I am using the Voightlander 40mm on my Z8 and regularly shoot at f/1.2 and my lens is sharp when pixel peeping at 100%. I love it and have no complaints on a 45 MP camera. I like it so much that I am considering the 50mm f/1.0.
What continues to impress me about the Voigtlander lenses is the vibrant colours. I just got their 27mm for Fuji and I've been taking loads of photos of leaves and trees just because the greens are so beautiful. Looks like this is a lovely lens too! Thanks for the video!
Just as an aside I also have that 27 for Fuji and it has been glued to my X-Pro 2 since getting it. No native lens gives that look. Love Voigtlander glass. Awaiting delivery of this 40 1.2 for my Fx.
This video was doubly pleasing to me because I have both the ZF and the 40mm in vm mount. I am trying to bring my self around to buying the 40mm in native Z mount. I do have the Voigtlander 75mm in Z mount and in the settings where I like to shoot the light is dim to the point where auto focus does not work and manual lens focusing aids are wonky. This is a small thing but in all my years of packing around a camera I have never gotten a gear compliment. The ZF Voigtlander combo also gets noticed and I have more fun using it. Thanks for the great video.
It’s worth mentioning that the ideal focal length on full frame is 43mm so you’re not likely to see much distortion or compression on lenses between 40-45mm
Superb images. Every sample photo I've seen with this lens looks ace, about to pick up a used copy for E Mount. I've always found 35mm a bit wide and 50mm a bit too tight so I think this lens is super versatile being able to stop down and get really sharp images and open up for a more dreamy look.
@@kaskoPhotoI've had it for a few days and love it. It balances very nicely and looks and feels great on my A7Cii. I've only been out with it once but it seems noticeably better stopping down to f1.4-f2. For portraits I've found f1.2 looks a bit soft if they're less than a metre away.
Thanx for your views on this, ordered one yesterday, John. Am if to Jakarta and Shanghai for the week, so will take delivery when I am back. Looking forward using it, especially on the Zf. Will also give it a spin on my Z9, see how it resolved on the higher resolution sensor. I am suspecting it’s going to have a similar render as my old 135 f2 dc nikkor af-d lens. But in a much smaller and native z-mount package.
@@kaskoPhoto Will do ;) Just hoping it’s here when I get back next Sunday. They’re on back-order here in Australia, for mid-May delivery. Fingers crossed.
Just got this lens for my ZF and it indeed delivers beautiful images... wow! I noticed the lens moves when turning the focus ring, do you recommend using a filter to prevent dust getting inside?
Excellent video as always, I would like to buy this 40f1.2 lens; a question to ask I am currently having Nikon Zf and Sony . Would you suggest I buy the Sony mount one and adapt to my Zf with an adapter; in this case I could use on my 2 systems? Thank you.
@@kaskoPhoto Thank you. Do you use a custom button for enlarging? I tried the red button near the shutter release button. I wish the enlarging would be only active as long as I press the button. So I have to press it again to see the full picture again.
The thing that pops out to me (in a good way) about these images is the skin tones. I have the 40mm f2 Z lens and it doesn't really render skin tones in a way I find particularly pleasing. I think the Voigtlander is stronger in that area. I don't own the Voigtlander (yet) but I also found this pleasing result with an adapted Canon FD 50mm 1.4 on the Zf. I think something about more vintagey pieces of glass makes for a smoother and more pleasing skin tone color rendering than is found with the Z 40 f2. I haven't tried any S line lenses yet, so I don't know how they render skin tones.
The Voigtlander 40 f1.2 is a really nice lens, I made a video about it a few months ago back using it on the the Zf and the Z8 for both photo and video use and I love it, traded the Voigtlander40 f2 for it! I also traded what was my favorite manual focus lens, the Voigjtlander 58 f1.4 F-mount, for the Zeiss Otus 1.4/55 F-mount, which is now my favorite manual focus lens but the V40 1.2 is the one I tend to carry more as the Zeiss is heavy. Voigtlander don’t make a ton of their lens so you’ll want to get them when they are available or wait for the next batch to be made, I got the last 40mm the distributor had in Malaysia and am happy I did. I got to try out the 50 f1 made for Leica on the Zf and Z8, it’s sharp and the bokeh is great, it is also another lens to consider.
