The Voigtlander 50 1.2 M Mount Lens on the Sony A7RIII. First look and images!
By Steve Huff
So another fast 50mm lens has arrived for me to test, and this time it is a 50 f/1.2 from Voigtlander (first batch is already sold out)!! Phew, I just reviewed a fast 50 f.1.2 a few weeks back HERE but this lens here is different from that lens. Unlike the Canon 50 1.2 EF, this lens is manual focus only and for Leica M mount. So this means you can shoot it on a Leica M, Leica SL (with adapter) or even a Sony A7 or A9 series body (with adapter). This is a full frame lens and to take full advantage of the lens it should be shot on a full frame camera. Of course you can also shoot this on any M mount film camera ever made so this is one of the most versatile 50’s ever made (along with many others like it). It’s small, it’s fast and it can be used on many bodies.
The 50 f1.2 has the same design as most Voigtlander lenses. A knurled focus ring, jewel like build, small size and a nice solid aperture ring. BEAUTIFUL!
THE SPECS:
This lens comes in at $1059 and features the following:
f/1.2 to f/22
12 blade aperture for smooth beautiful bokeh
8 elements in six groups
4 aspherical lens surfaces
1 high index glass element
Rangefinder coupled to .7 meter
Weight 344 grams
Size 63.3mm x 49mm
Filter size 52mm
Bayonet mount new larger LH-10 vented lens hood or LH-8
Adaptable to any digital mirrorless camera via the proper adapter
Close focus on Sony Alpha bodies 41.7 cm with Voigtlander M to FE close up adapter
This lens was sent to me by CameraQuest.com to try out and test for a couple of weeks. Usually when they send me a lens to test I end up buying it! These lenses have a way of emptying my pockets out but I will try my best to have restraint here. I have a slew of lenses in this focal length and really do not need more. Even so, this one will be fun to test over the next couple of weeks. I can already tell you, the rendering of this lens is a spitting image of the Voigtlander 40 f/1.2. It’s almost as if it is the same lens, just 10mm longer in focal length. This means that the quality is high and it gives up little to even more exotic lenses.
Lovely color, and Bokeh rendering here IMO. Almost Looks like a painting. Shot wide open at f1.2.
In the past I have shot with and reviewed many Voigtlander lenses in this category. Reviews are linked below…
The Voigtlander 40 f1.2 for Sony E mount and for Leica M mount. I have reviewed the 50 f/3.5 Heliar on a Leica SL and on a Sony A9. I have reviewed the 50 Nokton Classic f1.5 on a Leica M 240 and even the now old 50 f/1.1 long ago as one of the early reviews on this website. I have shot with many other fast 50’s from Leica, Sony, Nikon and Canon and even old RF mount lenses from Canon as well as those awesome M mount Zeiss ZM 50’s like the Planar and the Sonnar. It doesn’t end there, as I have also reviewed super vintage lenses in this focal length, like the Canon Dream lens and so many other 50mm lenses like the Meyer Optik (RIP) 50 Nocturnus.. How about the Voigtlander 58 1.4 II or The Leica 50 APO on the SL and on the M240. I can go on and on and on. Oh, how about the Sony 50 1.4 or the 50 Leica Summilux or the Zeiss Loxia 50 f/2?
The 50 1.2 wide open.
There are many more 50mm lenses (or near that focal length) that I have reviewed over the years on these pages. MANY more.
Long story short, I know my 50mm lenses. It is my favorite focal length. I have my faves and I have those I dislike as well. So now I will write my very first thoughts on this new lens, and keep in mind, this is not a review but a first look, hands on with the lens after only 2 days of use with the Sony A7RIII. I will have more to come soon.
Dramatic Beauty. The new Voigtlander 50 1.2 Wide open, f1.2, Sony a7RIII. Click for larger.
Many of you reading are probably asking “why do we need another Leica M mount 50 mm f1.2 lens”? Well, WE DON’T really but the cool thing is each one offers up a different character in color, bokeh, sharpness, build and feel and the way they render an image. Mostly all are good, some are great and a select few are legends. So we have a massive choice when it comes to this focal length, or near it (40mm f1.2) and choice is always good. Voigtlander just seems to get better and better every year now and this lens proves those words true.
