Voigtlander Nokton 17.5mm F0.95 Aspherical

Micro Four Thirds (MFT/M43)

Review

If you're looking for a fast prime lens that excels in low light conditions and delivers stunning image quality, the Voigtlander Nokton 17.5mm F0.95 Aspherical is an intriguing option for Micro Four Thirds users. This lens, with its wide aperture and compact design, is ideal for street photography, portraits, and capturing candid moments with a shallow depth of field.

With a focal length equivalent to 35mm in full-frame terms, this lens provides a natural perspective that’s not too wide and not too tight. The fast f0.95 aperture allows photographers to achieve beautifully blurred backgrounds while ensuring that subjects stand out in striking detail. The lens also features exceptional bokeh, thanks to its rounded aperture blades that render out-of-focus highlights pleasingly smooth.

Build quality is one of the hallmarks of Voigtlander lenses, and the Nokton 17.5mm is no exception. Made predominantly from metal, it feels solid and durable in hand. Focus is manual, which may not appeal to everyone, but it allows for precise control over composition, especially when working with such a wide aperture. The focus ring is smoothly damped, making it easy to achieve fine adjustments.

Image quality is remarkable; sharpness is impressive even wide open, with minimal distortion and aberrations. This lens delivers images with excellent contrast and color accuracy, making it a joy to use for both digital and film photography. Whether you're shooting in natural light or using artificial lighting, this lens maintains performance without any noticeable falloff in quality.

However, the lens does have some drawbacks. Although the manual focus provides precision, it can be a hindrance in fast-paced shooting situations where autofocus might be advantageous. Additionally, the relatively compact size of this lens does come with a tradeoff in terms of weight—at over 400 grams it's definitely on the heavier side for a prime lens in this category.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Extremely wide f0.95 maximum aperture for low light performance and shallow depth of field.
• Excellent build quality with a solid metal construction.
• Impressive sharpness and contrast across a variety of conditions.
• Beautiful bokeh that enhances subject separation.

Cons

• Manual focus may not be suitable for all users, especially in fast-paced environments.
• Heavier than typical Micro Four Thirds lenses, which may affect portability for some photographers.

Verdict

In conclusion, the Voigtlander Nokton 17.5mm F0.95 Aspherical is a top-tier lens for those who prioritize low-light capability, build quality, and stunning image aesthetics. While its manual focus nature and substantial weight may not be ideal for every photographer, this lens truly shines in the hands of those who appreciate its strengths. If you're ready to embrace the control and character it offers, it will undoubtedly elevate your photographic experience.