Leica Noctilux-M 35mm F1.2 ASPH announced
Leica has officially announced the Leica Noctilux-M 35mm F1.2 ASPH for Leica M cameras. The new lens has a high-speed maximum aperture of F1.2 and is the first in the Noctilux series to feature the 35mm focal length. It consists of 10 elements in five groups (which includes 3 aspherical elements and floating elements). It also features an appealing minimum focus distance of just 0.5m, yet retains the common 49 mm filter thread size, measures 50 mm (2 in) in length, and weighs 416 g (14.6 oz).
The new lens will be available immediately for £7,700 inc VAT /$9,650.
Summary:
- Maximum aperture: F1.2
- Elements: 10 elements in 5 groups (including 3 aspherical elements and floating elements)
- Minimum focus distance: 19.7 inches (0.5m)
- Filter thread size: 49 mm
- Length: 2 inches (50 mm)
- Weight: 14.6 ounces (416 g)
- Price: £7,700 inc VAT/$9,650, available now.
Check price and availability at the following stores [affiliate links]:
Park Cameras (UK) |Leica UK (Leica Online Store)
B&H Photo (US) | Adorama (US) | Leica US (Leica Online Store)
MTF comparison between the Noctilux and the current Summilux
This is an interesting comparison, as the new Noctilux outperforms the highly regarded Summilux in terms of small, or fine, and large-structure contrast at all three selected apertures (straighter, flatter and higher curves/plots are better). The Noctilux appears to exhibit slight (negligible) signs of field curvature, but not to the same extent as the Summilux, which is noticeable at F2.8 in the curves but would require very high magnification to see in print. Both perform to very high levels, but this is a very fine performance indeed for such a high-speed (F1.2) lens.
