Panasonic Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm 1.2 ASPH - Red35 Review

[@Red35Photography]

I want a poll here, who uses the Nocticron and who use 45mm Olly pro and why? I use Olly Pro just because I prefer its rendering and for its weatherseals. Have a lovely week guys! Jimmy

[@vicibox]

Red35 Photography I use the Olly 45mm f1.8 because it is low glass compact light and has stunning 3D pop, it's a perfect lens for the Zoo; it's 90mm equivalent and with X2 digital crop button it's 180mm. Not interested in fast primes ;-)

[@davidsyw1]

I have the Nocticron since Jan/2018. I considered the Olympus 45mm f/1.2 Pro which is lower price. I wanted the sharpness which your other video assessed when comparing the two lenses. I also value the OIS in the Nocticron lens. Off topic: I want the PL 12mm f/1.4 lens which is ridiculously expensive. Not sure if IQ will be below the Nocticron (I have a suspicion it is based on reviews). I think lower IQ than Nocticron will just irk me. I looked at the Olympus 17mm f/1.2 Pro but assessing with my 12-35mm zoom, I will be restricted at 17mm vs 12mm for shooting situations I am considering. I read a rumor about an Olympus 12mm f/1.2 lens for 2018 announcement.

[@Red35Photography]

It's heard to ignore that both Panasonic-Leica are producing some amazing lenses and so do Olympus' pro offerings. I absolutely love the 17mm 1.2 and it's really sharp at all aperture range and still preserving classic rendering. 25mm is great but not as sharp against its little brother. I've heard about the 12mm but not sure it's coming anytime soon. I do own the 12mm 2.0 which is a great street lens

[@Red35Photography]

I will be doing the review on the 1.8 lenses soon :)

[@davidsyw1]

I shoot mostly with my Nocticron for portraits as well as other suitable scenarios which you pointed out in this video. When I need wide, mostly for videos, I use my Lumix 12-35mm f/2.8. However, I'm constantly reminded of higher IQ which I get with my Nocticron. Hence I want a 12mm prime - and I would like f/1.2 or f/1.4 because it is a good option to have for low light (e.g. indoor) shooting plus more bokeh.

[@denisgehlhaar8902]

Charlie ist such a nice co-moderator! Great Video! Because of your channel i parted myself from all the heavy full-frame stuff to get myself a much lighter M43 Set and i´m happy with it since then. Thanks a lot!

[@Red35Photography]

Cheers Denis! That's a compliment! Glad you enjoy our channel! Have a wonderful day.

[@ayanamirei348]

I am using em1 mk2 and love with all Pana Leica lenses series. I have 15mm ,25mm and ,42.5 mm Love the feel of its color. Just feel bad that's not weather seal for the price, but OK , my model and I wouldn't in the rain anyway.

[@Red35Photography]

Ayanami Rei haha, yeah that’s fine. However, I do shoot in the rain a lot with my clients and even travel and vlogging, hence I use Olympus Pro lenses more.

[@indraneilbiswas]

I am a Nikon and Fuji shooter and despite that I watch your videos, your presentation is way better and I get to know more and more about Olympus :)

[@ddiver7908]

Amazing, simply amazing work from Red and of course, Charlie!!! This video made my day!

[@Red35Photography]

Aww, thanks Ducky!! Have a very nice day! Here in London is very sunny and hot!

[@markjameshq4439]

Great video guys, this lens has been in my sights for a while now :)

[@SpaceSignaaL]

The thing is , it can be a problem to use it on small bodies? I own a G100 which is really small , I would like this lens because of the IS , so that do you think

[@hfiling]

Red 35, have you shoot with the Voigtlander 42.5mm f/.95. How do compare the PL 42.5mm f1.2 and Olly 45mm f1.2 with it?

[@chrishuang8763]

Beautiful model and lens. Very nice rendering.

[@Red35Photography]

Cheers Chris, indeed it does have something special!

