When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works. |
Well, Leica is now on the 35mm f/1.2 train along with Sigma. Hopefully it's Canon's turn soon. I love Leica lenses, it's too bad I can't focus the fast ones anymore wide open. The Leica EV M1 doesn't do much for me since it's not a rangefinder. I'm sure it's easier to focus with accurate peaking, but $9000 is a bit too much to give it a shot.
I'll stick with the film MP, out of focus images on film is an artistic expression, or so I tell myself.
This the third Noctilux lens in the series following up the Noctilux 50mm f/0.95 and Noctilux 75mm f/1.25. The latter coming in at about $15,000. I'm not sure who buys lenses like that, that's a bit excessive.
The Leica Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH isn't the most affordable lens out there as you may have guessed. Coming in at $9650 USD! The lens design uses 3 PGM (precision glass molded) aspherical lenses.Funny enough, PGM elements tend to cost less to produce, but likely only in large qualities.
Leica claims the bokeh is otherwordly with it's 11-blade diaphram. I'm sure everything about the optics is great, and there will definitely be a market for a fast M-mount 35mm f/1.2.
It does look like a nice and usable size for an M camera. Some of the faster Leica lenses tend to unbalance the camera, like the other two Noctilux lenses.
Leica Noctilux 35mm f/1.2 ASPH Overview
- Full-Frame | f/1.2 to f/16
- Extremely Fast, Compact Wide-Angle Prime
- Three PGM Aspherical Elements
- Floating Elements System
- Manual Focus Design
- Extended Close Focus Distance: 1.6′
- Filter Thread: 49mm
- 11-Blade Diaphragm
- Built-In Extendable Lens Hood
Press Release
Since first being introduced in 1966, the name ‘Noctilux’ has represented the pinnacle of optical craftsmanship at Leica. The name is made up of the Latin words ‘noctu’ and ‘lux’, meaning ‘night’ and ‘light’, and refers to the exceptional speed of this lens series.
With a maximum aperture of up to f/0.95, Noctilux lenses are considered to be the epitome of optical development, opening up creative possibilities beyond the ordinary. They deliver images with an unrivalled visual aesthetic. With the new Noctilux-M 35 f/1.2 ASPH., Leica Camera AG is presenting the first Noctilux M-Lens in the company’s history to feature a 35 mm focal length.
Like all Noctilux lenses, the latest addition to the family impresses with its exceptional speed and superior imaging performance. The new, compact Noctilux-M 35 f/1.2 ASPH. produces clear, high-contrast images characterised by a distinctive look.
The shallow depth of field at a wide aperture precisely separates subject and space, creating a velvety soft bokeh and lending images tangible depth as well as a cinematic atmosphere. Stopping down the aperture allows you to selectively increase the depth of field. A floating element within the complex optical construction ensures consistent performance across the entire focusing range, from the close focus distance to infinity.
Up until now, the strength of Noctilux glass has been leveraged exclusively for 50 and 75 mm focal lengths. The new Noctilux-M 35 f/1.2 ASPH. now makes this strength available for the versatile 35 mm focal length for the very first time.
The perfect combination of a wide aperture and natural perspective makes it ideal for outstanding portrait, reportage, available-light and street photography. Subjects are clearly in focus thanks to precise separation, while retaining their context thanks to harmonious transitions to the background.
This new lens is the first Noctilux to feature an extended close focus distance down to 50 cm. When used with the new Leica M EV1 and its high-resolution integrated electronic viewfinder, focusing is particularly convenient across the entire focusing range.
M-Cameras with a rangefinder can focus to a distance of 70 cm via the optical viewfinder. In the close-up range of 70–50 cm, focusing is carried out via Live View on the rear LCD panel or the Visoflex 2 clip-on viewfinder. The large focusing angle of the Noctilux-M 35 supports this, thereby enabling precise and sensitive work.
The new Leica Noctilux-M 35 f/1.2 ASPH. has been optimised for M-Cameras with high-resolution image sensors, in addition to having been completely redesigned and handcrafted in Wetzlar. Decades of experience and state-of-the-art production technologies have gone into its development.
This includes processing special glass materials and aspherical lens elements manufactured in Wetzlar using innovative Precision Glass Moulding (PGM) technology, which shapes lenses in a highly precise process, achieving exceptional quality standards.
The optical design comprises ten lenses in five groups, including three aspherical lenses. A floating element ensures consistent imaging performance over the entire focusing range. The integrated lens hood reduces glare and reflections, ensuring high contrast and brilliant colour rendering, even with backlighting. Measuring just 5 cm in length, with a diameter of 6.5 cm, and weighing only 416 g, the new lens also impresses with its remarkably compact size.
The Leica Noctilux-M 35 f/1.2 ASPH. will be available worldwide as of 29 January 2026 from Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store and authorised dealers. The recommended retail price is €8,950 incl. VAT.
0 comments