Combining a massive f/1 aperture with a premium manual focus design, the Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1 is made for those who value both performance and craftsmanship. But is it worth the investment?
Coming to you from Dustin Abbott, this detailed review breaks down the Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1 lens, focusing on its build, features, and optical performance. Unlike cheaper manual focus lenses, the Voigtländer Nokton includes electronic contacts that communicate essential data to the camera, such as EXIF information. This integration makes the lens more user-friendly while maintaining its manual focus nature.
The build quality of the lens is another aspect Abbott highlights. Voigtländer lenses are known for their premium construction, and this one is no exception. The lens features a metal body with a unique diamond-patterned focus ring, which provides a satisfying, precise feel during use. Abbott notes that the manual focus experience with this lens is exceptional, thanks to its perfectly dampened focus ring and the 180-degree focus throw, which strikes a good balance between precision and ease of use. The lens also includes an aperture ring with a unique declicking mechanism, making it versatile for both photography and videography.
On the optical side, Abbott points out the lens’s dual personality. Wide open at f/1, the lens produces a dreamy, soft look with a bit of blooming and fringing, characteristics that might appeal to those who enjoy a more artistic, vintage style. However, as you stop down, the lens sharpens significantly, offering high contrast and detailed images, especially around f/2 and smaller apertures. This versatility allows the lens to cater to different photographic styles, from soft portraiture to sharp landscape shots.
While it's not the lightest 50mm lens on the market, it balances well on most cameras, providing a sturdy yet not overly cumbersome experience. The design also includes thoughtful touches like the slim but functional lens hood and the common 67mm filter thread, which allows for easy filter use.
If you're drawn to the idea of using a manual focus lens with modern electronics and exceptional build quality, the 50mm f/1 could be worth considering. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Abbott.
Man that's wild seeing a lens at f/1.0. I can't say I've ever really looked at a landscape shot at such a wide aperture; that's a really interesting effect. I kind of want to try one of these for video but without AF, that's a risky lens to pull focus on.
That's exactly what I was gonna say. They're really trying to test my steady hand with MF. I'll just take fotos of my subject 100ft away so I don't miss focus. Hahaha. Still would love to try this lens out
I wish Voigtlander would give us the compact 40mm f2.8 Heliar (exactly like the M mount version) in E mount or a 28mm, even the f2.8 Color Skopar rather than a niche 50mm f1 (Voigtlander is already a niche). Adapting M mount to E mount results in poorer performance. More variety in focal lengths would be more welcome too than another 50mm.