I owned both of these lenses and was shocked how close they were in optical performance. I actually preferred the colours the voigtlander gave me! The size , weight and price of the Voigtlander made me decide to keep it and i swapped the 75mm Noctilux for the 90mm Summilux, which has better bokeh, and has no competition!
Not enough of a difference to spend 14X the money. I don't own either, but if I had to choose, it would definitely be the Voigtlander. Thanks Matt for this brilliant video!
Matt, thank you for the terrific workshop in London this weekend. You’re an excellent teacher! Please thank Maria again for putting up with my lack of portrait knowledge. I won’t ever sell my Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25 (I was fortunate to get one for ~ $2 .2K less than the current new street price). I got it for use with my Leica SL2, which has IBIS technology (which helps with reducing shake- induced blur), and that camera body balances that lens better than does the M11. I wanted to bring my SL2, but it was in Paris being programmed for solar eclipse photography by a really sharp chap. Your Voigtländer Nokton 75 mm f/1.5 VM lens was really quite impressive. I thought I sensed a little more vignetting with it (I’ll check my files when I get home), but neither len’s vignetting was objectionable (that’s part a of fast optics’ character). I will definitely get a Nokton 75 for my M cameras!
Just got my new NOKTON 75mm F1.5 recently, such a nice lens. Love it. When I start thinking about buying a noctilux, I always google the price and calm myself down.
I noticed it’s not just my Voigtlander … focused at .7 it doesn’t line up with the markings. At infinity it does line up. I guess they’re all like that? Crackin lens
Matt, thanks for doing this comparison. You saved me $14,000 seeing as I already have the Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton. My old eyes can't see enough of a difference to make me want to spring for the Noctilux. 😎
I have purchased the Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton because of this channel. Well mainly, I have watched every review there is on that lens and read every review I could find on it also. I was getting the Voigtlander 65mm f/2.0 macro. I love that 65mm fov. Well this 75 can tell a story also just a touch tighter. I enjoy a lens that can give me some information in the background. Sometimes and most of the time I look for a beautifully soft and dreamy background. Beautiful bokeh lends to an image. Even good foreground blurr is nice . I like some info with my subject much of the time . Because of this channel I also own the Leica 90mm Summicron f/2.0 pre-asph and the Voigtlander 40mm f/1.2 . Certain lenses I like how they render and I look to see their character. These three are very similar. I am shooting this glass adapted to my Nikon Z9 and Sony a7siii’s . Mostly the Z9 . Supporting these lenses in my bag is the Nikkor 55mm f/1.2 , Nikkor 135 mm f/2.0 oooooo it’s nice , Nikkor N 28mm f/2.0 (it’ll probably be replaced) not feeling that lens and I have the Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 . It’s all right for wide action shots of live music. I am thinking of adding the Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 and the Nikkor 180mm f/2.8 ais . I just want glass that “ creates “ and let’s me be able to use it to its strengths. Thanks for these videos keep them coming Thanks for
Own the Voigtlander 75mm f1.5 and it's amazing, and not too heavy at all. Much more usable than a huge heavy Noctilux 75 f1.25. Also should be a bit easier to focus. It's a very niche lens but I don't think this would be the goto EDC lens for any photographer. Your samples depict exactly what I thought as I never shot with the Noctilux. Although I would love to own it but can't pay 14K for any lens. Thanks for the video.
I will drift between Voigtlander and Leica depending on the specific lens, the price, and just a lot of minor factors, like close focus, weight, etc.., I have the Voigtlander and love it, especially for a light M travel kit: 75 and 35 and done.
“Like” button smashed. Thanks for sharing your shooting experience and images with us. I think that neither of these 75mm lenses would fit the way I normally use Leica M cameras, but I am glad that they exist, for those who enjoy them. I do have an APO Summicron-M 75mm ASPH, and thus far, though I am very glad to have my 75 ‘Cron, it remains a niche lens, not used nearly as often as my 35mm and 50mm M-mount lenses. (I do enjoy using short telelphoto lenses on SLRs.)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom To be more specific, the DOF of my 75 ‘Cron, at f/2, is so very thin, that I have trouble holding steady to the degree needed to keep my subject within that DOF. This is in addition to the challenges of rangefinder-focusing with telephoto lenses. It is not easy to steady, within the DOF, with my Summilux-M 50mm ASPH, either, but I have enough success with the ‘Lux, to make it worthwhile to use hand-held at f/1.4. That is why I do not seek a “faster” 75mm lens, than I already have. If I buy into the SL system, of course, that could well change.
Ja, it's a subtle difference but if you already spent 6.4k quid on a beautiful Leica * you make a living off it then why not. It's an investment of a tool so you can wright it off. But to be fair, any good artist w/ the most basic camera & fair glass can make a scene look amazing. Good comparison Matt. (:
On the m43 system I shoot with the Leica branded Nocticron and if that has just a tiny bit of Noctilux in it I can see it! Incredible quality with pics taken with that lens.
On a related note, I managed to find one of the now-rare Leica M 1.4x Magnifiers, at a Leica store, largely based upon your recommendation. Unrelated to 75mm lenses, I recently ordered a 50mm APO Lanthar, direct from Cameraquest. (I was guided by other presentations, reviews, and forum posts, too, of course.) Ultimately, I wanted a 50mm lens that was least-likely to flare, when I was compelled to shoot with the sun at problematic angles. So, when payday arrives, next week, I will buy you some coffees. I just typed a reminder, in my iPad calendar. Thanks, again, for your helpful presentations.
