My favourite lens ever! | THE MINI BOKEH MONSTER | Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f1.4 MC review!
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- Опубліковано 22 лип 2016
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Links to helicoid adapters. Mine is an unbranded one that cost about $40. You could also spend a bit more for better quality.
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● Sony 28mm f2 review: • Sony 28mm f2 FE lens r...
● Helios 85mm f1.5 review: • Helios / Cyclop 85mm f...
● Wedding video tips + Fujian 35mm f1.7: • Wedding video tips! - ...
● Samyang 35mm f1.4 review almost done!
● More about the 55mm f1.8 FE and others: • Compact A7S kit! + Son...
● Here you can see why I wasn't so happy with the Voigtlander for a while, I think it was the ND filter that was making it so hazy and non-contrasty. • Sony A7S test: Voigtla...
Notes:
My version is the Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f1.4 MC.
"MC" means Multi Coated. This is the standard version as far as I know, and there is also an SC version for people who want a bit more vintage flaring in their photos. I read that the difference between them is pretty small other than that.
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Utterly brilliant review, very inspiring
I really love the size on this and their 40mm.
Really ought to get a pair to appease the aching back.
Your reviews have changed my life, seriously! Thanks
Thanks. I'm glad you like them. :)
Amazing lens, WOW !!
Just ordered this lens to pair with the used Leica M9 that’s on its way. Keep watching over and over LOL. So beautiful.
Thanks. :)
hi. i just got this lens and I'm wondering if you have this issue. I'm using an a7s ii and in photo mode, when I zoom to check focus the picture is much sharper than when I do the same operation in video mode... i use the lens for video so it's kinda driving me crazy that it shows so much softer in video than photo mode
I'm using a Olympus Zuiko 35mm F/2 vintage lens. I love the look of your 35mm F1.4
The unsharp feature of this lens made the fat cat so dreamlike, quite similar to a soft focus lens. You couldn't deny that the bokeh looks like swirl bubbles. I'd prefer a sharper lens with better bokeh, that's why I ordered the 35mm f1.7.
Very helpful video. Thanks!
Glad you liked it. :)
I'm going to purchase this one. Thanks for sharing this video
Awesome.
A bit late with a question here but.. I'm looking to mount this lens on my olympus penf f with a helicoid adaptor. Any advice on adaptor or if this is possible would be much appreciated. Great vid.
I'm not sure which brand of adapter is best. The cheap one I bought worked great for many years. I eventually had to oil it which wasn't super complicated with basic disassembly skills.
More importantly, the sensor size on that camera would give a different look and feel to what you see in this video. Much less wide. Though it's maybe good if you want to upgrade to full frame later. Though there's nothing wrong with that as long as you're a aware of that 35mm looks like on that camera.
The most beautiful cat video ever!!!
Thanks :)
Nitsan Simantov I'm gonna get this lens!!
Awesome :)
Hi Nitsan! Thanks for the review of Voigtlander. I really want this lens but there one thing that confused me. It's minimal focus distance - 0.7m, but it is far?! How? Will it be a problem or not? I want to attach this lens to Sony a7S. What do you think?
you just use it with a helicoid focusing adapter, then it has very nice close focus. It's shown in the video somewhere.
Hello I am looking at getting this lens with the panasonic GH5 but I was wondering if you know of an adaptor equivalent for the panasonic?
Yes. Search eBay for: helicoid leica m micro.
For some reason they say that it won't reach infinity focus. I don't have a micro four thirds camera to try it with.
So a normal adapter might be a better option. Or try both. I don't know of a reason why they can't make it focus to infinity like the Sony Adapter.
Very nice cat!
great video! 2 questions - 1) havr you ever used Rokinon/Samyang 35mm and if so, how does it compare (esp bokeh) and 2) which ND filter are you using for it?
