Review: Voigtlander Nokton Classic 35mm f/1.4 VM, Version i

Introduction

I purchased a nice used copy of the Voigtlander Nokton Classic 35mm f/1.4 VM, Version 1 last year and used it extensively for daily photo walks and family photos. I ended up selling my copy a few months ago, but not because it was a bad lens.

Few lenses offer the same quality-to-price ratio as the Voigtlander Nokton Classic 35mm f/1.4 and I think it’s an excellent purchase if you can find one in good condition and at a reasonable price.

This review is focused on the first version of this lens. The 1st version has been replaced by a 2nd version which can be purchased new from retailer’s in 2023 (but it will cost you roughly double the price of buying the 1st version on the used market).

Sony a7r - Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 Nokton Classic VM

Build Quality

All modern Voigtlander lenses are built well and the 35mm f/1.4 is no exception. The lens is metal and glass and feels premium. The focus tab rotates the barrel with precision and exhibits no play or loose part.

A chrome ring surrounds the front element. I would prefer the chrome ring to be replaced by a black or brushed metal ring, as the chrome draws more attention than desired.

Size and Handling

The Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.4 is worth considering as an every-day-carry lens due to its compact size and weight balance. It strikes the fine balance between being too small (which compromises handling) and being too large (which compromises the photographer’s desire to use it).

Because of the small size, the aperture ring has two “wings” which extend from the barrel to provide a grip to change the aperture. Aesthetically, it isn’t my favorite look, but it’s undeniably functional.

Image Quality

Vignetting: The lens does vignette a fair bit when shot wide open but this can be corrected in post. Stopping down resolves the problem.

Vignetting is present but it isn’t terrible.

Color Cast: When shooting m-mount lenses on non-Leica bodies, some lenses introduce a magenta color cast in the corners of the pictures. I did not notice any significant color cast when adapting this lens to my Olympus e-m1 mark ii or my Sony A7r.

Distortion: I’ve recognized a small amount of barrel distortion with the 35mm Nokton, but not enough to concern me. I suspect most people will never notice it unless they shoot test charts or brick walls (which I did).

You can see a bit of unnatural bend in the picture frame around the edges.

Sharpness: I’m not a fan of shooting charts. I much prefer real-world sharpness tests. I can confirm that the rumors about the Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 Nokton Classic are mostly true, it is not the sharpest lens wide open. Photographing with the lens wide open will give you a softer image. If you don’t mind the “dreamy” look this lens can make some beautiful images at f/1.4, but I wouldn’t advise someone to buy this lens if wide-open sharpness is critical to their work. I’ve heard Voigtlander improved the sharpness on the version ii of this lens.

Sharpness test at f/1.4.

The lens isn’t the sharpest at f/1.4, but not bad.

Sharpness test at f/4.

Sharpness at f/4 is noticeably improved.

Minimum Focusing Distance: I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the 5. meter minimum focusing distance on the 35mm Nokton Classic. It feels like a luxury after photographing with so many m-mount lenses that only focus down to .7 or 1.0 meters.

Bokeh: Bokeh is subjective so I won’t spend time critiquing the “quality.” Even at 35mm the f1.4 can create background separation if your subject is reasonably close. This lens does exhibit some swirly bokeh at the edges when shot at the lowest apertures. Overall, I’m pleased with the bokeh but I do prefer the rendering of my Voigtlander 35mm f1.2 versions 1.

Bokeh at f/1.4

Bokeh at f/4

Bokeh at f/1.2

f/1.4 allows for some subject separation at distance.

Chromatic Aberration:

Some purple and green fringing does appear in high contrast areas when shooting into bright lights. I would categorize this lens as a solid “average” when it comes to controlling CA, it isn’t the best lens I’ve ever used, nor is it the worst. If the appearance of chromatic aberration distresses you, I’d consider another 35mm option. If chromatic aberration performance isn’t at the top of your priority list, this lens will work just fine for you.

Recommendation and Alternatives:

The Voigtlander 35mm Nokton Classic f/1.4 VM Version 1 isn’t a perfect lens but it’s a solid, well-rounded choice for any photographer looking for a fast, small, and well priced 35mm option. I can recommend this lens to anyone, except for those who need optimal sharpness wide-open at f1.4. This lens can be purchased in good used condition for $325-$425 which is an attractive price compared to some of the other m-mount offerings from Voigtlander, Zeiss, and Leica.

I may be mistaken but I don’t believe this lens is still being produced. The first version of this lens was replaced by the Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.4 II. I’ve not tested the version ii lens but I’ve heard several reports that it is sharper overall, especially in the low aperture values.

If you have even deeper pockets, don’t mind losing a little light, and want what is arguably one of the best 35mm m-mount lenses on the market (from any manufacturer), Voigtlander will sell you their Voigtlander 35mm f/2.0 APO-Lanthar Aspherical VM for just under $1000.

Zeiss also offers a 35mm f/1.4 Distagon ZE but you’ll be paying a lot more and sacrificing the compact design of the Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4.

Of course, Leica will sell you a 35mm f/1.4 of some variety if you’re willing to part with a couple thousand dollars.

Conclusion:

If you can find a Voigtlander 35mm Nokton Classic f/1.4 VM Version 1 on the used market for a good price, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy it. Yes, other lenses are “technically” better in some areas, but the price-to-performance ration of the Nokton is tough to beat. Not to mention, if you keep the lens in good condition, it probably won’t lose any significant resale value over the next couple years, so you can resell it and use it to finance an upgrade in the future. I purchased mine for $300 and sold it for $380.