The out of focus areas of the Leica have a lower contrast, compared to the focused area, the details in shadow areas are articulate giving that Leica pop? The Voigtlander, the contrast ratios are relatively the same, out of focus/in focus. My read from a limited sample, your mileage may vary. Both lenses seen produce stunning images in talented hands.
Well done Matt...... agree- so hard to see any material difference- ok... now compare the 75mm f2 to the Voigtlander - shoot both at F2...... oh, you need a 75 f2, huh?..... There's one in my bag in San Francisco.........:)
I don’t own either so can’t add any relevant info. I do however own the 75 APO Summicron. It remains one of my all time favourite lenses. And, I’m definitely not anti Voigtlander.. After watching your review I bought the 50 APO Lanthar. Amazing lens for the money and I saved some bucks for my 28 LUX.
Impressive ! Leica just wanted to pull out all the stops on optical performance and perhaps it does perform better but I must agree that from these photos it isn’t blatantly obvious and then there is the size and weight factor and the second mortgage to be considered.
Some of these very expensive lenses excell in certain situations that don't really happen in every day shooting. They surprise you when they nail a difficult shot, while other lesser lenses seem to fail, or not work out quite that well. Tell you the truth, I could only see very slight differences between the Voigtlander and Noctilux images, but it could be my aging eyes, or aging monitor. The Noctilux seemed a little better 'composed', or more stable ? To better explain, to my eyes, the Voigtlander images seemed to have been shot at 110 ISO/ASA and the Noctilux images seemed to have been shot at 100 ISO/ASA, if that were possible. Then there is that very specific Leica look... With that said, if you had to enlarge those images to astronomical sizes, I'm assuming the Noctilux would win hands down, but again not by much. I have a 26" monitor and could barely see any differences that are worth $14000. Actually a couple of tweaks in Photoshop would probably render both images about the same IMHO. Maybe it would be a good idea to ask Leica why this lens, which would make a good down payment on a 6 room house, costs so much ? Are they using special glass from some exotic location on earth nobody knows about ? If you drop this lens from about 50 feet will it bounce back without a scratch ?
Thanks! Yes I was impressed with the Voigtlander too. Leica make small volume hand built? vs mass production so they can charge more. Like Casio vs Rolex. I'm happy to own the Nokton.
The difference I noticed viewing on my iPad Pro was the images from the beast were more contrasty. My choice would be the Voiglander lens, small and light. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks! I do like the Leica files (moreso.. especially the model shots) but yes the images from the 2 lenses are pretty similar for the huge price difference.. and I love smaller lenses!
Nice video, again! I think the Voigtländer is a bit colder the the Leica. And the Leica has not so hard contrast. So if money doesn’t care, I would take the Leica. But the Voigtländer is a amazing lens and a perfect alternative.
Matt….will be great if you can use the Leica Noctilux 0.95 into APSC CL or TL 2 or Leica SL/SL2 crop factor, to carry out the tests. To checkout the output result compare to the Noctilux 75 or Voigtlander 75 also.
Looking at the examples, I would say the Hasselblad 80mm 1.9 will be probably the same of better and has auto focus. Still expensive, but less than half the price. Nice video
Voigtlander should release this for the Nikon Z mount. I really love their 50mm 1.0 i just purchased so i have been looking into their lenses more since the Nikon ZF has all the vintage snazz to go with it now.
wow .. good news is as i already own this Voigtlander for 2 years and i love it i won t have to spent 14 k€ for this noctilux ... 😅😅 great photo and great comparison...
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom will do, but before that I'll give the voigtlander a go and maybe try the 75 lux as well. Then I'll know if it's truly the one!
Leica's Noctilux lens wasn't intended to be used wide-open on a sunny day at the beach, right? It was made for low-light situations. The elements of the Leica Noctilux lens are glass, right, not plastic? Glass is heavier than plastic? Over time, plastics are subject to UV degradation. Glass is not. In 20 years, which lens will have lost more of its original purchase price? In an 11 x 17 print which lens will show the finest details?
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom, it's more than just holding its value! The 75mm Noctilux is my choice for everyday street photography. I can't imagine my trading it in on something else - not some other lens.
Carbon fiber wheels that came with my car cost about 14x more than standard wheels . Carbon is worth about one second a lap improvement on a road course. Is it worth it??? Boils down to utility theory - How much value do you put on extra $30K to get the improvemnt??
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom yep. F1.9! Typo. Little cheaper and more compact for those on a budget. But there’s something special about that 75f1.5. I’ve seen the comparisons and the f1.9 just doesn’t have that little bit of magic. If you’re gonna shoot at the widest apertures the f1.5 is the way to go I think. For me 75mm and 90mm Voigtlander is the way to go. The 90 APO-Skopar is awesome too. Lenses you’re not going to use all the time but nice to have. If I get a 90mm the APO-Skopar it is. I think one should put Leica money towards your money lenses. The ones you use all the time. The occasional use ones just get a nice Voigtlander. I’m a 50 guy so, I’m always on my 50 Summicron v5. What a great lens. The more I use it the more I like it. I never used a 50 quite like Summicron. So I put my money on that.
