Leica Noctilux-M 50 mm f/1.2 ASPH § 03 Head to head
Leica Noctilux-M 50 mm f/1.2 ASPH vs Voigtlander Nokton 50 mm f/1.2 Aspherical II VM
Leica 50mm f/1.2 is 11 mm shorter. Voigtlander 50mm f/1.2 focuses 30 cm closer.
Both lenses are made for the Leica M mount: the Leica Noctilux-M 50 mm f/1.2 ASPH is a 50mm f/1.2 prime, and the Voigtlander Nokton 50 mm f/1.2 Aspherical II VM is a 50mm f/1.2 prime. On paper they trade blows, with 3 advantages each.
Leica Noctilux-M 50 mm f/1.2 ASPH 
Voigtlander Nokton 50 mm f/1.2 Aspherical II VM 01
Key differences
Why is the Leica Noctilux-M 50 mm f/1.2 ASPH better than the Voigtlander Nokton 50 mm f/1.2 Aspherical II VM?
- 11 mm shorter (52 mm vs 63.3 mm long)
- More aperture blades (16 vs 12)
- Smaller filter thread (49 mm vs 52 mm)
Why is the Voigtlander Nokton 50 mm f/1.2 Aspherical II VM better than the Leica Noctilux-M 50 mm f/1.2 ASPH?
- Focuses 30 cm closer (0.7 m vs 1 m)
- Has a physical aperture ring
- Newer design (2025 vs 2021)
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Specification
| Specification | Leica Noctilux-M 50 mm f/1.2 ASPH | Voigtlander Nokton 50 mm f/1.2 Aspherical II VM |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50mm | 50mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.2 | f/1.2 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full frame |
| Weight | — | 322 g |
| Dimensions | 61 x 52 mm | 50.4 x 63.3 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 1 m (3.28 ft) | 0.7 m ◆ |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture ring | No | Yes |
| Aperture blades | 16 ◆ | 12 |
| Optical construction | 6 elements / 4 groups | 8 elements / 6 groups |
| Filter size | 49 mm ◆ | 52 mm |
| Lens mount | Leica M | Leica M |
| Released | 2021 | 2025 |
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Size
- A · Leica
- B · Voigtlander
- 52 × 61 mm
- 63.3 × 50.4 mm
The Voigtlander Nokton 50 mm f/1.2 Aspherical II VM is 11 mm longer than the Leica Noctilux-M 50 mm f/1.2 ASPH.
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Sample frames
Leica Noctilux-M 50 mm f/1.2 ASPH
Voigtlander Nokton 50 mm f/1.2 Aspherical II VM
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which focuses closer, the Leica Noctilux-M 50 mm f/1.2 ASPH or the Voigtlander Nokton 50 mm f/1.2 Aspherical II VM?
- The Voigtlander Nokton 50 mm f/1.2 Aspherical II VM focuses down to 0.7 m, against 1 m for the Leica Noctilux-M 50 mm f/1.2 ASPH.
- Do the Leica Noctilux-M 50 mm f/1.2 ASPH and the Voigtlander Nokton 50 mm f/1.2 Aspherical II VM have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
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