At about $12795, the Leica 75mm f/1.25 Noctilux-M ASPH offers a breathtaking price point with a rendering style one hopes to offer a unique rendering to match. It’s out of my price range, but I’m looking forward to getting one to shoot and review. The loaner request is in, but when it will arrive, I just do not know.
- Leica M-Mount Lens
- Aperture Range: f/1.25 to f/16
- 2 Aspherical Elements
- One Anomalous Partial/Low Dispersion Glass, all other elements of low chromatic dispersion glasses
- Floating Elements System
- Manual Focus Design
- Minimum Focus Distance: 2.8'
- Filter Thread: 67mm
- 11-Blade Diaphragm
- Built-In Extendable Lens Hood
It looks that Leica has gone all-out on the optical design, hence the stratospheric price.
It’s a beautiful lens (I always did like my 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux-M ASPH) and given the 75mm focal length, might actually perform reasonably well adapted to Sony since ray angle issues will be minimal (see in MTF terms how ray angle destroys performance of wider lenses).
Its specifications state that it comes with a tripod adapter, so that might solve the tripod and lens mount stress issue (“A tripod adapter is included to facilitate easy and secure use of this lens when shooting from a tripod.”). Leica’s weight limit for M bodies to avoid lens mount stress is around 700 grams, and it easily exceeds that limit.
Leica 75mm f/1.25 Noctilux-M ASPH
Leica 75mm f/1.25 Noctilux-M ASPH
Leica 75mm f/1.25 Noctilux-M ASPH
Leica 75mm f/1.25 Noctilux-M ASPH
Leica 75mm f/1.25 Noctilux-M ASPH
Leica 75mm f/1.25 Noctilux-M ASPH
Leica 75mm f/1.25 Noctilux-M ASPH
Leading the way in F1.4 brightness
Rivaled in speed only by its legendary 50mm sibling, the Noctilux-M 75mm f/1.25 ASPH. from Leica is a high-speed portrait-length prime characterized by its ability to isolate subject matter, render subjects in a unique way, and perform admirably in low-light conditions.
Beyond the wide maximum aperture, this 75mm f/1.25 is also distinguished by its sophisticated optical composition that solely utilizes anomalous partial dispersion and low chromatic dispersion glass to suppress color fringing and chromatic aberrations for high clarity. Two aspherical elements are also featured to ensure notable sharpness and low dispersion, and a floating element system is employed at the rear of the design to maintain consistent image quality throughout the focusing range from 2.8' to infinity.
Additionally, this lens has an 11-blade diaphragm to produce an especially pleasing, rounded bokeh quality and a built-in lens hood helps to prevent lens flare and ghosting.
- Extremely fast f/1.25 maximum aperture affords notable control over depth of field for selective focus shooting, and also benefits working handheld in low-light conditions.
- Short-telephoto 75mm focal length offers a slightly compressed image quality that is well-suited to portraiture and close-up images, especially when used in conjunction with the shallow depth of field afforded by the bright maximum aperture.
- Nine elements in six groups optical design is comprised entirely of anomalous partial dispersion and low chromatic dispersion glasses in order to significantly reduce color fringing and produce imagery with a high degree of clarity.
- Two large-diameter aspherical elements are also used to control spherical aberrations for improved sharpness and reduced distortion.
- A rear floating element system is employed to maintain consistent image quality throughout the focusing range, even at the minimum focusing distance of 2.8'.
- An 11-blade diaphragm produces a rounded and pleasing bokeh quality.
- Built-in extendable lens hood shades and protects the front element to reduce lens flare and ghosting. Additionally, the front of the lens is threaded to accept 67mm screw-in filters.
- A tripod adapter is included to facilitate easy and secure use of this lens when shooting from a tripod.
Specifications
As per Leica.
