Cosina unveils $700 Voigtlander Nokton 35mm F1.2 for Fujifilm X system cameras

It is really nice to know that you "justified" the price for us...it is quite comforting.

Jul 19, 2021permalink

jackspra

The samples looked good.

Jul 17, 2021permalink

RolliPoli

Not a Fujifilm person but love most Cosina/Voigtlander lenses.
There should be a be a lot of happy folks on Fujiland.

Jul 17, 2021permalink

atamola

A pity they are not showing shots at f/1.2 or f/1.4.

$700 for an f/1.2 is a great price if you don't mind the manual focus.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

sirhawkeye64

And I think that's a decision that may have some going back and forth trying to decide between this and the 35 1.4 Fuji lens for $600 with AF despite being a bit slower, at least.

I'm sure part of that $700 is in the name and perhaps some of the optics....

Jul 18, 2021*permalink

I just shot a hybrid assignment (stills/video) with XT4 today.

This lens is great. I have the 10-24, 56 1.2, the 55-205 and others at hand, and I kept coming back round t0 this 35 1.2,

It's wonderful to use, so easy with the short throw to do video clips. I do a lot of technical shorts and people doing technical things, this lens is so good I'd give another (each) for a 50mm and 75mm chipped lens just like these.

I'm considering on getting the 75 1.5 and a adapter, but I can just smell the 75mm X lens coming out very soon.

Downside, I somehow lost my front cap for this lens today. Oh well..

5 months agopermalink

Robert Seso

What problem does this lens solve and why would anyone want to buy a $700 manual focus lens when there are three excellent autofocus lenses with the same or very similar focal distance and aperture available for the X mount for much less money (Fuji 35mm F1.4, Fuji 35mm F2.0, Viltrox/Tokina 33mm F1.4)? How usable is F1.2 in practice without autofocus when shooting anything but static subjects from a tripod? It might be good for astrophotographers, but then again, there are other excellent and much cheaper MF alternatives for that use case (Samyang/Rokinon for example).

Jul 16, 2021permalink

Tomasz_Wk

Some people love to use manual focus lenses, even on a mirrorless camera. No need to use an adaptor for this one and it’s designed for APSC. The price is OK. They are cheaper options, but if the optical performance is good I think that it will be worth it.

Jul 17, 2021permalink

keolisho56

For experienced photographers raised on manual focus 35mm cameras the idea that auto focus lenses as the only way to take photographs rather a sweeping generalisation. Manual focus lets the user fast-focus on subject. More control.

Auto focus lenses generally bigger and may eventually suffer from wear and tear especially zoom lenses. My Voigtlander 35mm f2 at 378g compared to Sony 35mm f1,4 GM 524g on my Sony A7R3.

Cosina Voigtlander realise their 35mm manual focus lenses have wide appeal and will be appreciated by users like me. Fuji Voigtlander 35mm much lower price than Sony Voigtlander 35mm.

Jul 17, 2021permalink

Robert Seso

Any autofocus lens can also be used in manual focus mode for those shooting occasions where someone explicitly wants or must shoot in MF. Both Fuji 35mm lenses are lighter than this lens, have great build and optical quality, are cheaper, and the F2 Version is even weather sealed. In terms of image quality, the Fuji APSC sensor is the limiting factor here and the differences - if any - will be neither noticeable in practice, nor able to justify the $700 price tag of this lens. So I still don’t see what problem is Cosina trying to solve with this lens and who is the target audience for it at this price point, but to each their own.

Jul 17, 2021permalink

keolisho56

Cosina not really trying to solve any "problem". Perhaps the opposite about giving people the choice. Some people prefer manual focus lenses with less moving electronic parts; less to go wrong. The user in control deciding the exact focus point without any focusing aid; occasionally hunting all over the place. Photography about taking the time when you have time.

My old Sony 90mm macro prone to auto-focus hunting; sold. Why have auto focusing if you never use it?

Sony 35mm f1,4 GM more expensive than Voigtlander 35mm f2 comparing apples with apples. New Voigtlander Fuji 35mm price difference of 700 USD must be for a reason? Made in Japan.

My Fuji 16mm f1.4 Made in Japan produces incredibly sharp enlargements so Fuji XT system offers good value compared to full-frame cameras with expensive lenses like Sony GM range for professional users.

Jul 17, 2021*permalink

turvyT

@robert seso: There is a huge difference between focusing by hand with an only manual lens or doing it with an AF lens. All AF lenses are focus by wire and tact and precision have nothing to do with a totally manual one. You can do it, but it's a poor implementation. Even the best AF lenses from the late film era (90s) have a very unprecise feeling, manually used. There are lots of people, mainly educated in the film era, who prefer manual focus and only manual focus lenses. This Cosina lens is wonderful for people who'd rather shoot this way.

Jul 17, 2021permalink

BobT3218

"Any autofocus lens can also be used in manual focus mode...", yes but AF lenses often turn only 90° from closest focus to infinity whereas manual lenses turn more allowing more accurate MF and zone focus selection. It feels better too. Don't know how far this Voigtlander turns.

Jul 18, 2021permalink

tassienick

@Robert Seso - '... who is the target audience for it at this price point ...'

Probably all the people who are already using Voigtlander VM lenses on Fuji with adapters... Now they can do it natively, with a lens designed for the format.

Jul 18, 2021permalink

Lenses are not released to "solve problems". If you don't want to buy it...don't buy it. Fortunately everyone has different needs and wants. It would certainly be a boring world if everyone liked the same thing.

