Voigtländer Nokton 35mm Review

Better than a Summilux!

The Nokton Vintage Line 35mm F1.5 Aspherical by Voigtländer is a compact, fast prime lens for Leica M-mount cameras, blending vintage-inspired design with modern optical performance. It is particularly well-suited for street, portrait, and everyday photography, offering a versatile and accessible alternative to pricier competitors. If I had to choose just one lens to carry, this would be it. I love it so much that after a few months with the black aluminum version, I ended up buying the silver brass version as well. Below is a detailed overview, including its specifications and comparisons to other lenses in its class.

Main Specifications

• Focal Length: 35mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/1.5
• Minimum Aperture: f/16
• Lens Mount: Leica M-mount (rangefinder coupling supported)
• Optical Design: 9 elements in 6 groups, including aspherical elements to control aberrations and distortion
• Diaphragm Blades: 12-blade aperture for smooth, rounded bokeh
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.5 meters (closer than most rangefinder lenses)
• Filter Thread: 43mm
• Weight: 170g (aluminum version) or 260g (brass version)
• Finishes: Available in black or silver with durable aluminum or premium brass construction

Performance and Features

The Nokton Vintage Line 35mm f/1.5 delivers superb optical performance, with sharp, high-contrast images even at its widest aperture. Its aspherical elements effectively reduce chromatic aberrations and maintain clarity across the frame. The lens is particularly praised for its bokeh, which is smoother and creamier than the Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH, offering more pleasing out-of-focus rendering, particularly at wide apertures.

The lens’s compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable without sacrificing build quality. Its all-metal construction feels robust and premium, with smooth, precise manual focus control that enhances the shooting experience. Additionally, its minimum focus distance of 0.5 meters gives it a versatility that is not commonly found in rangefinder lenses.

Competition

The Nokton Vintage Line 35mm F1.5 competes with other premium 35mm lenses designed for M-mount systems:

1. Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH

• Often considered the benchmark for 35mm lenses, the Summilux delivers excellent sharpness and contrast. However, some reviewers have noted that its recent build quality feels slightly less robust compared to previous versions and competitors like the Nokton. Additionally, while its bokeh is good, it is often described as less smooth and natural than the Nokton’s rendering.
• Advantage: Industry-leading sharpness and optical precision.
• Disadvantage: Higher price, slightly harsher bokeh, and occasional build quality concerns.

2. Zeiss Biogon T* 35mm f/2 ZM

• A sharp and contrasty lens with classic Zeiss color rendering.
• Advantage: Excellent optical clarity and precision.
• Disadvantage: Slower aperture and less characterful bokeh compared to the Nokton.

3. Voigtländer Ultron 35mm f/2 Aspherical

• A smaller and more affordable Voigtländer lens with strong optical performance.
• Advantage: Great value and compact design.
• Disadvantage: Slower aperture than the Nokton.

4. 7Artisans 35mm f/1.4

• A budget-friendly lens with a vintage look and wide aperture.
• Advantage: Very affordable.
• Disadvantage: Inferior optical performance, build quality, and bokeh compared to the Nokton.

Final Thoughts

The Nokton Vintage Line 35mm F1.5 Aspherical is an exceptional lens that balances optical precision, smooth bokeh, and vintage-inspired aesthetics in a compact, well-built package. Its bokeh, often regarded as smoother and more pleasing than the Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH, sets it apart as an excellent choice for photographers seeking character and subject isolation. Combined with its robust construction, sharp rendering, and versatility, the Nokton offers outstanding value and performance, making it a highly attractive alternative to its pricier competitors.

Samples

Here are some of my most recent photos taken with this lens. These examples highlight how the Nokton 35mm performs in different settings and conditions. If you want to see all the photos I took with that lens, simply follow the link.