Updating a classic for today's imaging standards, the Nokton 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical from Voigtlander is a fast normal-length lens for M-mount rangefinder cameras. Distinguished by its bright f/1.2 maximum aperture, this lens excels in low-light conditions and also offers enhanced control over depth of field. The advanced optical design incorporates a pair of aspherical elements and one partial dispersion elements, which, together, help to suppress both spherical and chromatic aberrations for greater sharpness, clarity, and color rendering. Additionally, its manual focus design permits working with subjects as close as 2.3' away, and the 12-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality.
- Leica M-Mount Lens
- Aperture Range: f/1.2 to f/22
- Two Aspherical Elements
- One Partial Dispersion Element
Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical Overview
Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical Specs
Focal Length | 50mm |
Maximum Aperture | f/1.2 |
Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
Lens Mount | Leica M |
Angle of View | 47.5° |
Minimum Focus Distance | 2.3' / 70 cm |
Optical Design | 8 Elements in 6 Groups |
Diaphragm Blades | 12 |
Focus Type | Manual Focus |
Filter Size | 52 mm (Front) |
Dimensions (ø x L) | 2.49 x 1.93" / 63.3 x 49 mm |
Weight | 12.1 oz / 344 g |
Package Weight | 1.085 lb |
Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 5.3 x 4.45 x 4.45" |
Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical Reviews
Wonderfully rounded portrait lens
Smooth color and shade gradients. Beautiful bokeh. Sharp, but not harsh. Well built. Nice portrait lens.
Bests My Leica Summicron. Simply Amazing.
My Leica 50mm f/2.0 Summicron was purchased new decades ago, and it's produced some great sharp images over the years. However, a faster 50 has always intrigued me and I've been very pleased with other Voigtlander lenses in my collection and so I purchased their f/1.1 but was greatly disappointed in its image quality, even stopped down considerably, and so I sold it. I've read great things about its slightly smaller successor and so took the plunge again. As soon as it arrived I did a comparison test between my Summicron and this new Nokton, using my standard test subject (stuffed animal on a bookshelf flanked by books with titles showing on bindings) and a well-grounded tripod. Starting at the same f/2.0 aperture, I was shocked that the Nokton's central sharpness was actually a tad better with better contrast. Edge sharpness was very good, even at f/2.0. I then cranked it fully open to f/1.2 and was amazed that the central sharpness was still there and the edges were quite good as well. When the aperture was gradually closed down to f/22 there was absolutely no focus shift along the way and image quality actually improved a bit to f/8-11. Voigtlander has gotten it right this time. As usual for Voigtlander, its nearly all-metal construction is top notch, and the aperture stops are positive and the focusing ring broad and scalloped and operates smoothly. As should be obvious by now, I couldn't be happier with the quality of construction and performance of this lens. This one is definitely a keeper.
Simply outstanding!
Using it on my Leica M10 Monochrom and it delivers brilliant results even And especially wide open. Build quality is first rate. Wish it came with a lens hood instead of that being a 110 dollar extra. Ended up purchasing a 52mm Sensei Pro for under 10 bucks and a 58mm snap on cover for under 5 bucks: Perfect solution. Need to use a filter? Add one between lens and hood. Use the hood to rotate a polarizer... The focus ring is as smooth as they come. Throw is perfect. Price performance is hard to beat, seriously!!
Great Lens
This is a great sharp lens, I use it on the Leica M10-P and M10-Monochrom cameras. The price is right on target and rivals the more expensive lenses.
Best in class for the price.
I tried the 7artisans before this, and there is no comparison on the quality of the build. this is more expensive but it's a serious manufacturer whereas 7Artisans lets the calibration to you. Great at 1.2, but super sharp at 4 and so on. Great for night and portrait, nice contrast and sharpness but soft enough at 1.2. Small and light foes well with Leica or Sony A7 line.
Excellent value and performance on Leica M10
I have an M10 with 3 Leica lenses, but was drawn to the wide f/1.2 aperture and the value price point of the Nokton lens. I am very pleased, the build quality seems fantastic, and stopped down to say f5.6 results are difficult to distinguish between the Leica 50mm f2 and this lens. But then, being able to open it up to f1.2 is opening up possibilities of shooting in the evening hand held, and creating very shallow DOF. Excellent lens.
Beautiful lens
Great lens, softer wide open, but sharp and nice edge to edge sharpness when you stop down. It's a but heavier that the Summilux, but a very good plan b option.
Minimum focus distance and lens hood would have
The image quality of this lens is outstanding, especially when stopped down a little. In fact, when stopped down the sharpness is like a reproduction lens. CA, flare and vignetting are well controlled. The build is just exquisite, as with most Voigtlander lenses. The perfect combination of durability and elegance. There are only two reasons why I don't rate this a five. First, the minimum focusing distance is too far. It is at 2-4 times farther than any other 50mm I have used. And second is having to purchase a lens hood seperately. Seriously Voigtlander, including a lens hood is standard practice. Especially when you are paying this much for a lens.
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