For those of you that own or have used the Nocti, f1 or f0.95 versions, why do so many of you shoot it at f2 to f4?
Back in the day, I owned multiple version of the f1 lens, and shot it against the Lux Pre, Lux Asph and Cron 50's (never owned the Cron ASPH). My own (humble) results showed that the Lux was better optically than the Noct across the frame at f1.4, and the Cron was better than both -- at least optically -- after f2.8. As for "signature" or "drawing" I preferred the look of the Lux up to about f4.5, whereafter I could not really distinguish them from one-another.
I *did* like the look of the Noct wide open and at f1.2 which the Lux could not do, but focusing the dang thing was nigh on impossible wide open -- or more accurately, focusing and holding myself still enough to maintain the exact focus distance was nigh on impossible. I did use it more reliably at f1.2, but even then DoF was so paper thin (and this on the M8) that I finally sold it.
Seriously, not wanting to incite a flame war, I am truly interested in the reasons behind using it at anything above f1.2... So for the added weight, slower focus helical, inability to use it reliably where it shines, and last of all its almost ridiculous price, I have to ask why do you bother with the Noct?
Back in the day, I owned multiple version of the f1 lens, and shot it against the Lux Pre, Lux Asph and Cron 50's (never owned the Cron ASPH). My own (humble) results showed that the Lux was better optically than the Noct across the frame at f1.4, and the Cron was better than both -- at least optically -- after f2.8. As for "signature" or "drawing" I preferred the look of the Lux up to about f4.5, whereafter I could not really distinguish them from one-another.
I *did* like the look of the Noct wide open and at f1.2 which the Lux could not do, but focusing the dang thing was nigh on impossible wide open -- or more accurately, focusing and holding myself still enough to maintain the exact focus distance was nigh on impossible. I did use it more reliably at f1.2, but even then DoF was so paper thin (and this on the M8) that I finally sold it.
Seriously, not wanting to incite a flame war, I am truly interested in the reasons behind using it at anything above f1.2... So for the added weight, slower focus helical, inability to use it reliably where it shines, and last of all its almost ridiculous price, I have to ask why do you bother with the Noct?