§ 03 Head to head
IBE Optics IBELUX 40 mm f/0.85 vs Voigtlander Nokton 42.5 mm f/0.95
IBE 40mm f/0.85 is 0.3 stops brighter maximum aperture. Voigtlander 42.5mm f/0.95 has a longer reach.
Both lenses are made for the Micro Four Thirds mount: the IBE Optics IBELUX 40 mm f/0.85 is a 40mm f/0.85 prime, and the Voigtlander Nokton 42.5 mm f/0.95 is a 42.5mm f/0.95 prime. On paper the Voigtlander Nokton 42.5 mm f/0.95 comes out ahead, 5 advantages to 3, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
01
Key differences
Why is the IBE Optics IBELUX 40 mm f/0.85 better than the Voigtlander Nokton 42.5 mm f/0.95?
- 0.3 stops brighter maximum aperture (f/0.85 vs f/0.95)
- Wider field of view (40mm vs 42.5mm)
- Covers a larger sensor format (APS-C vs Micro Four Thirds)
Why is the Voigtlander Nokton 42.5 mm f/0.95 better than the IBE Optics IBELUX 40 mm f/0.85?
- Longer reach (42.5mm vs 40mm)
- 629 g lighter (571 g vs 1200 g)
- 53 mm shorter (74.6 mm vs 128 mm long)
- Focuses 52 cm closer (0.23 m vs 0.75 m)
- Smaller filter thread (58 mm vs 67 mm)
02
Which should you buy?
- street For street photography, the Voigtlander Nokton 42.5 mm f/0.95 has the edge: it is 629 g lighter to carry.
- travel For travel, the Voigtlander Nokton 42.5 mm f/0.95 has the edge: it is 629 g lighter to carry.
- low-light For low-light shooting, the IBE Optics IBELUX 40 mm f/0.85 has the edge: its f/0.85 aperture gathers more light than f/0.95.
03
Specification
| Specification | IBE Optics IBELUX 40 mm f/0.85 | Voigtlander Nokton 42.5 mm f/0.95 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 40mm | 42.5mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/0.85 ◆ | f/0.95 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | APS-C | Micro Four Thirds |
| Weight | 1200 g (42.33 oz) | 571 g (20.14 oz) ◆ |
| Dimensions | 74 x 128 mm | 64.3 x 74.6 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.75 m (29.53 inches) | 0.23 m (9.06 inches) ◆ |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture ring | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture blades | 10 | 10 |
| Optical construction | 10 elements / 8 groups | 11 elements / 8 groups |
| Filter size | 67 mm | 58 mm ◆ |
| Lens mount | Micro Four Thirds, Sony E, Fujifilm X, Canon EF-M | Micro Four Thirds |
| Released | 2013 | 2013 |
04
Size
- A · IBE
- B · Voigtlander
- 128 × 74 mm
- 74.6 × 64.3 mm
The IBE Optics IBELUX 40 mm f/0.85 is 53 mm longer and 629 g heavier than the Voigtlander Nokton 42.5 mm f/0.95.
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Video reviews
07
Questions
- Which lens has the brighter aperture, the IBE Optics IBELUX 40 mm f/0.85 or the Voigtlander Nokton 42.5 mm f/0.95?
- The IBE Optics IBELUX 40 mm f/0.85 opens to f/0.85, against f/0.95 on the Voigtlander Nokton 42.5 mm f/0.95, 0.3 stops brighter.
- Which is lighter, the IBE Optics IBELUX 40 mm f/0.85 or the Voigtlander Nokton 42.5 mm f/0.95?
- The Voigtlander Nokton 42.5 mm f/0.95 weighs 571 g, 629 g less than the IBE Optics IBELUX 40 mm f/0.85 (1200 g).
- Which focuses closer, the IBE Optics IBELUX 40 mm f/0.85 or the Voigtlander Nokton 42.5 mm f/0.95?
- The Voigtlander Nokton 42.5 mm f/0.95 focuses down to 0.23 m, against 0.75 m for the IBE Optics IBELUX 40 mm f/0.85.
- Do the IBE Optics IBELUX 40 mm f/0.85 and the Voigtlander Nokton 42.5 mm f/0.95 have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the IBE Optics IBELUX 40 mm f/0.85 or the Voigtlander Nokton 42.5 mm f/0.95 better for street photography?
- For street photography, the Voigtlander Nokton 42.5 mm f/0.95 has the edge: it is 629 g lighter to carry.
- Is the IBE Optics IBELUX 40 mm f/0.85 or the Voigtlander Nokton 42.5 mm f/0.95 better for travel?
- For travel, the Voigtlander Nokton 42.5 mm f/0.95 has the edge: it is 629 g lighter to carry.