I’m auditioning this camera later this week. I’ve been looking for this kind of camera (both solid AF and easy, accurate MF) for years. Your images convince me it is possible.
@@kaskoPhoto I will. I've tried (auditioned) so many mirrorless cameras for this task, meaning letting me use my classic primes to manually focus when that's what I simply want to do (XPro 1, XPro 2, Lumix S1r, Lumix S5, Canon R6 . . . all painful to use with their edge-detect highlights of various colors). The companies just don't give a crap. Maybe, just *maybe* this will be the answer.
Thanks, enjoyed this video a lot. Have you (or anyone else) been able to compare this 40mm with the 35mm APO on same/similar subjects at shared fast apertures? (f/2, f/2.8, f/4) ?
I have never done the comparison but I can say the 35 APO is near perfect. But stopped down in a controlled environment- don’t think I or anyone else could tell them apart.
Great video man. I really like the look of this lens at 1.2, and how well the styling matches the Zf. The Sony version has straight aperture blades that show up pretty bad and ruin the bokeh. Just wondering if you noticed any of the same with Z-mount version?
Honestly I really can’t say. I’ve never been one for analyzing the out of focus areas in an image. I rate a lens by its subject rendering, so I can’t give you an educated answer.
@@kaskoPhoto Sony E version is 420g per specs. It is lighter than the 35mm F1.4 GM lens, but somehow my A7CR feels unbalanced to hold vs the 35mm. Odd.
So since this lens communicates with the camera can you use the front and back dials for full manual control of the lens? Or do you still have to use the lens for aperture control?
This camera would have been a huge hit IF ONLY it was 45MP. It has a really great retro style to it, and it’s something that is easy to lug around. But camera companies just don’t listen, or have no idea what people want. People want a high megapixel camera, that has a retro design, that is full frame, that is portable. Even if it’s APSC as long as it has a high MP sensor and is portable and has a great design people want that so that they can show off, have great images, it’s easy to lug around. This is why the Fuji X100VI is sold out. Why on earth Nikon couldn’t give this camera a 45MP sensor is beyond me
What‘s this megapixel hype all about? You don‘t need 40+ megapixel except for commercial prints. 24 megapixel is more than enough for 95% of all use cases.
I am using the Voightlander 40mm on my Z8 and regularly shoot at f/1.2 and my lens is sharp when pixel peeping at 100%. I love it and have no complaints on a 45 MP camera. I like it so much that I am considering the 50mm f/1.0.
Thank you for sharing. I’m really happy to hear this amazing lens is just as good on the 40+mp sensor.
@@kaskoPhotome too for my Z7. Thanks.
What continues to impress me about the Voigtlander lenses is the vibrant colours. I just got their 27mm for Fuji and I've been taking loads of photos of leaves and trees just because the greens are so beautiful. Looks like this is a lovely lens too! Thanks for the video!
You’re very welcome, thank you so much for watching
Just as an aside I also have that 27 for Fuji and it has been glued to my X-Pro 2 since getting it. No native lens gives that look. Love Voigtlander glass. Awaiting delivery of this 40 1.2 for my Fx.
Love your reviews of the Zf and 'vintage' lenses. I'm always coming back to your reviews. Now definately buying a 40mm Nokton 1.2. 😊
Watched this review and your review on the 50mm F2 APO. That Bokeh is just fabulous. Ended up pulling the trigger on the 40mm F1.2 for my ZF.
yeah yeah.... my SL2 is going and the ZF is coming. Now I need to decide 40/1.2 or directly 50/1 :D
Aren’t you curious if there will be an SL3-S? I love the SL2-S But the ZF is an amazing camera.