Matt-Any chance you will have a chance to test the Leica Lux 90/1.5 against the TTartisans 90/1.25? The TTA seems to perform exceptionally well even though heavy like the Leica 90/1.5 from what I have read, but value your real world insights.
Matt-Just found out about the Cooke SP3 series of lenses and in around 1-2 months they will have L mount lenses available-only Sony E mount for the moment. Any chance you can persuade Cooke UK to loan you a 50 to 75mm lens for trial?
Wonderful "comparing-test", thank you!! The ‘fo:ktlεndɐ 1,5/75...at a 14th price of the Mega-nocti is of course a truly viable alternative for us 'mere mortals' - but the Licht-riese from Wetzlar is non-plus-ultra and we can feel it - really FEEEL it, no question. As Karbe said (enthusiastically smiling - like a boy!!): "we were looking at images none of us had seen before" - no reason not to believe him!! Ach - wäre man da!! - In the 'absence' of such 'unobtainabilities', I shall soldier on happily with my dearest, never-to-let-go Summilux - and of course, the Summarex (!!).. which I really want you to 'live with for a while' - still thinking of how to get it to you!! :-))))
Thank you! Yes sorry I need to start saying it correctly. My little brain always forgets. I totally agree the Nocti has a magic sauce look you can't quite replicate, but the Nokton comes pretty close.
Nice video Matt and I agree that the Voigtlander will cover the needs of most shooters but .... ... this is not a proper test to show the difference in optics (by far not). You would need a test chart to begin with and some shots of maybe e.g. architectural buildings with windows on a distance to see the contrast, distortion and so on and so on over the whole range. This lens is not only for shooting 1.25 and models. Besides that, the extra mile of quality is always the most expensive so comparing the multiplication of the price to the multiplication of the quality is flat out ridiculous. Sorry, but I had higher thoughts of your IQ in this matter .
The Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25 balances well on a Leica SL2 (the camera for which I got the lens, it has IBIS), and is just under 1 stop faster (which can come in handy).
I sure do not see $13,000 worth of difference. How much is the Red Dot worth? My question is the Venn diagram overlap of correction possible in post editing as opposed to the uncorrected image of the Noctilux. Purely academic for me, I limp along with a Jupiter-9. ;o) BTW, you do a smashing job with your glamo(u)r photography. It seems the shy fellow with the green eyeshade and sleeve garters - ;o) - has the touch for catching the glamo(u)r of the ladies. And why is it that it is always the "Bad Girls" who are most appealing? Anyway, thanks for the review. It is always interesting and thorough and unbiased and valid. All high marks for you. Cheers
I think the Leica Noctilux 75mm 1.25 is a heavy, expensive, big joke ! I would get a whole bunch of Lenses for those 14 kilos, there are plenty of altenatives, fx Voigtländer Ultron 75mm 1.9 (single or multicoated), 7artisans Photoelectric 75mm 1.25, KIPON Iberit 75mm 2.4, Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Primoplan 75mm f/1.9 II, Leica APO-Summicron-M 75mm f/2 ASPH (also too expensive !), personally I would go for a 90mm Lens, fx the Voigtländer APO-Skopar 90mm 2,8
@cameraprepper7918. I’m not sure what you mean by calling the Leica Noctilux-M 75 a joke. It’s masterpiece of optical design, is solidly built, and it’s fast aperture is capable of producing images that are different than even a Summilux (f/1.4). Did you consult more detailed reviews on it? I bought mine used after chatting with folks who own one, checking out reviews online, and testing it at Leica’s HQ (in Wetzlar, Germany) and at a Leica store in the US. The first night I used the lens, it didn’t disappoint, and it’s certainly a lens I’ll never part with. I initially felt the lens was better suited for use with an SL2 (it felt more balanced on that camera than on an M11, YMMV; and the SL2 has IBIS, which means it more likely to get sharper photos more often at a given shutter speed than one would on an M camera), and that’s been the case for me. I’ve found that the ultra-fast aperture on the Noctilux 75 can create “pop” in daylight photos. I showed some color images I took with the lens months earlier to Maria (the model Matt invited to the workshop this past weekend), and without prompting said they had “pop”. I’m not sure that’d be the case for the same compositions at f/1.5, but will find out soon. Each lens has its own characteristics and I can see using both the Noctilux 75 lens and the Voigtländer Nokton 75 mm f/1.5 VM (the latter is on its way).
@@johnkasianowicz6536 It is a joke in so many ways, too big and heavy for a Leica M, too expensive for others than wannabes Leica who is religious about the Leica brand. I do still have some Leica R Lenses, but from a time when there wasn´t that hype about the brand ! That Lens is not worth 14K !!!
Somehow I feel a slightly more creamy rendition in the Leica and it's definitely a warmer lens but nothing that I am willing to pay for (or be able to) against the gorgeous Voigtlander. The Leica has a killer rendition but they seem pretty close to me. Of course if you want the top high end quality and can afford it the Leica looks awesome. Looking at the bottle shot comparison the Leica has noticeable better contrast, looks to me like it is more efficient for transmitting light (just look at the behind-the-bottle background exposure difference between both shots, surely because of the aperture difference) and perhaps it has a little more 3D pop (somehow it creates a better projection feeling for the subject against the background) but still I couldn't´afford it and I wouldn't probably even if I could. I feel like I can get pretty close with just a little tweaking in post.
