kivis Posted June 1, 2014 Share Posted June 1, 2014 <p>Any opinions which to buy? I am leaning towards the Voigt.<br><img src="http://cameraquest.com/jpg7/voigt_5015_02a.jpg" alt="" width="486" height="330" /></p><p><img src="http://photoity.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Carl-Zeiss-C-Sonnar.jpg" alt="" /></p> kivis Cameras, lenses, and fotos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_shriver Posted June 1, 2014 Share Posted June 1, 2014 <p>The Zeiss is a special-purpose lens, with Sonnar design, curvature of field, and focus shift when stopping down. The Sonnar look is wonderful, of course. If you want a more domesticated version, consider the Canon RF 50/1.5.<br> The CV is more or less a classic double-Gauss design.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philip_wilson Posted June 1, 2014 Share Posted June 1, 2014 <p>I have the Zeiss and I really love it - but I also have a 50mm Sumicron as well. The Zeiss has a unique look - especially wide open. However, the Zeiss is not a general purpose 50mm lens. I don't know the CV but I suspect it is more of a general purpose lens. I would also consider the Zeiss 50mm F2 if you are looking for a reasonably priced 50mm lens. It is about the same price as the CV 50 F1.5 and it is a really great performer - close to the 50 Cron.<br> The Zeiss Sonnar does things like this</p><div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Smith Posted June 2, 2014 Share Posted June 2, 2014 <p>Aesthetically I much prefer the look of the chrome ZM, although I've owned the VC 1.5 and was very happy with it.</p> Robin Smith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Taylor Posted June 2, 2014 Share Posted June 2, 2014 <p>I have been using the Voigt and like it a lot, but I haven't tried the other one.</p> <p><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5513/11428504455_deb5331254_z.jpg" alt="" /></p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philip_wilson Posted June 2, 2014 Share Posted June 2, 2014 Akiva. I suggest you try both lenses and also the 50 F2 Zeiss lens. Then you can see which one you like the best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian1664876441 Posted June 2, 2014 Share Posted June 2, 2014 What camera will you use the lens with- on a mirrorless camera, you focus at the shooting aperture meaning Sonnar focus shift is not a problem. I have the LTM version of the 50/1.5 Nokton and the C- Sonnar. I like both, but the C-Sonnar gets much more use.<p> Stopped down to F2.8, it is quite sharp. <p> <img src="http://www.leicaplace.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=823&d=1372271754"> <p> Wide-Open, it's slightly better than by 1943 Wartime Sonnar. C-Sonnar at F1.5.<p> <img src="http://www.leicaplace.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=808&d=1371864081"><p> 1943 Sonnar 5cm F1.5, wide-open.<p> <img src="http://www.leicaplace.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=733&d=1370742071"><p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rgerraty Posted June 2, 2014 Share Posted June 2, 2014 <p>The C Sonnar is a wonder and very compact for such a fast lens. I don't agree that it is special purpose. I have used it on the M5 for months at a time as my only lens. It has a distinctive character even at f5.6 depending on the shot. The dreamy out of focus background in Philip's shot is part of its charm, but the extreme shallowness of the depth of field close up in portraits is part of the excitement too. This often works out better at f2 or 2.8 for at f1.5 perhaps only one eye will be sharp. Focus shift varies from copy to copy and from one user to another. Some do not notice it. Some have been maddened by it and sold the lens. One expert here has two C Sonnars: one optimized for f2.8 and the other for f1.5. I studied mine and I think it is optimized for ~f2.2. This gives me the best of both worlds, very slight front focus at f1.5, then increasing back focus from f2.8 to f4, the sharpest focus point well contained by the depth of field provided by those smaller apertures.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philip_wilson Posted June 3, 2014 Share Posted June 3, 2014 While I love my C sonar I would not suggest it as the only 50 mm lens to own. Mine is the later version and optimized for f1.5. I believe the earlier ones are optimized for f2 to 2.8. It is a fantastic lens but I suggest you get the lens cap which is extra. It is larger than the sumicron and has a very different look. You will either love it or hate it. I love mine but probably use my 50 cron four times as often. I think Steve Huffs review is fair http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2013/04/11/a-new-look-at-the-zeiss-zm-50mm-c-sonnar-t-1-5-lens/ As I said earlier I would also suggest the Zeiss 50f2 as it is a very versatile and cheap lens. Also remember that while Leica lenses cost more they tend to appreciate rather than depreciate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rgerraty Posted June 3, 2014 Share Posted June 3, 2014 <p>I agree with Philip about the Summicron. I have a Canadian tabbed Summicron from around 1980 and it has a hood which revereses with a cap and the ergonomics of the reversible hood, the tab and the size of the Summicron let alone its optics makes it a staple lens glued almost to one of my cameras. I also like the modern Elmar M 50 2.8 which collapses. It has no tab, but it has a short focus throw and is not diffiuclt to focus. For street shooting it is sometimes nice not to have a tab, as I don't then knock it off the prefocus position. For me size is almost the first consideration in choosing a lens from the cupboard. The Zeiss hoods are great and their bayonet mount is lovely but they add to the bulk and the number of things to carry and capping the lens is fiddly and the Zeiss caps are awful.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philip_wilson Posted June 3, 2014 Share Posted June 3, 2014 Sorry in my post I said the lens cap was extra - I meant the lens hood although the Zeiss lens cap is also a bit of a pain as it falls off easily Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_bellayr Posted June 3, 2014 Share Posted June 3, 2014 <p>You can pick up generic lens caps very inexpensively.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian1664876441 Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 My 50/1.5 Asph Nokton, LTM mount, Black. The LTM black lens seems to be heavier made than the LTM chrome version. The reverse is true for the M-Mount version.<p> Wide-open, Orange filter.<p> <img src="http://www.leicaplace.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=204&d=1366330914"> <p> <img src=http://www.leicaplace.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=205&d=1366330915"><p> <p> The LTM version uses commonly available 52mm filters, I have several sets of Nikkor filters that I use with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_bellayr Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 <p>Have you made your decision? Several years ago I asked this same question of a well known photographer and he recommended the Zeiss as a companion to my Summicron. I have been very happy with the Zeiss and often use. Truth be told I have kept a record over the last 4/5 years of which 50mm I have used with my Leica. (I also have a 50mm Elmar-m.) What stands out is the image captured and not the lens. Personally, the only lenses that I have found to be distinctly different are the old screw mount lenses, the Summitar and the Elmar f3.5. As a caveat Good photographs will compensate for the lens.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_kwok Posted June 8, 2014 Share Posted June 8, 2014 <p>I own both a 50mm f2 Summicron made in Wetzlar and the Zeiss ZM 50mm f2 Planar. If I need a 50mm lens, the Zeiss is my go to lens. I just like the look of the Zeiss lens a lot better than the Summicron. Haven't used the Voigtlander or the 50mm Sonnar.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff_drew4 Posted July 12, 2014 Share Posted July 12, 2014 <p>Have had both the CV Nokton asph 50mm f/1.5 and the Zeiss Sonnar-C 50mm f/1.5 and sold the CV lens. Nothing wrong with it, but the Sonnar-C has the look and quality I want. This decision really needs your analysis of what you want or expect from it - with film. Digital=I have no clue!</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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