Thanks. Yes I have the Samyang 35mm f1.4, that is the lens on the left at the beginning of the video. :)
I have a review about it almost finished. The samyang is VERY nice, but much bigger. The bokeh on it looks different, also a little bit special and very beautiful. The most important difference is, the Samyang works on my 5D III too, the Voigtlander only on my A7S.
I think I will sell my samyang 35, 85 and 5D at some point, but for now I need them for wedding photography and for Canon-fit flash reviews.
Nice video. Will this work on a GH4 or a Canon Metabones Speedbooster adaptor?
Thanks.
Yes it can work with a GH4, just needs an adapter.
For Speedbooster it will only work if you find one in MFT to Leica M mount. I didn't find one like that from the Lens Turbo brand but not sure about the other brands.
Snow white needs that
Amazingly awesome review! Would it be possible for you to do a comparison between this lens and the Mitakon 35mm f/0.95 mark ii for APS-C crop. If you can get your hands on one that is! Thanks a lot. Keep up the good work brother!
Thanks!
I don't have access to one of those, but maybe in the future I can review it.
Does it matter if I get the SC or the MC? Any difference in quality? Many thanks
I read they give slightly different results. I've not used the SC so I can't say for sure.
What adapter do you recommend for this lens if using Sony A7 series? Thank you! Enjoyed your review!
Thanks. Links and info in description above.
Thanks again!
Try it with the Rokkor 58mm 1.2, its a really monster of bokeh.
Thee Fujian cover the sensor of the Nex? I have read that CCTV lens vignetting on APSC camera.
Thanks for the recommendation. That is some really nice bokeh.
Some fujian lenses can cover APSc, some only cover MFT. The 35mm f1.7 covers NEX.
awesome review Nitsan, very useful vudeo! is 35mm good for video?
Thanks. :)
Yes, 35mm is my favourite for both video and photos. More stable than 50mm and easier to get close up shots.
I wish I had autofocus on 35mm, so for now I also keep a 28mm f2 for when I need AF.
I also use the Sony 10-18mm for video a lot. It's more for convenience and stability, especially for quick youtube videos, but I prefer the look of 35mm.
Wow that is beautiful. I might have to upgrade from my canon fd 50/1.8.
I'm glad you liked it. :)
So it can’t be adapted to canon dslrs?
Thanks for the video! Would you prefer this 35mm 1.4 or its brother 40mm 1.4? From my research i think that the 35mm had a bit more "swirl" and "onion rings" in its bokeh.
Yes that's one of the reasons I love it. I'd definitely go for the 35. If I remember correctly the 40 has a nice vingagey look but it's not what I wanted.
@@nitsan thanks for your opinion :) also, what about in terms of focal length - would the 40mm be a bit too tight for you?
Yup I'd definitely prefer the 35. I actually sold almost all my 50mm and 55mm lenses. I think I just have an old cheap vintage one somewhere, which will also probably get sold.
I would keep a 50 if carrying size/weight wasn't an issue. I just don't use it enough so it's a pain to carry for almost no use. I now just use one super wide, a 35 and an 85. And if I need to be super lightweight then I would just choose one superwide and one 35 or 28.
Great!
I have tried this lens. It is awesome in terms of size, mechanics and looks. But for my taste the bokeh is bot good at all, sharpness wide open is very bad, also it has some curved focus plane and even closed down it can't make sharp landscapes. Also with some cameras like my A7r the corners have some vignetting, color shifts and other "effects" because of the shorter flange distance.
Thanks very much for this Nitsan, the footage looks beautiful. I'm building a 'Kremlin Kit' of character lenses for the vintage look and have the Helios 58mm and 85mm along with the Tair 135mm, but I was wondering if you've tried any 35mm Russian lenses like the Mir 24M, or Mir 1 (which is meant to have great flare)?
Cool. I've not tried those Mir ones. Just the helios 77m-4 50mm f1.8 and 85mm f1.5.
are those helios sharp or still kinda fuzzy when stepped down to f/2?
