Voigtländer Nokton 23mm f/1.2

Fujifilm X

Review

The Voigtländer Nokton 23mm f/1.2 is a compact prime lens specifically designed for Fujifilm X-mount cameras. Voigtländer has built a solid reputation for producing high-quality optics, and this lens is no exception. With its bright maximum aperture, classic focal length, and solid construction, it's a compelling option for both street and portrait photography.

Build Quality and Design

One of the standout features of the Nokton 23mm f/1.2 is its robust build quality. The all-metal construction gives it a premium feel, making it a joy to handle. The focus ring is smooth and tactile, providing a satisfying manual focusing experience that feels direct and precise. With a small size relative to its aperture, this lens is incredibly portable, which is great for photographers on the go.

The lens sports a classic, minimalist design that many enthusiasts appreciate. The markings for distance and aperture settings are clearly visible, although they could be considered a bit small for those with less than perfect eyesight.

Optical Performance

When it comes to optical performance, the Nokton 23mm f/1.2 shines brilliantly. Images captured with this lens display exceptional sharpness, even wide open at f/1.2. You'll notice that detail retention is impressive, particularly in the center of the frame. As you stop down, corner sharpness improves further, making it a versatile choice for landscape photography.

The lens also exhibits pleasing bokeh, enhancing the depth of field separation for portrait work. However, the out-of-focus areas can show a bit of busy rendering in certain situations, which may not please everyone. Furthermore, distortion and chromatic aberration are well controlled, making this lens reliable for various shooting scenarios.

Low Light Performance

Thanks to its f/1.2 aperture, the Nokton excels in low-light conditions. This makes it ideal for nighttime street photography or indoor events where flash is not an option. The fast aperture not only allows for quicker shutter speeds but also helps to create beautiful shallow depth-of-field shots that isolate subjects against nicely blurred backgrounds.

Autofocus

It's important to note that the Nokton 23mm f/1.2 is a manual focus lens. While this provides a level of control and precision, it might not suit everyone—especially those who prefer the convenience of autofocus. This can be a limiting factor in fast-paced shooting situations where quick adjustments are necessary.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional build quality with all-metal construction
• Bright f/1.2 maximum aperture for low light performance
• Great optical sharpness and pleasing bokeh
• Compact and lightweight design

Cons

• Manual focus only, which may not suit all users
• Some busy rendering in out-of-focus areas
• Distance and aperture markings may be small for some users

Verdict

Overall, the Voigtländer Nokton 23mm f/1.2 for Fujifilm X-mount cameras is a fantastic lens that offers outstanding optical performance and build quality. Its fast aperture and compact form make it a versatile tool for various photography styles. However, the manual focus operation may deter those who rely heavily on autofocus in their shooting practice. If you enjoy the tactile experience of focusing manually and are looking for a lens that excels in low-light conditions and delivers sharp images, this lens is undoubtedly worth considering.