§ 03 Head to head

Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH. vs Mitakon Speedmaster 50 mm f/0.95 Mark III (Leica M)

Leica 50mm f/0.95 is 13 mm shorter. Mitakon 50mm f/0.95 is 25 g lighter.

Both lenses are made for the Leica M mount: the Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH. is a 50mm f/0.95 prime, and the Mitakon Speedmaster 50 mm f/0.95 Mark III (Leica M) is a 50mm f/0.95 prime. On paper the Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH. comes out ahead, 3 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.

01

Key differences

From manufacturer specifications

Why is the Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH. better than the Mitakon Speedmaster 50 mm f/0.95 Mark III (Leica M)?

  • 13 mm shorter (75.1 mm vs 88 mm long)
  • Has a physical aperture ring
  • Smaller filter thread (60 mm vs 67 mm)

Why is the Mitakon Speedmaster 50 mm f/0.95 Mark III (Leica M) better than the Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH.?

  • 25 g lighter (675 g vs 700 g)
  • Newer design (2021 vs 2008)
02

Which should you buy?

By use
  • portrait For portrait photography, the Mitakon Speedmaster 50 mm f/0.95 Mark III (Leica M) has the edge: it is 25 g lighter to carry.
03

Specification

15 rows · better value flagged ◆
SpecificationLeica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH.Mitakon Speedmaster 50 mm f/0.95 Mark III (Leica M)
Focal length50mm 50mm
Maximum aperturef/0.95 f/0.95
Minimum aperturef/16 f/16
Lens typePrime lens Prime lens
FormatFull frame Full frame
Weight700 g (24.69 oz) 675 g (23.81 oz) ◆
Dimensions73 x 75.1 mm 75 x 88 mm
Minimum focusing distance1 m (39.37 inches) 1 m (3.3 ft)
Image stabilizationNo No
Aperture ringYes No
Aperture blades—9
Optical construction8 elements / 5 groups 11 elements / 8 groups
Filter size60 mm ◆67 mm
Lens mountLeica M Leica M
Released2008 2021
04

Size

Drawn to relative scale
  • A · Leica
  • B · Mitakon
  • 75.1 × 73 mm
  • 88 × 75 mm

The Mitakon Speedmaster 50 mm f/0.95 Mark III (Leica M) is 13 mm longer and 25 g lighter than the Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH..

05

Sample frames

Shot on each lens

Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH.

Hell Cafe, Yongsan, Seoul, Korea
Hell Cafe, Yongsan, Seoul, Korea by Plan R
Catching The Mood
Catching The Mood by Roy Prasad
Leeum Museum of Art, Yongsan, Seoul, Korea
Leeum Museum of Art, Yongsan, Seoul, Korea by Plan R
Leeum Museum of Art, Yongsan, Seoul, Korea
Leeum Museum of Art, Yongsan, Seoul, Korea by Plan R

Mitakon Speedmaster 50 mm f/0.95 Mark III (Leica M)

垣
垣 by USACo2021
USA_8559
USA_8559 by USACo2021
盆栽
盆栽 by USACo2021
お花見
お花見 by USACo2021
06

Video reviews

4 on YouTube
Video thumbnail for Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH. review 1
Video thumbnail for Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH. review 2
Video thumbnail for Mitakon Speedmaster 50 mm f/0.95 Mark III (Leica M) review 1
Video thumbnail for Mitakon Speedmaster 50 mm f/0.95 Mark III (Leica M) review 2
07

Questions

Which is lighter, the Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH. or the Mitakon Speedmaster 50 mm f/0.95 Mark III (Leica M)?
The Mitakon Speedmaster 50 mm f/0.95 Mark III (Leica M) weighs 675 g, 25 g less than the Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH. (700 g).
Do the Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH. and the Mitakon Speedmaster 50 mm f/0.95 Mark III (Leica M) have image stabilization?
No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
Is the Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH. or the Mitakon Speedmaster 50 mm f/0.95 Mark III (Leica M) better for portrait photography?
For portrait photography, the Mitakon Speedmaster 50 mm f/0.95 Mark III (Leica M) has the edge: it is 25 g lighter to carry.
08

Other comparisons