Voigtlander Nokton 40mm f/1.2 II VM - Leica M

The Voigtlander Nokton 40mm f/1.2 II VM is a manual-focus, full-frame prime lens for Leica M mount, weighing just 267 grams, featuring a 10-blade aperture, 52mm filter thread, f/1.2 maximum aperture, f/22 minimum aperture, and a closest focusing distance of 0.5 metres.

Key Specifications

• Focal length: 40mm (prime)
• Maximum aperture: f/1.2
• Minimum aperture: f/22
• Aperture blades: 10 (for smooth, rounded bokeh)
• Mount: Leica M — fits all M-mount bodies including Leica M11, M10, M-A, and compatible mirrorless adapters
• Filter thread: 52mm
• Minimum focus distance: 0.5 m
• Weight: 267 g
• Autofocus: No — manual focus only
• Image stabilisation: No
• Lens type: Standard prime

What makes the Voigtlander Nokton 40mm f/1.2 II VM special?

The Nokton 40mm f/1.2 II VM holds a clear distinction: it is the fastest M-mount 40mm lens ever produced. That f/1.2 aperture is territory usually reserved for much larger, heavier glass — yet this lens tips the scales at only 267 grams, making it genuinely pocketable by fast-glass standards.

The "II" designation matters. Compared to the original version, the second generation brings an improved aspherical element with tighter manufacturing tolerances (a change noted by optical testers at Fred Miranda), and it is optimised specifically for the high-resolution sensors found in current M bodies. Weight has also been trimmed compared to earlier iterations. The result is a lens that is better corrected wide open without sacrificing the compact, traditional metal build that Voigtländer is known for.

How does it compare to its stablemate, the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1 VM? The 50mm f/1 is noticeably heavier and uses a larger 67mm filter ring. The 40mm f/1.2 is the more travel-friendly choice — lighter, smaller, and easier to balance on a rangefinder body, while still delivering extremely shallow depth of field. If you want that one-stop edge in light gathering, the 50mm f/1 is there, but you pay for it in bulk.

Against the classic Leica Summicron-C 40mm f/2, the comparison is straightforward: the Nokton gives you two full stops more light at the cost of greater optical complexity. The Summicron-C is a simpler, older design — cherished for its rendering but limited wide-open. The Nokton 40mm f/1.2 II is the modern answer for low-light and subject-isolation work at this focal length.

One real-world note worth mentioning: bokeh is smooth and pleasant in most shooting situations, though at longer focus distances with complex backgrounds it can become slightly nervous — a characteristic shared by many very fast lenses. Stop down to f/1.4 or f/1.7 and it settles down considerably. The 10-blade aperture helps keep out-of-focus highlights well-rounded across the aperture range.

Who is the Voigtlander Nokton 40mm f/1.2 II VM for?

If you shoot on mirrorless or rangefinder bodies with an M mount and want a single walk-around lens that handles low-light, street, portraits, and travel without bulk, this is a compelling option. The 40mm field of view sits between 35mm and 50mm — wide enough to give context to a scene, tight enough to isolate a subject. Many photographers find it their natural "seeing" focal length.

Street and travel photographers will appreciate the weight. At 267 grams, this doesn't fatigue you over a full day of shooting, and the compact profile doesn't draw unwanted attention. The 0.5 m minimum focus distance is unusually close for an M-mount lens, opening up tighter environmental portraits and detail shots that a standard M lens would miss.

Portrait photographers shooting available light — events, weddings, intimate indoor sessions — gain a serious advantage with f/1.2. You can keep ISO in check even in dimly lit venues, and the 10-blade iris produces attractive circular bokeh on foreground and background highlights.

Leica M11 and M10 shooters will find this lens well matched. The optical formula has been tuned for current high-resolution sensors, so corner sharpness and vignetting wide open are better handled than on older fast lenses from previous decades.

Mirrorless shooters using adapters — particularly those pairing M-mount glass with Sony or Nikon bodies via adapter — will also find this lens interesting. It covers full-frame, the focus throw is smooth, and the compact size pairs well with smaller mirrorless bodies.

Buying a used Voigtlander Nokton 40mm f/1.2 II VM

Voigtländer lenses are known to hold their value well on the second-hand market — in many cases nearly as well as Leica glass. That makes buying a used Nokton 40mm f/1.2 II a sensible route: you get a lens with excellent build quality (traditional metal construction, smooth focus ring) at a more accessible entry point than new retail.

When inspecting a pre-owned copy, pay attention to the aperture blades — with 10 blades and a wide f/1.2 opening, any oil contamination will be immediately visible as soft or sluggish blade movement. Check the focus ring for smoothness throughout its full travel; it should feel damped and even, with no grinding. Because this is a manual lens, the focus helicoid is the main mechanical element — treat any roughness as a reason to negotiate or walk away.

Glass condition matters at f/1.2. Even minor internal haze or cleaning marks that wouldn't trouble a slower lens become visible as reduced contrast wide open. Look through the front and rear elements against a light source at an angle — clean glass catches no colour or cloudiness. The 52mm filter thread should be clean and undamaged; that's a sign the front element hasn't been dropped.

Every used Nokton 40mm f/1.2 II VM sold here comes with a minimum 12 months warranty and has been professionally inspected. The actual warranty period is shown on the individual variant listing. Returns are accepted within 14 days, so you have time to test the lens on your own body before committing.