Aspheric, fast normal lens
The Voigtländer 40 mm/1:1.2 Nokton is a fast, manual lens, intended as an all-rounder walkabout prime lens that can shoot a variety of subjects comfortably. It straddles the gap between two common focal lengths for standard/normal lenses: 35mm and 50mm.
This is a first look article focusing on the specifications, exterior as well as initial impressions regarding the lens.
According to Voigtländer, it is the world`s first full-frame 40 mm lens with an aperture of f/1.2, while retaining a compact size. The optical formula includes two aspherical lenses, and the photographer can rely on optical performance and enjoy a smooth bokeh at the maximum aperture.
On an APS-C sensor, the lens provides an effective focal length of 60mm, which means the lens can still be used as a quasi-standard lens.
Interestingly, although the aperture ring has 1/3 stops, the lens also allows for a stepless aperture change during video applications.
The lens comes with a metal hood that is quite small and unobtrusive, which means it is possible to leave the hood on the lens all the time without making the camera look too bulky.
Specifications
| Focal length | 40 mm |
| Aperture ratio | 1:1.2 |
| Minimum aperture (F) | 22 |
| selective aperture control | available |
| Lens construction | 8 elements in 6 groups |
| Angle of view | 55° |
| Aperture blade | 10 |
| Minimum focus | 0.35 m |
| Maximum reproduction ratio | 1:6.2 |
| Maximum diameter | 70.1 mm |
| Length | 59.3 mm |
| Mount | E |
| Electrical contact: Exif data transfer | available |
| Manual focus assistant | available |
| Weight | 420 g |
| Filter size | 58 mm |
| Color | black |
| Others | Selective Aperture Control System, Front cap, Rear cap, Lens Hood |
Photos (unboxing, lens)
The following photos show the full unboxing experience, and the lens in various angles, as well as mounted on a Sony α9.
Please click on any photo to view in a lightbox. Use arrow keys or swipe to navigate.
![Nokton-40mm-E (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [59mm,f4,1/60s,ISO50])](/_astro/Nokton-40mm-E.CM7iS3Ab.jpeg)
Nokton-40mm-E (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [59mm,f4,1/60s,ISO50]) ![Nokton-40mm-E-1 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [36mm,f4,1/60s,ISO50])](/_astro/Nokton-40mm-E-1.Cgq7n0wt.jpeg)
Nokton-40mm-E-1 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [36mm,f4,1/60s,ISO50]) ![Nokton-40mm-E-2 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [70mm,f4,1/80s,ISO640])](/_astro/Nokton-40mm-E-2.DkvZFMZ2.jpeg)
Nokton-40mm-E-2 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [70mm,f4,1/80s,ISO640]) ![Nokton-40mm-E-3 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [56mm,f4,1/60s,ISO400])](/_astro/Nokton-40mm-E-3.BTm99nEB.jpeg)
Nokton-40mm-E-3 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [56mm,f4,1/60s,ISO400]) ![Nokton-40mm-E-4 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS [90mm,f4,1/100s,ISO1250])](/_astro/Nokton-40mm-E-4.0YrFE769.jpeg)
Nokton-40mm-E-4 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS [90mm,f4,1/100s,ISO1250]) ![Nokton-40mm-E-5 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS [90mm,f4,1/100s,ISO1250])](/_astro/Nokton-40mm-E-5.B4dcuRxd.jpeg)
Nokton-40mm-E-5 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS [90mm,f4,1/100s,ISO1250]) ![Nokton-40mm-E-6 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS [90mm,f4,1/100s,ISO2000])](/_astro/Nokton-40mm-E-6.DAK-uI5V.jpeg)
Nokton-40mm-E-6 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS [90mm,f4,1/100s,ISO2000]) ![Nokton-40mm-E-7 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS [90mm,f4,1/100s,ISO1600])](/_astro/Nokton-40mm-E-7.BZt--ZRS.jpeg)
Nokton-40mm-E-7 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS [90mm,f4,1/100s,ISO1600]) ![Nokton-40mm-E-8 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [57mm,f4,1/60s,ISO500])](/_astro/Nokton-40mm-E-8.Bogwz-e_.jpeg)
Nokton-40mm-E-8 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [57mm,f4,1/60s,ISO500]) ![Nokton-40mm-E-9 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [65mm,f4,1/80s,ISO1250])](/_astro/Nokton-40mm-E-9.B6fyU_VV.jpeg)
Nokton-40mm-E-9 (SONY ILCE-7R FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS [65mm,f4,1/80s,ISO1250]) Initial Impressions
This is probably one of Voigtländer's most popular E-mount lenses in their range and I am not surprised as it is quite versatile for many shooting situations, is relatively compact and light, and has a large aperture enabling beautiful smooth shallow depth of field shots.
On a full frame body, it is perfect for street and general purpose photography.
On an APS-C body, it acts as a slightly narrow normal lens and also suitable for some portraiture shots.
The full metal design of the lens barrel gives a nice solid feel and the lens is relatively easy to focus using peak focusing on any recent Sony E-mount body. I am planning to shoot mainly using the Sony α7R which is my go-to body for manual focusing lenses as it has a relatively good viewfinder and above average sensor resolution.
