Voigtlander 25mm at varying f-stops

[Searcher]

If the Voigtlander was a 25mm f/1.4 lens with the exact same quality of build and image as the .95, but without the f/.95 stop, roughly what do people think it would sell for?

 

[TheDingo]

If the Voigtlander was a 25mm f/1.4 lens with the exact same quality of build and image as the .95, but without the f/.95 stop, roughly what do people think it would sell for?

Probably not a lot cheaper. This is a hand-made lens, and right now the demand for this lens is much greater than what the factory is able to produce.

If you're after something cheaper, then you might consider buying a used Nikon AI or Canon FD 24mm lens with the proper adapter. I've seen Canon FD 24mm f/2.8 lenses in perfect condition selling for as little as $100 on eBay. 24mm f/2.0 lenses sell in the $400+ range.

 

[Rolf Silber]

If you don't like the way it looks- just stay away from that last stop on the aperture ring. You still have a beautifully made mechanically focussed optically sweet fast standard f/1.4 25 mm lens in native micro four thirds mount, much faster and cheaper than a CP.2.

But yet if we go over that stop we can get pictures equivalent only to what a Leica lens for tenfold the price would give us. With a little "ghosting" at times around sharp, defined, small light sources at 0.95......?? So what.....?!

Same problem - even a bit worse - with the Voigtlaender Nokton 50 mm at 1.1. Still this small downside did not keep me from buying it again when mine was stolen. Yes, certain lenses have certain characteristics. I'd say: That's what makes lenses the little gems they are.

Oooops... an old Leica Elmarit 19 mm (with build in switchable orange/green/blue filters - anybody remembers?) eyes me while I write this..... and gives me a wink I think...

 

[Searcher]

Thanks for your reply. I actually thought that would be the case: that a 25mm f/1.4 wouldn't differ much in price. I actually had the 25mm 0.95 delivered to my door yesterday and so far I'm very happy! I've never had glass this fast! WOW! Also can't believe how close it can focus...

Probably not a lot cheaper. This is a hand-made lens, and right now the demand for this lens is much greater than what the factory is able to produce.

If you're after something cheaper, then you might consider buying a used Nikon AI or Canon FD 24mm lens with the proper adapter. I've seen Canon FD 24mm f/2.8 lenses in perfect condition selling for as little as $100 on eBay. 24mm f/2.0 lenses sell in the $400+ range.

 

[Bern Caughey]

Not liking 0.95.

I don't like 0.95 either. I love it!

A friend describes lenses with an especially beautiful look as having "Mojo". While not always practical, the Voigtlander at f/0.95 certainly has Mojo.

Best,
Bern

 

[Erik Naso]

I don't like 0.95 either. I love it!

A friend describes lenses with a especially beautiful look as having "Mojo". While not always practical, the Voigtlander at f/0.95 certainly has Mojo.

Best,
Bern

And Tomorrow my Mojo will show up at my door step! rogar-BigGrin(DBG)

 

[masnart]

mine showed up today. very nice lens. can't wait to use it in the field.

 

[mitsos68]

To go back to vignetting issue, Nocton is pretty good I think. If you compare it with Canon 24mm f 1.4 you might be shocked. OK, full frame vs 4/3s but the difference is huge. And that is generally the advantage of the 4/3 system, pretty low vignetting.

 

[Erik Naso]

Love this lens. Captured at f 0.95. I eat crow.

 

[mkfotos.com]

...but it's tasty crow

 

[MichaelTiemann]

Okay, so here's the weird thing -- the shot at f/0.95 isn't any darker. It was exposed at the exact same level, as determined by the 70-ire zebras on her left cheek. The darkening that you see isn't due to illumination, I don't think. It's more likely due to the contrast getting all washed out. But at f/0.95 things are just ... different. Look at the color of the skin -- on all the other shots it's quite consistent, but on the f/0.95 shot it gets just a little bit more magenta.

Have you heard of Purple Fringing? Some say this effect is stronger when using digital rather than film sensors, explained somewhat better at the bottom of this article about Chromatic Aberration.