Voigtlander Nokton 23mm F1.2 Asph (Fuji X)

Overview

The Cosina Voigtländer Nokton 23mm f/1.2 Aspherical will be the first third-party Fujifilm X Mount manual focus lens with electronic contacts transferring important information such as EXIF data, distance, and f-stop to your Fujifilm camera.

This along with the fact that the Nokton 23mm f/1.2 is a very compact alternative to the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR has put it front and center on my lens radar. 

It could just be marketing talk but Cosina/Voigtländer states on their website that this is an exclusive design for the Fujifilm X mount. The lens has a full-frame equivalent angle of view of a classic 35mm lens. 

The Nokton 23mm f/1.2 has 10 elements in 6 groups including one double-sided aspherical lens and two anomalous partially dispersed elements. 

A high-precision all-metal helicoid unit using high-quality grease should ensure smooth focusing and if the Voigtländer Ultron 40mm f/2 SL IIs that I tested recently is any indication I would lean toward trusting this statement.

Like most of Fujifilm’s native lenses, the Voigtländer Nokton 23mm f/1.2 Aspherical will have an aperture ring and from studying the photos it looks like the design of the lens strikes a pleasant blend between Leica and Fujifilm and I believe the lens would suit the Fujifilm lineup quite well. It may in particular go well with the X-E4 or X-Pro3. 

The 12-blade diaphragm should aid in producing great-looking bokeh. In comparison, Fujifilm lenses mostly have between 7 and 9.

Key Features

• X-Mount Lens/APS-C Format
• 35mm (35mm Equivalent)
• Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/16
• Rounded 12-Blade Diaphragm
• Manual Focus and Aperture Ring
• Minimum Focus Distance: 7"
• Electronic Connection with Camera Body
• Two Partial Dispersion Elements