Thank you for such competent,sympathic and "real life" review.

Hey Matt. Thanks for the content. Awesome video.

I used to be more of a 50 type of guy but when I got my first Leica (an M6 Panda) it came with a 35mm pre-ASPH Summicron v4 and it became my new favorite FL. This also happened to coincide with my moving to NYC and the extra space in the frame was welcome. I tried out many 35s after that including the CV f/1.2, 1.7, 1.4 SC and MC, ZM f/2, and Canon f/2. I eventually traded up to the Summicron ASPH and I really loved that lens. So incredibly sharp and very compact. Then less than a year ago I traded up to the latest Summilux ASPH. It took me a while to warm up to it with its very abrupt focus transition when opened up but it is now my favorite lens for everyday shooting. I do a fair bit of night shooting so the extra stop comes in handy. If I didn't I would probably go back to the Summicron ASPH. I just got back from NZ for my honeymoon and I used the Lux ASPH about 90% of the time. I also have an old LTM Summaron for my IIIf that actually takes lovely shots on B&W film but I hardly ever use it on my digital body.

The flares on the SC Voigt are sooooo nice

Hey Matt, your videos are always great and I never have to think you have some other motive. Keep up the good work!

Choosing a manual lens detection profile can help manage the vignetting on the Voigtlanders. It won't get rid of it completely but it helps significantly. It also goes away as you stop down past f/4. For example, for the 35/f1.4 (multi-coat) I have the M10-P set to "35 f/1.4 11869/11870/11860" - this works well enough.

Matt, Great stuff here!! helps back up the justification for the price of the Q2. I had the chance to go to the Leica shop the other day and Play with it. It's wide.. it's going to take a little getting used to. Love the 4k upload too! Thanks!

Thank you for the review . 📷

Matt, great video

easy understandeble and one of the best channels

Nice review! the Voigtlander 1.4 II seems a sweet small option

Superb video. Love the character Voigtlander 35/1,4. Regards Ulf

I love my e mount Noktons! I've been getting great results with the 21mm f/1.4 and 50mm f/1.2.

Have you tested the Zeiss Distagon T* 2/35? If so, how does it perform compared to the Leica Summilux 1.4/35?

Great video. Agree with your opinion about Voigtlander lenses (have them and they're amazing). But if I'd like to use technical perfection I'd prefer Zeiss ZM lenses. Best quality and not too much overpriced for TM.

I am using a pre-a 35 summicron which is probably even smaller than the voigt 35 1.4. Absolutely love the rendering and near zero distortion. IQ wise it is no where to compare with ASPH lenses of modern Leica but the small size gives its own charm

I always enjoy your reviews and analysis. I would love to own a Leica but not in my budget. As a Nikon shooter, I enjoy putting Voigtlander and Zeiss lenses on my camera. I found the Zeis 35mm f2 lens to be delicious in easy to focus, sharpness and character, it's my 35 of choice.

Hi Matt, great video, what make is the camera strap in this video?

always enjoy your offerings Matt...but do wish apples to apples were being compared vis a vis coatings. Two lenses I prefer are the 35mm biogon zm and the old summicron 35mm f2 and lastly when you have some curiousity time try the Voit 35mm f2.5 color skopar....the renderings are quite sublime....I too find 35mm one of the more useful carry around lenses. Best from BC

Gotta compare the Voigtlander 35/1.2 II with the Zeiss 35/1.4 ZM and the Leica 35/1.4 Lux FLE

Thanks for sharing

What about the Zeiss Distagon 35MM ZM F1.4 ? Less than half of price of Leica and for many better lens.

Leica 35/2 version IV is another great option and works well adapted on Sony MLCs

As a Yank, I love the way certain Aussies pronounce the word "here." And of course, how they drink their lenses lol 7:41 PS: Great comparo, thanks!

Dear Matt, writing this post very late, but I only saw your video today (and today I subscribed to your channel). In the meantime, the Leica Summilux 35/1.4 FLE II has also been released. I am a non-professional photographer (in the sense that it is not my job but my hobby) who has been using Leica for 30 years, and I must say that around this brand there is an aura of myth, partly deserved and partly not. The 35mm in question is a beautiful lens, and it works beautifully (for what it costs!) but it's by no means perfect. Anyone who buys a 1.4 imagines taking many wide-aperture photos. Our 35/1.4 shows, precisely at 1.4, some showy and annoying aberrations, such as color fringes (green and magenta in particular, especially visible by enlarging the out-of-focus areas, obviously.). I believe these residual aberrations are due to the fact that the lens is physically small. The perfect 35mm lens is the Leica SL Apo 35/2 Asph, in which there is no trace of aberrations, but it is a "monster" weighing over 700 grams, large, only F2, which requires a lot of gym (but I love it and I always carry it with me) Anyway, apart from the clarification, congratulations for your clarity of exposition and the usefulness of your video: from today I'm following you too. Greetings

The Voigtlander 35mm f1.2 Nokton is the version II. Could be interesting to see how the version III does in comparison. Add to that the Zeiss 35mm f2 and/or f1.4 :)

Not just VC, but autofocus too adding to the overall size.