Jul 19, 2021permalink

keolisho56

Very different experience of manual focus with my Voigtlander 35mm f2 compared to my AF Fuji 50mm f2 XF. Fuji lens slower when manual focusing done electronically; as pointed out by Ken Rockwell my favourite camera reviewer.

Jul 19, 2021*permalink

John Gellings

“What problem does it solve…” If only businesses decided to make things based on this…we’d have a lot less choice.

Jul 20, 2021*permalink

Robert Seso

@John Gellings: the main reason businesses fail is because the market does not need and/or is not willing to pay for their products or services. The sole purpose of a business is to make money, not to provide ‘choice’. So it’s very simple, if this lens does not solve a specific problem better than the competition or justify its price by adding value in some other way - it won’t sell well and will disappear from the market very soon. Speaking of choice, there is already a large choice of excellent fully manual, fast and cheap (some are <$100) 35mm lenses for the X mount from Samyang, Meike, TTartisan and 7Artisans (to name a few) and if the only advantage of this $700 lens is that it can transfer the selected aperture value to the camera - it’ll be a tough game for it.

Jul 20, 2021*permalink

John Gellings

Robert, the public simply needs to like your product and services in order to spend their money. My point is that there are many frivolous products and services that make money and are successful. They do not solve a problem, they offer something else. Now, we could say this solves a high quality manual focus void in Fuji’s line up… it will be in a different class than the brands you had mentioned. However, it does not solve a photographic problem. Lenses are lenses… they all are capable of decent photographs above a certain price point.

Jul 20, 2021*permalink

coasttocoastphoto

My last three lens purchases this year have all been manual focus, two of which are made by Voigtlander. I plan to buy more.

Jul 22, 2021permalink

It's light and easy to use. Renders soo soo nice. AF wouldn't be where I want it at f1.2 anyway. And if I'm using it at f8 I don't need fast AF anyway.

I've had it a week and I love it as much as I loved my Nikkor 105 1.8 that helped me earn enough $ with to pay off my home and buy a few cars, and put my kids through college.

5 months agopermalink

picsnmorepics

Just wondering about this statement "The fully-manual lens features an electronic chip for transferring EXIF data to the camera body from the lens, which should enable focus verification, parallax correction and in-body image stabilization for compatible cameras."

That covers a lot of ground and I'm wondering if Voigtlander issued that or if it was a re-interpretation of something. "parallax correction" does imply to me "focus distance readout in the lens". EXIF generally would mean also "f/stop" data. If we have that information, does that mean that the Fuji interface would be able to provide the focus scale in the EVF/OVF/LCD? There's a lot going unsaid here or perhaps just read between the lines.

My experience with "chipped lenses" usually meant that the portions of the lens setting data were just passed through to the EXIF data structure to be recorded in the image file - not typically used to drive the camera functions.

$700 seems like a lot of money for just pass through data

Jul 16, 2021permalink

Imagine how light a Skopar would be if this is sub-200g.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

I started with Voigtländer on Sony, and then was thoroughly seduced by Fuji, yet my VM was incompatible with the adaptor. I loved the Fuji glass, but coming from VM I chose always to use AF since there can be no comparison with a true metal build.

This is very welcome - especially with punch-in and parallax countershift. Perfect with an X-Pro3, though I’m still deciding between the Sigma fp L or the X-Pro for 2022.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

coasttocoastphoto

I'm shooting an fp with Voigtlander lenses. Results are very good.

Jul 22, 2021permalink

arjunmehta

Loved my Voigtlander 25mm f0.95 lens for M43.

I’ve never seen something like this before, with EXIF data on a manual lens. This looks fantastic and the first fully manual focus lens I know of that will work with the OVF frame lines on the X-Pro.

Too bad it doesn’t work with the X-Pro2… honestly this would tempt me to upgrade to X-Pro3 if it works the way I think it should.

Excited to try it out and see reviews.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

Laowa has released at least two manual focus lenses with EXIF contacts for m4/3 - also controls aperture for some. A welcome trend.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

(unknown member)

+1 on the 25mm f0.95 lens for M43.
Wish they would join the L Mount Alliance. Want this on my S5!

Jul 16, 2021permalink

@El Jeffe, that would be brilliant. Previously, I’d assumed that Zeiss and Voigtländer would not be admitted, however I’d like to think that Leica may be more inventive with strategy now.

Metal manual lenses tailored to the L-mount with data for focus/stabilisers would be perfect. Even APS-C would be welcome. Partnering with Zeiss or Voigtländer could be a good way for Leica to provide/permit lower cost mechanical lens options without disturbing M lens prestige.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

Impulses

Voigtlander & Zeiss have been making manual lenses with EXIF for E mount for years, more recently Laowa has done so for M4/3 and even F/EF (w/electronic aperture control on some)... It's not a total rarity, just more common for MILCs and/or systems more welcoming of 3rd parties.

Jul 16, 2021*permalink

It is quite common and has been available for years on various camera systems.

Jul 19, 2021permalink

I'm using it on the X-pro2, I'd like for the close focus shift of the frame box to work. Otherwise a non issue.
I'm also using it on the XT4, but I really really love the X-Pro2.

5 months agopermalink

Heritage Cameras

Interesting that the electrical contacts for EXIF data only seem to be compatible with newer Fujifilm cameras...

