Voigtlander 25mm f/0.95 Nokton Version II Lens Review

Voigtlander Nokton 25mm f/0.95 Version II Handling and Features

This new version of Voigtlander's 25mm lens is 25g heavier than the previous version, tipping the scales at 435g, which was already quite a substantial lens when compared to other similar lenses for the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) system. Due to the size and weight of this optic, it may feel a little cumbersome to use on some of the more compact MFT bodies available, but it balances well with the Panasonic Lumix G6 body used for testing.

As is the case with the previous version of this lens, the materials used in the construction of this lens are very high quality. Plenty of metal has been used, which adds to the overall robust feel. The manual focus action is buttery smooth and can be adjusted with a very light touch, yet it is well enough damped to stay put when required. As depth of field is very shallow at maximum aperture, extreme care needs to be taken to get images properly focused. Most Micro Four Thirds cameras have a facility for magnifying the image during focusing and it is best to take advantage of this feature. A useful hyperfocal scale is provided on the lens for aperture values between f/4 and f/16. A minimum focus distance of 17cm is great for shooting in claustrophobic environments, or for taking frame filling close images.



The aperture range is divided into half stop intervals, with a smooth clicking action between each setting. A ring located just in front of the aperture setting can be pushed toward the camera body and rotated to disengage the aperture clicks. This is a great feature for those wishing to use the lens for recording video, facilitating smooth transitions between exposure adjustments.

The lens has a 52mm filter thread, which does not rotate during focusing. This makes the lens ideal for use with graduated or polarising filters. A compact metal lens hood that screws into the filter thread is also supplied.

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