One of the most legendary lenses in Leica's M-mount lineup, the black Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH. is an ultra-fast normal-length prime characterized by its unique rendering quality, ability to isolate subject matter, and exceptional low-light performance. Based on a classic double Gauss optical design, the lens employs a pair of aspherical elements, anomalous partial dispersion glass, and high refractive index elements to produce the distinct subtle softness when working wide open while also delivering accurate color and minimal distortion. A floating elements system is also used to maintain consistent image quality throughout the focusing range, from 3.3' to infinity. Additionally, the lens features a built-in extendable lens hood and accepts 60mm threaded filters.
- Leica M-Mount Lens
- Aperture Range: f/0.95 to f/16
- Two Aspherical Elements
- Five Partial Dispersion Glass Elements
Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH. Overview
Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH. Specs
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Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH. Reviews
Perfect is as Perfect does
The most common question regarding this lens, especially given its price is, "Is this lens perfect?" Nothing is perfect and even the best of things are prone to one anomaly or another. So when you consider the cons associated with this lens - where to begin - price, size, weight, purple fringing; it might not be hard to make a case that this lens isn't worthy of a 5 rating. But this lens is like any other. It's a tool. And while a dime can be substituted for a screwdriver, a Craftsman tool would be a much better option. I shoot this lens wide open on my SL2-S and my M11. And I shoot it in B&W 99.9% of the time. And between those two bodies, using that film setting, the only con that is still in the conversation is price. And if price was your overall concern, you wouldn't be reading this review. Played to its strengths - this lens is a solid 10!
Spectacular!
Initially I was hesitant about this purchase and the price tag was the main reason but one can’t deny what a fast lens can do. It’s a typical high quality Leica lens that will bring me a lot of unforgettable photos!!
there is no better 50mm lens, Leica or otherwise
This is the pinnacle of 50mm photo lenses, and a lens any serious photography connoisseur should aim to own. The price is stratospheric but the resale is so good, that you can be assured of maintaining value over the long run. The color, contrast and depth of field is unrivaled, but the lens is an artists lens, not a technical lens.. it is anything but sterile in it's outputs.
Fantastic Lens
I dont think there is anything Ive come across like this lens especially when used at f/0.95. The bokeh is very smooth...Ive heard it equated to buttery which i would agree. I do have a UV filter to protect the lens. Minor issue - when I add an ND filter to it (cause you will most likely need a 3 or 6 stop filter since you are shooting with a really wide aperture) each time i unscrew it, it also unscrews the UV filter. Just a minor issue i am sure can be fixed to ensure the UV doesn't try to come off with the ND. Great lens overall.
Amazing!
If you are reading this, you are already in too deep. Buy it. You won’t regret it.
Outstanding! Images have a special and distinct look.
An amateur's perspective. I bought this lens, sold it thinking I wanted to free up some funds for other gear, and regretted it from that day forward . . . until I re-acquired it! There is just something special about the way that the lens draws; its images just stand out. I use it on the Leica SL so achieving focus is very attainable. It is a bit heavy and a tad unbalanced, but very manageable. I don't really understand those that complaint about its size and weight. (Perhaps it's more of an issue on the rangefinder M cameras). There are other fast lenses that come close to the Noctilux, certainly they can be found at much more affordable prices, but for me, there's just nothing like it!
the bomb~
Killer lens but it has a often purple fringing in high contrast situations!
Character like no other
I bought this lens seven years ago, and at the time I shot with it mounted to a Leica M9, the first digital M. When I could nail focus, the images it produced were breath-taking, but for me, focusing the lens wide open was difficult with the rangefinder. Fast forward a few years to the release of the Leica SL2 and it's highly effective electronic viewfinder, and the Noctilux adapted to that camera became much easier to focus. Combined with the SL2's incredible sensor, this lens is stellar with a character like no other. While it felt heavy on M cameras, it is a perfect match for the SL, and is my favorite combination of camera and lens, producing images that are truly unique. I can scroll through 15,000 photos I have stored on my computer, taken with dozens of camera/lens combinations, and pick them out from all the rest strictly by the character of the images. As a side benefit, the price has increased by 50% since I acquired my copy, but knowing what I know now, I would purchase it at its current price. It's that good.
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