Jul 16, 2021permalink

sirhawkeye64

While I haven't yet looked at what models are/are not supported, It could be that Fuji changed their protocols in the newer bodies.... plus newer bodies (like the XT30/XT3/XT4/XE4) are all current models. They stopped doing firmware (as far as I know) for the older bodies like the XT20/XT2.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

Especially when the X-T2 + X-H1 are compatible, yet their contemporaries are not.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

Mal69

Pay the licence to Fuji and make it automatic focussing too.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

MDNL35

They didn't choose manual by accident. And it very much looks like they've been working together on this already.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

Mal69

I understand but whats the downside to it being manual and auto, any downsides with performance to offer that ?

Jul 16, 2021permalink

JonB1975

Voigtlander don't do autofocus....

Jul 16, 2021permalink

The downside is size, weight, build, and full realisation of optical intent.

Plus, manually focussing with a lens like this is a true pleasure; focus-by-wire and non-resounding aluminium plating can only go so far, even with perfect implementation.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

tassienick

@Mal69 - 'I understand but whats the downside to it being manual and auto, any downsides with performance to offer that ?'

The downside is that it's basically impossible to have an efficient AF lens that uses a brass/aluminium helicoid for MF. This is what gives Voigtlander lenses (and most classic lenses) their amazing manual focus feel, and is why AF/MF lenses never feel as nice as dedicated MF.

Jul 18, 2021permalink

http://www.cosina.co.jp/seihin/voigtlander/index.html

Voigtlander does not make autofocus lenses. Autofocus is not needed.

Jul 19, 2021permalink

powaqqatsi007

Cool looking lens. I love my fuji 35 1.4 though. But please, someone, make my dream lens. A 40mm equivalent 1.2!

Jul 16, 2021permalink

MDNL35

Notice how Cosina's product page says "X-Mount Lenses", as in plural. Many more to come i bet.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

babart

Yes! A 27/1.2 (40mm equivalent) would get my buying impulse instantly.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

arjunmehta

Agreed, this is my dream lens as well.
27mm or 28mm f1.4 or even f2.

I use my Ultron 40mm f2 with speed booster which is about equivalent to 28mm f1.4, but it’s a big and heavy combination. Lovely images though!

Jul 16, 2021permalink

+1 I’d go for a 26-28mm Nokton tailored to Fuji. Or better yet: APO-Lanthar.

Jul 16, 2021*permalink

knoxphoto

LULZ

Jul 16, 2021permalink

That's all fine and good. I like Cosina and it's manual lenses, but fuji cameras have no good way to manual focus. Fuji develop autofocus systems and they aren't even close to good OVF-focusing methods of last century. Therefor Fuji sux.:(

p.s.

Tested cameras on their presentation, including X-Pro3. Peaking, "banding"... all methods are very weak.

Jul 16, 2021*permalink

D7000ShooterUK

It's easy to manually focus on Fuji cameras if you know what you are doing. For example Fuji's focus peaking implementation is one of the best around.

Jul 16, 2021*permalink

JacquesBalthazar

Nope, manual focus works very well with Fujifilm cameras. In fact, the flexibility in choices and efficacity of focusing aids is best in class in the mirrorless world. More precise and less subject to calibration issues than any OVF. Testing complex devices at presentations is not enough to get acquainted with them.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

I use central zoom in and there maximise sharpness. Works well and quick even with an f1.1 lens that I have. Camera = xt2.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

calte

@Tom_A: what do you mean by "and there maximize sharpness"? In AF assist I have: stand with "central zoom" on my xpro2. Split screen or peak highlight helps additionally...

Jul 16, 2021permalink

Fuji had about the most options on the market, like the others said. Magnification, focus peaking in many colors, split screen, and with AF lenses you can even combine AF and MF.
Focusing in the OVF in the old analog SLRs was cumbersome at best. The split screen does not work well in the dark or with small apertures. The ground glass does not give a good DOF, because the best ones show DOF of f/2.8 at best, and cheaper cameras even f/5.6. So misficusing happened often, yet it was difficult to see on small prints.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

eliehbk

I have no idea what you mean by no good way to focus. If you mean through an OVF, then no. I use an M10r and an X-Pro3 and prefer manually focusing my Leica M glass on the Fuji. I will certainly buy this lens.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

@calte, I mean using the zoom in function, clicking on the back scroll wheel to zoom in, focus and then photo. Works well. I find the peaking distracting and not precise enough wide open.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

@eliehbk "I use an M10r and an X-Pro3 and prefer manually focusing my Leica M glass on the Fuji." - really? and what means Fuji has to manual focus with OVF?:)

Jul 17, 2021permalink

@JacquesBalthazar "the flexibility in choices and efficacity of focusing aids is best in class" - yeh, yeh, we all heard the commercial.

"Testing complex devices at presentations is not enough to get acquainted with them." - camera is but a hummer, not a complex device to tinker with it. You grab it, you shoot. For me it's not about constantly switching zellions modes to photograph a flower and then spend the rest of the day on dpreivew speaking how good the brand was technically.

The digital split screen is just useless with any light. Focus peaking loses edges. It's colours are blend with the rest of the picture. Only BW gives a chance. With propper subject. With good light. If you are lucky.:(

And speaking of OVF on X-pro3 it doesn't have _any_ aid to manual focus.

Jul 17, 2021*permalink

@D7000ShooterUK "... is one of the best around." - it depends on what you have around you.

