UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

TESTING MY 40mm LENS

The Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) campus at Grangegorman represents a significant transformation in Dublin's urban landscape and higher education provision. Located on a historic site near the city center, it's a modern, vibrant hub for learning, research, and innovation.

Key Points:

Repurposed Heritage: The campus incorporates several beautifully restored heritage buildings, blending the old with the new and preserving the site's historical significance.
State-of-the-art Facilities: Modern buildings house cutting-edge laboratories, studios, workshops, and teaching spaces, providing an exceptional learning environment.
Central Plaza: The heart of the campus, a spacious plaza, fosters a sense of community and serves as a venue for events and gatherings.
Sustainability Focus: The campus is designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating energy-efficient technologies and green spaces.
Accessibility: The campus prioritizes inclusivity with accessible facilities and infrastructure.
Cultural Hub: The campus houses cultural amenities, including a theatre, art gallery, and exhibition spaces, promoting a vibrant arts scene.
Community Integration: The campus engages with the local community through various initiatives and partnerships.


A few years ago I purchased a Voigtlander the day before I travelled to Belfast and unfortunately had a very bad fall damaging three ribs and as the the lens took much of the impact the camera and the lens were damaged and since then I had not really used the lens. If the Voigtlander was less well built it would have been destroyed.

Now in September 2024 as I plan to purchase new equipment in late 2025 or early 2026 I am trying to decide what lenses I should keep.

The Voigtlander 40mm f/1.2 Nokton SE for Sony E-mount is a lens that blends classic aesthetics with modern technology, appealing to photographers who appreciate the feel of manual focus and exceptional image quality.

Key features and advantages:

Fast f/1.2 Aperture: This wide aperture excels in low-light conditions and enables beautiful bokeh, making subjects pop against smoothly blurred backgrounds.
 
Sharp Optics: The lens delivers stunning image quality, with excellent sharpness and contrast.  
Manual Focus: The precise manual focus ring provides a tactile and engaging shooting experience.  
Solid Construction: The lens is built to last, with a durable all-metal construction that feels reassuringly solid in the hand.
Compact Size: The lens is relatively compact and lightweight, making it a great choice for everyday carry and travel photography.
Full-frame Compatibility: The lens is designed for Sony's full-frame E-mount cameras but also works perfectly on APS-C bodies, offering a versatile 60mm equivalent focal length.  
Electronic Communication: The lens features electronic contacts that communicate with the camera, enabling features like focus peaking and EXIF data recording.  
Who is it for?

This lens is ideal for photographers who:

Enjoy the hands-on experience of manual focus.
Value exceptional image quality and bokeh.
Shoot in low-light conditions.
Appreciate a well-built, compact lens.
Want a versatile prime lens for various genres, including portraits, street photography, and landscapes.

Potential considerations:

Manual Focus: Photographers used to autofocus may need some time to adapt to manual focus.
Price: The lens is relatively expensive compared to some autofocus alternatives.
No image stabilisation: The lens lacks built-in image stabilisation, which can be a consideration for handheld shooting in low light.
Overall, the Voigtlander 40mm f/1.2 Nokton SE is a fantastic lens that offers a unique blend of performance, character, and build quality. If you're looking for a premium manual focus lens with exceptional image quality and a fast aperture, this lens is definitely worth considering. [Note: I intend to keep it]