Nokton 50mm F1.5 II Review

The Voigtländer Nokton Vintage Line 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II is a fast manual-focus prime lens designed for Leica M-mount cameras and adaptable to mirrorless systems. It is an updated version of the original 50mm f/1.5 Nokton, offering improved optical performance while maintaining a vintage-inspired design. With a classic 50mm focal length and a bright f/1.5 aperture, this lens is well-suited for portraits, street photography, and low-light shooting.

Build and Design

The Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II is available in three finishes: black aluminum, silver aluminum, and a heavier brass version in either black or silver. The aluminum versions weigh around 198g, while the brass versions are slightly heavier at 288g. Despite the differences in weight, all versions share the same compact dimensions, making this lens an excellent match for Leica M bodies and adapted mirrorless setups.

The aperture ring is click-stopped in one-third increments, allowing for precise adjustments. The focus ring is well-damped, providing smooth and accurate manual focusing. The lens also includes a 12-blade aperture diaphragm, which enhances bokeh smoothness. The minimum focusing distance is 70cm, which is standard for Leica M lenses but may feel limiting for users accustomed to closer focusing capabilities on mirrorless lenses.

Optical Performance

The Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II delivers excellent sharpness, even at its widest aperture. Center sharpness is impressive at f/1.5, with a slight softness in the corners that improves significantly when stopped down to f/2 or f/2.8. The lens incorporates an aspherical element to reduce aberrations, resulting in high contrast and strong resolution across the frame.

Bokeh is smooth and pleasing, with a natural transition from in-focus to out-of-focus areas. It is slightly less creamy than a Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH but still highly attractive. There is minimal chromatic aberration, and while some vignetting is noticeable at f/1.5, it adds to the lens’s classic character and can be easily corrected in post-processing.

Manual Focus and Handling

The Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II is a fully manual lens, requiring careful focusing. On Leica M cameras, the rangefinder coupling provides accurate focus assistance, while mirrorless users can take advantage of focus peaking and magnification for precision adjustments.

Its compact form and smooth handling make it an excellent lens for street and portrait photographers who prefer a tactile and engaging shooting experience. The lens balances well on both rangefinder and mirrorless bodies, with the brass version providing a slightly more substantial feel.

Comparison to Leica Summilux 50mm f/1.4 ASPH

The Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II is often compared to the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH, one of the most sought-after lenses in the Leica lineup. While both lenses offer exceptional image quality, they differ in character, handling, and price.

• Sharpness: The Summilux is sharper wide open, particularly in the corners, but the Nokton remains highly competitive and delivers excellent center sharpness. Stopping both lenses down to f/2 or f/2.8 makes the differences in sharpness negligible.
• Bokeh: The Summilux produces a slightly smoother and creamier bokeh, but the Nokton has a beautiful rendering with a slightly more defined transition between in-focus and out-of-focus areas.
• Contrast and Colors: The Summilux has a modern, crisp rendering with high contrast, while the Nokton leans towards a slightly softer, more vintage-style contrast that gives images a classic look.
• Distortion and Aberrations: The Summilux has near-perfect correction for chromatic aberrations, while the Nokton may show minor fringing in extreme conditions. Distortion is minimal on both lenses.
• Size and Weight: The Nokton is smaller and lighter, especially in the aluminum version, making it a more compact and travel-friendly choice. The Summilux is bulkier due to its complex optical design.
• Price: The Summilux is significantly more expensive, making the Nokton an attractive alternative for photographers who want high-quality optics without the premium Leica price.

Drawbacks

• Minimum focusing distance of 70cm is limiting compared to some modern 50mm lenses
• Some vignetting at f/1.5, though this contributes to the lens’s character
• No weather sealing, requiring caution in harsh conditions

Conclusion

The Voigtländer Nokton Vintage Line 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II is an exceptional lens for photographers who appreciate manual focus precision, classic design, and high-quality optics. It delivers strong sharpness, smooth bokeh, and a beautifully balanced rendering that works well for portraits, street photography, and low-light shooting.

While the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH remains the gold standard in this focal length, the Nokton offers an impressive alternative at a much lower price. For photographers looking for a well-built, high-performing 50mm lens with a touch of vintage character, the Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II is an outstanding choice.

Samples

Here are some recent photos I captured using the Voigtländer Nokton Vintage Line 50mm F1.5 Aspherical II lens. These sample 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.