just tested this lens and i ended up getting the 35 apo lanthar. the best thing with this lens is that it’s compact. but the apo lanthar is phenomenal. for reference, i own the 35lux fle, owned the 35 ultron, 35 1.2ii, 35cron, 35nok1.4, 35summarit2.4. the apo lanthar is as good as the 35fle in many ways but better because of the close focus to 0.5m, though you lose out on the 1.4. Will keep the fle for those times i need a 1.4. for everything else, the apo lanthar will get more use.
Interesting video Matt allow me to put n my two cents. In the quality range of the Leica, Zeiss and Voigtlander lenses it is almost impossible to buy a bad lens (as long as it is not broken) The difference in those lenses are most of the time a matter of compromises. Simply said: less of this to gain more of that. Since the output is often in the 'excellent range' it also depends on a personal look. Following a lot of people who have tested lenses of those three brands (and knowing what they were talking about cause most of them don't) I found out that they are all right in some matter although sometimes their findings contradict each other. When a lens is so good a personal feeling or a price can be decisive to the choice but does not mean the other one is not as good. Thanks for sharing and a great weekend.
Thanks RS, yes we’ll said. I think this is a great lens for most people. I’m a little spoilt as I try lots of lenses. (It’s worth noting that the Lux didn’t impress me either). The 1.2 did and APO + mentioned 1.7. Just me.
I think if you already have something like the 35mm f1.7, you will be well served. But if you want to buy you first 35mm lens for you newly acquired Leica M (or want to upgrade from, let’s say the f2.5 version), this lens is the way to go. Just my opinion. For general photography, I am more of a 35mm and 28mm shooter, but for someone shooting a lot of portraits, of course a 50mm will make more sense.
Been there, done that. 2.8/2.5 are not bright enough for some sits/(ops). You *have* to have a 1.4 and the *very* least (now in times of noiseless 6400 ISO --unheard of when Tri-X was 360) f/2.0. That's my borderline. ;-D
I just picked up both a summilux 35mm fle ii and the new Nokton 35mm f/1.5 and I have to say the Nokton is a great value. The only issue is the nokton f/1.5 is a bit softer with a cool glow. For the value, the new nokton 35mm is a killer for street photography. Get the aluminum one to match to your Leica M10 Monochrome or M11.
@@ajw1811 I have a lot of cameras. In this case the duplication was for the purpose of travel and it goes with another kit, I intend to primarily use the Nokton with my m typ 246 Monochrom for some street and some travel (no Leica logo, light kit, less valuable). I use the m11 and the summilux in safer street, portrait, and travel. The fle ii (never had the fle 1, just the summicron) renders in a beautiful way and the colours are great. Also, my 35mm apo lanthar in the shop so I’ll probably sell the Nokton when it comes back.
I got the Summilux, it's an outstanding lens. I got the older version with the click in, square hood. I didn't pay USD6000 for it, closer to USD4000 used. Worth it.
Leica has always been a good investment. We can be sure the items they manufacture will always retain their value. It's kinda real state for those who don't want to pay property taxes. 😉OTOH, while *_Leica_* glass and film cameras do appreciate (my very well worn MP from 2003 is worth more than I paid for it, should I want to sell) my experience is that digital Leica cameras (even those stamped Made in Germany or Wetzlar) do not retain their value, NEW or USED. I paid $5000 US in 2020 for a used M10 (a steal back then) and will be very fortunate to get $4000 for it today, in the very same condition I got it, with barely 1k shots on it. Now, I'd like to see that *worth* in photos made with Leica cameras, unless I'm addressing Elliott Erwitt or Sebastiao Salgado.
@@jorgemtrevino yes I buy used digital Leica and they drop by $150-200 per year after the initial drop. That’s the cheapest rental you’ll find. Film and lenses win long term ofc.
I bought a couple of weeks a Voigtlander Color-Skopar 35mm f/2.5 for my Fuji XT3 (using the Fuji adapter). Blimey this lens is sharp, absolutely wonderful and with no apparent issues.
I have bought the lens because it is available in black paint and relatively compact for the aperture. I like it because it is a perfect "compromise" lense: (just) enough sharpnes, very pleasing bokeh, compact. If you want more sharpnes (yes, sometimes) better get an APO. But for me it will be a nice travel lens: not to expensive, versatile, compact. The only thing I really dislike is the creepy lenshood
Steve, over time (looong decades) I've learned camera looks do not good pics get. I've toted (from start to finish) Kodak Six-20 at 12 yo, Xmas 1959 to Leica M10-R Xmas 2002, migrating through micro-spy-Minox films 126, 110, 120, 35mm, 4x5"; B&W DIY, color neg from AgfaColor to C41. Digitals from a "this is not mine" P&S to the present Leica. Please believe me, gear is some wretched rich guy porno; the poor man's truer and more suiting to my ecnomy. My most appreciated (by me & others) images, captured on film, cameras or phones are completely alienated from the gear used. On my most expensive trip to date, I left my camera at the hotel and used the phone. Still unrepentant.
@@jorgemtrevino thank you for your answer, which I appreciate. Nevertheless there are differences in gear. Comming back to this lens, which I love even if I don't know why, has terrible cromatic aberations, which will need corrections in postprocessing.
I'm now considering buying a voigtlander 35mm so i have been watching your video over and over again, because you are making the best quality comparison video. And please point out if i get it wrong, according to your preference the top 3 is APO35 > ultron35f2 > ultron35f1.7 right? (sorry for my bad english)
I've a Leica Q, and needless to say, the lens is really great. I want to get a Leica M + lens. My idea is to get a good used M-body and invest most in the body. The lens shouldn't break the bank. I feel for now that this lens seems to be one of the best choices. Are there other (non-voigtlander) lenses that I should put on my list?
Hey Matt It’s a shame that none of the camera dealers in Australia stock these lenses to handle and try It’s great that your able to give a review and opinion Many thanks Ron
Thanks Ronald, it’s mostly the same in the Uk (hard to find Voigtlander lenses to try). It’s only because I was able to grow the TH-cam channel that I get this opportunity to help others.
