Seeing in the Dark

Spending time with the LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH.

Some reflections on using an f/0.95 lens

Advertised as a lens that outperforms the human eye, the LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH. is considered the best 50mm lens by many. Beyond bokeh worship and any aficionado praise for the romantic, dreamy and surreal look it produces, it is indeed a lens with state-of-the-art optics and unique characteristics. So I was happy to spend some time with lens and see if all the fuzz is for real.

“The world’s fastest aspherical lens”

Source: Leica Camera AG

During a recent lens service by Leica, I was able to lend the Noctilux lens for some weeks through the company operated Leica Store Düsseldorf, while my lens received some love and care in Wetzlar.

Of course, I have looked at the lens countless times and felt its weight. Still, there is a difference in putting it on your own camera. Even though the Noctilux is a huge and heavy lens (700g) in the rangefinder realm, I was surprised by its compactness. Maybe this is because of my recent trials with the huge vintage Leitz Summicron 90mm f/2.0. I don’t feel like I need a camera grip to counterbalance the lens, even though many insist on it.