Jul 17, 2021permalink

@sir_c > "Fuji had about the most options on the market, like the others said. Magnification, focus peaking in many colors, split screen, and with AF lenses you can even combine AF and MF." - As I said having many options doesn't mean they work optimally. Magnification is just slow (switch on, recompose, switch off, recompose...). Focus peaking lose edge and doesn't useful in the dark as well. Many colours have to be switched => slow. The split screen is useless even with good light. Hard to understand what it splits. Fujis AF/MF

"with AF lenses you can even combine AF and MF." - the MF mode is focus by wire! What are you speaking! Don't mention it doesn't have a distance scale. Look at the lens in subject. It's a completely different beast.

The Leica OVF on the other had just works, without adjusting zellions of options, without fiddling with settings. With any light or by scale.

Jul 17, 2021*permalink

As far as comments like “useless” go, here is a photo of my boy with my xt2 and the kamlan 50mm f1.1 mk2 used wide open. Focused using the magnification function on his eye. Quite ok I think. Indeed this kind of lens is difficult at open aperture, only little dof.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210115/ba8f930f67c0d5c7ee1a8ce50136375b.jpg
Quite a nice moody picture I thought myself due to all the blur around.
From the same set, my girl. Aperture open or almost open. Focus via magnification. Good enough and not “useless”, I think.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210717/ebcf2e4542bf2877986174d80680d05e.jpg
This was in the evening with a mamiya 80/2.8 645 lens wide open.
Yes eye is not that sharp but hey they were moving, AF will always win. Still the old lens gives a nice picture.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210717/b8acc1d0ef9454e5b9e8aeeb5780db24.jpg

Jul 17, 2021*permalink

@Constatin V. You just what to make your point that nothing touches Leica. Fine. The range finder patch had its uses, just like Fuji's, and its drawbacks.
I just find it striking you are firing off in a thread of a brand that has the best in market options.
You loathe the many peaking color options, but in practice, one color works best in 95% of the cases, and this method usually works fast.
When peaking is not accurate enough, I switch to magnification. Either you can click to zoom to 1:1 and back, which is great but slow, or you can show a magnified part next your full evf image all the time. And the nice thing? You can magnify _any_ part of your image, not just a patch in the middle. Try that on your Leica.
The AF/MF adjustments are handy and this you can't even do. My point with this property is that even when you are in AF mode, you can always make manual adjustments.
But be glad there are so many options. You are happy with your gear, I am with mine.

Jul 17, 2021permalink

@sir_c the "the brand that has the best in market options" - plenty of options, yes. This brand likes bells and whistles. But the thing is we are talking here about lens that came _from_ Leica world. And to my regret all this options are sux for doing reportage-like photography.

"You can magnify _any_ part of your image, not just a patch in the middle. Try that on your Leica." - What if you don't have time for this? You just don't have time to evaluate parts of your image with loupe. I'm not going to try it, because it's the way to not make a photo at all.

"You are happy with your gear" - actually I need a second camera. Leica is too much to lay on a shelf as a spare and Fuji is just not up too. :(

Jul 18, 2021*permalink

https://imghid.crypts.me/xa2jooX4ohho/show074/640/p/m_640_b43_0008.jpg

@Tom_A I can say a lot about these pictures but the main thing is it's all static.:( You can sit all day and fiddle with Fuji settings. I'm not talking about that kind of photography. I like when there is a lot of movement and you are catching the moment.

https://imghid.crypts.me/xa2jooX4ohho/show100/640/p/m_640_b40_0076.jpg

Jul 18, 2021permalink

@constantin you are the first person to describe my kids as static😅
Anyway for lots of movement no manual focus system will give total satisfaction (and I have experience with Leica focusing).

Jul 18, 2021permalink

@Tom_A "you are the first person..." - more reasons to shoot them as they are;) A good photo can translate this feeling.

The rest is not exactly true. I came to this topic as I primarily use this type of lenses. And I do manage to focus them on the move with f2 (I have experience with Leica too). That's a lot of fun and satisfaction.

Jul 18, 2021permalink

Autofocusing on a Fujifilm camera is extremely easy...perhaps your skill are just not up to the task...perhaps more practice may be warranted.

Jul 19, 2021permalink

Constantin, well yes say a 35mm at 2 is still doable to focus quickly for active kids. However a 50 at 1.1 is much more critical. And the fuji focus help is ok.
I like my manual/adapted lenses but in general use my AF lenses for the kids.
Far fewer missed shots.

Jul 19, 2021permalink

I believe AF is out of topic here. IMHO If you withdraw to AF when it became hard... Then no point to use MF at all. The point of this type of lenses is it requires skills. And Fuji bells and whistles are in the way.

> However a 50 at 1.1

Are we talking fuji crop here? Then it's about f2 FF. Anyway, I really don't see much sense you are using such apertures to blur the background. For me that's no primary method to make moody photograph. Mood is formed by many other non tech things. If you kids are lovely and active then show it like Alain Laboile did. Don't use that static and shot straight in the face approach. Think about colours, their meaning etc etc Many things form real photograph, not wide open-aperture and exact sharp focus.

Jul 19, 2021permalink

@pseudobreccia the lens in topic is _MF_. Think about it.

Jul 19, 2021permalink

I just want to say at the 50/1.1 lens is critical to focus and I could do it with my fuji. Whether you like the photo or not is not relevant.

Jul 19, 2021permalink

Tom_A, yes, i got it. When the kid sits still.