Hello Matt, there are no links for the RAW files?

Since the 35mm f/1.4 was my favorite lens for my Nikon SLR, I knew that I wanted a 35mm f/1.4 for my Leica M6 rangefinder. Since I was happy with the Zeiss glass I used on my Nikon SLR and my Contax G1 rangefinder, the first lens I bought for my Leica M6 was a used Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 for $1,600. I wish you had included the Zeiss in your video.

I wish I could have seen how the Distagon fared! I really want one.... Well that and the new Ultron 35mm f2, smaller than the 1.4 and aspherical

I really wish you'll take an eye on the 7artistans leica M lens, they're pretty damn cheap and interesting!

The hood of the 35 Summilux FLE being slightly off center would drive me nuts

I like the Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f/1.7 Aspherical Lens ... obviously not as fast as any of these, but not that far off... its much sharper than the other two 35mm Voigtlander lenses, comes with a hood to help with the flair control and is under $800....

Very nice review. I own the 35 lux FLE and would say that it's the best lens for 35 mm I have ever used. While technically great, I don't agree with you that the 35 lux doesn't have character (it has character in terms of vignetting, colors etc.). I also own the 50 summicron (v. 5, not the crazy expensive new one), and that one - while also technically very capable - has much less character. In fact, I find it a bit dull and often grab the Zeiss 50 1.5. sonnar instead (which is technically flawed but gorgeous for people shots)

Thank you Christian Slater!

Even through I use the Leica 35mm f1.4 from last November, I still think the best 35mm lens on Leica mount is voigtlander’s 35mm f1.7, which I used before I bought the Leica glass which only worth $2000, but cost me almost $6000.

I love 35mm. I have 3 lenses and am tempted to get a 4th. Would love a Leica, but i can't afford it :)

I shoot Nikon. I found a 1983-85 28mm-50mm f:3.5 AI-S zoom in a used display that's physically as small as that Leica 35mm. It's the perfect walk-around lens even though focus is manual. Running with variable ISO it's sweet. They all should make such a lens. Love the cap.

The Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 is now selling for $5,995 at B&H.

The 35mm f1.4 SC can't compete with the "original", the old 35mm f1.4 Summilux when it comes to character. I did a quick test to see if the Voigtländer would fit my needs - and bought the old Summilux instead (even though it cost me more than twice as much). It is hard to describe, and the amount of optical errors is actually higher in the old Leica lens - but somehow it just delivers what I was after. For those who want the old look and a really compact lens, but for a much more affordable price, the Voigtländer would be a good choice!

A "classic" (SC) analysis. These lens are easier to use TTL on Sony FE, Nikon Z & Canon R of course... ;)

5:06 "I didn't hit it that hard; it must've had a self-destruct."

Would be worth throwing the Zeiss ZM 35mm f/1.4 Distagon into the mix.

Hi Matt - Thanks for a great review - such a shame that the street comparisons shown from 7:15 use different compositions and distances for each lens - it makes it so much harder to judge the differences between the three lenses - otherwise thanks for such a clear and articulate review of the three.

recently I bought a Fuji X-E4. I'm considering buying the Nokton 40mm 1.4 MC. I want something sharp and small in industrial design style. Can't decide whether I'm making a good choice and investment

I have a Voiglander 35/1,4MC and a '83 Leica Leitz 35/1,4 non ASPH and they are the same size. I find the Voigt to be superior to the nonASPH for anything digital, but the nonASPH renders a lot better for anything analog. This is brilliant, cause my nonASPH lives on my M6, and my Voigt is used for anything digital.