With ZF I can use all my Sony glass too. I just think that Nikon will come up with a rangefinder style ZR soon :D
With ZF I can use all my Sony glass too. I just think that Nikon will come up with a rangefinder style ZR soon :D
This video was doubly pleasing to me because I have both the ZF and the 40mm in vm mount. I am trying to bring my self around to buying the 40mm in native Z mount. I do have the Voigtlander 75mm in Z mount and in the settings where I like to shoot the light is dim to the point where auto focus does not work and manual lens focusing aids are wonky. This is a small thing but in all my years of packing around a camera I have never gotten a gear compliment. The ZF Voigtlander combo also gets noticed and I have more fun using it. Thanks for the great video.
Great photos John! Love the rendering of that 40!
I’ll get the 50 mm F1 video up soon. I think I like the 40 better but the 50 F1 is really beautiful.
It’s worth mentioning that the ideal focal length on full frame is 43mm so you’re not likely to see much distortion or compression on lenses between 40-45mm
Great lens!
is your manual approach on the Zf the same as the Leica m?
Well they are two completely different animals so I really can’t say they are.
Superb images. Every sample photo I've seen with this lens looks ace, about to pick up a used copy for E Mount. I've always found 35mm a bit wide and 50mm a bit too tight so I think this lens is super versatile being able to stop down and get really sharp images and open up for a more dreamy look.
Would love to hear how it is on the Sony E Mount when you get it.
@@kaskoPhotoI've had it for a few days and love it. It balances very nicely and looks and feels great on my A7Cii. I've only been out with it once but it seems noticeably better stopping down to f1.4-f2. For portraits I've found f1.2 looks a bit soft if they're less than a metre away.
@@WS-bk7uu thank you for the update
Thanx for your views on this, ordered one yesterday, John. Am if to Jakarta and Shanghai for the week, so will take delivery when I am back. Looking forward using it, especially on the Zf. Will also give it a spin on my Z9, see how it resolved on the higher resolution sensor.
I am suspecting it’s going to have a similar render as my old 135 f2 dc nikkor af-d lens. But in a much smaller and native z-mount package.
Let me know how you like it on the Z9
@@kaskoPhoto Will do ;) Just hoping it’s here when I get back next Sunday. They’re on back-order here in Australia, for mid-May delivery. Fingers crossed.
Just got this lens for my ZF and it indeed delivers beautiful images... wow!
I noticed the lens moves when turning the focus ring, do you recommend using a filter to prevent dust getting inside?
Excellent video as always, I would like to buy this 40f1.2 lens; a question to ask I am currently having Nikon Zf and Sony . Would you suggest I buy the Sony mount one and adapt to my Zf with an adapter; in this case I could use on my 2 systems? Thank you.
Hi, i want to lern more about how you deal with the manual focus. Are you using the focus peaking or the enlarged 100%-view to focus?
Enlarging. Much more accurate than peaking when you are shooting wide open. Stopped down you can use either
@@kaskoPhoto Thank you. Do you use a custom button for enlarging? I tried the red button near the shutter release button. I wish the enlarging would be only active as long as I press the button. So I have to press it again to see the full picture again.
The thing that pops out to me (in a good way) about these images is the skin tones. I have the 40mm f2 Z lens and it doesn't really render skin tones in a way I find particularly pleasing. I think the Voigtlander is stronger in that area. I don't own the Voigtlander (yet) but I also found this pleasing result with an adapted Canon FD 50mm 1.4 on the Zf. I think something about more vintagey pieces of glass makes for a smoother and more pleasing skin tone color rendering than is found with the Z 40 f2. I haven't tried any S line lenses yet, so I don't know how they render skin tones.
I find the skin tones an issue as well on the 40 - especially when using flash. 💯 agree
The Voigtlander 40 f1.2 is a really nice lens, I made a video about it a few months ago back using it on the the Zf and the Z8 for both photo and video use and I love it, traded the Voigtlander40 f2 for it! I also traded what was my favorite manual focus lens, the Voigjtlander 58 f1.4 F-mount, for the Zeiss Otus 1.4/55 F-mount, which is now my favorite manual focus lens but the V40 1.2 is the one I tend to carry more as the Zeiss is heavy.