Leica 75mm f/1.25 Noctilux-M ASPH
| Focal length: |
75mm |
| Aperture scale: |
f/1.25 - f/16 |
| Diaphragm blades: |
11 blades |
| Number of elements/groups: |
9 elements in 6 groups
all elements are anomalous partial dispersion and low chromatic dispersion glasses
2 aspheric elements |
| Focusing range: |
2.8 ft / 85 cm |
| Angular field: |
32° |
| Image ratio at close range: |
1:8.8 |
| Filter thread: |
67mm |
| Weight, nominal: |
2.3 lb / 1055 g |
| Dimensions: |
2.9 x L: 3.6 in / 74.0 x L: 91.0 mm |
| List price: |
about $12995 |
| Includes |
Leica Noctilux-M 75mm f/1.25 ASPH Lens
Metal Front Lens Cap
Clip-On Front Lens Cap
Rear Lens Cap for M-Mount Lenses
Soft Leather Lens Case
Tripod Adapter
Soft Leather Tripod Adapter Case
Limited 3-Year Warranty |
Roy P writes:
I was looking at the MTF more closely last evening, and this looks like an amazing lens. At f/5.6, it’s a flat line stuck to the ceiling. I was thinking of ordering one, notwithstanding its insane price, and I just decided to push the button.
I sold my 50 Noctilux, in large part because I already had (and still have) the 50 Summilux-M and 50 APO, and the Nocti became expendable.
The 75 Nocti looks like a very unique, one of a kind lens. If it delivers the sharpness the MTF promises, I’d be very thrilled with it, and I’d probably get rid of a lot of other stuff.
DIGLLOYD: my entry line was a personal joke to Roy P, and here the joke is on me—he ordered one.
The Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art debuts in June 2018, and is available for Nikon, Canon, Sigma SA, and Sony mirrorless for about $1599. It offers very high lens speed at the 105mm focal length while claiming outstanding performance.
- Full-frame for Nikon, Canon, Sigma SA and Sony mirrorless.
- Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/16
- Three FLD Elements, Two SLD Elements
- One Aspherical Element
- Super Multi-Layer Coating
- Hyper Sonic AF Motor, Manual Override
- Weather-Sealed, Protective Front Coating
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
- Removable Rotating Arca-Type Tripod Foot
- Compatible with Sigma USB Dock
The Sigma 105/1.4A looks like another effort from Sigma that sets the new standard among autofocus lenses, both for lens speed and performance. Indeed, it may be the best effort yet among the Sigma Art lens line. Quite possibly this will be an “Otus grade” lens. The very large 105mm front element surely serves more purposes than just keeping vignetting minimal.
I’m looking forward to shooting the new Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art, which should become available in mid-June, first for Nikon and Canon with a Sony mirrorless version coming later. Sigma states that the optics are identical.
Since I’ll be testing it in Nikon mount, I’ll be reviewing it in diglloyd Advanced Photography; late when the Sony version arrives I may give it a go on Sony.
Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
Leading the way in F1.4 brightness
The flagship of the F1.4 Art series—
Since introducing its first SIGMA Global Vision F1.4 lens in 2012, the 35mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art, SIGMA has been adding wide-aperture F1.4 options to the lineup. Now, with the introduction of the new 105mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art, SIGMA offers a total of nine lenses with F1.4 brightness, including six for full-frame cameras and three for APS-C cameras.
SIGMA has designed all of these lenses to offer minimal optical aberration and deliver incredible resolution and stunning contrast. Boasting the longest focal length of the F1.4 Art line lenses, the new lens combines outstanding resolution with a beautiful bokeh effect. Designed with great care to ensure that both the in-focus and out-of-focus areas of the photograph are equally satisfying to the eye, this lens is truly a “bokeh master.”
The SIGMA 105mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art has earned its place as the flagship of the F1.4 Art line lenses, prioritizing image quality above all to fulfill the promise of the line, delivering truly amazing optical performance.
Optical performance TBD, but is expected to be extremely high, as with the Sigma 135mm f/1.8A.
Specifications
In what might be a first, Sigma has built in the dovetail required for mounting in a Arca-Type clamp (tripod head). Kudos to Sigma; this is something I’ve been noting for years as really dumb from Nikon and Canon and Sony.
Nominal except as noted. Sigma offers a 3-year warranty extension on top of the 1 year warranty for USA users—excellent, at least if one is in the USA.
The Nikon mount version of this lens includes an electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism.