Was ready to believe the Voigt would (should) demonstrate some color cast... Instead it's the Leica that does. Who'd call it a color pollution at this price level ? Let's say a nuance of color.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Yep, with a second look on an Eizo screen & following the expert's eyes, I see more everything with L... + some kind of thikness or pastiness in the backgroungs (wall of glass signature, effect & science) + that (related ?) confirmed cast. But, who care's today. Still, was not waiting it on their side.
I like how you care about your viewers enough to lie and tell them that they will be fine with just the 'cheap' Voigtlander, the madness has to stop somewhere right 😅 in all seriousness though, I can imagine the Noctilux could be worth it if you just don't want to worry about quality, like you said it's probably better corrected and will save some of you're more challenging shots that maybe an alternative lens would have botched... if you can afford it just have to decide if the weight is worth it. I like John's solution in the end!
If you can afford it, why? It's like never in focus at 0.95!Bad news the M3 with longest RFDR is made for f2 ! F1.4 pushing a bit! 0.95 lenses are huge. Plain sad. Use money for a great trip, with loved one!
I think that with your strong kind of editing it's hard to see a difference. you put so much grain on your shots that messes theses comparison shots up from my point of view. The biggest difference in image quality you can not show with these kind of shots. The Noctilux has much better control of sharp to unsharp transitions. The overall controll of CA, micro contrast and flares is a lot better with the Noctilux. But it's always a question if that is worth an extra $13K.
Thanks, the guy I was teaching bought the Nokton after the workshop and he agrees the difference is very subtle so the 1.5 offer excellent value for money. Sorry if it was hard to see in this video. Some videos show RAW images so sorry if this one didn't. (Great for comparing but not how we'd normally see the final images published).
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks for your response! I also now ordered a Nokton and will do some side by side comparisons with them to make a final decision if I sell the noctilux.
If I could afford to buy that lens, I could easily afford the premium for an all-risks insurance policy, and then I would just enjoy it and not worry about it. On a day-to-day basis I'd probably be more bothered by the weight. The weight difference is a steep price to pay vs. the Voigtlander for only about ~1/3 stop maximum aperture advantage, especially when the Voigtlander's images are so nice. If I ever found myself in that financial bracket, I'd buy the Voigtlander, donate the price difference to Ukrainian humanitarian relief, and enjoy both a lighter lens and a warm feeling.
I must ... BUY , or I am irrelevant ....🥹 Okay ; I get the ROLLEI WIDE 55mm F4 instead , Twin Lens Wide Angle .... Yeahhhhh at 7, 580 very affordable , and one of only a few hundred ... left in existence ...as only 1, 500 made ... Good investment ... Yay !!
I owned both of these lenses and was shocked how close they were in optical performance. I actually preferred the colours the voigtlander gave me! The size , weight and price of the Voigtlander made me decide to keep it and i swapped the 75mm Noctilux for the 90mm Summilux, which has better bokeh, and has no competition!
Thanks Dave, good to see you here. I prefer the Leica images but not the cost nor size/weight.
Not enough of a difference to spend 14X the money. I don't own either, but if I had to choose, it would definitely be the Voigtlander. Thanks Matt for this brilliant video!
Thanks Lucy!
Matt, thank you for the terrific workshop in London this weekend. You’re an excellent teacher! Please thank Maria again for putting up with my lack of portrait knowledge.
I won’t ever sell my Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25 (I was fortunate to get one for ~ $2 .2K less than the current new street price). I got it for use with my Leica SL2, which has IBIS technology (which helps with reducing shake- induced blur), and that camera body balances that lens better than does the M11. I wanted to bring my SL2, but it was in Paris being programmed for solar eclipse photography by a really sharp chap.
Your Voigtländer Nokton 75 mm f/1.5 VM lens was really quite impressive. I thought I sensed a little more vignetting with it (I’ll check my files when I get home), but neither len’s vignetting was objectionable (that’s part a of fast optics’ character). I will definitely get a Nokton 75 for my M cameras!
Thanks John, it was a pleasure meeting your for the day and thanks again for your kind lens loan!
Just got my new NOKTON 75mm F1.5 recently, such a nice lens. Love it.
When I start thinking about buying a noctilux, I always google the price and calm myself down.
Great, yes this lens is an excellent more affordable alternative!
I noticed it’s not just my Voigtlander … focused at .7 it doesn’t line up with the markings. At infinity it does line up. I guess they’re all like that? Crackin lens
Possibly, many lenses don't have hard stop at infinity. Great lens for sure!
Matt, thanks for doing this comparison. You saved me $14,000 seeing as I already have the Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton. My old eyes can't see enough of a difference to make me want to spring for the Noctilux. 😎
Thanks, yes the Leica is maybe 10% 'nicer' to my eyes but not at 14x more
I have purchased the Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton because of this channel. Well mainly, I have watched every review there is on that lens and read every review I could find on it also.
I was getting the Voigtlander 65mm f/2.0 macro. I love that 65mm fov.
Well this 75 can tell a story also just a touch tighter. I enjoy a lens that can give me some information in the background. Sometimes and most of the time I look for a beautifully soft and dreamy background. Beautiful bokeh lends to an image. Even good foreground blurr is nice .
I like some info with my subject much of the time .