Hi Matt. Can you tell me about the 7 artisans close focus adapter ring you are using in this video ? Is it well build ? How does it work with leica M glasses and how close focus you can do ? Thanks for the feed-back
Go VM 1.7, I love that one. It has something. It was on my list. When they released the new one's. I went searching for one. It's brass, would have preferred black. Took a while to get one. More for ballet, documentary photography, not portraits. Could be people in It but they are more distant. I like my Elmarit R 35mm ROM a bit more, for different reasons. Fashion ... flowers haha ... It has a more timeless pop ... Also like the ZM 35mm 1.4. And the VM 1.2 love the weight cut. This one ticks all the boxes, but doesn't wow at anything spectacular. Seems a nice starter 35, sharp, not the sharpest, modern but retroish/with style, bokeh is ok, etc ... If you only want one seems like an interesting choice, the VM 1.4 is too classic, this is like the good 1.4/1.5. It doesn't break the bank for a 35mm 1.5. If you have distagons and summicrons, tessars and jena's all around you It's probably not for you. I'm not really into 35mm, so I always hope I don't like It. Laowa has that 35mm 0.x, really liked what I saw. But seems fat, heavy, unpractical.
Hi Matt, Thanks a lot for your great review! Jack Takahashi mentioned a very significant midzone dip in sharpness on his lens. From your testing, can you confirm the same issue?
Thanks! It didn’t seem to have any real pop for portraits. As I dont centre their heads this might be the soft miss he talks of. Stopped down it’s fine.
Matt thanks for this. Question ultron f2 at 2 or this lens at f2? Love the Ultron size and sharp enough for me but would be nice to have extra stop ish. Your thoughts appreciated. Not interested in big lenses so just between these two. Thx
Thanks Alan, hmm, the 1.5 is a beauty but it just didn't perform for me. I may need to retest in the future but from memory I'd use the Ultron at f2 onwards.
Thanks Matt, I’d been interested to see what you would make of this lens. I was a bit surprised by your conclusion as the images looked so good on the test shots. My interest is because I wondered how it would compare with my 40 f1.2 VM which may metamorphosise into a 35 and a 50
Hi Marcus, most of the images shared were shot around f4-8. It looked a bit too soft for me on the back of the camera but in the tests after it did ok. Others say the mid zone it soft which would make sense from the images I was less impressed with. The 1.2 is great and similar to the 1.2 35mm which I love. (I'd get 35 & 50 1.2s, both great).
Hey Matt, very informative video, thanks for that. Sorry side question, can't find the info anywhere: what finish would be more fitting for a black M6 you reckon, type 1 or type 2 ? Thanks !
AS you know, Matt, I have had this lens for a few months and it's become my go-to lens because of its optical qualities and its compactness (compared to the Voigtlander f 1.2 and the Summilux).
Hi Bruno, yes thanks for your results you sent. I was going to email back this weekend but I can say here. My results were the same as yours for the lenses I had. Vs Lux and 1.2 yes it’s a great alternative (esp. Alu version).
Hello Matt, thank you for this very informative review. I own the 35mm 1.7 Ultron you mentioned you enjoyed a lot. i have been considering upgading to the 1.5 noct for the better ergonomics. how do these two lenses compare? why would you choose the 1.7 ultron over the 1.5 noct? i like the 1.7 for the IQ but i find it very cumbersome to focus and it way to big for my M6 with filter and hood attached
Hi, I would get the f2 UItron instead. I replaced my 1.7 with the f2 purely for the size. The 1.7 is excellent but a little too big. The 1.5 was not good enough for me.
Hello Matt, Thanks for your honest video. I always appreciate this approach. In your video, you mention a link to the front black ring but I can't find it. Could you give a name or a link? Cheers
Hi Agathe, sorry I missed your comment. Ah yes, I put links to eBay but not the specific ring. Just go to eBay and search 39-43mm step ring (for example).
Great review Matt as always! After watching your review for the Ultron 1,7, I was so impressed of how it performed that I bought a second one. This one shows nice colour but by how much?
Matt is da man...... Great review....I myself got my eyes on the Voight 35mm f1.2.... Ever play with that one? LIKE that hack about using a step up ring to cover the ugly Voight silver front ring....I gotta try that!
Summicrons vary a lot depending on the version. See my recent 35 Cron video for sample photos. (I think the Voigtlander will have more contrast and a more modern look). I use the LLL 35/2 (See that video).
Nice video, Matt! This is a nice lens but with the APO and the 1.2 in your bag it's hard to justify the purchase of this one as well. That said...photographers are the World Champions at finding plausible-sounding justifications for gear purchases 😅
Hi Matt You seem to speak so highly of the 35mm f1.7 lens. Is it because of the sharpness or some unique characteristics? Would you mind telling me something about that?
Hi, have you watched the 1.7 video already? Hopefully it will be clear. It was too sharp for portraits and that's rare to see these days (wide open). I appreciate high performing lenses for sure. (I use the f2 Ultron now as smaller).
Hallo aus Deutschland… Ich mag deine Videos sehr, wirklich gute Arbeit und tolle Bilder. Ich wollte dich mal fragen welches voigtländer 35mm du am meisten empfehlen kannst ? Vielleicht das aus diesem Video (Nokton 35mm 1.5)? Ich habe eine Leica m11-p und mir ist Lichtstärke sehr wichtig und das es möglichst klein und kompakt ist. Ich weiß nicht welches voigtländer da am besten wäre. Ich Fotografie Models, Portraits, Landschaft und Street.
Finally! I was waiting for your review of this lens :) I just tried this MRLEICA code (UK) but it didn't work :( Anyway, I have CV 40mm 1.2 and wanted to swap it with this 35mm 1.5, simply for a size and weight (travel lens). Do you think it would be a good swap, or would I lose a lot of IQ?
