Leica Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH: announcement and specifications
May 7, 2026
Brief summary: The Leica Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH is the first lens in the Noctilux series with a focal length of 35mm, announced on January 29, 2026. It combines the legendary f/1.2 aperture, a compact design (416g), and a minimum focusing distance of 0.5m. The European price is €9,000.
On January 29, 2026, Leica Camera AG unveiled what photographers had been waiting six decades for. For the first time in the history of the Noctilux series, the company released a lens with a focal length of 35mm.
Since its debut in 1966, the Noctilux name has become synonymous with ultra-fast optics of the highest quality. The name derives from the Latin words "noctu" (night) and "lux" (light), accurately describing the purpose of these lenses – shooting in minimal light. Until now, the Noctilux line hasn't included a lens with this focal length. This new lens is a game-changer.
Leica Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH Specifications
According to official information from Leica Camera, the new lens features a compact design that perfectly aligns with the M-System philosophy.
The lens features a Leica M mount with 6-bit encoding, a retractable metal lens hood, and a dual-marked focusing scale (meters and feet).
Optical Design and Features
Three aspherical surfaces minimize aberrations and ensure outstanding image quality even at full aperture. This is a significant engineering achievement.
The 11 aperture blades create a particularly harmonious bokeh—a hallmark of the entire Noctilux series. According to photographer Phil Penman, who tested the lens in January 2026, "the bokeh is soft and deep, with a painterly character."
Minimum focusing distance: the advantage of the new product
Here lies the main practical innovation. A focusing distance of just 0.5 meters—significantly shorter than most fast M-system lenses.
What does this mean in practice? The ability to capture close-up portraits, interior details, and street scenes at close range. The versatility of the 35mm focal length combined with f/1.2 opens up creative possibilities that simply didn't exist before.
According to the official representative, "the shallow depth of field and particularly harmonious bokeh, combined with the wide angle, allow you to get as close as possible to the action, the subject, and the surrounding world."
Price and availability in the Ukrainian market
According to European sources published on January 19, 2026, the price of the Leica Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH in Europe is €9,000. In the US market, the lens is priced at $9,650.
The lens is available in the Ukrainian market through authorized Leica dealers.
It's worth noting that even by Leica standards, this is a premium purchase. However, for professional photographers who work in low light or require a distinctive image aesthetic, the investment may be worth it.
Alternatives and Competitors
The Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton is a fast alternative for the M system at a significantly more affordable price. However, the optical quality, bokeh, and overall performance are not identical.
Leica also produces the Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH – a lighter and more compact option, considered by many to be the ideal all-around lens for the M system.
Who is this lens for?
The Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. It's a tool for specific creative tasks.
Documentary photographers working in natural light. Street photographers who need the discreteness of the M system with extreme aperture. Portrait photographers who appreciate the unique aesthetic of the shallow depth of field at 35mm.
According to professional photographer Keith Wee, who published a review on the date of the announcement (January 29, 2026), this is an "everyday Noctilux." Unlike the massive Noctilux 50mm f/0.95, the new lens is compact enough for everyday use.
Hands-on: Photographers' First Impressions
Phil Penman, who tested the lens in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland, in January 2026, calls it "magical." He specializes in early morning photography, when the city is still asleep and the light is soft and hazy.
"With this lens, I can shoot in even lower light without compromising quality. On the contrary, the results are stunning," says Penman.
The f/1.2 aperture creates striking contrasts between sharpness and blur. "You can focus on one detail while everything else melts into the background."
History of the Noctilux Series: Context of the New Product
The first Noctilux appeared in 1966 – it was the Noctilux 50mm f/1.2, the world's first lens with aspherical elements. Only 1,757 units of the original version were produced.
In 2026, Leica reissued that legendary lens as part of its Classics Range program – a tribute to its history.
Now the company is taking the next step: expanding the Noctilux series beyond the 50mm. This isn't just a new product—it's a new chapter in a 60-year history.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Leica Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 be released in Ukraine?
The lens is already available at authorized Leica dealers in Ukraine since its official announcement on January 29, 2026. Check availability in stores and with other Leica partners.
How much does the Noctilux 35mm f/1.2 cost in Ukraine?
The European price is €9,000. The exact price in hryvnia depends on the exchange rate and the pricing policy of the specific dealer. We recommend checking the current price with authorized retailers.
How does the Noctilux 35mm f/1.2 differ from the Summilux 35mm f/1.4?
The Noctilux is a stop faster: f/1.2 versus f/1.4. It has more pronounced bokeh thanks to its 11 aperture blades and unique optical design. The lens is heavier—416g versus approximately 320g—and significantly more expensive, but it retains the signature aesthetic of the Noctilux series.
Is this lens compatible with Leica M digital cameras?
Yes, the Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH is fully compatible with all Leica M-system digital cameras, including the Leica M11, M10, and previous generations. The Leica M mount with 6-bit encoding ensures correct lens recognition.
Can I use autofocus with the Noctilux 35mm f/1.2?
No, this is a manual focus lens, like all M lenses. The Leica M system is based on rangefinder focusing. Accurately focusing at f/1.2 requires experience and practice.
What is the minimum focusing distance of this lens?
The minimum focusing distance is 0.5 meters, or 50 cm. This is significantly shorter than many fast M-type lenses, allowing for close-ups and close-up details.
Should I buy the Noctilux 35mm or the Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2?
The Voigtlander is significantly more affordable, but inferior in optical quality, bokeh, and overall performance. If you're on a budget, the Voigtlander is a smart choice. If you're looking for the absolute pinnacle of optical excellence, the Leica Noctilux remains the premium option.
Conclusion
The Leica Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH isn't just a new lens. It's the answer to a sixty-year wait for the photographic community.
The combination of the legendary Noctilux aperture with the versatile 35mm focal length creates a lens of unprecedented creative flexibility. Compact dimensions, a minimum focus distance of 0.5 m, three aspherical surfaces, and 11 aperture blades—every detail is thought through to perfection.
Yes, the price is high, even by Leica standards. But for professionals who demand top-notch optics, compromise is unacceptable.
For the Ukrainian market, this is an opportunity to access this legendary lens through authorized dealers with a full manufacturer's warranty. If your work requires shooting in low light with a distinctive aesthetic, this lens is for you.