Because of this channel I also own the Leica 90mm Summicron f/2.0 pre-asph and the Voigtlander 40mm f/1.2 . Certain lenses I like how they render and I look to see their character. These three are very similar.
I am shooting this glass adapted to my Nikon Z9 and Sony a7siii’s . Mostly the Z9 . Supporting these lenses in my bag is the Nikkor 55mm f/1.2 , Nikkor 135 mm f/2.0 oooooo it’s nice , Nikkor N 28mm f/2.0 (it’ll probably be replaced) not feeling that lens and I have the Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 . It’s all right for wide action shots of live music.
I am thinking of adding the Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 and the Nikkor 180mm f/2.8 ais .
I just want glass that “ creates “ and let’s me be able to use it to its strengths.
Thanks for these videos keep them coming
Thanks for
Thanks! Lots of great lenses you list there! I just posted a blog showing these images, some full res. They’re pretty close!
Own the Voigtlander 75mm f1.5 and it's amazing, and not too heavy at all. Much more usable than a huge heavy Noctilux 75 f1.25. Also should be a bit easier to focus. It's a very niche lens but I don't think this would be the goto EDC lens for any photographer. Your samples depict exactly what I thought as I never shot with the Noctilux. Although I would love to own it but can't pay 14K for any lens. Thanks for the video.
Thanks, yes the Voigtlander is a great lens!
I will drift between Voigtlander and Leica depending on the specific lens, the price, and just a lot of minor factors, like close focus, weight, etc.., I have the Voigtlander and love it, especially for a light M travel kit: 75 and 35 and done.
Great, yes the Voigtlander size/weight combo is great for travel
“Like” button smashed. Thanks for sharing your shooting experience and images with us. I think that neither of these 75mm lenses would fit the way I normally use Leica M cameras, but I am glad that they exist, for those who enjoy them. I do have an APO Summicron-M 75mm ASPH, and thus far, though I am very glad to have my 75 ‘Cron, it remains a niche lens, not used nearly as often as my 35mm and 50mm M-mount lenses. (I do enjoy using short telelphoto lenses on SLRs.)
Thank you!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom To be more specific, the DOF of my 75 ‘Cron, at f/2, is so very thin, that I have trouble holding steady to the degree needed to keep my subject within that DOF. This is in addition to the challenges of rangefinder-focusing with telephoto lenses. It is not easy to steady, within the DOF, with my Summilux-M 50mm ASPH, either, but I have enough success with the ‘Lux, to make it worthwhile to use hand-held at f/1.4. That is why I do not seek a “faster” 75mm lens, than I already have. If I buy into the SL system, of course, that could well change.
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Ja, it's a subtle difference but if you already spent 6.4k quid on a beautiful Leica * you make a living off it then why not. It's an investment of a tool so you can wright it off.
But to be fair, any good artist w/ the most basic camera & fair glass can make a scene look amazing.
Good comparison Matt. (:
Thanks and yes, great advice!
On the m43 system I shoot with the Leica branded Nocticron and if that has just a tiny bit of Noctilux in it I can see it! Incredible quality with pics taken with that lens.
Thanks, yes I know that’s what people use on M43. I do have a few M43 bodies
On a related note, I managed to find one of the now-rare Leica M 1.4x Magnifiers, at a Leica store, largely based upon your recommendation. Unrelated to 75mm lenses, I recently ordered a 50mm APO Lanthar, direct from Cameraquest. (I was guided by other presentations, reviews, and forum posts, too, of course.) Ultimately, I wanted a 50mm lens that was least-likely to flare, when I was compelled to shoot with the sun at problematic angles. So, when payday arrives, next week, I will buy you some coffees. I just typed a reminder, in my iPad calendar. Thanks, again, for your helpful presentations.
Thanks Rex! Yes the APO is excellent, too performer. I did realise 1.4x are now rare.
The out of focus areas of the Leica have a lower contrast, compared to the focused area, the details in shadow areas are articulate giving that Leica pop?
The Voigtlander, the contrast ratios are relatively the same, out of focus/in focus.
My read from a limited sample, your mileage may vary. Both lenses seen produce stunning images in talented hands.
Thanks, yes to the Leica OOF. It works well. I just posted a blog with some images full res.
Blooming beautiful lens. I have the Voigtlander 58 /1.4 F mount. I'd love to try this one.
Yes the 58mm f1.4 is great too! (I have it)
Well done Matt...... agree- so hard to see any material difference- ok... now compare the 75mm f2 to the Voigtlander - shoot both at F2...... oh, you need a 75 f2, huh?..... There's one in my bag in San Francisco.........:)
Thanks John! Haha, yes I sold me 75 APO
I don’t own either so can’t add any relevant info. I do however own the 75 APO Summicron. It remains one of my all time favourite lenses. And, I’m definitely not anti Voigtlander.. After watching your review I bought the 50 APO Lanthar. Amazing lens for the money and I saved some bucks for my 28 LUX.
Thanks Paul, yes APO lenses are great for sharpness.
Impressive ! Leica just wanted to pull out all the stops on optical performance and perhaps it does perform better but I must agree that from these photos it isn’t blatantly obvious and then there is the size and weight factor and the second mortgage to be considered.
