If you're expecting a tack sharp modern lens at f/1.4, this lens is not for you. However, if you like a more classic rendering, while still getting images that have solid levels of detail, you may very well be interested. The lens produces images with good (but not outstanding) levels of detail across the majority of the frame at f/1.4, when focusing between infinity and around 0.5-0.6m. When focused closer, spherical aberration overwhelms the image at wide apertures and needs to be stopped down to around f/2.8 before it really sharpens up at close focus. However, at distances of environmental portraiture, it's really quite good, with good detail even at f/1.4. The bokeh is a love it or hate it affair, as it is by no means perfect. If you like the character, ... MoreIf you're expecting a tack sharp modern lens at f/1.4, this lens is not for you. However, if you like a more classic rendering, while still getting images that have solid levels of detail, you may very well be interested. The lens produces images with good (but not outstanding) levels of detail across the majority of the frame at f/1.4, when focusing between infinity and around 0.5-0.6m. When focused closer, spherical aberration overwhelms the image at wide apertures and needs to be stopped down to around f/2.8 before it really sharpens up at close focus. However, at distances of environmental portraiture, it's really quite good, with good detail even at f/1.4. The bokeh is a love it or hate it affair, as it is by no means perfect. If you like the character, you'll love the look this lens gives. If you don't like anything but smooth bokeh, move along. It's a very compact lens with excellent haptics and a perfectly damped focus ring. In all, I'm quite pleased with the lens, especially considering the price and the compact size.

I recently purchased the Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.4 Classic and have been enjoying it immensely. Of course, this lens does not feature a modern aspherical design, and, because of this, it does produce certain characteristics—some would say, “flaws”—that might be off-putting to some photographers. These are quite well documented in the literature (spherical aberration; some barrel distortion; softness in corners; purple fringing; vignetting; “nervous” bokeh, etc.). But, in my opinion, none of these are not severe at all. In fact, in some measure, these are those same qualities that enable this lens to produce rich images that are both unique, striking and far from clinical or ordinary.I don’t agree with certain criticisms that have been leveled against this lens ... MoreI recently purchased the Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.4 Classic and have been enjoying it immensely. Of course, this lens does not feature a modern aspherical design, and, because of this, it does produce certain characteristics—some would say, “flaws”—that might be off-putting to some photographers. These are quite well documented in the literature (spherical aberration; some barrel distortion; softness in corners; purple fringing; vignetting; “nervous” bokeh, etc.). But, in my opinion, none of these are not severe at all. In fact, in some measure, these are those same qualities that enable this lens to produce rich images that are both unique, striking and far from clinical or ordinary.I don’t agree with certain criticisms that have been leveled against this lens that purport a lack of sharpness—it is quite sufficiently sharp despite some softness in the very corners. I’ve now had the opportunity to use it in landscapes and have been more than pleased with its performance in this regard (generally when shot at f/4-f/8). The Classic is also very easy to focus when mounted on the Sony A7III.I highly recommend this lens to anybody who seeks to render a vintage, classic look and feel in their work. This is the second Voigtländer lens I have purchased from B&H and I look forward to receiving a third, shortly.

Fantastic build quality. Excellent for low light. If you focus carefully, you can get some good shots with great detail. I tried using zone focus at f/8 and f/11, and the success rate for acceptable focus was only about 20%. When I got an acceptable shot, the detail was very good and the classic character was nice. Unfortunately, the success rate is too low for my street photography, and I'm returning it. It's great doing business with B&H.