Jul 19, 2021permalink

Tom_A and only with EVF, cause Fuji don't have focus help for OVF on X-Pro3.

Jul 19, 2021permalink

@constantin Coming from manual focus analog SLR cameras, I really don't see your point.
The options of the Fuji you don't need to use all at the same time. With the Leica, there is exactly one option.

From the example rangefinder pics I saw in one of the posts, exact focusing is not really needed. In that case you pick the MF option in the Fuji that allows quick adjustments. In my experience either the focus peaking works well or the window-in-window, depending on the situation.

When critical focus is paramount, you use the slower, but more precise options. With the range finder you can't do that either, you would need to switch to live view just as well.

Jul 19, 2021permalink

for sure the fuji allows me to focus more precisely than my friend's leica M, useful for large apertures. I don't find it slower either. Both are slow when you have critical wide aperture lenses.

Jul 19, 2021permalink

@sir_c "In that case you pick the MF option in the Fuji that allows quick adjustments." - Please note, there is no any means to focus with Fuji X-Pro3 OVF and manual lens. You came from SLR analog, but you hardly tried the same experience with Fuji OVF. EVF on the other hand has it's on set of drawbacks.

p.s.

"you would need to switch to live view just as well." - it's against how I do things. And I don't have a LV.

Jul 20, 2021*permalink

KrisAK

Wondering: why no Z or RF mounts?

Jul 16, 2021permalink

Mateus1

Sooner o later... 35/50 APOs.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

Zinch

It has electronical contacts. It wouldn't be just a mount swap

Jul 16, 2021permalink

They’re very territorial. No Japanese optics will enter Z or RF while they’re establishing the new systems. Except behind the scenes, perhaps.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

fotogrofur

If Cosina is going to release images with this news release how about some closer shots wide open??? That is the main reason to purchase this lens!

Jul 16, 2021permalink

There is no main reason to purchase this lens...only the opinion and use of the person that purchases it.

Jul 19, 2021permalink

thx1138

Too bad they didn't offer the 35 f/2 APO, now that is a stellar lens.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

Elisam

Well it is about 2x the size of this. 1.5 stops slower and 50% more expensive. Most Fuji owners would balk at paying for (price and weight) FF lenses for their crop cameras. You can always use the M version if you want to.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

eliehbk

Count me in!

Jul 16, 2021permalink

Rod McD

I'm glad to see Voigtlander offering lenses for Fuji - their lenses are great. It's also good to see some integration with the cameras. The article doesn't say whether the integration will offer instant aperture stop down, which is probably more important to have than AF.
The DOF scale in the photo is totally unrealistic for a 35mm lens on APSC. It grossly overstates the DOF. The hyperfocal distance for a 35mm APSC lens set to f16 is 3.86m. Just looking at the picture, with the lens set at infinity focus, there is no way that an image shot at f16 will be sharp at around 1m. Even if you set the focus to the hyperfocal distance, the near limit would still be 1.9m. Something wrong there.....

Jul 16, 2021permalink

Eulan13

exactly what I noticed on my recent post in the Fujifilm X forum: the printed scale is a nonsense.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

tonybelding

I would be very surprised if this allows the camera body to control the aperture at all, since none of the C-V lenses for Sony have done that—which I find to be Just Fine most of the time.

Jul 19, 2021permalink

Cerridwen

Premium Optics. Glad to see another option for Fujifilm.

Jul 15, 2021permalink

cosinaphile

cosinaphile approves the release of this lens

looks like a winner ... as pretty as the fuji`s it will eventually be mounted on

Jul 15, 2021permalink

joshxiv

Nice.
Although one is already spoilt for choice at this FL.
I'd love to see more 18mm/23mm/24mm compact MF primes with good distance scales for the X mount.

Jul 15, 2021permalink

Roland Karlsson

Cosina usually make very good lenses.

Jul 15, 2021permalink

tonybelding

Understatement. In my experience, Cosina makes the absolute best lenses. Although, Fujifilm is right up there and just might be making the best autofocus lenses. Which makes it an interesting experiment to see how many Fuji users will go for this.

Jul 19, 2021permalink

Not my price range, however...

What I would like to have in X-mount is a 16/23/35mm lens wich is perfectly optically corrected against distortions, I think sharpness is mostly enough with any lens. All of the Fujinon lenses in that range need agressive software correction (stretching pixels).

Jul 15, 2021permalink

The XF 14/2.8 is fully optically corrected and a fantastic lens.

Jul 15, 2021permalink

I do not know about and I am not interested in the 14mm, that's why I didn't even mention it.

Jul 15, 2021permalink

Rod McD

@Frage You did however state that "all" Fuji lenses in the 16/23/35 range require "aggressive" software correction and that is still incorrect. The 16/1.4 has distortion below below 1%, which is low for a WA. Both the 23/1.4 and 23/2 have near zero distortion achieved by optical design. The 35/1.4 has about 1%. Only the 16/2.8 and 35/2 require strong correction.

Jul 16, 2021*permalink

You may not be interested in the lens, but also like what others say, you ignore it and other examples just to support your incorrect statements about distortion correction. And while you are at it, go check the new 18mm too, also fully optically corrected.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

The lenses I mentioned, need software correction in camera and in your external software of choice. I call that aggressive correction, but I accept that is a very subjective term. Maybe I am wrong.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

The lenses you talk about have alternatives with near zero distortion, so if you really want optically corrected lenses for those focal lengths, it is available.
High distortion you find in the more budget options:
XF16/2.8 at whopping -7.7%, XC35/2 at -4.3% and XF35/2 at -3.5%.