Thanks, yes see the new blog post linked below for a better look at the photos (some full res)
Some of these very expensive lenses excell in certain situations that don't really happen in every day shooting. They surprise you when they nail a difficult shot, while other lesser lenses seem to fail, or not work out quite that well. Tell you the truth, I could only see very slight differences between the Voigtlander and Noctilux images, but it could be my aging eyes, or aging monitor. The Noctilux seemed a little better 'composed', or more stable ? To better explain, to my eyes, the Voigtlander images seemed to have been shot at 110 ISO/ASA and the Noctilux images seemed to have been shot at 100 ISO/ASA, if that were possible. Then there is that very specific Leica look...
With that said, if you had to enlarge those images to astronomical sizes, I'm assuming the Noctilux would win hands down, but again not by much. I have a 26" monitor and could barely see any differences that are worth $14000. Actually a couple of tweaks in Photoshop would probably render both images about the same IMHO. Maybe it would be a good idea to ask Leica why this lens, which would make a good down payment on a 6 room house, costs so much ? Are they using special glass from some exotic location on earth nobody knows about ? If you drop this lens from about 50 feet will it bounce back without a scratch ?
Thanks! Yes I was impressed with the Voigtlander too. Leica make small volume hand built? vs mass production so they can charge more. Like Casio vs Rolex. I'm happy to own the Nokton.
The difference I noticed viewing on my iPad Pro was the images from the beast were more contrasty. My choice would be the Voiglander lens, small and light. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks! I do like the Leica files (moreso.. especially the model shots) but yes the images from the 2 lenses are pretty similar for the huge price difference.. and I love smaller lenses!
Excellent review. I think the Noctilux is a prestige lens - for amateurs to show-off and for pros to justify high prices for their work 🤣
Haha nicely put.. and no doubt it's a great lens
Nice video, again!
I think the Voigtländer is a bit colder the the Leica. And the Leica has not so hard contrast. So if money doesn’t care, I would take the Leica. But the Voigtländer is a amazing lens and a perfect alternative.
Yes great diagnosis! Agree. I just posted a blog with the images and some full res. Leica is warmer for sure.
Same here
I like a heavy lens because it gives me a feeling of quality, but a kilo?! Voigtlander makes great lenses.
Haha yes you could cancel your gym membership if you have this lens and carry it all day :)
Matt….will be great if you can use the Leica Noctilux 0.95 into APSC CL or TL 2 or Leica SL/SL2 crop factor, to carry out the tests. To checkout the output result compare to the Noctilux 75 or Voigtlander 75 also.
Yes nice idea! The CL / crop bodies remove the vignetting completely. You see this when I tested the Voigtlander 50 f1
Looking at the examples, I would say the Hasselblad 80mm 1.9 will be probably the same of better and has auto focus. Still expensive, but less than half the price. Nice video
Thanks. That would be a nice comparison! I did use the 80 1.9 in my Hassen X2D video
great photos Matt !
Thank you! I made a blog post to share the same photos with some full res.
leica has slightly more contrast in bokeh than the Voigtlander Nokton. Prefer the voigtlander for portability, balance, and value for money.
Thanks, yes both have their strengths!
Voigtlander should release this for the Nikon Z mount. I really love their 50mm 1.0 i just purchased so i have been looking into their lenses more since the Nikon ZF has all the vintage snazz to go with it now.
Yes the ZF looks cool. You could use the M adapter to use this lens
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I considered it, I'll do a bit more research on the drawbacks and performance. Love all the comparison videos though 👍
wow .. good news is as i already own this Voigtlander for 2 years and i love it i won t have to spent 14 k€ for this noctilux ... 😅😅 great photo and great comparison...
Thanks Grom! Yes great lens
The Noctilux is little sharper & brighter
Warmer and lower contrast in background too I think. See new blog photos.
I would have loved to see you compare the barmey £ Leica with the 7Artisans 75mm f1.25. £450 - 7 elements in 6 groups 12 aperture blades and 603g.
Maybe I’ll review in the future. Never say never!
the Noctilux is definitely much better BUT who cares? I would definitely spend that money on different lenses to both of those
Yes great point, for the money you can get some very nice lenses!
I had the 75 noctilux. Sold it to try other lenses. Regretted that decision big time! I miss it alot😢
Sorry to hear, maybe try to pick up a used one if you see a good price.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom will do, but before that I'll give the voigtlander a go and maybe try the 75 lux as well. Then I'll know if it's truly the one!
Leica's Noctilux lens wasn't intended to be used wide-open on a sunny day at the beach, right? It was made for low-light situations. The elements of the Leica Noctilux lens are glass, right, not plastic? Glass is heavier than plastic? Over time, plastics are subject to UV degradation. Glass is not. In 20 years, which lens will have lost more of its original purchase price? In an 11 x 17 print which lens will show the finest details?
Thanks, yes that’s the beauty of Leica. They hold their value well.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom, it's more than just holding its value! The 75mm Noctilux is my choice for everyday street photography. I can't imagine my trading it in on something else - not some other lens.
BTW, nice looking Leica If you were shooting. It matches my If red dial.
Yes! Thanks.. LLL 8E 35/2 lens
Carbon fiber wheels that came with my car cost about 14x more than standard wheels . Carbon is worth about one second a lap improvement on a road course. Is it worth it??? Boils down to utility theory - How much value do you put on extra $30K to get the improvemnt??
Yes fair point! I have nice carbon wheels on my bikes ..
Having too much money. Sometimes sense goes out the window. I also like the 75f1.8 from Voigtlander.
