Voigtlander Nokton 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical II VM
Voigtlander · 40 mm · f/1.2 · NOKTON
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
60
SCORE /100
What We Like
+Exceptional speed with f/1.2 aperture enables creative depth of field and low-light performance
+Compact, lightweight design (9.4 oz) ideal for rangefinder cameras with minimal vignetting
+Double-sided aspherical elements deliver sharp, contrast-rich images at wide apertures
+Beautiful, smooth bokeh from 10-blade diaphragm and refined optics
+Exceptional build quality with all-metal construction and precise mechanical focusing
+Versatile 40mm focal length between traditional 35mm and 50mm lenses
Worth Knowing
−Pronounced chromatic aberration and purple fringing, especially wide open
−Significant vignetting at f/1.2 that persists even at f/5.6 on bright scenes
−Soft, dreamy rendering wide open (f/1.2-f/2) may disappoint sharpness-focused photographers
−Requires stopping down to f/5.6+ for optimal sharpness and control across the frame
General | |
|---|---|
About This LensThe Voigtländer 40 mm F1.2 Nokton II VM combines modern high performance with the timeless charm of classic lens design. The large maximum aperture of F1.2 enables a soft, smooth bokeh and opens up creative scope in available light. Despite its exceptional speed, the lens remains surprisingly compact with a weight of just 267 g, making it light and balanced for rangefinder cameras. Reviews reveal it excels at creating distinctive character but prioritizes rendering over clinical sharpness, making it ideal for photographers seeking dreamy, characterful images rather than maximum pixel-level definition. | |
| Brand | Voigtlander |
| Release Year | 2025 |
Production Status ⓘCurrent status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued). |  In Production |
Version ⓘThe iteration or release number of a particular lens model. | II |
Pro Branding ⓘSpecific branding codes used for professional-tier lenses. | NOKTON |
Lens Mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Leica M |
System ⓘIndicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to. | Leica M |
Maximum Format ⓘLargest sensor size compatible with the lens. |  Full Frame |
Physical93/100 | |
| Lens Weight | 267 g |
Lens Diameter ⓘWidth of the lens at its widest point | 44.7 mm |
Lens Length ⓘHow long the lens is from front to back. | 61.8 mm |
Front Filter Compatible ⓘSome lenses are compatible with front filters, some are compatible with back filters and some are compatible with both. Front filters are usually more convenient to add and remove. |  Yes |
Front Filter Size ⓘDiameter of attachable filters. | 52 mm |
Optics76/100 | |
Focal Range ⓘShortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end ) | 40 mm |
Aperture Range ⓘLargest aperture at the lens's shortest focal length to longest focal length (aperture range start - end) | 1.2 |
| Focal Length Angle of View | 54.7° |
Flange Focal Distance ⓘDistance from lens mount to sensor. | 27.8 mm |
Diaphragm Type ⓘStructure and design of the aperture |  Manual |
Blades ⓘNumber of diaphragm blades in aperture | 10020 |
Zoom Lens ⓘZoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups | No |
Closest Focusing Distance ⓘMinimum distance for a subject to be in focus. | 50 cm01500 |
Maximum Magnification ⓘLargest size a subject can be reproduced | 0.1x |
| Autofocus Mode | No |
| Manual Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Focusing Ring |  Yes |
Features | |
Weather Sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
Fluorine Coating ⓘCoating to repel water and oil from lens elements. | No |
| Built In Lens Hood | No |
| Lens Hood Type |  Round |
Teleconverter ⓘA teleconverter (extender) is an extra piece of equipment that fits between the lens and the camera body to enhance magnification | No |
| Image Stabilization | No |
Construction31/100 | |
Elements ⓘLens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens. | 8 |
| Groups | 6 |
Aspherical Elements ⓘThe number of aspherical lens elements which can help correct aberrations such as spherical aberration. | 2 |
Bi Aspherical Elements ⓘElements with two non-spherical surfaces | 2 |
Low Dispersion ⓘElements that reduce chromatic aberration | 0 |
Super Low Dispersion ⓘAdvanced elements further reducing chromatic aberration | 0 |
CA Reduction ⓘBuilt-in features to reduce chromatic aberration | 0 |
Internal Focusing ⓘInternal Focusing means that the lens does not change in size during focusing, and the front element does not rotate. | No |