The alternatives: XF16/1.4 has -0.87%, the XF23/1.4 goes for -0.75%, the XF23/2 only a mere 0.05% and the XF35/1.4 at -0.55%.
So there you go

Jul 16, 2021*permalink

John Bean (UK)

"XC35/2 at -4.3% and XF35/2 at -3.5%"

Interesting. I have read in many places that the two were optically identical, but this implies otherwise. I've owned both (although not at the same time) and didn't see any difference in the (corrected) results so I assumed the differences were purely mechanical.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

@John, I think they have the same base formula, yet there may be cheaper materials (including the glass) in use and more automation in manufacture - compensated for with more counter-computation. The XC50-230 is said to be the same formula as the 55-200mm as well, yet the formula is engineered differently.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

Photomonkey

"Not my price range, however...

What I would like to have in X-mount is a 16/23/35mm lens wich is perfectly optically corrected against distortions"

So you want perfect for cheap. Huh..... never thought that was an option in this reality.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

@sir_c and others thank you. Very informative. I learned something from some comments.

In general is a shame, even if I'm wrong, that some people take it personal and get immediately triggered.

Jul 17, 2021permalink

Mateus1

I think all X-Pro users will love it.
Next: 23 & 16mm.

Jul 15, 2021*permalink

rxb

16mm & 14 mm, yes !

Jul 16, 2021permalink

olakiril2

Especially the X-Pro3 users that will have the parallax compensation!

I think the next one will be the 21mm/3.5 Color Skopar.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

14mm…!

Jul 16, 2021permalink

I want a 75 1.2 . x mount ready.

5 months agopermalink

theBitterFig

Seems like 7Artisans size with (maybe?) better than Samyang/Rokinon image quality, and some electronic perks tossed in. Nice combination. Not worth $700 to me personally, but to each their own. Probably would be a really nice lens to pair with an XPro3, get that "Leica feel" without the same red-dot markup.

Jul 15, 2021permalink

FTOG

The 7artisans 35/1.2 is hardly an IQ performer. Characterful, yes, but not optically great. I am sure this VC will blow it out the water.

Jul 15, 2021permalink

Archlich

I don't think it'll beat the Samyang, which is a well-corrected modern retrofocal lens. Probably a tad better than the 7A, but not that far as you'd imagine as both utilize the classic double-gauss design. The diagram is almost identical to the Voigtlander Nokton 35/1.4 II - A personal favorite after the ED element fixed most of the focus shift, but not quite an "IQ performer". Making it f/1.2 and stretching the design further doesn't help either. Expect a ton of artifacts (or rather, "character") and a lot of uninfromed victims screaming "WhY iS It sO sOfT WidE oPeN?!"

Jul 15, 2021*permalink

https://schlueter-enterprises.com/comparison/35mm/

Based on the performance of Voigtlander lenses on other mounts, it should blow any of the Artisans and Samyang/Rokinon lenses out of the water. In this price range you really do get what you pay for.

Jul 15, 2021permalink

DerGatekeeper

Sounds like a great lens. I am looking forward to get it in hands and add it to my 35mm lens comparison for Fujifilm FX mount 3d party lenses.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

theBitterFig

@FTOG My point exactly. 7A 35/1.2 is a small and cheap lens that exists. That's about all that can be said for it. Overall, the 7Artisans, TTArtisans, and other Pergear lenses tend to be impressive for the price, but with prices so low that's not saying much.

This should crush it.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

LookintotheMirrorlessoften

sometimes you pay for built quality and good glass without yellow tint…

Jul 16, 2021permalink

FTOG

@theBitterFig: Yeah, Pergear and 7a are near the lower end. TTa however these days has quite a low-to-mid spread of products. And while comparing optically my new TTa 17/1.4 to my 7a 35/1.2 (as much as such different lenses can be compared anyway), TT artisans seems to be ahead optically and in terms of construction at the price point.

With all that said, I expect the VC lens to be both better built and optically a stronger performer, especially in the corners. Plenty of difference to be found that aren't easily visible on just a spec sheet and price tag. Construction quality, rendering and IQ aren't on there.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

"get that "Leica feel" without the same red-dot markup." - considering you can't focus manually with OVF on Fuji (no focus method), considering you get crop instead FF (!) in larger(!) body... well... yes, sure!

Jul 19, 2021permalink

Swerky

Voigtländer classic designs would pair very well with Fuji cameras. I hope they design more lenses for the system. I'm thinking of an ultra wide angle prime. A 12mm f2.8. Those sun stars sure are gorgeous on the 35mm.

Jul 15, 2021permalink

Becksvart

Indeed, I don't have one of their very bright primes but a combination of a bit dreamy wide open, at least near mfd, and sunstars at f/1,4 (see the night shot) and then very sharp further down should be a bit appealing

Jul 15, 2021permalink

Alan53

And they were produced at f1.4

Jul 15, 2021permalink

"Voigtländer classic designs would pair very well with Fuji cameras." - Yeh, considering X-Pro3 doesn't have means to focus manually in OVF. Really a good pair.

Jul 20, 2021permalink

After all these years, the Fuji X series finally gets a 50mm FF equivalent lens that has a shallow depth of field equals to a FF f/1.8 lens, Amazing! How many more years before we can reach a SDOF equivalent to f/1.4 in FF?

