§ 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
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?
- 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
| Specification | Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH. | Mitakon Speedmaster 50 mm f/0.95 Mark III (Leica M) |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50mm | 50mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/0.95 | f/0.95 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 700 g (24.69 oz) | 675 g (23.81 oz) ◆ |
| Dimensions | 73 x 75.1 mm | 75 x 88 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 1 m (39.37 inches) | 1 m (3.3 ft) |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture ring | Yes | No |
| Aperture blades | — | 9 |
| Optical construction | 8 elements / 5 groups | 11 elements / 8 groups |
| Filter size | 60 mm ◆ | 67 mm |
| Lens mount | Leica M | Leica M |
| Released | 2008 | 2021 |
04
Size
- 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
Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH.
Mitakon Speedmaster 50 mm f/0.95 Mark III (Leica M)
06
Video reviews
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



