Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 ASPH. II VM

Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 ASPH. II VM

The Nokton 50mm f/1.2 ASPH. II is Cosina's second-generation take on a fast, compact normal lens for the Leica M system, introduced in 2025 alongside refreshed 35mm and 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical Noktons [3]. It carries forward the formula that made the original well regarded, a small barrel that keeps a wide f/1.2 aperture in a body close in size and weight to a Leica 50mm Summilux, while updating the design for the way many photographers now mount M lenses on adapters [1][4]. Cosina presents it as a versatile tool for portrait, reportage and available-light work, and notes that its short overall length helps limit viewfinder blockage on rangefinder cameras.

Optically the lens uses 8 elements in 6 groups with four aspherical surfaces, formed by two double-sided aspherical elements, which Cosina credits for strong image quality even wide open and for a smooth out-of-focus rendering. The 12-blade diaphragm is intended to keep out-of-focus highlights round, and the closest focus is 0.7 m. Build is all-metal with a manual focus mechanism tuned for smooth, weighted handling, the filter thread is 52 mm, and weight is about 322 g. It is produced in Japan and uses the VM bayonet, which is compatible with Leica M bodies and, by adapter, with mirrorless cameras.

The most significant difference from the first Aspherical VM Nokton is mechanical rather than optical. The original was a rangefinder-coupled M lens with a 0.7 m minimum distance [2], whereas this II is supplied as a non-coupled VM lens. Buyers who intend to focus on a rangefinder patch rather than by Live View, EVF or magnified focus aids should confirm this distinction before purchase, since it changes how the lens is used on classic M bodies. An optional metal hood is offered as an accessory.

Optical qualities

Rendering Across the Aspherical VM Nokton 50mm f/1.2 line, reviewers describe high central sharpness wide open, soft and expressive bokeh, and a generally modern but not clinical character. Cosina's own description emphasizes good performance at full aperture and pleasant bokeh aided by the aspherical design and the rounded 12-blade iris.

Sharpness The double-sided aspherical elements are credited with delivering strong sharpness from f/1.2, with centers performing well wide open and corners softening until the lens is stopped down. Testing of the optical line has also reported best sharpness at portrait to mid distances, with some falloff at the closest focus settings.

Distortion and vignetting Some vignetting is visible wide open and decreases on stopping down, and a small amount of distortion is present that is straightforward to correct in software.

Aberrations Longitudinal chromatic aberration can appear in high-contrast situations near maximum aperture, reducing as the lens is stopped down.

History

Development and Launch The ASPH. II was announced in April 2025 as part of a group of updated Voigtländer Nokton f/1.2 Aspherical lenses for Leica M-mount, with a Japanese list price reported around ¥135,000 and a release timed for mid-2025. It follows the earlier Nokton 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical VM, which had established the basic concept of a small, fast 50mm for the M system.

Production Evolution Both the first version and the ASPH. II share the 8-element, 6-group layout with aspherical surfaces and a 12-blade diaphragm at f/1.2. The clearest change in this generation is the move away from rangefinder coupling on the VM version recorded here, which reflects increasing use of M-mount glass on mirrorless bodies via adapters. The lens continues to be manufactured by Cosina in Japan.

Special editions No major factory special editions of the Nokton 50mm f/1.2 ASPH. II are widely documented at the time of writing.

Collector Notes The main point of confusion is naming. Several closely related Voigtländer 50mm f/1.2 designs exist, including the original Aspherical VM Nokton, a Sony E-mount version, and an X-mount version, so buyers should confirm that a listing is the VM ASPH. II rather than an earlier or different-mount model. Because this version is offered without rangefinder coupling, anyone relying on the rangefinder patch should verify coupling before buying, and check that the lens and any optional metal hood are present and undamaged.