Thanks Carlos, the 75 1.9 new Ultron you mean?
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom yep. F1.9! Typo. Little cheaper and more compact for those on a budget. But there’s something special about that 75f1.5. I’ve seen the comparisons and the f1.9 just doesn’t have that little bit of magic. If you’re gonna shoot at the widest apertures the f1.5 is the way to go I think.
For me 75mm and 90mm Voigtlander is the way to go. The 90 APO-Skopar is awesome too. Lenses you’re not going to use all the time but nice to have. If I get a 90mm the APO-Skopar it is.
I think one should put Leica money towards your money lenses. The ones you use all the time. The occasional use ones just get a nice Voigtlander.
I’m a 50 guy so, I’m always on my 50 Summicron v5. What a great lens. The more I use it the more I like it. I never used a 50 quite like Summicron. So I put my money on that.
Matt-Any chance you will have a chance to test the Leica Lux 90/1.5 against the TTartisans 90/1.25? The TTA seems to perform exceptionally well even though heavy like the Leica 90/1.5 from what I have read, but value your real world insights.
I’ve tested the 90 Lux, see that video. If I get the TTA I will if I get a chance. (When I tried the TTA it flared too much for me to want to buy).
Matt-Just found out about the Cooke SP3 series of lenses and in around 1-2 months they will have L mount lenses available-only Sony E mount for the moment. Any chance you can persuade Cooke UK to loan you a 50 to 75mm lens for trial?
I could ask but I don't like my chances due to their value!
Wonderful "comparing-test", thank you!! The ‘fo:ktlεndɐ 1,5/75...at a 14th price of the Mega-nocti is of course a truly viable alternative for us 'mere mortals' - but the Licht-riese from Wetzlar is non-plus-ultra and we can feel it - really FEEEL it, no question. As Karbe said (enthusiastically smiling - like a boy!!): "we were looking at images none of us had seen before" - no reason not to believe him!! Ach - wäre man da!! -
In the 'absence' of such 'unobtainabilities', I shall soldier on happily with my dearest, never-to-let-go Summilux - and of course, the Summarex (!!).. which I really want you to 'live with for a while' - still thinking of how to get it to you!! :-))))
Thank you! Yes sorry I need to start saying it correctly. My little brain always forgets. I totally agree the Nocti has a magic sauce look you can't quite replicate, but the Nokton comes pretty close.
Nice video Matt and I agree that the Voigtlander will cover the needs of most shooters but ....
... this is not a proper test to show the difference in optics (by far not).
You would need a test chart to begin with and some shots of maybe e.g. architectural buildings with windows on a distance to see the contrast, distortion and so on and so on over the whole range.
This lens is not only for shooting 1.25 and models.
Besides that, the extra mile of quality is always the most expensive so comparing the multiplication of the price to the multiplication of the quality is flat out ridiculous.
Sorry, but I had higher thoughts of your IQ in this matter .
Thanks yes agreed, this was only a quick first impressions opportunist test. The Voigtlander did surprisingly well for my portrait work vs the Leica
I bought my 75mm 1.25 Noct for $10,000 when it first came out
The advantage of Leica. Great investment!
If you have money to burn and are a weightlifter the Noctilux may be the very slightly better choice.
But for everyone else, nah.
Ha yes, it is better no question but not 14x so :)
The Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25 balances well on a Leica SL2 (the camera for which I got the lens, it has IBIS), and is just under 1 stop faster (which can come in handy).
I sure do not see $13,000 worth of difference. How much is the Red Dot worth? My question is the Venn diagram overlap of correction possible in post editing as opposed to the uncorrected image of the Noctilux. Purely academic for me, I limp along with a Jupiter-9. ;o)
BTW, you do a smashing job with your glamo(u)r photography. It seems the shy fellow with the green eyeshade and sleeve garters - ;o) - has the touch for catching the glamo(u)r of the ladies. And why is it that it is always the "Bad Girls" who are most appealing?
Anyway, thanks for the review. It is always interesting and thorough and unbiased and valid. All high marks for you.
Cheers
Thank you! I do try to bring the best out of the models, this was less glam but normally more so.
I think the Leica Noctilux 75mm 1.25 is a heavy, expensive, big joke ! I would get a whole bunch of Lenses for those 14 kilos, there are plenty of altenatives, fx Voigtländer Ultron 75mm 1.9 (single or multicoated), 7artisans Photoelectric 75mm 1.25, KIPON Iberit 75mm 2.4, Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Primoplan 75mm f/1.9 II, Leica APO-Summicron-M 75mm f/2 ASPH (also too expensive !), personally I would go for a 90mm Lens, fx the Voigtländer APO-Skopar 90mm 2,8
Thanks, the 90 APO is indeed great!
@cameraprepper7918. I’m not sure what you mean by calling the Leica Noctilux-M 75 a joke. It’s masterpiece of optical design, is solidly built, and it’s fast aperture is capable of producing images that are different than even a Summilux (f/1.4). Did you consult more detailed reviews on it? I bought mine used after chatting with folks who own one, checking out reviews online, and testing it at Leica’s HQ (in Wetzlar, Germany) and at a Leica store in the US. The first night I used the lens, it didn’t disappoint, and it’s certainly a lens I’ll never part with.
