Leica Noctilux-M 11686 50mm
The f/1.2 maximum aperture and two aspherical elements deliver extreme depth of field control and a distinct, slightly soft rendering with exquisite bokeh. Its compact 408g weight and classic optical design produce a unique vintage image quality with a dreamlike character at open aperture. This lens is best for portrait photographers seeking an unmistakable, character-driven look rather than clinical sharpness.
Focal length 50mm
Aperture f/1.2
Mount Leica M
Weight 816 g
af type manual focus only
lens type prime
41 Overall Score
Price CA$0
Snapshot
What owners think
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
Owner sentiment has cooled since launch
Based on 3 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Prime |
| Focal Length Min | 50 |
| Focal Length Max | 50 |
| Elements | 6 |
| Groups | 4 |
| Aspherical Elements | 2 |
| Coating | Aspherical |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/1.2 |
| Min Aperture | f/1.2 |
| Constant | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 16 |
Build
| Mount | Leica M |
| Format | full-frame |
| Weight | 0.8 kg / 1.8 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 49 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 1000 |
| Max Magnification | 1:17.7 |
vs Competition
| Spec | Leica Noctilux-M 11686 50mm | Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 VXD | Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 | Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50mm | 28-300mm | 18-50mm | 17-28mm | 12-35mm | 18-135mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.2 | f/4 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Mount | Leica M | Sony E | Sony E | Nikon Z | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E |
| Stabilization | false | true | false | false | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | true | true | true | true | false |
| Weight (g) | 816 | 590 | 290 | 450 | 306 | 326 |
| AF Type | manual focus only | VXD linear motor | stepping motor | Stepping Motor | Autofocus | Linear motor |
| Lens Type | prime | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leica Noctilux-M 11686 50mm | 13.3 | 99.7 | 23.1 | 45.2 | 49.2 | 98.6 | 33.6 | 7.9 | 36.8 |
| Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 VXD Compare | 98 | 77.9 | 65.1 | 85.8 | 96.7 | 66 | 97.7 | 55.7 | 82.4 |
| Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Compare | 86.8 | 81.8 | 86 | 91.7 | 82.2 | 83.9 | 78.6 | 89.8 | 36.8 |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Compare | 86.8 | 87 | 75.1 | 85.8 | 88.2 | 83.9 | 68 | 69.6 | 36.8 |
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 Compare | 53.9 | 81.8 | 85.4 | 51 | 86.5 | 83.9 | 80.6 | 85.4 | 96.9 |
| Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Compare | 98 | 75.4 | 72.4 | 40.3 | 78.5 | 77.3 | 95.8 | 89.8 | 82.4 |
