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
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 | Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD | Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR | Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS | Canon RF 10-20mm f/4 L IS STM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50mm | 18-50mm | 17-70mm | 24-200mm | 16-50mm | 10-20mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.2 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/4 | f/3.5 | f/10 |
| Mount | Leica M | Sony E | Sony E | Nikon Z | Sony E | Canon RF |
| Stabilization | false | false | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weight (g) | 816 | 290 | 544 | 570 | 107 | 570 |
| AF Type | manual focus only | stepping motor | RXD | stepping motor | Autofocus | 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 | 12.7 | 99.6 | 24 | 44.5 | 50.1 | 98.4 | 33.6 | 8 | 36.7 |
| Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Compare | 87.6 | 80.4 | 86.5 | 90.8 | 82.5 | 82.8 | 78.5 | 90.1 | 36.7 |
| Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Compare | 53.7 | 85.7 | 69.8 | 84.9 | 91 | 82.8 | 89.4 | 86 | 82.4 |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR Compare | 87.6 | 62.9 | 68 | 37.8 | 92.9 | 64.6 | 96.6 | 90.1 | 97 |
| Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Compare | 53.7 | 73.7 | 98.6 | 43.2 | 69 | 75.9 | 83.1 | 82 | 93.5 |
| Canon RF 10-20mm f/4 L IS STM Compare | 87.6 | 48.4 | 54.7 | 87.1 | 95.5 | 48.1 | 72 | 74.8 | 97 |