Summilux 50 1.4 Asph vs. Noctilux 0.95 Asph vs. Noctilux 1 on M8

John7617 · 10-30-2009

I would appreciate hearing from those of you who have had the opportunity to use these 3 lenses on the M8.

I am looking to purchase a 50 mm lens for general indoor low light photography, but I have not yet decided which one would be the best all puropse low light 50 mm lens. I realize the Noctilux is considerably bigger than the Summilux, but is it worth the extra weight and money?

I am currently using an M8 with a Summicron 50/F2 and 35/F2. I will likely upgrade to an M9 in the future, so I think the 50mm is the lens length that will be best for me.

The obvious answer is to purchase all three, but my finances will not allow. If I just buy one lens, which one should it be and why?

Thanks,

John

Symeon · 10-30-2009

The new Summilux 1,4/50 ASPH definitely. It is the best of the 3. The Noctilux is too bulky and too painter-like for my liking.

regards.

35mmdelux · 10-30-2009

The best all purpose is the Summilux 1,4/50 ASPH. The Nocts are more specialty oriented, big, and slow focusers.

tightsqueez · 10-31-2009

All purpose = No brainer.

50 Lux ASPH.

And this coming from someone who doesn't even own it.

proenca · 11-01-2009

Hi John,

I had the 50 1.4 ASPH and sold it, now I have a 50 1.0 Noctilux and I will keep it until the day I die

Now lets see : the 1.4 ASPH is the most versatile overwall, no question about it.

Perfect bokeh, controlled lens, superb in all aspects. Afterall, the best 50mm in the whole World. That gotta say something.

I got to play with a 0.95 Nocti and its a heck of a lens : its the 1.0 Nocti without all its flaws and corrected : much sharper on the corners, corrected the backfocous, etc etc.

BUT

The 1.0 for me its the keeper. It draws in a special way. The 0.95 still has Noctilux DNA but much more "controlled" , if you know what I mean.

1.0 Nocti its a special lens. Its big, bulky, heavy but... its magical. And as will all magical things its full of imperfections. But when you get it right.. oh boy...

here's a couple of mine with a Noctilux :