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom thank you.. I've been pondering over which 35 to get. And 35 nokton II sounds the best combination of character and speed at 1.4 and then sharpness from f2 onwards, with that tiny size. Only the steel rim reissue comes close to that 😂
Hey Greg, sadly no. I'm not sure why lenses are not designed as well as they used to be. No .7m notch/stop/bumb so you need to keep and eye on the lens on film at close range. (I set to .7m and walk in the focus)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks for the reply, Matt. I have been wondering about that for a while now. I understand that it makes the lens more flexible for other bodies with EVF, but it makes shooting film bodies a bit more tricky. Thanks again.
I hope these are better than the former 35mm nokton f1.4 - I had 2 of those (SC and MC and tested a third one) - all rubbish under f2.8 - no real sharpness at all ... Voigtlander has been a massive disappointment for me - I kept only a 21mm skopar (and I had big mechanical problems with that one too)
Nokton 1.4 is a VINTAGE lens to emulate the 60’s Leica lens design…it is not sharp at big apertures and it is not even advertised that way. If you expected that, you forgot to do your research. Recent Voigt lenses have superb build quality. Better than most Leica lenses I have owned and handled, where all of them wobble here and there, focus and aperture ring tightness is different on each and every one of them. Only downside with Voigt is…they are utterly UGLY !!! Can’t stand their designs.
@@kubowich i was kind of expecting this argument ... i have a number of old lenses that I kept over the years (leica collapsable Summar from 1930s, Minolta summicron and others ) and i can use all of them at maximal aperture with good results regarding the sharpness . the 35mm noktons are useless between 1.4 and 2.8 in my experience on leica M6 and M9 ... but please show me some good samples if you have . Cheers
@@georgedobre88 no I don’t. I hated that lens. However my biggest gripe was the barrel distortion, not sharpness, since I don’t often care about perfectly sharp image.
@@kubowich for Architectural photography (where I want the best geometry possible - no barrel or other distorsions) I use the skopar 21mm and I only have to deal with the corners (vignetting and colour shift - but manageable) in post-processing. I bought the old Nokton 35 f1.4 as a all-round" vintage vibe" lens - but I was expecting at least the same sharpness that I am getting from the 1930s Summar at F2.0 ... especially on film
This is completely new design, the modern Voigtlander over the last couple years has been a big upgrade over those older crummy lenses imo. I didnt like the old 35/1.4 they made but this new 35/1.5 ASPH is pretty stellar.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks, Matt! I definitely asked my question wrong, but great that you understood what I was asking 😅. I really wanted to ask about their rendering and “character” differences. I also have the MC version of the Nokton Classic. I was chasing the vintage rendering and now I am worried that I made a mistake for not going all in and getting the SC. I was afraid I wasn’t going to be able to handle the flares, but now with the MC I rarely can make it flare at all. Actually I have one good shot with magical flare and it was in London, when I visited in a trip 😅
And the bokeh difference? 1.5 seems alright It has a bit of everything, but doesn't really wow with anything special. It ticks all the boxes. Sharp ... but not the sharpest, modern ... but a bit retro when doing that ... bokeh, sure It does that, but not f1.2 nice ... with the classic It's more from It manages well, does It ok, It's acceptable, could be tolerated, here It does something, bit horrable, It blurs the trees in. the background and It's more neurotic than If they were shot sharp. The Classics sucks at blurring nature. It is cheaper and one of the worst compared to V and Leica's better attempts. It's also subjective and doesn't really mater. But It is still a great lens the classic, compared to what's out there, or some of real classics like It, that are not sharp, have real horrors. :) If you shoot good pics with It, It can definitely do that. It still will be wonderfull and loved and none will say, but those blurred branches in that background, such a nervous bokeh why not use a summilux and stop making people's eyes bleed. The people comparing, bokehs, pops, micro contrasts, glows, A distagon 35mm 1.4 slaughters the classic, my top 35mm VM 1.2 and 1.7. Leica also has some 35mm's 1.4, 2, I like my Elmarit Rom R very high serial number better than my 1.7 for a lot of stuff, fashion in the studio ... colours are better, more 3D pop than the 50. 1.5 will get slaps, not slaughtered. Classic is classic a good classic, but with all the bad things that can come with that. Another 35mm I have ZE 2.8 is modern with all the bad things that can come with that. Or could be usefull, I use It to get an instant magazine/photoshoot look. It's one of my least favourite 35mm, but It's usefull. Same goes for the Classic. The 1.5 is allround more usefull I guess then the classic. Unless you have say the 1.4, the 1.2 and the Apo and/or some other lenses that can be put to more effective use. But I'm also a 50's guy. I have 5 50's by Leica alone. I probably have 5, or 6, 35mm in total ...
It was a little hard to tell from the conclusion of the review... are you underwhelmed by this lens more because there's nothing special about it, or more because you would rather be using a longer focal length? I remember when you reviewed the 35/2 Voigtlander and said it was the 35 to buy, but later you seemed to go off it a bit. Your sample photos look nice, but maybe that's more down to talent...
Thanks James, I love the 1.2, enjoyed the 1.7, appreciate the APO, use the f2 Ultron (as small travel lens). The 1.5 didn’t seem sharp enough in real use but did great in test shots afterwards. Others say it’s weak in the mid zone and that would explain my lack of wow. (I don’t centre portraits). Much better than a 1.4 and very nicely made. (Just not for me)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I also acquired the f/2 Ultron but have not used it enough to comment.. The 35 1/7 is silver and looks good on the recently acquired Canon L1. Raining in Southern Calif so not going out much... should dry up soon.
Leica camera and Voigtländer lenses. Really? How should Leica survive, when many people purchase Voigtländer lenses? Leica M6 with a Voigtländer lens is a joke. Better save money a little bit longer and earn Leica glass, than that kind of culture shock.