They're not bad sharpness wise, but do get shown up if used in footage with super sharp modern lenses (like the Sigma 18-35 or the Canon 100mm L macro). But they do give a character that those lenses simply don't have, it's just tricky to match in post. Personally I like to go all modern or all vintage, unless there's a dream sequence or something that requires mad flares.
do you know if there is such an adaptor for Leica- M lenses to Fuji-X cameras as well? thanks for the video
There's enough space so I imagine there should be adapters. Fuji has around 18mm focal flange distance and leica M has around 28mm. (that's the sensor to mount distance)
only one i found is by pixco and i don´t fully trust them as they have given issues to many users with their adapters
@@morrisgabo8585 rayqual makes one, you can get it at cameraquest
is therea way to use this lens on Nikon d750? i am in loved in this lens, 100%!!!
Yes the way to use this lens with a Nikon d750 is to put the d750 in your bag and then take out your mirrorless camera. 😅
Really like this lens but it is the MFD like on my Voigtlander 50 1.5 that is the iffy bit.
Does the adapter have to be a focussing adapter or will any VM do?
TIA
Any correct adapter, but then minimum focus is not as small as with a focusing adapter.
Thanks, good to know in advance.
Decided to go for the Voigtlander and not the FE35 2.8, no regrets.
This this is 80% of the time on my A7, every now and then the 50 1.5 sees some light and the FE28-70 when I need AF, OSS or the MFD.
Thanks for sharing,
Cheers Mike
Awesome. :)
Very good video. I'm selling my Ultron 35mm f1.7 to get this lens. I use it on my Leica M typ262 but there is some finder blockage. I assume that because of its small size, that won't occur with this lens. Also, is there any focus shift with this lens? Thanks
No idea. I'm on mirrorless so those problems don't exist. I focus at the aperture I want to use, the image doesn't go dark because it's digital.
How did you solve you ND issue? Was there a replacement ND that worked better than the first one? Which NDs were you using?
The first Yes I got another ND. The one I was using was a custom made one that fits behind the lens.
The replacement is a Hoya, which is not causing any issues but arrived damaged so I might get another at some point.
Do check out my Hoya CPL review, it's an awesome addition to any lens.
wow, you're quick. thanks for the tip!
I thought the original "bokeh monster" was the Pentacon 135MM F2.8 ...of which I have one of which :-)
...not that it really matters.
I have three LM mount lenses including the 40mm Nokton and the helicoid adapter is a brilliant addition.
Lovely shots btw.
Thanks. :)
Your imagery does make me think this is a lens I would like! Why do you prefer it to the f/1.2?
The 1.2 has a very different look to it. If I remember correctly, more vintagy, softer, and a completely different bokeh. Still a very cool lens from the photos I've seen, just not what I prefer. Also BIG difference in price, size and weight.
What's the difference between the single coated and the multi coated? I would like to buy one of these lenses but don't want to spend too much. Does the single coated still look great?
As far as I read online there is only a very small difference. Slightly more flaring on the single coated version. I have not tried it myself though.
From what i've been taught as well is that single coating is much better for black&white because of the high contrast where multi coated is better suited for all around shooting.
the fujian looks great too
It's an okay lens. I own it. Nice bokeh but extremely... and I really mean it, extremely soft. Voigt is much sharper, better built.
This FE version of this lens is amazing on my A7s, have you tried it since this review?
No I still have this one and it's almost glued to my camera. :)
I was a little confused by this - is it the same lens with a redesign? Seems to be?
Would love to read an answer
is it possible to adapt this voigtlander on Nikon D750 ?
