Assessment of Voigtlander Nokton 75mm f/1.5 Lens: An In-Depth Analysis
The Voigtlander Nokton 75mm f/1.5 is a full-frame, manual focus lens that stands out for its unique barrel designs across different camera mounts. This lens is available for Nikon Z, Sony E, Canon RF, and Leica M systems.
Diverse Barrel Designs
Each version of the Voigtlander Nokton 75mm f/1.5 features a distinct barrel design, tailored to the specific mount and flange distance requirements of each mirrorless system.
- The Nikon Z, Sony E, and Canon RF versions have barrel layouts optimized for their respective mirrorless systems, with ergonomics and physical dimensions adjusted accordingly.
- The Leica M version, on the other hand, sports a traditional rangefinder-style barrel, reflecting the Leica M mount’s mechanical coupling and compact flange distance. This barrel is designed for manual focus via a classic focusing ring and aligns with Leica M’s rangefinder heritage.
All barrels share an all-metal construction, but they differ in finish and external control layouts to suit the target system’s usage style, such as focus throw and aperture ring position.
Key Features
- Manual Focus Lens: The Voigtlander Nokton 75mm f/1.5 is a manual focus lens, requiring the photographer to adjust focus manually.
- Aperture Control: The aperture cannot be changed via the command dials on the camera. Instead, it must be adjusted by rotating the ring on the front of the lens.
- Maximum Magnification: The lens has a maximum magnification of 0.23× (1:4.4 magnification).
- Weight and Size: The lens weighs 530 grams (1.2 pounds), making it a bit chunky due to its large diameter barrel. However, it's not the smallest or lightest lens available, given its f/1.5 maximum aperture.
- Focusing Ring: The focusing ring on the Voigtlander Nokton 75mm f/1.5 is large, well-damped, and has a smooth focusing motion with a wide focus throw.
- Aperture Ring: The lens has an aperture ring on the front, which is a real aperture ring, not an electronic one. Be aware that the aperture changes even when the lens is disconnected from the camera.
- Price: The price of the lens varies depending on the mount. The MSRP for the Leica M version is $999, while the price for the Nikon Z, Sony E, and Canon RF versions is $899. The lowest price seen for this lens ranges from $699 for the Canon RF version to $899 for the Leica M version.
In Use
This lens has been tested in lab and field conditions, with the Nikon Z version noted for its good ergonomics. The lens provides full EXIF data with every photo taken, thanks to the chipped design of today’s Voigtlander lenses.
One potential issue to note is that there may be wear on the black paint on the metal of the lens over time due to bumping against other equipment in a bag.
In conclusion, the Voigtlander Nokton 75mm f/1.5 is a unique lens that offers the same internal lens optics and elements across different mounts, but with barrel designs tailored to each system for compatibility and user experience.
- The unique barrel designs of the Voigtlander Nokton 75mm f/1.5 cater to the specific requirements of each mirrorless system, with the Nikon Z, Sony E, and Canon RF versions optimized for their respective systems, and the Leica M version featuring a traditional rangefinder-style barrel.
- Each barrel is made of all-metal material, but may differ in finish and control layout to suit the usage style of the target system.
- The Voigtlander Nokton 75mm f/1.5 is a manual focus lens, requiring manual adjustment of the focus by the photographer.
- The aperture of the lens is adjusted by rotating the ring on the front of the lens, rather than being controlled via the camera's command dials.
- The lens has a maximum magnification of 0.23× (1:4.4 magnification), and while it weighs 530 grams, its large diameter barrel contributes to making it slightly chunky for its size.
- The focusing ring of the Voigtlander Nokton 75mm f/1.5 is large, well-damped, and offers a smooth focusing motion with a wide focus throw.
- The lens has an aperture ring on the front, which is a real aperture ring, allowing for adjustments even when the lens is disconnected from the camera.
- The price of the lens varies depending on the mount, with the MSRP for the Leica M version being $999, and the price for the Nikon Z, Sony E, and Canon RF versions being $899.
- Testing reveals that the lens offers good ergonomics, especially in the Nikon Z version, with full EXIF data provided for every photo taken thanks to the chipped design of today’s Voigtlander lenses. However, potential wear on the black paint on the metal of the lens over time due to bumping against other equipment in a bag is a noted issue.