Ha thank you. It's certainly no joke when the Voigtlander lens(es) out perform the Leica lenses. I use the best for me not the badge. If the Voigtlander takes better images than the Leica lens then I use the Leica lens. You should try this too. Often Leica users miss out by limiting themselves to only Leica. *Don't get me wrong I LOVE Leica but I use lenses from Leica and other brands too. I appreciate that you want to protect the Leica brand and help them survive in the market. With the modern Q series cameras I think they are doing OK.
I bet you are one of these Leica fanboys that shoots terrible photos of their cats with 16k equipment and call it a day. 😁 You really do not put Leica glass on a Leica to shoot great images. Even Leica itself is posting very often photographers that do not even use Leica glass and nobody notice it.
@@g33k3301 ha yes I was with a Leica ambassador from country X the other day and he shot mostly Canon and PhaseOne 👍🏻 I know some Leica users have this mindset but I don’t limit myself. Each to their own.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Totally with you! Use the gear that works for you. No matter which brand it is. I am just getting so annoyed by that Leica community that is always telling people: „You need to use Leica lenses on your Leica.“ It‘s so annoying, I have a M10 and tested several lenses from Zeiss, Voigtlander and Leica. Ended up with Zeiss being the best optical performance (Distagon) and Voigtlander as the best bang for the buck, especially their latest line-up with the Ultrons and this Nokton. Leica on the other hand was great but definitely not worth the money.
I own too much Leica stuff, and the Voigtlander lenses are wonderful. There’s a beautiful “clean” transparent soft contrast in the highlights on the latest ones. Light Lens Lab are making wonderful more interesting lenses than Leica. I own one of the first batch Summicron Replica 35/2. Leica are ridiculous, significant but ridiculously priced. Go on Matt, expose the good CV lenses - they are tiny, practical and have stunning quality. Mr Barnack is turning on his grave for how tiny the CV’s are. The latest is on par with Leica in terms of image quality. Hope to get the beautiful 28/2 vm ii and the 50/1.5 vm ii… This 35/1.5 looks really nice, not perfect but 99% good enough. 👍
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just tested this lens and i ended up getting the 35 apo lanthar. the best thing with this lens is that it’s compact. but the apo lanthar is phenomenal. for reference, i own the 35lux fle, owned the 35 ultron, 35 1.2ii, 35cron, 35nok1.4, 35summarit2.4. the apo lanthar is as good as the 35fle in many ways but better because of the close focus to 0.5m, though you lose out on the 1.4. Will keep the fle for those times i need a 1.4. for everything else, the apo lanthar will get more use.
Great, yes APO is king.. but sometimes 1.4 is useful!
Yes but that’s only f2.
Just bought a very nice used M10 and am shopping for lenses. Your video has given me much food for thought.
Interesting video Matt allow me to put n my two cents.
In the quality range of the Leica, Zeiss and Voigtlander lenses it is almost impossible to buy a bad lens (as long as it is not broken)
The difference in those lenses are most of the time a matter of compromises.
Simply said: less of this to gain more of that.
Since the output is often in the 'excellent range' it also depends on a personal look.
Following a lot of people who have tested lenses of those three brands (and knowing what they were talking about cause most of them don't) I found out that they are all right in some matter although sometimes their findings contradict each other.
When a lens is so good a personal feeling or a price can be decisive to the choice but does not mean the other one is not as good.
Thanks for sharing and a great weekend.
Thanks RS, yes we’ll said. I think this is a great lens for most people. I’m a little spoilt as I try lots of lenses. (It’s worth noting that the Lux didn’t impress me either). The 1.2 did and APO + mentioned 1.7. Just me.
I think if you already have something like the 35mm f1.7, you will be well served. But if you want to buy you first 35mm lens for you newly acquired Leica M (or want to upgrade from, let’s say the f2.5 version), this lens is the way to go. Just my opinion. For general photography, I am more of a 35mm and 28mm shooter, but for someone shooting a lot of portraits, of course a 50mm will make more sense.
Yes agree. A great do everything lens and cheaper than Leica. Thanks!
Been there, done that. 2.8/2.5 are not bright enough for some sits/(ops). You *have* to have a 1.4 and the *very* least (now in times of noiseless 6400 ISO --unheard of when Tri-X was 360) f/2.0. That's my borderline. ;-D
I just picked up both a summilux 35mm fle ii and the new Nokton 35mm f/1.5 and I have to say the Nokton is a great value. The only issue is the nokton f/1.5 is a bit softer with a cool glow. For the value, the new nokton 35mm is a killer for street photography. Get the aluminum one to match to your Leica M10 Monochrome or M11.
Thanks Adam, totally agree. It lacks the sharpness of the 1.7 wide open but yes stopped down a little is great, and yes good price vs Leica.
Genuinely curious Adam but why did you buy the nocton and the fle 2? I'd have thought the fle2 is far superior? Regards John
@@ajw1811 I have a lot of cameras. In this case the duplication was for the purpose of travel and it goes with another kit, I intend to primarily use the Nokton with my m typ 246 Monochrom for some street and some travel (no Leica logo, light kit, less valuable). I use the m11 and the summilux in safer street, portrait, and travel. The fle ii (never had the fle 1, just the summicron) renders in a beautiful way and the colours are great. Also, my 35mm apo lanthar in the shop so I’ll probably sell the Nokton when it comes back.
@@AdamMuise , very envious!
I got the Summilux, it's an outstanding lens. I got the older version with the click in, square hood. I didn't pay USD6000 for it, closer to USD4000 used. Worth it.
Yes for wide open the Leica wins (and they hold their value)
Leica has always been a good investment. We can be sure the items they manufacture will always retain their value. It's kinda real state for those who don't want to pay property taxes. 😉OTOH, while *_Leica_* glass and film cameras do appreciate (my very well worn MP from 2003 is worth more than I paid for it, should I want to sell) my experience is that digital Leica cameras (even those stamped Made in Germany or Wetzlar) do not retain their value, NEW or USED. I paid $5000 US in 2020 for a used M10 (a steal back then) and will be very fortunate to get $4000 for it today, in the very same condition I got it, with barely 1k shots on it.