No sorry, Nikon is hard to adapt to because of a long distance from the lens mount to the sensor.
what about a helios m44-2 + lens turbo II if it does not vignette in FF mode you'll get 41mm f1.44 + mega swirly bokeh at a much lower price of $160
Good suggestion, the helios lenses are very nice. *But:*
- Lens turbos (and speed boosters) do *not* make the aperture larger. It's a load of BS invented by the manufacturers. *All* they do is project a full frame image circle onto a smaller area, effectively giving you an almost-full frame sensor, nothing more, nothing less. (Yes, full frame is brighter. And yes FF has more bokeh after you move in closer to get the same field of view, and then focus closer = shallower DOF because of the closer focus.)
- So first of all, because of this, lens turbos do not work on full frame cameras.
- Secondly, comparing the two, what you would have is:
1. 35mm f1.4 on full frame. (Voigtlander and FF camera)
2. 58mm f2 on almost-full frame. (Helios, Lens Turbo and a crop camera)
- I'm not hating the helios at all, it's very nice, but it's not the same look as the voigtlander.
- And I'm not hating the lens turbos at all, they are fantastic for people who want the full frame look from crop sensors. I just don't like the confusing marketing, it's not exactly "wrong", but it makes it harder for people to compare their options for lens and camera choices, because real full frame will often be better.
:)
There are 3 different versions or so - I’m not sure which one to get. I’d like to have the very same pictures as seen in the video with my Sony A7IV- please help
Mine is the MC version. The one that looks cone shaped, not the newer tube shaped one.
Can you do a video on the menu setting you use for sony video?
I would love to but I can't at the moment. When I have time I might do that. Thanks for the suggestion.
Something for you to try... a Yashica Auto Yashinon 5cm (50mm) f2 lens will give you identical bokeh to this for a fraction of the cost. It's probably not quite as sharp as a £450 Voigtlander lens but then again I wouldn't expect it to be, plus it's f2, so still okay in low-light but obviously not as fast as f1.4 - and they're very compact too and 90% come with an M42 screw mount so easily adapted to fit almost all DSLR's etc. I picked my copy up for £30 and it's my second favourite manual lens behind my mighty Meyer Optik 2.8/100 Trioplan. That's how good it is. Get one, give it a try. ;-)
Thanks but it's not at all the same bokeh as the voigtlander from what I can see on google. It doesn't create the same lines/shapes as the Voigtlander 35 / helios 85.
And yeah the Meyer Trioplan has interesting bokeh but I don't really have a use for it.
There's a few different versions mate so Google will throw up various images, it's the version these pics are taken with - photo.net/classic-cameras-forum/00ctlH - as far as I can gather this particular version was made by Tomioka, it's the same as this - www.kevincameras.com/gallery/v/m_42_len/tomioka/50_2/392070/ - but branded differently. Dig a little more and you'll see what I mean.
Once again thanks for the info but I'm not seeing anything that looks like the voigt/helios. Could you send me a link to an example? It's possible you're not looking at the same aspect of the bokeh that I'm looking at.
Yeah, either that or my copy is slightly different. I'll do some more digging come back to you with some links and better examples. Above is just what I quickly found at the top of page one on Google. ;-)
Cool, thanks.
Here's an example that really clearly shows what I like about the helios and voigtlander. They often create defined lines in the bokeh, where other lenses would have smooth transitions between the colours. www.flickr.com/photos/slowhand7530/15715720610
i am about to buy it with an adaptor for my a7... i'm gonna trust you... i need artistic blury background for videos, but im gonna shoot persons not cats...so i don't know if the background will be the same if the subject is bigger and have to be further away from the camera :\
what to do? i have an a7 body without lenses one month now!
Check out my review of the Sony 28mm f2. Has very nice but normal-looking bokeh, and very nice image quality. If I had to choose just one lens for Sony full frame that would be it, the reason is: AF makes it super easy to use both for photos and videos, and fairly wide so very multi-use, and lightweight, good close focus, and not too expensive. I do prefer the bokeh on this 35mm f1.4, but if you are just buying one lens then I would choose 28mm f2.
thanks for the reply... but you suggest me even smaller aperture for blurry background?
