Nokton 28mm Review

The Voigtländer Nokton 28mm F1.5 is one of those lenses that quietly demands attention, especially for photographers who appreciate a mix of vintage aesthetics, modern optics, and a fast aperture in a compact package. Designed primarily for Leica M-mount cameras, this lens brings a lot to the table for those who value character over clinical perfection.

What stands out immediately is the balance of the build. Like most Voigtländer lenses, it’s crafted with precision from metal, giving it that solid, reassuring feel without being overly bulky. On a rangefinder, it feels just right, and for manual focus enthusiasts, the operation is smooth and satisfying, with enough resistance to inspire confidence in each adjustment. The compact size makes it a natural choice for street photography, where the 28mm focal length truly shines.

Optically, the Nokton 28mm f/1.5 delivers a fascinating mix of sharpness and character. Wide open at f/1.5, the centre is tack-sharp with a gradual roll-off into slightly softer corners, which adds a bit of charm to the rendering. It’s not trying to be a clinically perfect lens like some modern offerings; instead, it balances technical performance with a more artistic quality. The bokeh, for a wide-angle lens, is surprisingly smooth and appealing, especially for environmental portraits where subject separation can elevate the shot.

There’s a touch of vignetting wide open, but it feels intentional, lending a cinematic quality to images. Chromatic aberrations are present in high-contrast scenarios, but they’re well-controlled considering the fast aperture. Stop it down, and you’ll find excellent sharpness across the frame with minimal distortion. Flare control is decent, though shooting directly into strong light sources can introduce some flare—it’s manageable and can even add a bit of mood to your images if used creatively.

The 28mm focal length is a bit of a niche choice for some, sitting just between the classic 35mm and the wider 24mm or 21mm options. However, it’s incredibly versatile for landscape, street, and even environmental portrait work. The fast f/1.5 aperture makes it a unique proposition, allowing for creative shallow depth of field and excellent low-light performance that few wide-angle lenses can match.

While it’s not a budget lens, the Nokton 28mm F1.5 is far more accessible than some of its Leica counterparts, like the Summicron 28mm or Summilux 28mm, yet it offers a distinct personality that Leica’s hyper-refined glass sometimes lacks. This lens is for those who enjoy the craft of photography, from manual focusing to embracing a lens with quirks that enhance its character. If you’re someone who sees photography as more than just technical precision and enjoys lenses with soul, the Voigtländer Nokton 28mm F1.5 is a fantastic choice.

Examples

Here are some recent photos I captured using the Voigtländer Nokton Vintage Line 28mm F1.5 lens. These shots highlight the lens’s performance across different conditions, settings, and subjects. To view the complete collection of photos taken with this lens, the link.