I wanted to see more pictures shot by these lens

Thanks for this Matt. I been have particularly interested in the sweet little Voigtlander f1.4 because it appears to be made as an alternative to the almost identical Leica so-called 'steel rim' .. Leica Glow' lens, .. which as you no doubt know has been re-released recently. .. at a $premium, although much cheaper that it's larger siblings. I want it for b&w film, and it will live on an M2. 'Stories' of production issues with this re-make lens have dampened the enthusiasm a bit, until I find the truth in it, otherwise I'm saving for it. Maybe Leica in Melbourne will have a demo example I can go walkabout with for a couple of hours. .. and also the Voigtlander 35 f1.4 SC Nice presentation. Cheers, Kevin 👌

The flare and vignette differences are disappointing, but would have liked to see indoor portrait comparisons. Btw, in Wyoming, that is considered balmy weather;-)

hello Mat , whats is the manufacturer of the black/red strap ? thks

Thanks for the lens rundown! So many shooters care only about megapixels then go out and shoot with a potato for a lens. Optics matter!

Hey Matt, thanks for still reviewing Leica. I love shooting with mine. I also throw the Nokton SC in my bag with my leica summarit-m 35mm. Having both is a good balance and night shot flares are great for street The SC lens makes a fun golden hour lens as you get some crazy red flare ups with portraits backlit by the sun. It's not bad at night in f1.4 for basic night shots either. Summilux kills it but that's a given.

35mm summicron vs summilux would be interesting.

You should have included the 7Artisans 35mm f2 to represent the full price range. It also is much sharper than the Voigtländer Classic and has the classic Zeiss Sonnar characteristic.

Matt, please compare also new voigtlander 35 f2 ashp vintage line vs some leica cron 35 asph. If you can get this lens of course. I am using 35 1.2 nokton on my M240, but I also use vintage canon 35 f2 ltm, it has beautiful caracter and its quite sharp even wide open.

Did you take the Voigtlander for the Leica Summilux at 11:26? If not then the smoothness of bokeh of the Voigtlander Nokton 35mm 1.2 is imho vastly superior to the Leica lens in that "card" test shot.

Hi when will you do a test on the Voigtlander 35mm f1.2 III please let me know.

Please compare the ZM 35f2 and 35f1.4 with the Leica lenses.

I have the 35mm f1.2 Voigtländer ASPH and the 35mm f2.8 Zeiss Biogon. Both are great and its a good combination. The Biogon is so small and if i need more light, i use the Voigtländer.

There are a lot of "links below" but I don't see anything for downloading the images or capture one. Of course I see now that this video is 3 years old! That figures - it just popped up on my KZfaq like it was brand new.

@theNikonguy Hi Matt. we know you choose these three lens to compare, so not going to ask where's to Zeiss 35mm or the Needed 35 1.2 :)

Thanks for the review I just purchased the 40mm Voigtlander f/1.2 Nokton . It’s price helped me but I’m liking what I see in it’s rendering. Perfection and Classic look combined is ok vs one or the other . It’ll pair good with my other glass . I like good rendering lens . Not it’s not Leica good but compare it to a Sony GM or Nikon S and it has a Special character and that’s the look I’m after. Something modern and something classic for a special rendering but not so special it becomes unusable for my professional video work. I am looking into a few other Voigts for my video work also . Guess I’m rambling because I know you won’t have time to read this in an old review. Peace y’all in gone

You nailed it: what many call "character", actually is "imperfection". By the way, as a landscape and architecture shooter, I find more interesting wider focal lengths like 28 mm or 24/25 mm.

Did I miss something? What about Leitz 35mm summicron?

Hey thanks for another good review. Since I'm not into Leica, but I'd like to have that "technical perfection" why not buy expensive cinema lenses (they cost that much or many times more, but some cost less) and I can mount them to Sony A7R3 or a Hasselblad XD-1, or any other body I like? The A7R3 costs half as much as the Leica, so I could invest the balance into a lens (or two if I'm lucky). What are your thoughts Matt? Also, would you review some cinema lenses mounted to a D850 or A7R3 or the Hassy? Thanks again for all your work. You do sooo many high-quality videos every week, and they are chuck full of great information (and quite often beautiful models LOL). :-D

Good review Matt, shame that you didn't have the Zeiss 35 2. 8 m lens in there, or perhaps it's just getting too close to the Leica but without the tag? And yes before anyone trolls me I'm well aware that Zeiss are made by Cosina just like the voigtlander's 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

Matt, you used both Voigtländer Lenses without a matching Lens Hood, but shoot your Leica Summilux with Lens Hood. Even with, the Leica is clearly the best of this Trio, easy. As being stated, i would like to see Comparsions with the Zeiss ZM Distagon 35mm F1.4 - which costs a hell lot less, rhan the Leica Summilux 35/1.4 ASPH.

First time I've seen anyone on KZfaq give a good representation of the size on the Voigtländer 35/1.2 I thought it was a bigger lens, but that actually looks small - just not as small as their 1.4 Kudos

I'd love to see a comparison between the Pentax Asahi Takumar 50mm f/1.4 and the Helios 58mm 44/2 - on a full frame body.