[@gregorypease213]

Jimmy, I really enjoy your videos, but never quite as much as when you work with Charli. She's just all round lovely, and you capture her beauty in a very natural and comfortable way. You guys seem to have fun, which is important, and comes through in the images. Nice to see her get behind the camera a bit, too; she's got a good eye. Watch out, though. She might start her own photography channel if you're not careful. ;)

[@Red35Photography]

Hahah thanks Gregory! Yeah she can take over and I can rest :)

[@JonsDiary]

This girl....her looks is just a plus over everything else

[@PoloFlama69]

Is this a widescreen lens?

[@artistjoh]

The Oly 45 1.2 has better bokeh, but the Nocticron has more pop. It has that characteristic Leica rapid drop off from the focus point, and has better contrast than the Oly. In many ways the Nocticron is better suited for black and white, and the Oly for color. The Nocticron is a street photography type of lens, especially for night street shooting. It is a very revealing lens, it draws truths and is a great reportage lens. I like it, but for portraits I prefer the Panny 42.5 f1.7, or the Oly 45 1.2 I do like that pop though. But then I love the way the 1.7 can get close and intimate.

[@missti9012]

For that price it should be weather resistant.

[@raymondekruijff7675]

Do u use the stabilizer in the lens or in the body when you using a Lumix lens on your Olympus or OM System? I was wondering what is working better, the stabilizer in the body or the stabilizer in the lens?

[@PW-pb2lo]

After using this for a while, under room light, it would be extremely sharp for the focus point but focus falls off in a small distance. Had to use focus stacking in post processing. Wish Olympus support in camera focus stacking for this lens.

[@Imaginelotus]

What camera was used to record this?

[@Red35Photography]

Olympus E-M1 Mark II

[@Imaginelotus]

@@Red35Photography beautiful image

[@NoBodysGamer]

Would you recommend the 42.5mm or the 25mm lens if I want to start doing 4k Product Videos, using Photo box with artificial lighting, it can be as small as CPU to as big as Router or Playstation 4? Or maybe one of the Zoom lenses like Olympus M.Zuiko digital ED 12-50mm 3.5-6.3 EZ ED MSC, it has Macro, power zoom and maybe it can workhorse to replace all lenses? Right now I have the small power zoom 12-42 panasonic lens, its OK but I want something more quality and better suited for Product photography.

[@Red35Photography]

Ok, that depends on if you need to get close to the product. If you are already considering 42.5mm focal length, why not have a look at Olympus 60mm 2.8 macro? It's swiss army knife lens and flexible enough for close up. The downside is that manual focus is a pain (all macro lenses are). But if you are looking at a more practical lens, 25mm is better and has ok close focusing distant compare to 42.5mm They are both sharper than the 12-50 and also faster (aperture) too. Ultimately, you may want to have a pro series lens. Olympus 12-40 2.8 Pro is sharp and versatile, weather seal and has a manual focus clutch that's great for video shooters.

[@Bigfarmer8]

This was so very enjoyable!!! :-) Some awesome photos in thtat video as well!

[@Red35Photography]

Thanks mate!! Much appreciated!

[@MichaelWynneCAS]

glad I found this channel, great content.

[@Red35Photography]

Cheers Michael!! Much appreciated your support mate! Have a nice day!

[@sagatacity]

Is there any silver version ??!

[@swiftdetecting]

Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm 1.2 or the Panasonic 1.7 version ?

[@Red35Photography]

Nocticron is special, but you pay for it.

[@harryniedecken5321]

The nokticon lives on my G9. While they seem similar in many ways, it's completely different in terms of color rendering and image. This is especially true if you are taking a photo of a wave breaking over a rock. I know that sounds like a crazy test but it is literally why I stayed with film until this combination.

[@davidsyw1]

It's good to point out front heaviness for small camera bodies. But for the IQ, what is the alternative? The Olympus 45mm is 410g vs 425g for the Nocticron.

[@Red35Photography]

IQ is really subjective unless you are looking at lab tests. A photographer chases the look that most suit their style o of photography which many ignore. Yes, there are bad lenses out there but for like-for-like, I just prefer the slightly longer Olly, and a better protected against elements. But damn that sexy looking Nocticron!

