Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f/1.2 ASPH. II VM

Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f/1.2 ASPH. II VM

Among the fastest 40mm lenses ever offered in Leica M mount, this Cosina-built Nokton pairs a near-normal focal length with an f/1.2 maximum aperture in a barrel that stays unusually short for its speed. Voigtländer positions it as a fast premium optic that blends modern high performance with a classic handling feel, and notes that its short length helps reduce blockage of the optical viewfinder image, a practical benefit when shooting with a rangefinder body [1]. The 40mm angle of view sits close to the theoretical normal focal length, giving a natural perspective that is slightly wider than a 50mm yet tighter than a 35mm [4].

The optical formula uses eight elements in six groups with four aspherical surfaces, formed by two double-sided aspherical elements, a layout Voigtländer credits for strong image quality even wide open [1]. The lens focuses by a precisely machined all-metal helicoid, and the diaphragm uses ten blades [1][2]. It is rangefinder coupled, with mechanical coupling working to 0.7 m; on live-view bodies the minimum focus extends to 0.5 m, which Cosina describes as enabling closer detail work than the rangefinder mechanism alone allows [1][2]. The VM mount is compatible with Leica M cameras, and the lens is designed to perform well both on classic rangefinders and, with an adapter, on mirrorless digital bodies [1]. CameraQuest states the version II optics are optimized for current M11-generation sensors [2]. The optional metal hoods are the compact LH-14 and the longer LH-15, both reversible for storage [1].

This second version is an incremental update rather than a redesign. Voigtländer states explicitly that the optical construction is unchanged from version I, and that the revisions are a reduction in weight, given as 315 g down to 267 g, and a filter ring that is now entirely black rather than silver [1]. CameraQuest adds that the aspherical element manufacturing was improved and that the larger-throat hood reduces vignetting [2]. Voigtländer lists the lens under item number 122 676 with a 52 mm filter thread and a black finish [1]. Cosina set a release date of June 20, 2025 [3].

Optical qualities

Rendering Because the optical design is carried over unchanged from the first version, the documented character of the original 40mm f/1.2 Nokton applies here [1]. Reviewers of that design describe it as usably sharp in the center wide open, with a low-contrast, slightly hazy look at f/1.2 that cleans up as the lens is stopped down, reaching strong central performance by the middle apertures [4]. The large aperture and ten-blade diaphragm are intended to produce smooth, soft bokeh and good subject isolation for the focal length [1][2].

Distortion and vignetting Vignetting is noticeable wide open and reduces on stopping down, consistent with a fast aspherical design of this type [4]. Voigtländer's redesigned, larger hood for the second version is described as further reducing vignetting in use [2].

Aberrations Testing of the original optical design noted appreciable coma at the widest aperture that improves by roughly f/1.7 and is largely resolved by f/2.8 [4].

History

Development and Launch The lens is manufactured in Japan by Cosina under the Voigtländer brand and was announced as part of a 2025 wave of updated VM-mount Nokton f/1.2 lenses, alongside revised 35mm and 50mm models [3]. It replaces the earlier 40mm f/1.2 Nokton Aspherical VM while keeping the same near-normal focal length and f/1.2 speed [1]. Cosina confirmed a market release of June 20, 2025 [3].

Production Evolution Compared with the first VM version, Voigtländer reduced the weight from 315 g to 267 g and changed the filter ring from silver to black, while leaving the optical construction unchanged [1]. CameraQuest reports refinements to the aspherical element manufacturing and a redesigned, larger hood intended to cut vignetting, along with optimization for current M11 sensors [2].

Special editions No factory special editions of this version are widely documented; Voigtländer lists it only in black [1].

Collector Notes The simplest way to distinguish the second version from the first is the all-black filter ring, in place of the earlier silver ring, together with the lower 267 g weight [1]. Because the two versions share an optical formula, buyers comparing them should weigh handling, finish, and the M11-sensor optimization rather than expecting different image quality [1][2]. The hoods are sold separately as the LH-14 and LH-15, and the lens ships with front and rear caps, so verify hood inclusion when purchasing [1]. Note that the rangefinder coupling reaches 0.7 m and the 0.5 m minimum is available only in live view, a distinction worth confirming for close-focus work on a classic body [1][2].

Sources

• [1] Voigtländer (Cosina). 40 mm / 1:1.2 Nokton II. https://www.voigtlaender.de/lenses/vm/40-mm-11-2-nokton-ii/?lang=en
• [2] CameraQuest (Stephen Gandy). Voigtlander 40mm f/1.2 II VM Mount. https://shop.cameraquest.com/voigtlander-leica-mount-lenses/voigtlander-40mm-f/1.2-ii-vm-mount/
• [3] PRONEWS. Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm F1.2 II VM release date announced. https://en.pronews.com/news/20250609142311436.html
• [4] Phillip Reeve. Voigtländer 40mm f1.2 Nokton Aspherical: Review. https://phillipreeve.net/blog/voigtlander-40mm-f1-2-nokton-aspherical-rolling-review/