Subjective Impressions of the Leica 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux-M ASPH on the Nikon Z7 vs Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L on Canon EOS R
Related: Canon, Canon EOS R, Canon Lenses, Canon mirrorless, Canon RF, Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM, Leica, Leica 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux-M ASPH, Leica Lenses, Leica Noctilux, Nikon, Nikon mirrorless, Nikon Z7
See my Canon mirrorless wishlist and Nikon mirrorless wishlist.
See my in-depth review of the Leica 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux-M ASPH and in-depth review of the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L.
A reader sent me a series of shots on the Nikon Z7 with the Leica 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux-M ASPH (using a GABALE Leica M to Nikon Z lens adapter). It looks better than I expected or hoped in terms of any degradation from sensor cover glass.
But what really stood out is that the Noctilux (1/2 stop faster) has a level of optical correction which is so inferior to the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L that they are not even in the same league—pick any aberration and the Canon RF 50/1.2L is leaps and bounds ahead with a startling clarity that the Noctilux cannot approach without stopping down 4 stops at least, and I saw not one image approaching what the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L can produce wide open (depth of field aside).
This was not an A/B test, but my eyes are well trained and I have little doubt of my subjective reaction. I have many recent Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L shots of my own, all strikingly stunningly excellent. Seeing the batch of Noctilux images, I am just amazed all over again at how good the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L really is. World class.
My advice for Noctilux shooters: sell it, and buy a Canon EOS R with the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L. You’ll come out ahead on the deal and with far, far superior image quality. I’m glad I sold my Noctilux 50/0.95 a few years ago.
Some lenses are so good that you just buy the necessary camera. The Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L is a lens you buy, then look around for the accessory to shoot it on (the Canon EOS R).
Combination below, all manual, about $4600.
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Combination below, all manual, about $15000.
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