Voigtländer Nokton 28mm f/1.5 Aspherical

The Voigtländer Nokton 28mm f/1.5 Aspherical is a fast manual focus wide-angle lens for full frame mirrorless cameras. It is sold in two versions, one for Sony E and one for Nikon Z, each designed for its own mount. Cosina announced the E version in December 2024 and the Z version in January 2025. Both cover the full frame format, and the Z version can also be used on DX bodies. It should not be confused with the Nokton Vintage Line 28mm f/1.5 for Leica M.

Optical design

The construction has 10 elements in 8 groups with two aspherical elements, which gives four aspherical surfaces. Cosina's E mount page also lists two elements of anomalous partial dispersion glass. The diaphragm has 12 blades and stops down to f/16. According to Cosina, the optics are tuned to the sensors of the respective system, and the E version keeps resolution up to the edges with colour shifts well controlled.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is manual with an all-metal helicoid. The minimum focus distance is 0.28 m, which Cosina says suits the strong perspective of a wide-angle lens. Electronic contacts pass lens data into the Exif record. On Sony E the lens has a distance encoder that supports 5-axis in-body stabilisation, and turning the focus ring magnifies the finder image. On Nikon Z the lens supports 3-axis stabilisation and three focus aids: a colour change of the focus frame, peaking and the magnification button. The E version has a switch for a clickless aperture ring, so the ring can be adjusted silently during video.

Build and size

The E version weighs 320 g, measures 62.6 mm in diameter by 55 mm in length and takes 49 mm filters. The Z version weighs 360 g, measures 67.6 mm by 57.0 mm and takes 52 mm filters. A hood is included with both.

Where it fits

For Sony E, autofocus 28 mm options in the database include the Sony FE 28mm F2 (200 g) and the Viltrox AF 28mm F1.8 (367 g). Other manual lenses are the Thypoch Simera 28mm F1.4 (344 g on E) and the Venus Laowa Argus 28mm f/1.2 FF (562 g). For Nikon Z the Nikkor Z 28mm F2.8 weighs 155 g, the Simera 28mm F1.4 368 g. The Nokton sits between the light f/2 and f/2.8 lenses and the larger f/1.2 designs.

Pros and cons

Pros

• f/1.5 with 12 blades on a 28 mm
• Focuses down to 0.28 m
• Electronic contacts with Exif data and stabilisation support
• All-metal helicoid
• Hood included

Cons

• Manual focus only
• Heavier than the Sony FE 28mm F2 and Nikkor Z 28mm F2.8
• Z version is 40 g heavier than the E version
• No built-in image stabiliser

Verdict

The Nokton 28mm f/1.5 Aspherical is a fast, close focusing 28 mm for photographers on Sony E or Nikon Z who prefer to focus by hand. It gives up size and autofocus in return for aperture.