Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical II

The Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical II is a manual focus standard lens with the VM bayonet, compatible with Leica M. Cosina announced it in February 2025 together with the 35mm f/1.2 IV and 40mm f/1.2 II, and it was released in 2025. Cosina describes it as having the specifications of a true high-speed standard lens, designed with the latest technology.

Optical design

The lens has 8 elements in 6 groups, including two elements with aspherical surfaces on both sides, which gives four aspherical surfaces. Cosina says this gives confident performance from the maximum aperture. The diaphragm has 12 blades and closes down to f/22. The angle of view is 47.5 degrees and the image circle covers full frame.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is manual through a precisely made all-metal helicoid. The rangefinder coupling runs from infinity to 0.7 m, and the minimum focus distance is also 0.7 m. Two optional bayonet hoods are offered: the compact LH-14 and the longer, vintage styled LH-15. Both are metal, slit to reduce vignetting on a rangefinder camera and can be mounted in reverse. Cosina says the short length means the lens only protrudes slightly into the rangefinder window.

Build and size

The lens weighs 322 g without accessories, measures 63.3 mm in diameter by 50.4 mm in length and takes 52 mm filters. Cosina emphasises the nimble handling that this weight allows.

Where it fits

Among 50 mm lenses for Leica M in the database, the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH weighs 335 g, the Voigtlander 50mm F1.1 Nokton 428 g and the Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH 700 g. The Artra Lab Nocturne 50mm f/1.2 weighs 784 g. Voigtländer's own Nokton 50mm F1.5 VM II is 255 g, and the Thypoch Simera 50mm F1.4 281 g. The f/1.2 lens is the middle option: a step faster than the f/1.4 lenses at a similar weight.

Pros and cons

Pros

• f/1.2 with 12 blades
• 322 g, similar to f/1.4 lenses
• Four aspherical surfaces
• Short at 50.4 mm, protrudes little into the rangefinder window
• Choice of two optional metal hoods

Cons

• Manual focus only
• Minimum focus distance of 0.7 m
• Hood not included
• Heavier than the f/1.5 and f/1.4 lenses in Voigtländer's and Thypoch's ranges

Verdict

The Nokton 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical II is a fast, comparatively compact standard lens for Leica M and VM cameras. It suits photographers who want f/1.2 on a rangefinder without the weight class of the Noctilux, and who are comfortable with manual focus and a 0.7 m minimum distance.