Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.2 Aspherical IV

The Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.2 Aspherical IV is a manual focus wide-angle lens with the VM bayonet, compatible with Leica M. It is the fourth version of Voigtländer's long-running f/1.2 35 mm for rangefinder cameras. Cosina announced it in February 2025, and it was released in 2025. The lens covers full frame and also works on mirrorless cameras with an adapter.

Optical design

The lens has 9 elements in 7 groups with four aspherical surfaces. According to Cosina, a generous use of high refractive index glass lets the design reach both a high image quality standard and the large aperture of f/1.2. The diaphragm has 12 blades to make the opening as circular as possible, which Cosina says gives soft round out-of-focus highlights. The aperture closes down to f/22 and the angle of view is 61.5 degrees.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is manual through an all-metal helicoid with a smooth torque. The rangefinder coupling works down to 0.7 m, and the lens can be focused closer, down to 0.5 m, which Cosina points out is useful with live view. An optional bayonet hood, the LH-14, is made of metal and slit to reduce vignetting in a rangefinder camera. It can be mounted in reverse for carrying.

Build and size

The lens is 51.8 mm long, 61.8 mm in diameter and weighs 300 g, with a 52 mm filter thread. Cosina says the weight was reduced to 300 g through improved mechanical parts. It is sold in black.

Where it fits

The earlier version in the database is the Voigtlander 35mm F1.2 Nokton VM III at 332 g. Other fast 35 mm lenses for Leica M are the Leica Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH (416 g), the Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH (320 g), the Zeiss Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM (381 g) and the Thypoch Simera 35mm F1.4 (272 g). The Voigtlander 35mm F1.4 Nokton VM II (189 g) is lighter but slower at f/1.4. Version IV is the f/1.2 choice for those who want that aperture at a weight below the Summilux.

Pros and cons

Pros

• f/1.2 with 12 blades
• 300 g, lighter than the previous version
• Four aspherical surfaces and high refractive index glass
• Focuses down to 0.5 m
• Metal construction

Cons

• Manual focus only
• Hood is optional
• Heavier than f/1.4 alternatives such as the Nokton 35mm F1.4 VM II
• Black finish only

Verdict

The Nokton 35mm f/1.2 Aspherical IV is the current f/1.2 wide-angle standard from Voigtländer for Leica M and VM cameras. It suits photographers who want the fastest 35 mm in this system at a manageable weight, and it improves on the previous version mainly through lower weight.