[@hh83917]

How does this compare to the new M.Zuiko ED 45mm f1.2 PRO lens?

[@Red35Photography]

We have done a comparison video already. Check the description for link (there's also one in the video too)

[@B4f189]

I cant decide between the Nocticron or the Olympus pro for my G9... Is the Focus experience better with a Pana Lens on my G9? Or is the Olympus the same?

[@Red35Photography]

Well, if you are talking about sheer speed, native lenses will always be slightly better. But in terms of accuracy, there will be no difference. Mine you, Olympus Pro lenses are weather sealed and the Nocticron isn't. Rendering can also be very different. Some prefers Nocticron, I prefer Oly... but it's a personal taste thing. Oh, if you shoot video a lot, Oly's manual clutch is pretty cool!

[@B4f189]

Red35 Photography thank you

[@amoxintubeu]

How do you post-process your photos? I like the color tone very much. Do you use a filter? I find your photos in every clip I watched always look the same.

[@Red35Photography]

Thanks mate for appreciating my photos and colours. I don't use a filter but I then to process my photos the same way using my own presets on Lightroom.

[@WooP505]

The colors here are really great! What profile did you use and is it also because of the lens?

[@Red35Photography]

Thanks mate. I use my own preset and I edited my photos. The lens has high contrast but it's irrelevant when shoot in RAW.

[@HenryStradford]

16:35 I think your edible just kicked in... 😆

[@HenryStradford]

#moreCHARLI!

[@Makta972]

Nice shots. I really don't think this lens is sharper than the zuiko 75 f 1.8 tho. The sharpest lens I've used is the 150 f/2 shg. The zuiko has that same clinical rendering, just not as sharp. A portrait session between this 2 lenses ( Pana 42.5 vs 75 f1.8) would be very interesting

[@Red35Photography]

Cheers mate. I do agree the older 4/3 lenses and they are legendary. I love my 35-100 f/2 and it's spectacular to say the least. Yeah, the 75mm and 42.5mm are both clinical unlike the 45mm pro, which is more... classic which I much prefer!

[@johnnymossville]

I think one key selling point is if you need a stabilized lens go for the Leica, if not and/or you have ibis, definitely cross shop the olympus.

[@Red35Photography]

Well said and thanks for pointing out. I actually forgot to mention the IS on the lens since I only use Olympus bodies and I never had to worry about IS on the lens except my Canon and Leica days.

[@xx0746]

Charli is so beautiful😍😍👏🏻

[@jameswilson9011]

she need to hit the gym tho

[@psysword]

@@jameswilson9011 haha😊

[@ruff1draft]

Love the photo

[@Began2011]

Cost to much to not be weather sealed. Definitely would get the 45 Olympus 1.2 over it.

[@JustlifeTomSandraYordi]

Watt a nice lens cant the lens work white the ronins S follow focus

[@mikewhiles4635]

Cool and a great review too 😎😎😎

[@Red35Photography]

Thanks Mike!!!

[@CeritaFour]

now we're talking!

[@gbharani1977]

Is that a penf?

[@Red35Photography]

Yes it's the PEN-F :) I love it!

[@w.w.7148]

He already mentioned it in the video. Why do you ask?

[@luken6639]

Best and Sharpest is the Oly 45mm F1.2

[@gonzaloguana5752]

Sorry Jimmy, love Charleen! Okay, okay, I love Olympus too.

[@snippephotography1913]

There is also a 1.7 plastic fantastic cheaper choice. #lumixwalk

[@Red35Photography]

Yes there are, in respective Panasonic and Olympus camp.

[@AngelicaLin]

Good shot 👍👍👍😊🙏🌹

[@Red35Photography]

Thanks Angelica x

[@w.w.7148]

Oh my god... the lens is too sharp!

[@Red35Photography]

Cheers mate!!! Enjoy your day

[@CeritaFour]

charlie has broad shoulders maybe she can do sportswear?