I recently re-visited the Voigtlander 35 f1.2 II on the Leica SL (which is still my #1 fave mirrorless body now and of all time as of this writing Sep 2018) and feel these lenses are MADE for shooting on either a Leica M camera or the SL.
For that reason I will be doing TWO reports on this lens.
Sony A7RIII and the 50 f1.2 M mount using the Voigtlander close focus adapter.
This report is going to be my very 1st look and all images here were taken on a Sony A7RIII as I was traveling and did not bring the SL with me, so I shot these on a Sony. I feel that when I do my second report, the lens will perform even better than you see here because in the past, these lenses have always had something special about them when shot on the SL or an M camera. For example, see the review of the 50 f/3.5 Heliar on the SL HERE and then on the Sony A9 HERE. For me, the colors and depth just pop on the SL more so than the Sony. See the 40 1.2 on the Leica M and then the Sony. Yep, for me the Leica colors just have something nicer about them. I have always felt like this though. Of course, we should expect this as a Leica SL, body only is $5995. Though Ken Hansen can probably get you a deal on one ; )
Shot wide open at f1.2 which is where I always test fast primes. If it performs well wide open, then it does even better stopped down. To me, this lens looks great wide open in regards to color, detail and rendering. Again, shot on a Sony A7RIII. Click the image for a better look.
The Build and Feel of the 50 1.2
This lens looks, feels and performs just as you would expect. It’s the same in construction and style as the previous 40mm f1.2 lens and to be honest, the rendering is very similar to that lens. If you loved the 40mm but wished it was a 50, then this could be for you. With so many 50mm lenses out there these days I think I MAY prefer the 40mm to this one, just because it is different than a 50. You will get the same performance from the 40 as this 50 but of course you will be 10mm wider. I love the 40mm simply due to the fact that it is small, light, and performs incredible for an f1.2 lens. This 50 f1.2 is no exception as it seems to be like a larger twin to the 40. A little larger and a little longer in reach but with the same rendering and style.
So for build, Voigtlander has always been top notch in my book. I have had a couple of Leica lenses fall apart on me over the years but never a Voigtlander. Of course, your mileage may vary as all lenses from any make can fall apart due to various issues but just letting you know of my experience.
Who says you need 20FPS and fast AF to capture action? One shot, manual focus on the A7RIII. Click them for larger.
The Experience
With a lens such as this your shooting experience is so much different than when you go with a modern day full auto focus fast 50. Wen using this lens on a Sony body, the camera feels so good in the hand due to the small size and heft of the lens. Yes, this lens feels solid and makes the Sony feel like a new beast. It’s balanced and the focus ring is silky smooth. The manual aperture dial is also a treat, and this one has solid clicks that stay in place when you move it to where you want to be. One lens I have tested (other brand) recently have had a much looser aperture dial and would switch while in use. This one is solid and stays put. Most of you who buy this will have it glued to f/1.2 anyway I feel ; ) The good news is that if you do, it will remain there.
When you shoot with a manual lens such as this, and you nail a photo wide open (easier said than done btw) it does give you a sense of accomplishment. Like you MADE the photo instead of the camera. When you regularly shoot manual, you start to get a sense for what the image will look like before you even frame it. You frame with your mind, see a scene or shot and snap it. I have always said on these pages that shooting manual is a great way to not only enjoy photography more but to learn from it as well. I find when shooting in full auto all the time that the camera is doing all the work, and it makes me lazy. I lift and snap and walk away. When I shoot a lens like this, even on a Sony body, I take my time, find the shot, frame and focus, fire one click of the shutter and away I go. See, when shot like this I DID the work, and not the camera.
So shooting manual is always nice, and this is one reason why I am like one of three who applauded Nikon for their upcoming 50 0.95 lens being manual focus. I LOVE manual focus which, to be honest, is partly why I love the Leica SL. To this day, over three years after its release it still has the best EVF you can get in any digital camera. It has the best build and a very easy to use user interface and controls. It was released before its time I think and too many judged it on its size with native glass. The secret of the SL is shooting it with lenses like this (which is why my part 2 will be with the SL) and then it is one of the most enjoyable, if not the most enjoyable, manual focus digital cameras ever.