Specifications for Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
| Focal length: |
105mm |
| Aperture scale: |
f/1.4 - f/16 |
| Diaphragm blades: |
9 blades, rounded |
| Number of elements/groups: |
17 elements in 12 groups
3 FLD and 2 SLD elements, rear aspherical element |
| Focusing range: |
100cm / 39.4in |
| Angular field: |
23.3° |
| Image ratio at close range: |
1:8.3 |
| Filter thread: |
105mm |
| Weight, nominal: |
1,645g / 58oz |
| Dimensions: |
115.9 × 131.5㎜ / 4.6 5.2in |
| List price: |
about $1599 |
| Includes |
LH927-02 Lens Hood
Lens Case
Limited 1-Year North and South America Warranty
Limited 3-Year U.S.A. Warranty Extension |
Description
As per Sigma’s Feb 2017 announcement.
SIGMA 105mm F1.4 DG HSM Art
Leading the way in F1.4 brightness
The flagship of the F1.4 Art series: Since introducing its first SIGMA Global Vision F1.4 lens in 2012, the 35mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art, SIGMA has been adding wide-aperture F1.4 options to the lineup. Now, with the introduction of the new 105mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art, SIGMA offers a total of nine lenses with F1.4 brightness, including six for full-frame cameras and three for APS-C cameras.
SIGMA has designed all of these lenses to offer minimal optical aberration and deliver incredible resolution and stunning contrast. Boasting the longest focal length of the F1.4 Art line lenses, the new lens combines outstanding resolution with a beautiful bokeh effect. Designed with great care to ensure that both the in-focus and out-of-focus areas of the photograph are equally satisfying to the eye, this lens is truly a “bokeh master.”
The SIGMA 105mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art has earned its place as the flagship of the F1.4 Art line lenses, prioritizing image quality above all to fulfill the promise of the line, delivering truly amazing optical performance.
Optical system delivering unsurpassed F1.4 performance
Ideal for portrait and astro photographies In order to combine outstanding wide-aperture, mid-telephoto performance with F1.4 brightness at maximum aperture, this lens incorporates 17 optical elements in 12 groups—an uncommonly large number of elements for a prime lens. By including three FLD glass elements, two SLD glass elements, and one aspherical lens element, the optical system minimizes axial chromatic aberration to deliver extremely high resolution along with ample peripheral light volume. The area in focus is extremely sharp, while the area out of focus features a beautiful bokeh effect with highly natural colors, making this lens a powerful choice for portrait photography. The optical system also minimizes sagittal coma flare, making this lens excellent for capturing starry skies.
Exceptional peripheral brightness
The most effective method of ensuring ample light is to maximize the diameter of the first element of the optical system. With its large filter diameter of 105mm, the SIGMA 105mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art delivers a significantly greater volume of peripheral light than other lenses in its class. Minimizing vignetting while offering a beautiful bokeh effect, this lens is ideal for portrait photography.
Exclusive low-dispersion glass
The degree to which light is refracted by glass depends on the light's wavelength. This fact causes different colors of light to focus at slightly different points. The result is chromatic aberration, the color fringing that is particularly noticeable in telephoto lenses. Most chromatic aberration can be removed by combining a high-refractivity convex lens element with a low-refractivity concave element. Yet residual chromatic aberration known as “secondary spectrum” may still remain.
To minimize this secondary spectrum, which can be a serious issue with conventional lenses, SIGMA lenses feature up to three types of exclusive low-dispersion glass offering superior performance: ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion), SLD (Special Low Dispersion) and FLD (“F” Low Dispersion). In particular, FLD glass offers ultra-low dispersion in combination with high transmittance and the anomalous dispersion characteristics of fluorite. Meticulous deployment of these types of exclusive low-dispersion glass and optimization of power distribution gives SIGMA lenses superlative image rendition undiminished by residual chromatic aberration.
Designed to minimize flare and ghosting
From an early stage in the lens design process, flare and ghosting have been measured to establish an optical design resistant to strong incident light sources such as backlighting. SIGMA’s Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting to help photographers produce sharp and high contrast images even in backlit conditions. The included lens hood can be attached to block out extraneous light, which can have a negative effect on rendering performance.
