Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2008/06/01
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]On Jun 1, 2008, at 2:32 PM, Peter Klein wrote: > Has anyone here used both the Leica 35/1.4 Summilux ASPH and the CV > 35/1.2 Nokton? And had to decide between one or the other, or both? > > I have the Summilux, and I've never tried the Nokton. Yet the > pictures I see on the Net taken with the 35/1.2 Nokton make me want > it. Not as a replacement for the 'Lux, but as an adjunct. I'm not > sure if the desire is based on some real photographic need, lens > buying addiction, or perhaps misplaced Noctilux envy. > > Anyway, here are my random thoughts on the matter: > > With film, I have always been primarily a 50mm kind of guy. Which > makes me a 35mm kind of guy with the M8. > > I love available light. It's a significant part of my photography. > Now, the half-stop between f/1.4 and f/1.2 doesn't make a huge > difference in shutter speed. But the difference between 1/15 and > 1/22 second, or 1/30 and 1/45 might be significant in reducing > motion blur on a marginal shot. > > The Nokton does not have appreciable focus shift as you stop down, > according to Sean's test. The Summilux does. I've learned to get > around it, but it's annoying to have to think about one more thing. > > The Summilux is unbelievably sharp and contrasty even wide open. It > has fairly harsh bokeh. The Nokton is a little less sharp and > contrasty, but it seems more than adequate wide open, and the bokeh > and contrast are more gentle. > > I'm not sure I want to carry a lens that weighs more than a pound > around my neck. So the Nokton would be something I carry mostly when > I know I'm going to need it. > > I also have a classic design 50/2 Summicron v. 4, which I use when > the light is good. I prefer its bright-light rendition to the > 'Lux's. So I've already got two 35mm lenses. > > Oh great, I'll have to buy another big, expensive IR cut filter. > > If I got the Nokton, it would be hard to justify keeping the > Summilux. Yet how could I sell the Summilux? It's the best lens > I've ever had, by the standard of sharpness and clarity. > > I'm an idiot. I should stick with what I've got. > > And yet. . . > > Repeat entire circular thought process over and over. > > So, as the cowardly Lion said: "Talk me out of it." Or not... if you were totally satisfied with the Summilux, you would not be thinking of the 35mm 1.2 Nokton...do you need it, no... but it 's a great lens. and on the M8 it's wonderful as a Noctilux, focal length, speed, bokeh... recommended, ask Ted, Steve > > > --Peter > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Leica Users Group. > See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information