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. The lens focuses by a precisely machined all-metal helicoid, and the diaphragm uses ten blades[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. 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. CameraQuest states the version II optics are optimized for current M11-generation sensors. The optional metal hoods are the compact LH-14 and the longer LH-15, both reversible for storage.

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. CameraQuest adds that the aspherical element manufacturing was improved and that the larger-throat hood reduces vignetting. Voigtländer lists the lens under item number 122 676 with a 52 mm filter thread and a black finish. 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. 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. The large aperture and ten-blade diaphragm are intended to produce smooth, soft bokeh and good subject isolation for the focal length.

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

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.

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. It replaces the earlier 40mm f/1.2 Nokton Aspherical VM while keeping the same near-normal focal length and f/1.2 speed. Cosina confirmed a market release of June 20, 2025.

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. CameraQuest reports refinements to the aspherical element manufacturing and a redesigned, larger hood intended to cut vignetting, along with optimization for current M11 sensors.

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

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. 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. 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. 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.