Voigtländer Nokton 23mm f/1.2 vs TTartisan 23mm f/1.4 Lens -Which one is the best in 2023?
Photographers use cameras to capture moments, emotions, and stories. Central to this is the quality of the lens they choose. This blog post compares two prime lenses: the Voigtländer Nokton 23mm f/1.2 and the TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4. Both produce good results, so let’s dive into their advantages and disadvantages to help you make an informed choice on a lens to suit your needs.
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Advantages of the Voigtländer Nokton 23mm f/1.2 Lens
Premium Build Quality: Voigtländer lenses have exceptional build quality, and even though this one weighs about 215 grams, its solid metal and glass construction gives you confidence as you walk the streets looking for subjects to photograph. This is a manual focus lens, but rather than being a disadvantage, it doesn’t take long to begin enjoying the smooth turn of the focusing ring to bring the subject into view.
The manual focus ring glides gently under your fingertips, providing a gratifying tactile experience. And the aperture ring has well-defined clicks, adding another element of satisfaction to the photographic experience. The aperture has defined click stops in 1/3 increments until you reach f/16. Even though it’s a manual lens, it has electrical contacts that suit Fujifilm bodies, so EXIF data is recorded for future reference.
Sharpness and Optical Purity: Regarding image quality, photos from the Nokton 23mm f/1.2 lens are remarkably sharp, with minimal optical aberrations. As with all lenses, it’s a little soft when shot wide, but from f/2.8 onward, the shots become crisp. Colors are rendered accurately, so minimal post-processing is required to achieve true-to-life results.
Whether you’re capturing portraits, landscapes, or street scenes, the Nokton delivers optical purity. On a crop sensor, the 23mm format becomes the equivalent of a 35mm lens locked onto a full-frame camera. This lens has a distance scale, which allows you to set the focus distance before taking the photo so that you can shoot from the hip for stealthy street shots.
Low-Light Performance: The Voigtländer brand is synonymous with quality. This lens, in particular, is highly regarded by professional and amateur photographers for low-light photography. The Voigtländer’s extraordinary f/1.2 maximum aperture grants it exceptional abilities in challenging conditions. Whether you’re capturing the moody ambience of a dimly lit cafe or shooting at golden hour, this lens delivers striking results.
Related Post: Voigtlander Nokton 23mm F1.2 Review
Artistic Bokeh and Subject Isolation: The f/1.2 aperture also empowers photographers to craft images with stunning background blur, commonly called bokeh. The bokeh from the Voigtländer Nokton 23mm lens and its 12-blade rounded diaphragm is characterized by a creamy, dreamy quality that isolates your subject from its surroundings.
Whether you’re aiming for portraits that pop with personality or wish to emphasize a particular element within a scene, this lens grants you the creative freedom to elevate your storytelling. You wouldn’t usually choose a 23mm lens for portraits, but the delicious bokeh makes it tempting to use when photographing people. The shallow depth of field and excellent performance also make this lens a brilliant tool for videography.
Voigtländer Nokton 23mm f/1.2 Lens
Disadvantages of the Voigtländer Nokton 23mm f/1.2 Lens
Manual Focus: Like most Voigtländer lenses, the Nokton 23mm f/1.2 is entirely manual. While manual focusing provides creative control and a sense of connection with your camera, it can be a steep learning curve for photographers accustomed to the convenience of autofocus systems. Achieving precise focus, especially at f/1.2, takes practice and patience.
Hefty Price Tag: The optical quality of the Voigtländer Nokton 23mm f/1.2 comes at a cost. The price is much more than similar lenses, even more than some auto-focusing lenses, but that’s balanced by the inherent value of the f/1.2 aperture. While it’s not a lens for the budget-conscious photographer, the investment is undoubtedly worth it for professionals and enthusiasts seeking top-tier performance.
Weight and Size: The lens’s premium build quality also means that it’s relatively heavy compared to some other prime lenses. While this might not be a significant concern for many photographers, those who prefer a lightweight and compact setup might find the Nokton’s bulk a drawback during extended shooting sessions or while travelling.
