Carl Zeiss C Sonnar T* 50 mm f/1.5 ZM § 03 Head to head
Carl Zeiss C Sonnar T* 50 mm f/1.5 ZM vs Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II
Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 is 52 g lighter.
Both lenses are made for the Leica M mount: the Carl Zeiss C Sonnar T* 50 mm f/1.5 ZM is a 50mm f/1.5 prime, and the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II is a 50mm f/1.5 prime. On paper the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II comes out ahead, 6 advantages to 0, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Carl Zeiss C Sonnar T* 50 mm f/1.5 ZM 
Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II 01
Key differences
Why is the Carl Zeiss C Sonnar T* 50 mm f/1.5 ZM better than the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II?
No measurable advantage on paper.
Why is the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II better than the Carl Zeiss C Sonnar T* 50 mm f/1.5 ZM?
- 52 g lighter (198 g vs 250 g)
- 8 mm shorter (36.9 mm vs 45 mm long)
- Focuses 20 cm closer (0.7 m vs 0.9 m)
- More aperture blades (12 vs 10)
- Smaller filter thread (43 mm vs 46 mm)
- Newer design (2020 vs 2006)
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Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II has the edge: it is 52 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Carl Zeiss C Sonnar T* 50 mm f/1.5 ZM | Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50mm | 50mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.5 | f/1.5 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 250 g (8.82 oz) | 198 g ◆ |
| Dimensions | 56 x 45 mm | 55.3 x 36.9 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.9 m (35.43 inches) | 0.7 m ◆ |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture ring | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture blades | 10 | 12 ◆ |
| Optical construction | 6 elements in 4 groups | 8 elements / 7 groups |
| Filter size | 46 mm | 43 mm ◆ |
| Lens mount | Leica M | Leica M |
| Released | 2006 | 2020 |
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Size
- A · Carl
- B · Voigtlander
- 45 × 56 mm
- 36.9 × 55.3 mm
The Carl Zeiss C Sonnar T* 50 mm f/1.5 ZM is 8 mm longer and 52 g heavier than the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II.
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Sample frames
Carl Zeiss C Sonnar T* 50 mm f/1.5 ZM
Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Carl Zeiss C Sonnar T* 50 mm f/1.5 ZM or the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II?
- The Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II weighs 198 g, 52 g less than the Carl Zeiss C Sonnar T* 50 mm f/1.5 ZM (250 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Carl Zeiss C Sonnar T* 50 mm f/1.5 ZM or the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II?
- The Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II focuses down to 0.7 m, against 0.9 m for the Carl Zeiss C Sonnar T* 50 mm f/1.5 ZM.
- Do the Carl Zeiss C Sonnar T* 50 mm f/1.5 ZM and the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Carl Zeiss C Sonnar T* 50 mm f/1.5 ZM or the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II has the edge: it is 52 g lighter to carry.