Now, I'd like to see that *worth* in photos made with Leica cameras, unless I'm addressing Elliott Erwitt or Sebastiao Salgado.
@@jorgemtrevino yes I buy used digital Leica and they drop by $150-200 per year after the initial drop. That’s the cheapest rental you’ll find. Film and lenses win long term ofc.
I bought a couple of weeks a Voigtlander Color-Skopar 35mm f/2.5 for my Fuji XT3 (using the Fuji adapter).
Blimey this lens is sharp, absolutely wonderful and with no apparent issues.
Congrats! Ha it’s actually not overly sharp vs some other Voigtlanders but it shows how great these lenses are. Enjoy!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom sharp enough for me as I'm not a pixel peeper. As long as the photos aren't too blurry... I'm happy with it.
I have bought the lens because it is available in black paint and relatively compact for the aperture. I like it because it is a perfect "compromise" lense: (just) enough sharpnes, very pleasing bokeh, compact. If you want more sharpnes (yes, sometimes) better get an APO. But for me it will be a nice travel lens: not to expensive, versatile, compact. The only thing I really dislike is the creepy lenshood
Thanks Steve, compromise lens is spot on. Beats the 1.4 for a fast 35mm for film
Steve, over time (looong decades) I've learned camera looks do not good pics get.
I've toted (from start to finish) Kodak Six-20 at 12 yo, Xmas 1959 to Leica M10-R Xmas 2002, migrating through micro-spy-Minox films 126, 110, 120, 35mm, 4x5"; B&W DIY, color neg from AgfaColor to C41.
Digitals from a "this is not mine" P&S to the present Leica. Please believe me, gear is some wretched rich guy porno; the poor man's truer and more suiting to my ecnomy.
My most appreciated (by me & others) images, captured on film, cameras or phones are completely alienated from the gear used.
On my most expensive trip to date, I left my camera at the hotel and used the phone. Still unrepentant.
@@jorgemtrevino thank you for your answer, which I appreciate. Nevertheless there are differences in gear. Comming back to this lens, which I love even if I don't know why, has terrible cromatic aberations, which will need corrections in postprocessing.
Been waiting for this video!
Thanks Hery!
Picked up the V2 black for my black M4 .
Great! They are nice lenses, no question
Straight up and honest. CV is making some wonderful and affordable wonderful lenses but they are not all wonderful. Thank you.
Thanks Zoltan, it is a great all rounder for a fast 35mm but I prefer the 1.2 look.
The added value of your neat trick of using the black step-up ring, is the ability to use filters without fear of causing vignetting.
Good one Matt. 👌
Yes! Thanks, happy to help!
I'm now considering buying a voigtlander 35mm so i have been watching your video over and over again, because you are making the best quality comparison video. And please point out if i get it wrong, according to your preference the top 3 is APO35 > ultron35f2 > ultron35f1.7 right? (sorry for my bad english)
Thanks, yes the order is correct t for sharpness. All are good. Ultron is the smallest
@ Thank you for your reply!!So I think I'm purchasing the ultron f2😆😆
I'm happy to have ordered that Voigtlander Nokton 35 1.5 a few weeks ago
Congrats! A great do everything lens.
Do you still like it?
I've a Leica Q, and needless to say, the lens is really great. I want to get a Leica M + lens. My idea is to get a good used M-body and invest most in the body. The lens shouldn't break the bank. I feel for now that this lens seems to be one of the best choices. Are there other (non-voigtlander) lenses that I should put on my list?
Great. Please visit the long list of lenses reviewed on MrLeica.com for all the options.
I like it but the heavy vignette on these small lenses pushed me to get the 1.2III. I haven't seen anything to change things for what I use it for.
Yes I like the 1.2 over the Lux and 1.5
Matt Ive been waiting all January for this! Watching now
Thanks sorry for delay!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I figured you were busy in Poland with the ladies!
@@arrangearrange haha I’ve been neglecting them, I need to go back soon!
Oooooh, looking at the background, I kinda like the look of this lens. Shiny!
Thanks John, beautiful lens for sure!
So I keep using my 35mm f1.7 then. I bought the lens after watching your Best 35mm Lens a year ago.
The 35mm f1.7 is great yes. Stick with that.
Hey Matt
It’s a shame that none of the camera dealers in Australia stock these lenses to handle and try
It’s great that your able to give a review and opinion
Many thanks Ron
Thanks Ronald, it’s mostly the same in the Uk (hard to find Voigtlander lenses to try). It’s only because I was able to grow the TH-cam channel that I get this opportunity to help others.
Hi Matt. Can you tell me about the 7 artisans close focus adapter ring you are using in this video ? Is it well build ? How does it work with leica M glasses and how close focus you can do ? Thanks for the feed-back
Hi Julien, see video on adapter. It’s L mount so won’t work on M bodies sadly (L-M*)
Excellent info. Thanks Matt for this brilliant video packed with valuable information.
Thanks Lucy!
Go VM 1.7, I love that one. It has something. It was on my list. When they released the new one's.
I went searching for one. It's brass, would have preferred black. Took a while to get one.
More for ballet, documentary photography, not portraits. Could be people in It but they are more distant.
I like my Elmarit R 35mm ROM a bit more, for different reasons. Fashion ... flowers haha ... It has a more timeless pop ...
Also like the ZM 35mm 1.4. And the VM 1.2 love the weight cut.
This one ticks all the boxes, but doesn't wow at anything spectacular.
Seems a nice starter 35, sharp, not the sharpest, modern but retroish/with style, bokeh is ok, etc ...
If you only want one seems like an interesting choice, the VM 1.4 is too classic, this is like the good 1.4/1.5.
It doesn't break the bank for a 35mm 1.5. If you have distagons and summicrons, tessars and jena's all around you
It's probably not for you.
I'm not really into 35mm, so I always hope I don't like It.
Laowa has that 35mm 0.x, really liked what I saw. But seems fat, heavy, unpractical.