What about zeiss zm

Hey Matt you should try the mind-blowing (albeit at the cost of size) Zeiss 35mm distagon.

Nice comparisons! I own the 35mm Nokton f1.2 but I hardly use it even though i love the way it renders. It's not so much the weight but the balance that stops me from using it; so that was interesting what you said about using the grip. I don't own the 35 Lux or the Voigtlander 35mm f1.4 but I do own the 40mm Nokton f1.4 MC which I have dusted off and rediscovered.

A worthy point: you missed out on the Summarit, LEICA f 2.5 35 mm lens, not Leica's best lens {35 f 1.4 takes that with no Questions asked!!}; however it is a more affordable option for your list @ Australian $1,700 vs the price you said! This lens is of the newer series ( ~2018 it came out ) and might be a better option for the more budget conscious, and has a similar, if not as spectacular bokeh than the ones you mentioned, AND because of the greater iris opening your depth of field is far greater , therefore you can focus much easier and quicker! ( less precision in focus required and the added depth helps you - aka makes using the lens WIDE open a more viable/practical option).

Voigtlander now is ar Leica level expept for pricing. I use mainly Voigtlanders on my M11. The APO Lanthar's are so the same and Nokton's 1.2's nock the Leica's out of the park... 28mm Ultron... same thing. Voigtlander Voigtlander ✨👌🏼

F 1.2 slr magic Sony e mount... Paid 350 something used. Works.

Is it just me who can't find a link to the raw files?

5 thousand bucks whoa - well, at least the other ones are more affordable

As I opened the video I thought "I bet about half the comments are "You should compare vs X lens" or something to that effect. There were only 9 comments at the time, and I was correct! ;-P

Found a zeiss bigon 35 at a shop I'm not sure if its 2.8. 2 or maybe 1.8 I know they wanted $200 for it and I thinking that's a steal I'm not sure of the mounts it looks like it could be contax Yashica but I'm sure I can find an adapter for It Whatever It Is. You think it's worth getting StayWell

You left the hood on the Leica, advantage for flare resistance yes??

I had the first generation Summilux 35mm. To small to handle compared to the latest generation.

Can you leave the comparisons up a little longer next time?

The Voigtlander 35/1.4 has a smoother de-fosused image to my perception. The edges of the "bubbles" are much less defined than in the Leica and the 1.2 has the harshest edges. That makes the V 1.4 preferred... the flare on the other hand... oi! have to believe the multi-coated version is at least as well controlled as shown in the 1.2 but that is a premise to be tested. I'm not a Leica or even rangefinder hound so this comparison is only interesting but I'd like to see a similar shootout with large aperture short to medium telephoto lenses 85-200 range. You asked. I so appreciate your videos; thank you.

Wasn't interested in this when it first aired. I watched it so Matt would get views.. Now i am in the market for a 35mm.. so i am back again.. THIS TIME paying attention..

I really can’t understand why that one lens is $5k from the images you provided, they just look average.

What about the zeis 35mm 1.4

would be great to have zeiss in this test as well ;]

you missed out the 35 distagon by zeiss. best 35 cheaper than leica but the size is a little too big

10:36 well put across, folk are so Toxic it's important to remember you use a camera for it's results. Where as with film you'd just change the film to suit the scene. Which comes to a pont 2k on Nikon gear or 25 sheets of film, which is cheaper to take a photograph :D

Shouldn't an UNIMPEDED VIEW be of primary importance, since you need to see first what you're shooting?

why are you using capture one software, as I understand it Leica files (cameras) are designed with the premise of being edited in PHOTOSHOP LIGHTROOM, and are colour corrected,etc. for this software platform. and isn't capture one meant for the MEDIUM format files of the Mamiya( PHASE ONE ) 645 D F cameras?

8 bit coded that’s unique

At 11:08, the shot using the Nokton 35mm f/1.4 is just bad... dark and poorly focused. By the time you get to the Leica, the entire composition is different. She has removed her hood for more light to the face, and the focus is spot on.

Pronounciation is: "Fohgtlender" (German) - good review though

i bought the leica m10 and voigtlander 35 1.4 cuz i cant really afford the 35 summilux after buying the camera

Noob question, are these lenses good for Astro photography?

silver ring on voigtlanders + no hood = flare + loss of contrast

Same sorta test with the new Voigtlander 21mm/3.5 and the Leica M 21mm/3.8 would be nice...

I once bought a Mercedes 560 SEL for $7,500.00. Can't get my head around paying so much for a lens that would fit in the palm of my hand. :-)

12:48 got a text