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Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical Lens

BH #VO5012M • MFR #BA348A
Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical Lens
Key Features
  • Leica M-Mount Lens
  • Aperture Range: f/1.2 to f/22
  • Two Aspherical Elements
  • One Partial Dispersion Element
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.
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$949.00
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Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical Overview

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.

Fast f/1.2 maximum aperture benefits working in low-light conditions and also enables greater control over focus position for selective focus applications.
Two aspherical elements are incorporated at the front and the rear of the eight elements, six groups construction, and helps to limit spherical aberrations and distortions for improved sharpness and accurate rendering.
One partial dispersion element is featured in the optical design, and helps to minimize color fringing and chromatic aberrations in order to achieve higher clarity and color fidelity.
Manual focus design enables a minimum focusing distance of 2.3', and a rangefinder cam enables coupled focusing with M-mount rangefinder cameras.
A 12-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing out-of-focus quality when working with shallow depth of field techniques.

Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical Specs

Focal Length50mm
Maximum Aperturef/1.2
Minimum Aperturef/22
Lens MountLeica M
Angle of View47.5°
Minimum Focus Distance2.3' / 70 cm
Optical Design8 Elements in 6 Groups
Diaphragm Blades12
Focus TypeManual Focus
Filter Size52 mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L)2.49 x 1.93" / 63.3 x 49 mm
Weight12.1 oz / 344 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight1.085 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)5.3 x 4.45 x 4.45"

Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical Reviews

Wonderfully rounded portrait lens

By Vincent
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-08-24

Smooth color and shade gradients. Beautiful bokeh. Sharp, but not harsh. Well built. Nice portrait lens.

Bests My Leica Summicron. Simply Amazing.

By Albert
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-08-16

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!

By Michael
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-04-04

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

By Leah
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-03-25

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.

By Gonzalo
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-01-07

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

By John
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2019-12-11

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

By Gonzalo
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-01-05

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

By Jason
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2020-08-23

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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How sharp is this lens? Is it on the soft side or ...

How sharp is this lens? Is it on the soft side or is it a very sharp lens?
Asked by: Robert
The Voigtlander Nikon 50mm f/1.2 is fantastically sharp!
Answered by: Jeremy
Date published: 2021-10-24

Will it work with Nikon D500 body?

Will it work with Nikon D500 body?
Asked by: Candice
No, only Leica M series cameras.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2021-01-29

Will it work on Leica Sl 1 with M Adapter ?

Will it work on Leica Sl 1 with M Adapter ?
Asked by: Bob K.
Yes, with an M-L adapter.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2020-10-13

Is the hood included in the package? The only ...

Is the hood included in the package? The only photo on this site is without hood.
Asked by: Gabriele
No, the hood is not included.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2021-01-21

Does this lens come with a finial ring to cover ...

Does this lens come with a finial ring to cover the bayonet mount for the hood?
Asked by: Darrell
The lens only comes with lens caps. The only thing that can cover the bayonet mount is with a metal lens hood which is sold separately for over $100.
Answered by: Chris
Date published: 2020-08-11

Will it work with a Leica M3?

Will it work with a Leica M3?
Asked by: Mathieu
Yes, works fine with the M3.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2020-06-29

Will this lens work on a Leica CL. Auto or manual ...

Will this lens work on a Leica CL. Auto or manual focus on CL? What adapter works?
Asked by: Carol
You will need a M to L mount and it will only be manual focus. You can view the options below; https://bhpho.to/35l9j3Y
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2019-12-13

Can it be used on Leica M5 body?

Can it be used on Leica M5 body?
Asked by: Fanyu
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