Thanks good summary. Agree it's a nice size and good all rounder. I like more special purpose lenses like you mention - Elmarit, Tessar, 1.2 etc
Love mine, I got the brass in black, OUTSTANDING Lens.
Thanks!
Hi Matt, Thanks a lot for your great review! Jack Takahashi mentioned a very significant midzone dip in sharpness on his lens. From your testing, can you confirm the same issue?
Thanks! It didn’t seem to have any real pop for portraits. As I dont centre their heads this might be the soft miss he talks of. Stopped down it’s fine.
F1.5 is definitely an interesting aperture, not sure I’ve ever heard of that size before. Very cool video!
Thanks, yes Leica use 1.4, Zeiss used 1.5, like my Sonnar 50 1.5 etc. Voigtlander have the 75 1.5 too (amazing lens, see video)
Matt thanks for this. Question ultron f2 at 2 or this lens at f2? Love the Ultron size and sharp enough for me but would be nice to have extra stop ish. Your thoughts appreciated. Not interested in big lenses so just between these two. Thx
Thanks Alan, hmm, the 1.5 is a beauty but it just didn't perform for me. I may need to retest in the future but from memory I'd use the Ultron at f2 onwards.
Well that was a bit of a tease re the Steel Rim, is there a review coming up for it?
Ha sorry, the clip is from a previous video (one of my non-lens specific titled videos so no one watches).. see photo clubs video
Thanks Matt, I’d been interested to see what you would make of this lens. I was a bit surprised by your conclusion as the images looked so good on the test shots. My interest is because I wondered how it would compare with my 40 f1.2 VM which may metamorphosise into a 35 and a 50
Hi Marcus, most of the images shared were shot around f4-8. It looked a bit too soft for me on the back of the camera but in the tests after it did ok. Others say the mid zone it soft which would make sense from the images I was less impressed with. The 1.2 is great and similar to the 1.2 35mm which I love. (I'd get 35 & 50 1.2s, both great).
Did you refer to using some vintage soviet lenses? How was your experience and which lenses did you try?
Yes I've done 400+ videos, search MrLeica 28mm to see other videos. Orion-15 is fun
What about the drop in sharpness in middle of frame as reported by others?
Yes as mentioned in the video, the mid area is too soft so that's why I didn't buy it.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thank you Matt! I must have missed it in your video. Keep on the good work! Cheers!
Hey Matt, very informative video, thanks for that. Sorry side question, can't find the info anywhere: what finish would be more fitting for a black M6 you reckon, type 1 or type 2 ? Thanks !
Thanks, my ALU lens was matte black so matches my M6. Depends what finish your camera is then get the lens that matches.
Your personal choice for 35mm walk around /travel lens?
Ultron 35/2 👍🏻
such a good review! thanks mate!
Thanks!
AS you know, Matt, I have had this lens for a few months and it's become my go-to lens because of its optical qualities and its compactness (compared to the Voigtlander f 1.2 and the Summilux).
Hi Bruno, yes thanks for your results you sent. I was going to email back this weekend but I can say here. My results were the same as yours for the lenses I had. Vs Lux and 1.2 yes it’s a great alternative (esp. Alu version).
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Yes Matt, that is the one I have. I do not need the weight of the brass version. Best.
Hello Matt, thank you for this very informative review. I own the 35mm 1.7 Ultron you mentioned you enjoyed a lot. i have been considering upgading to the 1.5 noct for the better ergonomics. how do these two lenses compare? why would you choose the 1.7 ultron over the 1.5 noct? i like the 1.7 for the IQ but i find it very cumbersome to focus and it way to big for my M6 with filter and hood attached
Hi, I would get the f2 UItron instead. I replaced my 1.7 with the f2 purely for the size. The 1.7 is excellent but a little too big. The 1.5 was not good enough for me.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom thank you for the reply Matt
Hello Matt,
Thanks for your honest video. I always appreciate this approach.
In your video, you mention a link to the front black ring but I can't find it.
Could you give a name or a link?
Cheers
Hi Agathe, sorry I missed your comment. Ah yes, I put links to eBay but not the specific ring. Just go to eBay and search 39-43mm step ring (for example).
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks Matt.
Hi what about the Voigtlander 35mm F1.2 VM III please let me know.
Search MrLeica 35mm 12 and you should find the video. I have the 1.2 but not the 1.5. I much prefer it.
Great review Matt as always! After watching your review for the Ultron 1,7, I was so impressed of how it performed that I bought a second one. This one shows nice colour but by how much?
Thanks! I sold the 1.7 for the smaller f2 but it was fantastic. Yes cheaper too!
Matt is da man...... Great review....I myself got my eyes on the Voight 35mm f1.2.... Ever play with that one? LIKE that hack about using a step up ring to cover the ugly Voight silver front ring....I gotta try that!
Thanks! Yes 1.2 is my preference over Lux and 1.5. See video!
Very nice video, thanks! This was tempting to watch but (based on your comments in the chat) I guess i am keeping my CV 35 1.2 :)
Thanks Matjaz! I just posted a follow up video to explain the 1.5 better but yes I would keep 1.2 :)
Can you compare these to the 35mm Summicron. I think it's better compare
Summicrons vary a lot depending on the version. See my recent 35 Cron video for sample photos. (I think the Voigtlander will have more contrast and a more modern look). I use the LLL 35/2 (See that video).
Nice video, Matt! This is a nice lens but with the APO and the 1.2 in your bag it's hard to justify the purchase of this one as well. That said...photographers are the World Champions at finding plausible-sounding justifications for gear purchases 😅
Haha love that. Yes totally agree. Yes not needed if have the APO.
Hi Matt
You seem to speak so highly of the 35mm f1.7 lens. Is it because of the sharpness or some unique characteristics? Would you mind telling me something about that?
Hi, have you watched the 1.7 video already? Hopefully it will be clear. It was too sharp for portraits and that's rare to see these days (wide open). I appreciate high performing lenses for sure. (I use the f2 Ultron now as smaller).