Compatible with Canon Lens Aberration Correction
The Canon mount version of this lens is compatible with the Canon Lens Aberration Correction function.* Matching the optical characteristics of the lens, this function performs in-camera corrections of peripheral illumination, chromatic aberrations, distortion, and more, to further enhance image quality. * Function not available on all Canon cameras. Available corrections may vary depending on the Canon camera model.
Professional specifications
Allowing photographers to work in all types of weather Like SIGMA’s Sports line lenses (Move to our YouTube page), the 105mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art features a highly effective dust- and splash-proof structure with special sealing at the mount connection, manual focus ring, zoom ring, and cover connection, allowing photographers to work in all types of weather. In addition, the front of the lens is protected by a water- and oil-repellent coating that makes cleaning easy. The high-speed, high-accuracy autofocus helps photographers react in an instant to get those special shots.
Ease-of-use specifications
Instead of conventional ABS plastic, the exclusive lens hood features CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic), a light but strong material used in the interior and exterior fittings of aircraft, among many other applications. The removable Arca-Swiss tripod socket is compatible with Arca-Swiss platforms and clamps, and its exclusive protective cover makes the lens easier to carry and use when shooting hand-held.
Fast AF with full-time manual focus
Full-time manual focus function allows the lens to be switched to manual focus simply by rotating the focus ring.
High-precision, rugged brass bayonet mount
The brass mount combines high precision with rugged construction. Its treated surfaces and enhanced strength contribute to the exceptional durability of the lens.
Rounded diaphragm
The 9-blade rounded diaphragm creates an attractive blur in the out-of-focus areas of the image.
Compatible with Mount Converter MC-11*
SIGMA and Canon mount lenses Mount Converter MC-11 allows you to use your SIGMA SA mount and SIGMA EOS mount (Canon-compatible) interchangeable lenses with the Sony E-mount camera body.
Compatible with full-frame Sony E-mount cameras
he version of this lens compatible with Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras contains the same optical system as for SLRs. SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 is not required, as the lens performs the same functions as the converter, including in-camera image stabilization and in-camera lens aberration correction. In addition, the lens is compatible with Sony’s Continuous AF, which is not addressed by MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11. SIGMA plans to offer over time Sony E-mount versions of every full-frame prime lens currently available in the Art line, from 14mm to 135mm.
SIGMA USB DOCK makes customization and flexible adjustment possible*
* Not available for Sony E-mount lens
SIGMA USB DOCK for SIGMA GLOBAL VISION lenses (optional) . With the optional SIGMA USB DOCK, you can update your lens firmware and adjust the focus position and other settings. Simply connect the lens to the SIGMA USB DOCK and the dock to a computer to use the dedicated SIGMA Optimization Pro software and perform various types of customization and adjustment.
Available for the Mount Conversion Service that enables lenses to be long term assets (charges apply)
Continue using your favorite lens with a different camera body. An experienced lens manufacturer offering a diverse range of interchangeable lenses, SIGMA provides the innovative Mount Conversion Service, in which we change the mount of a lens in one of our new product lines to another mount of your choice (charges apply). This service can give new life to your favorite lenses when you wish to use them with a different camera body.
Confirming conclusions about lens performance is best done by shooting numerous scenes and seeing that all is in accord. The less than satisfying performance seen in Across the Canyon View of Checkerboard Mesa at 22mm is here evaluated at 23mm in a more complex 3D scene, to rule out field curvature as an explanation for the disappointing results.
In my review of the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art:
Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art Aperture Series @ 23mm: Sandy Wash in Side Canyon, Zion
Includes up to full resolution images from f/2.8 through f/11 plus a 3-frame focus stack at f/9.
It is important when testing a zoom to test it across the zoom range, and also with near focus and far focus. I am not nearly so happy with performance at 22mm as at 14mm.
Sandy Wash in Side Canyon, Zion
f9 @ 1/160 sec, ISO 64; 2018-04-18 09:54:28 [focus stack 3 frames]
NIKON D850 + Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art @ 23mm
[low-res image for bot]