Not Weather Sealed: Weather sealing would have helped protect this lens from environmental factors such as dust and moisture. Not having this protection means it’s at risk from particles entering the lens and camera body, which could damage internal components. If you often shoot in adverse weather conditions, you must take precautions, such as using lens hoods and protective covers to shield your equipment from the elements.
Advantages of the TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 Lens
Affordability: TTArtisan lenses are generally well-regarded for their optical quality, especially given their price point. The f/1.4 aperture offers good low-light performance and a shallow depth of field. It’s popular among amateur photographers seeking an affordable wide-angle prime lens. As an entry-level option with a wide aperture, it provides exceptional value for money.
Versatility: With an f/1.4 maximum aperture, this lens offers a versatile solution for photographers. It strikes an excellent balance between low-light performance and depth of field control. The f/1.4 aperture is ideal for many scenarios, making it a go-to lens for street photography, travel, and everyday shooting. It can easily handle various lighting conditions, making it a worthwhile addition to your camera bag.
Related Post: TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 Review
The 23mm focal length is considered a ‘wide normal’ on many mirrorless cameras. It’s helpful in many photography genres, including street photography, environmental portraits, and landscapes. It won’t add significant bulk to your camera setup, making it suitable for travel and everyday photography. While the TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 lens might not have the optical excellence of the Nokton, it still delivers commendable quality. The lens’s wide aperture allows for pleasing background blur, giving your photos a touch of artistic flair.
Solid Build: TTArtisan lenses have durable construction, and this lens can withstand the rigours of regular use. It’s a reliable companion for constantly moving photographers who need gear to keep up with their adventures. With its retro look and manageable weight of 238 grams, it appeals to enthusiasts who want a walk-around lens. The aperture range is f/1.4 to f/16. It clicks in half-stops from f/1.4 to f/4 and full stops from f/4 to f/16. The focus ring is well-dampened and has smooth traction.
TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 Lens
Disadvantages of the TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 Lens
Not as Bright in Low Light: While f/1.4 is reasonable for low-light photography, it can’t match the performance of the Nokton’s f/1.2 aperture. If you often shoot in challenging lighting situations, this lens might leave you wanting more.
Manual Focus Only: As with the Nokton, the TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 is a fully manual lens. While manual focusing provides creative control and precision, there may be better choices for those relying heavily on autofocus systems, such as fast-paced photography scenarios.
Image Quality Gap: While the TTArtisan lens delivers good image quality, there’s a discernable difference compared to the premium optics of the Nokton. For discerning photographers who demand the absolute best, the TTArtisan lens might feel slightly lacking in comparison. Images may seem dull and not as sharp as the Voigtländer lens. Working with entry-level glass means spending more time in post-processing to improve results. Barrel distortion is evident on this lens. Corner sharpness is poor at f/1.4 and improves slightly at f/2.8 and f/4. The highest quality is around the optimal settings of f/5.6 and f/8.
Not Weather Sealed: The TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 lens lacks weather sealing, placing it at a disadvantage when shooting in adverse conditions. The lens is vulnerable to moisture, dust, and environmental elements without this protective feature.
This restricts its usability in rainy or dusty environments, as exposure to these elements can damage internal components. Weather sealing is a crucial safeguard for preserving a lens’s longevity and reliability, making the absence of this feature a drawback for photographers who require durability and versatility in various shooting conditions.
No EXIF Data: The TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 lens does not have electronic contacts for transferring EXIF information to the camera. This would add extra cost but is a disadvantage for those who like to review images and data to compare results during post-production.
Which One is Best for You?
If you enjoy having complete control over your photography, manual focusing will not be an issue; therefore, either of these lenses will add value to your photography. But which lens is best? As with most areas of life, you get what you pay for. If you like creating compelling bokeh, they’ll both do the job, but the more expensive Voigtländer has a vibrancy and sharpness that can’t be matched by the TTartisan lens.
If you’re a professional or an enthusiast willing to invest in premium image quality, unbeatable low-light performance, and artistic depth, the Voigtländer Nokton 23mm f/1.2 is a clear choice. If you’re budget-conscious and appreciate a versatile lens, the TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 is the better option. It offers commendable image quality, solid construction, and affordability, making it an attractive choice for many photographers.