No, this is not an article about the SL but rather about enjoying photography and using lenses that help you do just that, and the lens in focus here is the new Voigtlander 50 f1.2. Using it on the Sony was a treat, and the results are just as I thought they would be. You will not see me doing scientific testing with this lens here (never have in 10+ years of writing reviews) as I am not a fan of pixel peeping or taking photos of newsprint. Nor am I a fan of shooting ISO tests with studio light (defeats the whole purpose of high ISO). I shoot and test in real world environments. I use the cameras and lenses how they were designed to be used, by taking snaps and photos with them, and ENJOYING them!
Many out there do pixel peeper tests but I feel that has nothing to do with photography or making images. To me it is about the fun, the passion, the excitement and I am getting all of that so far from this lens. The first batch of this lens has sold out, and quickly. Many are starting to recognize Voigtlander lenses as the real deal. 5-8 years ago I heard a lot of moaning and groaning about Voigtlander but I have always loved their lenses not only for there image quality (which has always been unique) but their design, beauty and build.
Is this the best 50mm lens ever made? Well, what is “the best”? There is no best for everyone. What may be “best” to me may be the “worst” to you. There are many 50mm lenses to choose from for all makes of cameras. Mirrorless or DSLR this is one focal length that there has never been a shortage of, and here we have one more. Is it good? YES, I think it is wonderful as it gives us one more option in this crowded field of lenses to express our minds, imagination and vision with.
My next report will have this lens being used with the Leica SL, and I will have a variety of images with it. I will also have a video soon as well showing the lens. So stay tuned and check back!
Want a Sony? My recommendation in the Sony lineup is now the A7RIII as it offers the best of all worlds. Speed, resolution and fantastic video capabilities.
Want a Leica? Contact Mr. Ken Hansen at his email HERE. He has been my main Leica dealer for 10 years. Also, check out PopFlash.com for Leica as well.
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Hi Steve,
First thank you very much for once again your excellent “pre-review”.
I have 2 questions :
1.At first impression is this 50 1.2 at the level of the Lux 50 Asph ? Better ? (Let’s dream!) The Nokton 50 1.5 is often said – even by Leica fanatics ! Lol – to be at 85% so the new one may be equal…
2.Does this 50 1.2 replace the 1.1 ? Because it’s lighter and more compact, seems to have much better bokeh and overall rendering (color, sharper…). The previous one has no chance to survive…
Finally I am conviced CV will launch in the 2 next years a real competitor to the Noctilux : 0.9 and 3,000$ ?
This lens blows away the 50 1.1 in every area from color, contrast, micro contrast, and even size. I used this lens for every shot in my M10-D review I posted just over a week ago. Thank you.
Thank you very much for your response Steve.
Argh I am a little disapointed this 50 1.2 VM isn’t as same level as Lux Asph !I have so hope for that ! (I’m not stuck with any brand and even if I am aware of Leica glasses qualities I find their prices are crazy…)
So versus the 1.5 VM (I had shot with for few weeks and it’s very good!) : is it “the same one” just with more speed or is it a clear improvement? On your photos I see very very impressive colors and a creamier bokeh…
Steve: how does this lens compare with the Zeiss Sonnar 50mm 1.5 ZM?
Totally different vibe. The Sonnar is unique and noting else really renders like it.
Hi Steve, between the Sonnar 50 1.5 and the Voigtlander 50 1.2 for ‘dreamy creamy’ which would it be? Can’t spring for the Noctilux f1, although tempted!, so want to get closest rendering. Thank you as always.
The Sonnar will be more dreamy without question.
Any updates on this 50? Just want to hear more opinions on this. Weighing this or saving up for a used 50 summilux from a buddy at work. I certainly like the saturation of this, just have some FOMA on the lux and it’s pop and if this lens will have that.
Working on it now!! IN fact my part 2 changed to using it on an M. Stay tuned!
Voigtlander or mitakon?
Voigtlander without question!
The thing about the Mitakon, it’s not sharp wide open. Plus, it doesn’t let 0.95’s worth of light. I owned it. It was fun. But I’d rather have this.
Looking forward to the review. Can’t wait. Cheers!
As per usual,the images are rad as hell! Nice work Steve!!
Hi Steve,
Any comparison to the 7Artisans 50mm f1.1? You had one in hand before but didn’t review it. I assume you hate it…
I did review that lens. The Voigtlander is in another league.
Oh yeah my bad. I thought first look will be followed by full review 😉 Haven’t watch the video though.