Jul 15, 2021permalink

I`ve been shooting with my Mitakon Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II on my Fuji for a few years now, being exactly the equivalent of my former full-frame Sigma 50mm f/1.4, so... I don`t know, you tell me ;)

edit: For anyone interested, here`s a comparison topic I created some two and a half years ago -- https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4350109

Jul 15, 2021*permalink

Thanks for the update. I haven't been keeping up with the latest aps-c news. However, that makes it f/1.425 and not exactly f/1.4. :)

Jul 15, 2021permalink

I just looked at your sample photos. The Sigma f/1.4 definitely has a smoother bokeh...

Jul 15, 2021permalink

Eric Hensel

boogisha -the mechanical vignetting of the Mitakon is far worse than the Sigma in those pics -whether you choose to acknowledge it, or not. There's no free lunch.

Jul 15, 2021permalink

I mean, really...? :D Sigma is a full-frame lens, with a 77mm filter thread, sized 84.5 x 68.2 mm and weighting 505g (which is not a lot, as its being made of plastic).

On the other side, Mitakon (mark II) is an APS-C lens, with a 55mm filter thread(!), sized 63 x 60 mm and weighting 460g (which _is_ a bit on the heavy side, but it`s pure metal, built like a tank).

So, all taken into account, Sigma would be rather bad if it wasn`t at least a bit better, but that doesn`t make Mitakon bad - on the contrary, for its size it`s a marvelous lens (certainly my favorite one), and it has one of the smoothest bokehs you can get (no matter my quick testing).

Besides, you were originally complaining about depth of field equivalence - which Mitakon delivers, and in spades ;)

Jul 15, 2021permalink

Eric Hensel

Like I said -there's no fee lunch. We all decide the compromises we settle for.

Jul 15, 2021permalink

edit: The reply was written for @Joed700, but it`s valid for @Eric Hensel just as well - Mitakon is certainly not without its issues (mechanical vignetting possibly being the main one, sometimes causing weird, triangle-shaped bokeh in the edges), it`s just still a wonderful lens to be shooting with. And of course everything is a compromise, that`s why we have options, no?

The original message complained there are still no (depth of field equivalent) options _at all_ - but there are, and for a long time now.

Otherwise, common sense still applies, different lenses will have different characteristics (compromises, based on size/weight as well) - but I don`t think anyone disputed that, so not sure why the need to bring it up as an argument?

Jul 15, 2021*permalink

yayatosorus

@Joed700

I mean, if you really need that shallow DOF, you probably shouldn't gravitate towards APS-C, and then expect to get ultra fast lenses, which would likely end up being bigger and much more expensive than their FF counterparts.

Each system has it strengths. FF has a myriad of fast and beautiful primes, that will obliterate any distracting background. On the other hand, if you need the reach, then APS-C and m4/3 will be the better choice.
It's all about priorities.

Jul 15, 2021*permalink

Well, I do "need" (wink, wink) that shallow depth of field, but on the contrary - I find my APSC sized X-T3 + Mitakon 35mm f/0.95 both enormously more fun to shoot with, and much easier to carry as well, in comparison to full-frame Canon 5D Mark IV + Sigma 50mm f/1.4, while delivering at least 95% of it, if not the whole 100% (or more, depending on what one finds important).

p.s. But I agree in general, of course, people chasing the shallowest possible depth of field being most probably better served with bigger sensors (full-frame, or larger still). I was replying to this specific "50mm f/1.4 equivalent" remark specifically, though.

Jul 15, 2021*permalink

@yayatosorus & boogisha - I agree with yayatosorus' comment. I had the Fuji X-series before, and I left because the lenses available at that time did not offer anything with SDOF more than a f/2.0 FF equivalent. I been shooting both FF and aps-c, and the only aps-c I personally would respect in term of quality and design is Fuji X-series. That was the whole point of my original comments. And by the way, Sony A series do offer both size and optics advantage in case you're wondering. In fact, it costs less to get the A7iii than the X-series by the current retail MSRP.

Jul 15, 2021permalink

If i would get a dollar for each time someone rakes up the dead body called eQuIvAlEnCe, I would be rich.
Yes we know, the debate settled 14 years ago already

Jul 15, 2021*permalink

yayatosorus

@Joed700 Sure, if you need the shallowest you can get, the Sony system is a great choice, but it's hard to generalize it more than that. Cameras, and their systems are very use case and taste dependent. Personally, although I'm a big fan of what Sony has been doing in terms of innovation, I've found the Fuji's X system to fit my needs and budget better than the latter. Now if we circle back to the quest for shallow dof, then sure if that's a key criteria, Sony FF (and essentially most FF systems) make more sense.

Jul 15, 2021permalink

DerGatekeeper

Well the 7Artisans 35mm f0.95 is just performing in the depth of field like a classical f1.4 on FF but still with the extra light of f0.95. Optically it is as well very advanced, even better than the Zeiss Touit 32mm f1.8. https://schlueter-enterprises.com/comparison/35mm/

Jul 16, 2021*permalink

wats0n

Shooting both Fuji and FF I barely see much difference in DOF between formats, in fact I am sometimes hard pressed to tell the difference shooting portraiture. Say what you will but I truly believe Fuji shoots way about its sensor size, 90% of the time I myself prefer Fuji.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

Banana Chips™

the Voigtlander 35 f2 APO is glorious so i'd recommend waiting for that instead. i bet the Fuji-X mount is coming sooner rather than later.