35mm f1.4 will definitely give more blur.
at that size, even when its much weaker optically, its really tempting vs the Samyang :0.
yup
Wondering if the upcoming Sony E-mount version will retain this wonderful bokeh.
Which upcoming lens? I'm not finding it on google.
Nitsan Simantov here you go. www.dpreview.com/news/7397312744/the-voigtlander-nokton-classic-35mm-f1-4-for-e-mount-ships-in-february-will-cost-750
Voigt announce they are coming up with FE version of this lens. Adapter built in .
Ah cool thanks. Interesting.
Epic review, now i need this lens ...
Can you give me the reference of the adapter ?
Thanks !
Thanks. :)
I'll link to the helicoid adapter I'm using in the description. One minute.
Perfect, thank you !
Next step, sell my lens for this one ^^
Any thoughts on the 40 mm f/1.2?
Doesn't really interest me. Completely different bokeh.
It's also more expensive, heavier and larger. Of course you get shallower DOF. not for me though. If I want more DOF I use my Helios 85mm f1.5 which has crazy bokeh too.
Thanks!
what about the vignette on this lens? is it terrible?
It's fine for me.
This isn't a super sharp, super perfect lens. It's more of a lens with a special kind of look that I love.
what is the price of this lens can i buy in india
I have no idea about the price in india. best to use google. Or see my links, it's possible some ebay sellers will send to you.
Time to sell my 135*2. 8 helios, to get one of short focal length lens. And this is definitely on the list
Cool. Yeah I prefer shorter. I use 35mm/28mm the most.
Nitsan Simantov manul long focual length lens is pain in the ass to focus in action or just in general....unless stuido situation...
it in reality is a rangefinder lens hence the focus distance,
I would recommend you try the Soviet "Industar-61 L/Z" (50/2.8). It's bokeh isn't the deepest (f2.8), but as it's got the same character as the Helios 85mm, it's quite prominent, and the star shaped iris gives you an artistic twist when you want it. It is sharp as f*** wide open (it's my sharpest vintage lens @2.8), and the contrast is enormous. It's definitely a useful piece of kit if you want the middle point between the vintage look and modern sharpness with a deal of creative effects. It has pleasantly surprised me. And it is cheap! (it was one of the Zenit camera's kit lenses). I would suggest you looked at some test shots on Google Images, I'm sure you'll like it, there's nothing quite like it out there.
Thanks, not really my kinda style though.
The Jupiter 8 is similar and also worth considering IMO (I have both). NB both are Leica 39mm mount (not LM) but the flange distance is the same. Here are two shots I took, first with the Industar 61 and second with the Jupiter 8:
www.flickr.com/photos/photator/15857993522/in/dateposted/
www.flickr.com/photos/photator/14550743641/in/dateposted/
Both lenses retro-fitted to a Fuji X-A1 (APSC crop factor: X1.5)
just check it out on flickr, amazing. thank you
What about the flares?
I didn't do any special test for that. I don't really care. I didn't have any major flare issues.
Ok, Thanks.
The results from the lens are beautiful, but it seems a little awkward to handle lol
yeah a little awkward but I love the results from it.
i own the leica equivalent and the bokeh is not so nice :/ but it's sharper
currently crying, so many lenses, so much want. i need money lol.
Lol yes me too.
I just sell lenses to buy new ones. I think I might sell my sony 50, it's lovely but I don't use it enough. Only one time I sold a lens and regretted it, so I just bought one again. lol. That was the Helios 85. I was lucky, the second one was nicer and cheaper.
Only lenses I have to sell are the kit lenses that come with the a6000. As it is now those are the only auto focus lenses I own so I'm holding onto then in case they are needed.
cool.