Hey Steve, I want my first fix lense with my sony a7iii body+ techart what should I go with.CV 35 f1.2, CV 40 f1.2, or CV 50 f1.2 ?
Well, all depends on what focal length you prefer. The 40 and 50 will be sharper than the 35 which will be a bit more dreamy wide open. All are wonderful lenses.
Very nice rendering. Looks like a fine lens!
Can’t wait to mount on an M9 . So far the images look great. Thanks for sharing Steve the
Looks like a winner for my SL
Thank you
I’m guessing you don’t have a Voigtlander 50/1.5 anymore for comparison (size and image quality)?
The 50 1.5 is my go to lens if all I want to take is my A7r and one lens. Size plays a big role though and this seems bigger, but its hard to tell just how much larger it is in practical terms.
The first photo really looks almost like a painting. Amazing shot, but some of the red areas look kind of washed out. Red is such a thing with CMOS Sensors…
How it does compare with the older nokton 50mm f1.1? I´d love to see a side to side comparison.
Have owned both, there is no comparison. The new one is LEAGUES in front. The 50/1.2 is also better than the 50/1.5.
I agree, no comparison to the old f/1.1
Fascinating. That was my main question. This means what exactly – sharper, better CA, etc. wide open? This seems to be the trend now, along with tech ability (optical engineering) for that now. So it makes sense. I love my 1.1, and wondering how this would fit. Oy, another great 50! what to do.
If I remember correctly the 1.1 is a kind of Sonnar design and people like that. But definitely sharper, smaller, better minimum focus distance (which is appalling on the 1.1). It also has better bokeh (which is also improved over the 40/1.2).
Basically the 50/1.1 melts everything but nothing really jumps out (because it’s so soft), whereas the 50/1.2 has this fantastic ‘pop’ (which I don’t normally associate with ultra fast lenses).
Would like to see results with this and the M10. But i guess that wont happen. So the next best thing is a user report/review on the SL. The results may be Close but i would be curious to see which one is the best fit for the lens in terms of image quality. So maybe you add a some side by side shots from both, the SL and the M10. That would be cool.
I just received mine today for my M10, looks astonishing thus far.
The color looks different (more Canon-like) in the photo of the girls …not just amped with a saturation slider but different, very un-Sony like 😉 here is my theory: Tomorrow’s article will read something like this; “Hello readers, you probably noticed that the shot of the girls in yesterday’s Voigtlander 50 1.2 M, had some unique color that really popped and that all of the exif data was conspicuously missing from the set. Well I confess that this entire set was shot with the Sony’s new A7S Mark III. This camera boasts Sony’s brand new Color Science and it is nothing short of spectacular! – Also, the cover shot of the V50 1.2 was taken with Zeiss’s new fixed lens Full Frame kit.“ If it wasn’t the new Zeiss, then definitely the 1DXII.? Busted! 😉
Great photography! Thank you for the review. Looks like a super lens. Do you know whether it has focus shift? I read on a website the 40mm has it, but I doubt this site was correct. Maybe you could discuss it in the upcoming review. By the way I think I like the Zeiss lens (e.g. Sonnar) colors better, this one (voigtlander) gives a bit brownish images. This is a personal thing of course!
I shot it with an EVF camera so no idea. The 40 1.2 doesn’t (I did review that on an M 10) so out is highly unlikely this one does. The color tone you are seeing comes from the Sony camera, not the lens. You will see different color when shot on the SL. Thank you.
The nice pic of the two girls in the left side of the frame. How were you able to keep them both in focus at F1.2 given the shallow DOF? Thanks
Distance plays a huge part in DOF as well as aperture. I was far enough away from them, and also, the girl on the right is actually slightly out of focus.
Steve,
nice review.. I was not a fan of super fast lenses for many years. I just recently tried the Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 on my SL…Thanks to your recent revisit.. I am now a convert… Beautiful glass worthy of being on a fine camera.
Can’t wait till I try a V 50 1.2
Stuart
Thanks Stuart! Enjoy that 35!
Just curious about the crop, Steve. Seems you opted for cropping them into different aspect ratios…
I came closer lately to about 35 mm, but tempted by this superb lens
I had the cropping power of the A7RIII and that can sometimes be a good thing. Thank you.
Always. Though full size displays better vignetting; for instance in the middle jumping one