Hallo aus Deutschland…
Ich mag deine Videos sehr, wirklich gute Arbeit und tolle Bilder. Ich wollte dich mal fragen welches voigtländer 35mm du am meisten empfehlen kannst ?
Vielleicht das aus diesem
Video (Nokton 35mm 1.5)?
Ich habe eine Leica m11-p und mir ist Lichtstärke sehr wichtig und das es möglichst klein und kompakt ist. Ich weiß nicht welches voigtländer da am besten wäre. Ich Fotografie Models, Portraits, Landschaft und Street.
35mm Ultron or I now use LLL 35/2 rigid
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaComdanke für die Antwort magst du denn das Nokton 35mm f1.5 nicht so? Das hat doch in deinem test gut abgeschnitten?
Finally! I was waiting for your review of this lens :)
I just tried this MRLEICA code (UK) but it didn't work :(
Anyway, I have CV 40mm 1.2 and wanted to swap it with this 35mm 1.5, simply for a size and weight (travel lens).
Do you think it would be a good swap, or would I lose a lot of IQ?
Thanks! I prefer 1.2 for optics. Ring Robert White to ask to use code if not working.
I'm only here for the muses 😁...
only kidding, great videos, keep them coming.
Ha thanks Stephane!
which is better and/or sharper? Voigtlander 35mm 1.5 or 35mm 1.2?
1.2 for me. I didn't buy the 1.5
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom they're both aspherical lenses right? are apo lenses still sharper? thanks for the reply matt
@@kevinmarkham6385 yes APO is still king if you want perfect
Hi Matt, did you say how this compares with 35/1.4 MC II nokton? I am not sure if I heard that
Hi, I didn't mention specifically as I don't own the II but hmm, I'd maybe go Nokton 1.4 II
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom thank you.. I've been pondering over which 35 to get. And 35 nokton II sounds the best combination of character and speed at 1.4 and then sharpness from f2 onwards, with that tiny size. Only the steel rim reissue comes close to that 😂
Hey Matt, random question. On my Leica M film body, will this lens’ focus ring hit a stop at .7m or will it go down to .5m?
Hey Greg, sadly no. I'm not sure why lenses are not designed as well as they used to be. No .7m notch/stop/bumb so you need to keep and eye on the lens on film at close range. (I set to .7m and walk in the focus)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks for the reply, Matt. I have been wondering about that for a while now. I understand that it makes the lens more flexible for other bodies with EVF, but it makes shooting film bodies a bit more tricky. Thanks again.
Cant decide between the nokton 35 1.2 iii and the new 35 1.5 :(
Hi Michael, 1.2 if you don't mind a bigger heavier lens, 1.5 Alu' if you want the lightest.
Where are the Voightlander lenses made?
Japan, same factory as Zeiss
I hope these are better than the former 35mm nokton f1.4 - I had 2 of those (SC and MC and tested a third one) - all rubbish under f2.8 - no real sharpness at all ... Voigtlander has been a massive disappointment for me - I kept only a 21mm skopar (and I had big mechanical problems with that one too)
Nokton 1.4 is a VINTAGE lens to emulate the 60’s Leica lens design…it is not sharp at big apertures and it is not even advertised that way. If you expected that, you forgot to do your research.
Recent Voigt lenses have superb build quality. Better than most Leica lenses I have owned and handled, where all of them wobble here and there, focus and aperture ring tightness is different on each and every one of them.
Only downside with Voigt is…they are utterly UGLY !!! Can’t stand their designs.
@@kubowich i was kind of expecting this argument ... i have a number of old lenses that I kept over the years (leica collapsable Summar from 1930s, Minolta summicron and others ) and i can use all of them at maximal aperture with good results regarding the sharpness . the 35mm noktons are useless between 1.4 and 2.8 in my experience on leica M6 and M9 ... but please show me some good samples if you have . Cheers
@@georgedobre88 no I don’t. I hated that lens. However my biggest gripe was the barrel distortion, not sharpness, since I don’t often care about perfectly sharp image.
@@kubowich for Architectural photography (where I want the best geometry possible - no barrel or other distorsions) I use the skopar 21mm and I only have to deal with the corners (vignetting and colour shift - but manageable) in post-processing. I bought the old Nokton 35 f1.4 as a all-round" vintage vibe" lens - but I was expecting at least the same sharpness that I am getting from the 1930s Summar at F2.0 ... especially on film
This is completely new design, the modern Voigtlander over the last couple years has been a big upgrade over those older crummy lenses imo. I didnt like the old 35/1.4 they made but this new 35/1.5 ASPH is pretty stellar.
What is the actual difference between Voigtländer 35mm 1.5 and the Nokton Classic f/1.4?
A lot. 1.5 is sharper with more modern rendering, 1.4 is classic with softer look.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks, Matt! I definitely asked my question wrong, but great that you understood what I was asking 😅. I really wanted to ask about their rendering and “character” differences. I also have the MC version of the Nokton Classic. I was chasing the vintage rendering and now I am worried that I made a mistake for not going all in and getting the SC. I was afraid I wasn’t going to be able to handle the flares, but now with the MC I rarely can make it flare at all. Actually I have one good shot with magical flare and it was in London, when I visited in a trip 😅
And the bokeh difference? 1.5 seems alright It has a bit of everything, but doesn't really wow with anything special. It ticks all the boxes. Sharp ... but not the sharpest, modern ... but a bit retro when doing that ... bokeh, sure It does that, but not f1.2 nice ... with the classic It's more from It manages well, does It ok, It's acceptable, could be tolerated, here It does something, bit horrable, It blurs the trees in. the background and It's more neurotic than If they were shot sharp. The Classics sucks at blurring nature. It is cheaper and one of the worst compared to V and Leica's better attempts. It's also subjective and doesn't really mater.
