Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 ASPH. Lens
The Leica 50mm f/1.2 ASPH. is a 50mm f/1.2 lens designed for Leica M mount cameras. Used copies start from $7,689.78 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 ASPH. Lens
Used Leica 50mm f/1.2 ASPH. Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Leica 50mm f/1.2 ASPH.
Key Features — Leica 50mm f/1.2 ASPH.
50mm f/1.2 Maximum Aperture: One of the widest apertures available in the Leica M lineup, enabling shooting in very low light and producing pronounced background separation.
Aspherical Optical Design: ASPH-designated aspherical elements reduce spherical aberration and coma for sharper, more controlled rendering even at maximum aperture.
Leica M Mount: Natively compatible with the full range of Leica M rangefinder and M-mount mirrorless bodies.
Full-Frame Coverage: Designed for full-frame sensors, delivering consistent image quality across the entire Leica M sensor area.
Manual Focus Only: Smooth manual focus ring integrates naturally into the Leica M rangefinder shooting workflow for deliberate, precise focusing.
49mm Filter Thread: Standard 49mm front thread makes protective and creative filter accessories widely available and easy to source.
Lens Specifications — Leica 50mm f/1.2 ASPH.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Fashion, Documentary |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.2 |
| Camera System | Mirrorless |
| Lens Mount | Leica M |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 49mm |
Description — Leica 50mm f/1.2 ASPH.
The Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 ASPH. is a manual-focus prime lens designed exclusively for the Leica M mount. With a maximum aperture of f/1.2, it allows a significant amount of light to reach the sensor, opening up possibilities in challenging lighting situations. The lens is built for full-frame coverage and sits in the standard focal length range at 50mm, making it a natural choice for portraits, street photography, and general-purpose shooting within the Leica M system.
Weighing in at 405 grams, the lens is compact enough to carry comfortably, and its 49mm filter thread makes it easy to attach commonly available filters. There is no image stabilization and no autofocus — this is a fully manual lens, consistent with the Leica M rangefinder tradition. The lens mounts to Leica M-system cameras, including mirrorless bodies in that ecosystem.
For those committed to the Leica M shooting experience, this f/1.2 prime offers a distinctive combination of focal length and wide aperture within the system.
Pros — Leica 50mm f/1.2 ASPH.
- ✓Very wide maximum aperture of f/1.2 allows shooting in low-light conditions
- ✓Full-frame coverage ensures compatibility with the full Leica M sensor format
- ✓Standard 50mm prime focal length is a versatile choice for everyday shooting
Cons — Leica 50mm f/1.2 ASPH.
- ✗No autofocus — manual focus only, which may not suit all shooting scenarios
- ✗No image stabilization, so steady handheld technique is required
- ✗Fixed 50mm focal length offers no zoom flexibility
Reviews — Leica 50mm f/1.2 ASPH.
- Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 ASPH. Review
Photography Life · 2021-08-01 - Leica Noctilux 50mm f/1.2 review :: Reinventing a Classic
The Art of Photography - A Leica Legend Reborn: Light Lens Lab ‘1966’ 50mm f1.2 ASPH Review
Bobby Tonelli - Leica Noctilux 50mm f1.2 | 2024 Review!
Gaston Shutters - 🔴 NOT a Dream Lens | Leica Noctilux 50mm f1.2 (Re-Issue)
Matt Osborne
Videos — Leica 50mm f/1.2 ASPH.
Leica Has Never Made This Before! — PetaPixel
Frequently Asked Questions — Leica 50mm f/1.2 ASPH.
Does this lens work on mirrorless cameras?+
Yes. The specifications list the camera system as Mirrorless, and the mount is Leica M, so it is compatible with Leica M-mount mirrorless bodies. Always verify your specific camera body accepts the Leica M lens mount.
Does the Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 ASPH. have autofocus?+
No. The lens is manual focus only — the autoFocus specification is listed as false and focusType is Manual. Focusing must be done by hand, which is standard for Leica M-mount lenses.
What filter size does this lens use?+
The lens has a 49mm filter thread, so you will need 49mm filters for use with this lens.
Is this lens suitable for full-frame cameras?+
Yes. The lensFormat specification confirms full-frame coverage, meaning it will cover the entire sensor area of a full-frame Leica M body without vignetting issues.
Does this lens include image stabilization?+
No. The imageStabilization specification is listed as None, so there is no optical stabilization built into the lens. Photographers should rely on their own handheld technique or use a support system if needed.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 405 grams according to the specifications, making it a moderately lightweight option for an f/1.2 prime.