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 (9th percentile)
- Below average af (13th percentile)
- Below average build (25th percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd 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 |
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 1000 |
| Max Magnification | 1:17.7 |
vs Competition
| Spec | Leica Noctilux-M 11686 50mm | Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD | Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 | Sigma Contemporary 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12060 | Sony G SELP28135G.SYX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50mm | 17-70mm | 17-28mm | 16-28mm | 12-60mm | 28-135mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.2 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Mount | Leica M | Fujifilm X | Nikon Z | Sony E | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E |
| Stabilization | false | true | false | false | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weight (g) | 816 | 544 | 450 | 450 | 320 | 420 |
| AF Type | Manual Focus | RXD | Stepping Motor | Stepping AF Motor | linear motor | SSM |
| 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 | 12.8 | 99.6 | 25.3 | 44.4 | 49 | 98.5 | 33.3 | 8.9 | 37.8 |
| Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Compare | 53.7 | 87.4 | 69.6 | 85.9 | 91 | 84.6 | 89.3 | 85 | 83.4 |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Compare | 87.4 | 87.4 | 75.9 | 85.9 | 88 | 84.6 | 67.3 | 68.7 | 37.8 |
| Sigma Contemporary 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Compare | 87.4 | 87.4 | 75.9 | 77.8 | 97.2 | 84.6 | 68 | 62.6 | 37.8 |
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12060 Compare | 98.1 | 87.4 | 84.6 | 51.9 | 91 | 84.6 | 93.1 | 67.7 | 83.4 |
| Sony G SELP28135G.SYX Compare | 94.4 | 78.5 | 77.7 | 34.1 | 88 | 67.2 | 92.4 | 55.5 | 93.4 |
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.