But It is still a great lens the classic, compared to what's out there, or some of real classics like It, that are not sharp, have real horrors. :)
If you shoot good pics with It, It can definitely do that. It still will be wonderfull and loved and none will say,
but those blurred branches in that background, such a nervous bokeh why not use a summilux and stop making people's eyes bleed.
The people comparing, bokehs, pops, micro contrasts, glows, A distagon 35mm 1.4 slaughters the classic, my top 35mm VM 1.2 and 1.7. Leica also has some 35mm's 1.4, 2, I like my Elmarit Rom R very high serial number better than my 1.7 for a lot of stuff, fashion in the studio ... colours are better, more 3D pop than the 50. 1.5 will get slaps, not slaughtered.
Classic is classic a good classic, but with all the bad things that can come with that. Another 35mm I have ZE 2.8 is modern with all the bad things that can come with that.
Or could be usefull, I use It to get an instant magazine/photoshoot look. It's one of my least favourite 35mm, but It's usefull. Same goes for the Classic.
The 1.5 is allround more usefull I guess then the classic. Unless you have say the 1.4, the 1.2 and the Apo and/or some other lenses that can be put to more effective use.
But I'm also a 50's guy. I have 5 50's by Leica alone. I probably have 5, or 6, 35mm in total ...
I’d get the aluminum one since it sounds cool how you say aluminum. 😜
Haha, thanks Pete! I should move to the US and sell metal 😂
Could you do a review on the two voigtlander lenses made with Fuji X mount (23 mm and 35 mm)? I cannot find a reliable comparison in youtube. Thanks!
You need to find someone that owns Fuji. I’m a Leica guy so can’t really help sorry.
I hope they make a m4/3 version
Maybe!
Ultron 35/2 or this lens
Ultron (unless shoot film and need f1.5)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom so u think for film photography 1.5 lens would be better?
So what lens has a va va voom at 35 lol
Distagon!
I wonder if this is built better than the new Leica steel rim.
It’s very nicely built Eric but I can’t remember how the steel rim felt.
It was a little hard to tell from the conclusion of the review... are you underwhelmed by this lens more because there's nothing special about it, or more because you would rather be using a longer focal length? I remember when you reviewed the 35/2 Voigtlander and said it was the 35 to buy, but later you seemed to go off it a bit. Your sample photos look nice, but maybe that's more down to talent...
Thanks James, I love the 1.2, enjoyed the 1.7, appreciate the APO, use the f2 Ultron (as small travel lens). The 1.5 didn’t seem sharp enough in real use but did great in test shots afterwards. Others say it’s weak in the mid zone and that would explain my lack of wow. (I don’t centre portraits). Much better than a 1.4 and very nicely made. (Just not for me)
Oh Matt you’re such a tease …..😎
Ha sorry, it’s lovely but I prefer others for my use (1.2 for portraits and Ultron for walkabout)
Nice lenses.
Thanks! / yes!
The lenses are great but I wish they would bring out a digital camera, no video option just a proper camera.
And film ;)
Done deal: just bought Voig 35mm f/1.5 😉
Congrats Paco!
Lots of photo channels make this mistake too - but it is pronounced 'folktlender'
Thanks Harry! Sorry yes I always say it wrong
Glad I kept my 35 Ultron 1.7 LTM......
Smart move Stuart! I just posted the part 2 video (I use the f2 now but yes do miss the 1.7 at times!)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I also acquired the f/2 Ultron but have not used it enough to comment.. The 35 1/7 is silver and looks good on the recently acquired Canon L1. Raining in Southern Calif so not going out much... should dry up soon.
Leica camera and Voigtländer lenses. Really?
How should Leica survive, when many people purchase Voigtländer lenses?
Leica M6 with a Voigtländer lens is a joke.
Better save money a little bit longer and earn Leica glass, than that kind of culture shock.
Ha thank you. It's certainly no joke when the Voigtlander lens(es) out perform the Leica lenses. I use the best for me not the badge. If the Voigtlander takes better images than the Leica lens then I use the Leica lens. You should try this too. Often Leica users miss out by limiting themselves to only Leica. *Don't get me wrong I LOVE Leica but I use lenses from Leica and other brands too. I appreciate that you want to protect the Leica brand and help them survive in the market. With the modern Q series cameras I think they are doing OK.
I bet you are one of these Leica fanboys that shoots terrible photos of their cats with 16k equipment and call it a day. 😁 You really do not put Leica glass on a Leica to shoot great images. Even Leica itself is posting very often photographers that do not even use Leica glass and nobody notice it.
@@g33k3301 ha yes I was with a Leica ambassador from country X the other day and he shot mostly Canon and PhaseOne 👍🏻 I know some Leica users have this mindset but I don’t limit myself. Each to their own.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Totally with you! Use the gear that works for you. No matter which brand it is. I am just getting so annoyed by that Leica community that is always telling people: „You need to use Leica lenses on your Leica.“ It‘s so annoying, I have a M10 and tested several lenses from Zeiss, Voigtlander and Leica. Ended up with Zeiss being the best optical performance (Distagon) and Voigtlander as the best bang for the buck, especially their latest line-up with the Ultrons and this Nokton. Leica on the other hand was great but definitely not worth the money.
I own too much Leica stuff, and the Voigtlander lenses are wonderful. There’s a beautiful “clean” transparent soft contrast in the highlights on the latest ones. Light Lens Lab are making wonderful more interesting lenses than Leica. I own one of the first batch Summicron Replica 35/2. Leica are ridiculous, significant but ridiculously priced. Go on Matt, expose the good CV lenses - they are tiny, practical and have stunning quality. Mr Barnack is turning on his grave for how tiny the CV’s are. The latest is on par with Leica in terms of image quality. Hope to get the beautiful 28/2 vm ii and the 50/1.5 vm ii… This 35/1.5 looks really nice, not perfect but 99% good enough. 👍
Crappy lens... Stick with the Leica and quit cheaping out. You get what you pay for.
Haha thanks. Yes I know some people love only Leica. Some Voigtlander lenses beat Leica lenses but not this one. You need to pick and choose.