35mm lens on Leica mount is voigtlander’s 35mm f1.7, which I used before I bought the Leica glass which only worth $2000, but cost me almost $6000.
why are you using capture one software, as I understand it Leica files (cameras) are designed with the premise of being edited in PHOTOSHOP LIGHTROOM, and are colour corrected,etc. for this software platform. and isn't capture one meant for the MEDIUM format files of the Mamiya( PHASE ONE ) 645 D F cameras?
I use Capture One as well and get amazing results. I've compared CO to LR and PS over several months and with several different cameras and CO has better output and a nicer UX by far. I currently shoot the M10-P.
Thanks for the lens rundown! So many shooters care only about megapixels then go out and shoot with a potato for a lens. Optics matter!
A worthy point: you missed out on the Summarit, LEICA f 2.5 35 mm lens, not Leica's best lens {35 f 1.4 takes that with no Questions asked!!}; however it is a more affordable option for your list @ Australian $1,700 vs the price you said!
This lens is of the newer series ( ~2018 it came out ) and might be a better option for the more budget conscious, and has a similar, if not as spectacular bokeh than the ones you mentioned, AND because of the greater iris opening your depth of field is far greater , therefore you can focus much easier and quicker! ( less precision in focus required and the added depth helps you - aka makes using the lens WIDE open a more viable/practical option).
Cheers, can’t include everything.
i bought the leica m10 and voigtlander 35 1.4 cuz i cant really afford the 35 summilux after buying the camera
Enjoy!
Well, I hope at some point you'll be able to afford de Summilux. Otherwise, at least in my opinion, it makes no sense to buy such an expensive camera to end up buying such a "weak" lens.
It's like buying the most expensive Hi-Fi electronics system (preamp + amplifier + SACD) and end up buying budget speakers which, in the end, are the ones that give most part of the quality of the sound...
i've got the same combo. happy with the lens in all ways
I'd love to see a comparison between the Pentax Asahi Takumar 50mm f/1.4 and the Helios 58mm 44/2 - on a full frame body.
Nobody cares about Pentax shooters 😂
Yes Kris, both the 7 element and the 8 element.
a5m sadly your lack of knowledge concerning high tier vintage Super Takumar primes makes you appear both ignorant and, well verbose. 📸
@@Zapruderfilm1963 Sadly your lack of reading comprehension makes you appear both ignorant, and like a typical overly defensive Pentax shooter since my comment had nothing to do with the lenses.
@moo Another overly defensive insecure Pentax shooter chimes in lol
Hey Matt you should try the mind-blowing (albeit at the cost of size) Zeiss 35mm distagon.
Shouldn't an UNIMPEDED VIEW be of primary importance, since you need to see first what you're shooting?
would be great to have zeiss in this test as well ;]
Moonraker Deep i agree
Zeiss 35/1.4 is best bang for the buck
@@kuau714 7artisans is best bang for the buck, zeiss is best no compromise bang for the buck :D
Moonraker Deep Zeiss sucks all they have is sharpness & marketing. No art.
@@AndresRuiz-gs8vm disagree, they got it just right, google zeiss zm 35 f2 bokeh ;] the only place where zeiss could suck is where sony is involved
Can you leave the comparisons up a little longer next time?
I had the first generation Summilux 35mm. To small to handle compared to the latest generation.
Good review Matt, shame that you didn't have the Zeiss 35 2. 8 m lens in there, or perhaps it's just getting too close to the Leica but without the tag? And yes before anyone trolls me I'm well aware that Zeiss are made by Cosina just like the voigtlander's 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Yes, both Zeiss and Voigtländer are made in Japan by Cosina, but they are NOT Cosina (or what we were used to see in Cosina). These lenses are made with the highest standards: materials (all metal and best high quality light transmission optic glass instead of plastic and polycarbonate), best coatings, internal and external design, tolerances, precission of fit & finish, right resistance and precission of rings... And of course following just the strict guidelines from Zeiss, using just the optics ordered by them and applying an individual quality control process signed manually on an individual certificate, one by one.
Just the best of the best.
Superb video. Love the character Voigtlander 35/1,4. Regards Ulf
Thank you Christian Slater!
I always enjoy your reviews and analysis. I would love to own a Leica but not in my budget. As a Nikon shooter, I enjoy putting Voigtlander and Zeiss lenses on my camera. I found the Zeis 35mm f2 lens to be delicious in easy to focus, sharpness and character, it's my 35 of choice.
5:06 "I didn't hit it that hard; it must've had a self-destruct."
I wish I could have seen how the Distagon fared! I really want one.... Well that and the new Ultron 35mm f2, smaller than the 1.4 and aspherical
Thank you for the review . 📷
While I love the look of Leicas, they are sexy as hell. I would rather take that $10k-11k, and grab myself a Fuji Xpro2, with like 5 lenses, then use the remaining cash for a holiday away to make use of the camera. I feel like if I had to buy a Leica, I better live in a pretty amazing house, because that's the only place I'll be shooting for the next 10-15 years.
Fair points!
There is this thing called "the used market"...
Matt,
Great stuff here!! helps back up the justification for the price of the Q2. I had the chance to go to the Leica shop the other day and Play with it. It's wide.. it's going to take a little getting used to.
Love the 4k upload too!
Thanks!
summilux won’t be in the 1st place if ZM 3514 in the test
F 1.2 slr magic Sony e mount... Paid 350 something used. Works.
Cool
@theNikonguy Hi Matt. we know you choose these three lens to compare, so not going to ask where's to Zeiss 35mm or the Needed 35 1.2 :)
you missed out the 35 distagon by zeiss. best 35 cheaper than leica but the size is a little too big
Lufthansa business across the Atlantic
Hi Matt, great video, what make is the camera strap in this video?
I wanted to see more pictures shot by these lens
12:48 got a text
I have the 35mm f1.2 Voigtländer ASPH and the 35mm f2.8 Zeiss Biogon. Both are great and its a good combination. The Biogon is so small and if i need more light, i use the Voigtländer.
easy understandeble and one of the best channels