I recently picked up the Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.2 III for my Leica M10, and I’ve got to say—it’s not just another fast lens. It’s one of those rare pieces of glass that invites you to shoot differently. It doesn’t demand pixel-peeping or a spec sheet breakdown. Instead, it rewards everyday shooting—the kind where you’re walking through a park, the light’s changing fast, and you just see something. That’s where this lens starts to shine.

If you’re reading this, I’ll assume you already know the basics: this is the third iteration of Voigtländer’s legendary 35mm f/1.2. It’s smaller, sharper, and—perhaps most importantly—much easier to carry than its predecessors. But this isn’t a technical review. I’m not here to talk MTF charts or chromatic aberration under a microscope. This is about real-world use, how it feels in the hand, and whether it earns its place in your bag.

Why the f/1.2?

I already have a Zeiss ZM 35mm f/2, which I love. It’s sharp, it’s light, and it’s been with me on plenty of shoots. But the curiosity for that creamy f/1.2 look just wouldn’t go away. There’s something magnetic about being able to isolate a subject in a sea of blur—especially in a 35mm frame, which traditionally leans more environmental. I wanted to see how the Voigtländer handled the challenge.

Spoiler: it didn’t disappoint.

ND Filters and Leica Realities

Shooting f/1.2 in daylight is a balancing act. To make it work, I threw a B+W 0.9 ND filter (3 stops) on the lens when using the Leica M10. It gives me just enough flexibility to shoot wide open without blowing out highlights. With the M246, though—whose base ISO is 320—I’ll probably need a 4-stop filter. Just something to keep in mind if you’re diving into the fast-lens world on rangefinders. These are the little practical details that can make or break your shooting flow.

First Impressions in the Field

My first test runs were casual—walks through Cylburn Arboretum in Baltimore. Not product shoots, not portraits with perfect light—just natural, everyday scenes. And that’s where the lens impressed me most.

At close distances, there’s a distinct glow. Some call it character, others might see it as a flaw—but for me, it adds a vintage softness that works well for intimate moments. Step back just a bit, and the lens tightens up fast. At portrait and medium-far distances, even wide open at f/1.2, it’s impressively sharp. Center sharpness is strong, and edge performance holds its own without drawing attention. I wasn’t expecting this kind of balance from a lens this fast.

One thing that surprised me: flare resistance. I use the Voigtländer LH-8 hood, which might be helping a lot here, but I’ve had no major flare issues even when shooting into the sun. Your mileage may vary without the hood, so check other technical reviews if that’s a concern.

The Feel of It

Handling is classic Voigtländer—solid, smooth, no nonsense. The aperture clicks are reassuring, the focus throw is short enough to be quick but long enough to be precise. On a Leica body, the lens feels right at home. Not too heavy, not too light. Just balanced.

A Few Fun Facts

• Voigtländer is the world’s oldest name in cameras—founded in 1756. Using one of their modern lenses feels like borrowing from a deep photographic lineage.
• This 35mm f/1.2 III was designed with input from Leica shooters, which might explain why it integrates so well with M bodies.
• Despite its speed, the lens weighs only 332g—less than many slower 35mm lenses from other brands.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t a lens for everyone. If you shoot stopped down most of the time, the extra weight and price probably aren’t worth it. But if you love working wide open, if you’re chasing mood and atmosphere in your shots, or if you just want a tool that expands your creative envelope—the Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.2 III delivers.

It’s practical magic. Not because it does everything perfectly, but because it gives you options. It’s not sterile or clinical. It’s a fast lens that dares you to shoot fast.

And that’s exactly what I was hoping for.