[@LuposVoice]

TO SMALL Camera for this BIG LENS!!! Charleen is MORE BEAUTIFUL than this Lens!!! LOVE HER!!! ;-)

[@innote9314]

I think M43 lens are way to expensive，Full frame equivalent 85mm F2.4，in terms of Bokeh，it should be half the price

[@timopomer]

but its not priced for bokeh. its priced for aperture. which is a true f1.2. if you want bokeh. simply compress the background instead of using a larger sensor

[@flakeu]

The light gathering is still 1.2 just like on FF, built quality feels premium, sharpness is excellent.. It's way too simplistic to judge a lens looking at the price and full frame equivalent bokeh

[@vicibox]

These lenses make me dispair, they have none of the qualities I look for in a lens. As you say, its designed for a purpose and for that its spectacular; its a look i profoundly hate. The Olympus Pro lenses are even worse, at least Leica has had a restraining effect on Panasonic and kept the glass down to 14 elements but even with this I can see the deadening effect on rendering even visible on your video, it is that pronounced. It is hard to guage of course because you never take images with much depth, they are all fashionably shallow; if you must test lenses please take a few in a space so we can see how well the lens renders, a couple of hyperfocal shots wouldnt hurt you would it? Myself I wouldnt trade my MFT Olympus f1.8 and Lumix f1.7 primes for any of these wonder toys, they are in a different league and even give my Leica Summicron and Summilux lenses a run for their money, they completely blew away my Nikons, which is high praise indeed. My sadness is that this fashion is creeping into lenses everywhere and it isnt a good sign. I can see that high glass lenses are easier and cheaper to make (who can forget that a Leica 50mm Noctilux only has 6 elements and costs £12500) but we lose a lot for a slight gain in bokeh (which I hate with a passion) and it shows in peoples images. If you must have Bokeh (shudder) get a f1.8 lens with a longer focal length; I would take the Olympus 75mm f1.8 over any of these soulless lifeless creations any day, and as for handling it would be far better on my lovely GX9 especially since i added the grip ;-)

[@Red35Photography]

Vici Martynov Haha, Vici, I take your points but I must stress that people who are interested in this lens (and there are many) that they are not looking at depth. I shoot street a lot and hyperfocal is always my way of shooting with my M or PEN-F. Having said that though, people are drawn towards ‘bokeh’ these days regardless. Thanks to our famous KZbinr Kai who made Bokeh like the ‘hollygrail’ of optical design. I always say that we need to use DoF for artistic purposes. I shot everything with either 1.2 or 1.8 in this simply because to most untrained eyes, stopping down won’t say much to them, and they like to see ‘Bokeh’. Then again, it depends on what you shoot, for many pros, like myself, I do use 1.2 a lot in low light, not for bokeh sake but for genuine reasons, just like back in film days with restrict film speed. 1.8 and 1.7 lenses are equally capable and much smaller but for me, I take 1.2 any days for my jobs (unless I am doing some less hostile documentary or travel shoots).

[@vicibox]

Well I have been shooting film since 1956 when my father stuck his Rolleiflex in my hands, all my life I have been shooting Zeiss or Nikkor f1.8 classic glass; I was so put off by my recent Nikkor G glass that I bought an adapter and took my lovely D primes to Leica. If I want excitement I use my GX9. Really I have seen it all and am perplexed by the lazy habit of bokeh, there wasnt even a word for it last century. I think its revealing that the greats using Medium Format Hasselblads (my father took society weddings on a Kalart 5x4 Press cut film and took as much trouble over the background as teh dress) manage to get wide DoF and use it creatively, yet modern wannabees have small sensors and want less. Myself I am as interested in teh background as the foreground, I take hyperfocal panaramic street crowds , I need to see the backgound or there is no picture and all my primes have low glass and render an image so alive i feel I can walk around in it. Modern glass leaves me bored. I do like your videos though ;-)

[@joelwylde]

@@vicibox what old lenses you like when adapted to your mtf camera?

[@vicibox]

@@joelwylde I only adapt classic lenses to my APS Leica TL2; I bought it for that purpose because of the larger sensor. Full frame lenses are a bit too long for a small sensor. I only use native Panasonic and Olympus on my GX9.

[@ekjellgren]

@@vicibox May I ask which lenses (native) you like for the GX9?