§ 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

From manufacturer specifications

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?

By use
  • 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

15 rows · better value flagged ◆
SpecificationIBE Optics IBELUX 40 mm f/0.85Voigtlander Nokton 42.5 mm f/0.95
Focal length40mm 42.5mm
Maximum aperturef/0.85 ◆f/0.95
Minimum aperturef/22 f/16
Lens typePrime lens Prime lens
FormatAPS-C Micro Four Thirds
Weight1200 g (42.33 oz) 571 g (20.14 oz) ◆
Dimensions74 x 128 mm 64.3 x 74.6 mm
Minimum focusing distance0.75 m (29.53 inches) 0.23 m (9.06 inches) ◆
Image stabilizationNo No
Aperture ringYes Yes
Aperture blades10 10
Optical construction10 elements / 8 groups 11 elements / 8 groups
Filter size67 mm 58 mm ◆
Lens mountMicro Four Thirds, Sony E, Fujifilm X, Canon EF-M Micro Four Thirds
Released2013 2013
04

Size

Drawn to relative scale
  • 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.

06

Video reviews

3 on YouTube
Video thumbnail for IBE Optics  IBELUX 40 mm f/0.85 review 1
Video thumbnail for Voigtlander Nokton 42.5 mm f/0.95 review 1
Video thumbnail for Voigtlander Nokton 42.5 mm f/0.95 review 2
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.