I initially felt the lens was better suited for use with an SL2 (it felt more balanced on that camera than on an M11, YMMV; and the SL2 has IBIS, which means it more likely to get sharper photos more often at a given shutter speed than one would on an M camera), and that’s been the case for me. I’ve found that the ultra-fast aperture on the Noctilux 75 can create “pop” in daylight photos. I showed some color images I took with the lens months earlier to Maria (the model Matt invited to the workshop this past weekend), and without prompting said they had “pop”. I’m not sure that’d be the case for the same compositions at f/1.5, but will find out soon.
Each lens has its own characteristics and I can see using both the Noctilux 75 lens and the Voigtländer Nokton 75 mm f/1.5 VM (the latter is on its way).
@@johnkasianowicz6536 It is a joke in so many ways, too big and heavy for a Leica M, too expensive for others than wannabes Leica who is religious about the Leica brand. I do still have some Leica R Lenses, but from a time when there wasn´t that hype about the brand ! That Lens is not worth 14K !!!
Somehow I feel a slightly more creamy rendition in the Leica and it's definitely a warmer lens but nothing that I am willing to pay for (or be able to) against the gorgeous Voigtlander. The Leica has a killer rendition but they seem pretty close to me. Of course if you want the top high end quality and can afford it the Leica looks awesome. Looking at the bottle shot comparison the Leica has noticeable better contrast, looks to me like it is more efficient for transmitting light (just look at the behind-the-bottle background exposure difference between both shots, surely because of the aperture difference) and perhaps it has a little more 3D pop (somehow it creates a better projection feeling for the subject against the background) but still I couldn't´afford it and I wouldn't probably even if I could. I feel like I can get pretty close with just a little tweaking in post.
Yes great observation, agreed.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks Matt!
Was ready to believe the Voigt would (should) demonstrate some color cast... Instead it's the Leica that does.
Who'd call it a color pollution at this price level ? Let's say a nuance of color.
Haha yes.. I still preferred the Leica images (slightly)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Yep, with a second look on an Eizo screen & following the expert's eyes, I see more everything with L... + some kind of thikness or pastiness in the backgroungs (wall of glass signature, effect & science) + that (related ?) confirmed cast. But, who care's today. Still, was not waiting it on their side.
I like how you care about your viewers enough to lie and tell them that they will be fine with just the 'cheap' Voigtlander, the madness has to stop somewhere right 😅 in all seriousness though, I can imagine the Noctilux could be worth it if you just don't want to worry about quality, like you said it's probably better corrected and will save some of you're more challenging shots that maybe an alternative lens would have botched... if you can afford it just have to decide if the weight is worth it. I like John's solution in the end!
Thanks Thomas!
Hi I would just save my$14K and just buy the Voigtlander or look for older 90mm Leica lens.
Yes, the 90s are a great second option!
The Leica 90 mm Summicron-M f/2, Summarit-M f/2.5 and Macro-Elmar f/4 lenses all render completely different than the Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25.
If you can afford it, why? It's like never in focus at 0.95!Bad news the M3 with longest RFDR is made for f2 ! F1.4 pushing a bit! 0.95 lenses are huge. Plain sad. Use money for a great trip, with loved one!
Great advice, I did a video saying something similar a while back. Cheap camera + travel = better memories.
I think that with your strong kind of editing it's hard to see a difference. you put so much grain on your shots that messes theses comparison shots up from my point of view. The biggest difference in image quality you can not show with these kind of shots. The Noctilux has much better control of sharp to unsharp transitions. The overall controll of CA, micro contrast and flares is a lot better with the Noctilux. But it's always a question if that is worth an extra $13K.
Thanks, the guy I was teaching bought the Nokton after the workshop and he agrees the difference is very subtle so the 1.5 offer excellent value for money. Sorry if it was hard to see in this video. Some videos show RAW images so sorry if this one didn't. (Great for comparing but not how we'd normally see the final images published).
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks for your response! I also now ordered a Nokton and will do some side by side comparisons with them to make a final decision if I sell the noctilux.
😊
Thanks!
You'd be scared to take out a 14k lens. 1k is more manageable.
If I could afford to buy that lens, I could easily afford the premium for an all-risks insurance policy, and then I would just enjoy it and not worry about it. On a day-to-day basis I'd probably be more bothered by the weight. The weight difference is a steep price to pay vs. the Voigtlander for only about ~1/3 stop maximum aperture advantage, especially when the Voigtlander's images are so nice. If I ever found myself in that financial bracket, I'd buy the Voigtlander, donate the price difference to Ukrainian humanitarian relief, and enjoy both a lighter lens and a warm feeling.
Agreed! ..well I’d probably forget about the value which is equally dangerous (when using as a tool)
I mean..... yeah...... it's quite pricey! 😂😂😂
Haha I know.. great images but it's hard to think you're walking round with perhaps a $20K camera/ lens setup.. not practical even if gifted to me!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I'd be too petrified to take it out 🤣
Movie people are watching this and thinking how cheap the Leica is….
Ha luckily there are cheaper Leica options (see the last video!)
I must ... BUY , or I am irrelevant ....🥹 Okay ; I get the ROLLEI WIDE 55mm F4 instead , Twin Lens Wide Angle .... Yeahhhhh at 7, 580 very affordable , and one of only a few hundred ... left in existence ...as only 1, 500 made ... Good investment ... Yay !!
Haha nice.. yes there are many nice cameras and lenses out there to pick from!