Voigtlander Nokton 40mm F1.2 Aspherical

Reviewers report a soft, glowing image at f/1.2 with a usable centre, a clear jump in contrast by f/2, and corners that need f/5.6 to f/8. Longitudinal colour fringing and vignetting are noticeable at the widest apertures, and some focus shift appears when stopping down.

The bokeh is smooth and the transition from sharp to blurred is gradual, which suits portraits and environmental work. Build and focus feel are rated highly; the optical compromises are judged acceptable for a lens this fast and this small.

Owners value it as a one-lens kit: wide enough for everyday scenes, fast enough for low light, and with a look that is gentle wide open and crisp stopped down. The heavy, smooth focus ring and the de-click switch are popular with hybrid shooters.

Complaints include purple fringing on backlit edges at f/1.2, the weight relative to its size, and a hood that adds bulk. Some find 40mm awkward if they are used to 35mm or 50mm.