Jul 15, 2021permalink

Ad12

Is this a manual focus only lens? Not an issue just to clarify.

Jul 15, 2021permalink

irax73

Yes, like most of Voigtlander lenses, they are manual.
On the website, it also reads, "Voigtländer Classic Collection lenses have a fixed focal length without autofocus."

Jul 15, 2021permalink

Username10295094

Except this lens has to compete against the Fuji 35mm f1.4, which is cheaper and seems to be significantly better based on the sample images.

Keep in mind the Fuji 35mm f1.4 outperforms the Zeiss 32mm f1.8 and Voigtländer 40mm f1.4 in sharpness and microcontrast.

I'm extremely skeptical of this Nokton given that they didn't even provide a sample at f1.2, only at f1.4, and the f1.4 they provided looks really bad compared to what I can get from my Fuji at the same f-stop and ISO.

The island photo is shot through a lot of atmosphere and haze, the forest photo shows truly ugly and confused bokeh, and all the photos show signs of over-sharpening.

I'm not a Fuji fanboy. I want other companies to contribute lenses to the mount. But I don't understand the point in offering a lens at a higher price with worse performance. Hopefully I'm wrong and these samples don't reflect the performance of the lens.

Jul 15, 2021permalink

The Fujifilm 35mm f/1.4 is an amazing lens - my favourite of the system - but Voigtlander lenses have a unique rendering. In my opinion there is definitely room for another great 50mm-equivalent lens in X-mount. It doesn’t have to be an either-or scenario.

Jul 15, 2021permalink

If this is the step-up to the APO Lanthars...

Jul 15, 2021permalink

@BryceM

I know what you mean. It is a curious selection of 4 images that they decided to release. Probably not the best marketing move. Not that they are bad, but I don't believe they showcase why anyone would want this lens.

Jul 15, 2021permalink

Dr_J

It's beautiful - small, lightweight, fast, with EXIF data transfer. Now we need a small, capable camera to match it with. XPro would be good but it's too large. X-E4 could work but EVF is too small. Same with X-T30. All I want is X100V with X-mount.

Jul 15, 2021permalink

HibikiTaisuna

Now make one for the Nikon Z fc ;)

Jul 15, 2021permalink

John Bean (UK)

I want one. And a similar(-ish) 24mm please.

Jul 15, 2021*permalink

if_then_else

Cosina/Voigtlander makes stunning lenses (both optically and in `haptically', so to speak) by carefully balancing size and image character against optical performance. While the resulting lenses cannot compete with some of the best glass by Nikon, Zeiss, Leica, and so on, the differences are often negligible, the Voigtlander feel better, are lasting longer, and are substantially smaller and often lighter. There is a real lack of compact (and manual) lenses by other companies. How many really need glass that is a tiny, tiny bit better under very specific conditions but 2 times the size and cost? I personally, love these Voigtlander lenses on M and F Mount and prefer their image character. Also, touching these lenses makes me want to use them, and, ultimately, this is what good gear is about. That said, I have too many of them :-|.

Jul 15, 2021*permalink

dccberry

My Zeiss 100mm f/2 Nikon mount is made by Cosina, and easily stands up to anyone else's macro of that focal length.

Jul 17, 2021permalink

Dan_168

WOW, just WOW..... A few more of these kind of Voigtlander, I may become a Fuji APS-C user again. but what I really wish to see is a Medium Format of this, lack of fast MF lens is the only reason I have not have a GFX100s yet, i sold most of my Sony gears and ready to make the jump, those Fuji lenses are all great but I really want some fast primes for that platform.

Jul 15, 2021permalink

nk212v

beautiful design and crazy compact for a 1.2

Jul 15, 2021permalink

John Bean (UK)

Indeed. It's actually almost exactly the same size and weight as the really cheap (but quite good!) Pergear 35/1.6 despite being f/1.2 with extra electronics and much more glass. Remarkable.

Incidentally the Pergear shows what can be done without too much cost at this focal length on APS-C. especially if you like the "look" of fiim-era lenses. It's actually a nice lens that looks rather similar to the Voigtlander when mounted on the camera - but costs only £65 :-)

Jul 16, 2021permalink

Samuel Lucifer

By the looks of it Fujifilm is starting to shoot themselves into the foot.

Many people are waiting for Fujinon XF35mm f1.4MKII.
But this lens will make an end to that waiting game and all that R&D effort that Fujifilm has rumored to have put into a MKII version will now be much for nothing.

If I would still be a Fujifilm user, this lens could well have ended up in the bag.

Jul 15, 2021*permalink

Ilia Snopchenko

If the AF is fast and precise, then of course it might be a solid competitor to the Fuji...

Oh wait. :)

Jul 15, 2021permalink

francisy

Not if you want autofocus...

Jul 15, 2021permalink

snapa

@francisy and Ilia Snopchenko.

"Not if you want autofocus...". A $700 lens should have fast AF, good stabilization, and great IQ. Does this lens have those three features?

Jul 16, 2021permalink

I’ve no qualms about using both as they call for different modes of engagement.

Jul 16, 2021permalink

I don’t know how Voigtlander is able to pump out so many high quality lenses during a pandemic but I love it. I wish they would do a GF mount fast prime or two, and perhaps they will the way they are expanding.

I’m still trying to get my hands on the 28mm Ultron f/2 for M mount and now this!

Jul 15, 2021permalink

CaPi

They don’t really need that many semi conductors

Jul 15, 2021permalink