As a student I feel ya
Billy Gillis medium cheap , probably awesome solution (not tiny but smaller than samyang 35 1.4) would be any vintage 50mm 1.4 . 50-120bucks. tilt Adapter(!) 20-40 bucks. and to ad a about 37mm 1.1(!!!) you buy a focalreducer, 100bucks. so 180-250 get you 2 awesome lenses. likely. im currently waiting for a Minolta MD 50 1.4
I love Voigtlander lenses, but the pricing is high and the vintages ones are heading up into the stratosphere. I have a small selection of vintage lenses and all of them have something unique and unusual that draws me to them, I also love the metal feel and weight. A family member picked up a old film camera with 3 vintage voigtlander lenses a few weeks back, I'm excited to get my hands on them - but unfortunately she knows I'll take them and they'll never be brought back once I get my hands on them.
+messianicrogue Yeah Voigtlander isn't really cheap, but compared to other brands (Samyang, etc) it's pretty normal.
How much are vintage Voigtlanders?
Nitsan Simantov I'm in Australia, so in Aus $ you are almost always looking between $700 - $1100 which puts them on par with brand new Voigtlander lenses (which I have a couple for my GH4's.) But the old lenses my family member has picked up were a package for $20 with a camera with a broken winder - they had no idea what any of the lenses are or how much they could go for. In comparison I can get any number of 50mm with good bokeh for under $100 - I have a great old Olympus lens from 70's era that is exceptional which I picked up for $10. Non photography people just give some of these away almost.
Wow. Expensive. Funny how vintage stuff can cost so much.
I had an Olympus 55mm f1.2. I don't really like the bokeh on it anymore.
Nitsan Simantov The Olympus I have is a 50mm f1.4 I think, i have modified it to be wide open all the time, I use a Variable ND filter instead of the aperture - its an odd thing, but it has perfectly round bokeh and a strange style and is great for video interviews - it probably sucks for photography, but it was dirt cheap and get requests for that look - I'll film a cat and upload it, something similar to this video - it won't be even close to the same effect, but you'll it has its own charm. Lots of 50's give lots of variations - but not always good or pleasing - even the same manufacture can have radical different looks.
cool, yeah i'd like to see that.
oh yeah, the 55 1.2 has very strange bokeh. i've not seen many with the same look.
“No such luck for Leica shooters”
FYI: Leica M rangefinder bodies don’t focus closer than 0.7m hence the majority of M-mount lenses don’t either. It’s actually quite annoying if the lenses focus closer as you have no way of knowing if you’re in focus once the rangefinder is decoupled.
Good to know thanks. I've not shot on Leica.
The more I watch videos about this lens, the more in lesbians I fall for it. Borderline obsession at this point. For sure the first lens I'm getting for when I've saved up for a Leica. Hopefully the model I want drops in price a lotta bit more by the time I have the money saved for it.
I doubt this lens will drop in price much. Usually cameras drop in price but lenses not so much.
I would say just don't buy a Leica. SO overpriced and missing too many features. And you will probably lose a lot of money to depreciation too. For example the Leica M-E was £4000 6 years ago and now I see it for £2000. This happens with most cameras, but usually the more expensive it is the more money you lose to depreciation, so best to get a camera that is not newly released and not super expensive. I'd get a Sony full frame camera like the A7S, then you would probably be able to afford a nice lens with it.
What lens is this?.
Voigtlander 35mm f1.4 MC
If I want "bokeh", I do NOT use a short Lens ! I think too many youtubers fall into the same false hype about "bokeh" !!!
Thank you, it is interesting to hear more about "other brands" sometimes like this Cosina/Voigtländer.
One tip though; "Bokeh" is a Japanese word for the creamy out of focus, it is therefore written phonetically and is pronounced "bo-keh", not "bokka". Listen to the Japanese man in this video:
ua-cam.com/video/Y0Brf2l8Ysc/v-deo.html
You know what? Bokeh is over-rated. Those pics get a tad tedious after a while. Still, nice vid and info.... thanks
Blasphemy!
So expensive!
Sorry, but the bokeh is busy and ugly. I can't imagine why you think it's so great.
I like it. Smooth is boring.