Under construction
I am not geared up for serious lens tests, just keep that in mind... Here goes -
As far as normal day to day photography goes, and as far as my non judging eyes can tell, the lens, optically is as good as the other Nikon primes that I own (the AF-D 50mm f/1.8 and a 35mm f/2.0). But of course that does not mean much, only that the lens isn't a total disaster.
I've took the time to prepare and print some resolution charts, took a few test shots at apertures of 3.5 and 8.0, and did the same with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED zoom lens (the one that came as a kit lens with the D70).
All tests done on the Nikon D70 body.
As you'll see below, resolution charts do reveal some slight differences between the lenses, that I could not notice while shooting the occasional landscape or other abstract photos.
I was trying to set the Nikon to 20mm (i.e. rotated the zoom ring just a little towards the longer focal ranges, however, the EXIF headers still indicate the shots were taken at a focal length of 18mm.
As far as normal day to day photography goes, and as far as my non judging eyes can tell, the lens, optically is as good as the other Nikon primes that I own (the AF-D 50mm f/1.8 and a 35mm f/2.0). But of course that does not mean much, only that the lens isn't a total disaster.
I've took the time to prepare and print some resolution charts, took a few test shots at apertures of 3.5 and 8.0, and did the same with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED zoom lens (the one that came as a kit lens with the D70).
All tests done on the Nikon D70 body.
As you'll see below, resolution charts do reveal some slight differences between the lenses, that I could not notice while shooting the occasional landscape or other abstract photos.
I was trying to set the Nikon to 20mm (i.e. rotated the zoom ring just a little towards the longer focal ranges, however, the EXIF headers still indicate the shots were taken at a focal length of 18mm.
Sharpness test, f/3.5
Sharpness test, f/8.0
Resolution chart tests - conclusion
These tests are far from being accurate. I could not hold the charts 100% flat, and lighting was not optimal (used available light).
Yet, I think they do provide some basis for comparison, and it seems that, when corner sharpness is concern, the Voigtlander is somewhat inferior to the Nikon 18-70mm, set at 18mm.
Yet, I think they do provide some basis for comparison, and it seems that, when corner sharpness is concern, the Voigtlander is somewhat inferior to the Nikon 18-70mm, set at 18mm.