Voigtlander don’t make a ton of their lens so you’ll want to get them when they are available or wait for the next batch to be made, I got the last 40mm the distributor had in Malaysia and am happy I did. I got to try out the 50 f1 made for Leica on the Zf and Z8, it’s sharp and the bokeh is great, it is also another lens to consider.
I’m auditioning this camera later this week. I’ve been looking for this kind of camera (both solid AF and easy, accurate MF) for years. Your images convince me it is possible.
Let us know how it goes
@@kaskoPhoto I will. I've tried (auditioned) so many mirrorless cameras for this task, meaning letting me use my classic primes to manually focus when that's what I simply want to do (XPro 1, XPro 2, Lumix S1r, Lumix S5, Canon R6 . . . all painful to use with their edge-detect highlights of various colors). The companies just don't give a crap. Maybe, just *maybe* this will be the answer.
I owned the 58mm 1.4, Its pure perfection! BTW...you have my dream job!
I do love my work. Keep at it!!!
Thanks, enjoyed this video a lot. Have you (or anyone else) been able to compare this 40mm with the 35mm APO on same/similar subjects at shared fast apertures? (f/2, f/2.8, f/4) ?
I have never done the comparison but I can say the 35 APO is near perfect. But stopped down in a controlled environment- don’t think I or anyone else could tell them apart.
Looks really cool and without having to worry about framelines maybe the Z mount version is the most sensible one. Looks good on the Zf too
The z mount are really nice
Wow these are great photos!
Great video man. I really like the look of this lens at 1.2, and how well the styling matches the Zf. The Sony version has straight aperture blades that show up pretty bad and ruin the bokeh. Just wondering if you noticed any of the same with Z-mount version?
Honestly I really can’t say. I’ve never been one for analyzing the out of focus areas in an image. I rate a lens by its subject rendering, so I can’t give you an educated answer.
You mentioned that these are straight out of the camera pictures. The colors are gorgeous. Were you still using Auto WB? Thanks!
No. I adjusted as I went depending on the location
Looks like an amazing lens to me.
Lovely lens, but something no reviewer says: it’s incredibly HEAVY!
It feels dense because of the size, but it’s really not all that heavy. 315g Compared to the Nikon Z 35mm 1.8 which is 370g
@@kaskoPhoto Sony E version is 420g per specs. It is lighter than the 35mm F1.4 GM lens, but somehow my A7CR feels unbalanced to hold vs the 35mm. Odd.
You make me want to get one very much. Beautiful photos. Thank you for your insights. Are you using the focus confirmation on her eyes?
I am! Love it.
So since this lens communicates with the camera can you use the front and back dials for full manual control of the lens? Or do you still have to use the lens for aperture control?
Lens for aperture
Yup... I'm going shopping...
Hopefully he got new stock in
Sharpness is overrated. It's everywhere now so it's no longer special.
True. The creativity is much more critical for me
This camera would have been a huge hit IF ONLY it was 45MP. It has a really great retro style to it, and it’s something that is easy to lug around. But camera companies just don’t listen, or have no idea what people want. People want a high megapixel camera, that has a retro design, that is full frame, that is portable. Even if it’s APSC as long as it has a high MP sensor and is portable and has a great design people want that so that they can show off, have great images, it’s easy to lug around. This is why the Fuji X100VI is sold out. Why on earth Nikon couldn’t give this camera a 45MP sensor is beyond me
It IS a hit
@@kjltube but it could have been a much bigger hit with a higher megapixel count. Much much bigger.
I actually prefer a 24mp sensor in my Zf. More pixels also means larger files, which I don’t want to have.
More pixels doesn’t necessarily mean better quality. The zf is very sharp and detailed
What‘s this megapixel hype all about? You don‘t need 40+ megapixel except for commercial prints. 24 megapixel is more than enough for 95% of all use cases.
Why take the Lord's name in vain like that?
Thanks for the callout. I mumble- it was actually Cheesits