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.
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
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
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 | 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 | AF | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leica Noctilux-M 11686 50mm | 13.9 | 99.6 | 23.9 | 42.4 | 44.6 | 98.5 | 33.6 | 7.9 | 38 |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Compare | 87 | 88.1 | 73.6 | 86.3 | 87 | 85.8 | 68.1 | 64.6 | 38 |
| Tamron Di III 28-75mm f/2.8 VXD G2 Compare | 54.6 | 88.1 | 67.2 | 87.3 | 87.8 | 85.8 | 78.2 | 83.1 | 38 |
| Sigma Contemporary 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Compare | 54.6 | 83.5 | 87.3 | 93.3 | 81.6 | 85.8 | 69.1 | 68.8 | 38 |
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12060 Compare | 98 | 88.1 | 83.1 | 50.4 | 90.2 | 85.8 | 93.1 | 63.5 | 83.2 |
| Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM Compare | 87 | 25.9 | 70.2 | 80.4 | 85 | 22.6 | 77.2 | 87.9 | 98.5 |
Price
Value & Pricing
We started tracking prices for this product on May 25, 2026. The chart appears once we have more data.
Usage Scores
A full written review is coming soon. The specs, scores, prices and charts above are always up to date.
