Leica Noctilux-M 11686 50mm

★★★☆☆ 3.0 (2)

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
Leica Noctilux-M 11686 50mm lens
41 Overall Score
Also available in:

Snapshot

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Strong bokeh (100th percentile) 100th
  • Strong aperture (99th percentile) 99th

Cons

  • Below average social proof (8th percentile)
  • Below average af (14th percentile)
  • Below average build (24th percentile)
  • Below average versatility (34th percentile)

What owners think

How owner sentiment changed over time

Exclusive

Based on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.

Owner sentiment has cooled since launch
1★2★3★4★5★Q4 '21: 5.0★ · 1 reviewQ4 '22: 4.0★ · 1 review111Q4 '21Q4 '22Q2 '26
Avg ratingHappy (4-5★)Unhappy (1-2★)Bar height = number of reviewsEstimated date

Based on 3 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.

The proof

Performance

Performance Percentiles

AF 13.9
Bokeh 99.6
Build 23.9
Macro 42.4
Optical 44.6
Aperture 98.5
Versatility 33.6
Social Proof 7.9
Stabilization 38

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 Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Tamron Di III 28-75mm f/2.8 VXD G2 Sigma Contemporary 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12060 Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM
Focal Length 50mm 17-28mm 28-75mm 10-18mm 12-60mm 28-70mm
Max Aperture f/1.2 f/2.8 f/2.8 f/2.8 f/2.8 f/22
Mount Leica M Nikon Z Sony E Sony E Micro Four Thirds Canon RF
Stabilization false false false false true true
Weather Sealed false true true true true true
Weight (g) 816 450 540 260 320 495
AF Type manual focus only Stepping Motor VXD Autofocus linear motor STM
Lens Type prime zoom zoom zoom zoom zoom
Compare Compare Compare Compare Compare
Product AFBokehBuildMacroOpticalApertureVersatilitySocial ProofStabilization
Leica Noctilux-M 11686 50mm 13.999.623.942.444.698.533.67.938
Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Compare 8788.173.686.38785.868.164.638
Tamron Di III 28-75mm f/2.8 VXD G2 Compare 54.688.167.287.387.885.878.283.138
Sigma Contemporary 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Compare 54.683.587.393.381.685.869.168.838
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12060 Compare 9888.183.150.490.285.893.163.583.2
Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM Compare 8725.970.280.48522.677.287.998.5

Usage Scores

Macro (37.2)Overall (41.4)Budget (37.8)Street (44.8)Travel (18.6)Portrait (70.6)Landscape (22.3)Professional (43.2)Video Cinema (45.7)Wildlife Sports (24.7)

A full written review is coming soon. The specs, scores, prices and charts above are always up to date.

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