The Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical lens represents one thing really distinctive within the lens world, because it’s presently the one full body 40mm f/1.2 optic obtainable anyplace. For anybody searching for that good center floor between the flexibility of a 35mm and the marginally tighter framing of a 50mm, this handbook focus lens guarantees an intriguing mixture of ultra-wide aperture and compact measurement.
Coming to you from Christopher Frost, this complete video overview places the Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical lens via its paces on a 45-megapixel Nikon Z7 to disclose each its strengths and important weaknesses. Frost examines the lens’ beautiful all-metal building, which weighs simply 420 grams and options superbly easy focus and aperture rings with exact tactile suggestions. The construct high quality impresses all through, although you will not discover weather-sealing across the mount. What turns into instantly obvious throughout testing is that this lens suffers from substantial focus respiration, that means your area of view adjustments noticeably as you alter focus from infinity to shut distances.
The optical efficiency tells a extra advanced story that potential patrons want to grasp earlier than investing within the lens. At its most f/1.2 aperture, the lens delivers solely acceptable sharpness within the middle with low distinction and a few ghosting on high-contrast edges. You will must cease right down to f/2 earlier than reaching really sharp outcomes, which considerably defeats the aim of paying for that ultra-wide aperture. The corners stay comfortable till f/2.8, and the lens displays very sturdy vignetting at extensive apertures that does not absolutely clear till f/4. Frost additionally discovers important points with flare resistance and coma aberrations that persist via the broader apertures.
Key Specs
Focal Size: 40mm
Most Aperture: f/1.2
Minimal Aperture: f/22
Optical Design: 8 parts in 6 teams
Aperture Blades: 10 straight blades
Minimal Focus Distance: 11.8″ (30cm) on most mounts
Filter Measurement: 58mm
Weight: 11.1 oz (315g)
Handbook focus and aperture management solely
Regardless of these technical limitations, the lens nonetheless manages to provide engaging photos even extensive open, and its distinctive focal size and aperture mixture provide inventive prospects you merely cannot get elsewhere. The handbook focus expertise proves nice when you adapt to it, and the compact measurement makes it much more sensible than typical f/1.2 optics. Frost’s testing reveals that stopping right down to f/2.8 transforms this lens into an impressively sharp performer. Take a look at the video above for the total rundown from Frost.
