Voigtlander Nokton classic 35mm F1.4
Launch MSRP
$799- Weight
- 262g
- Filter
- ⌀58mm
- Min focus
- 0.30m
- Max mag.
- 0.16×
- Formula
- 8E / 6G
- Released
- 2018
Specification sheet
Optical construction
- 1x APD
- Aperture range
- f/1.4 — f/16
Physical & ergonomics
- Weight
- 262g
- ⌀ × length
- 67.0 × 39.6mm
- Filter
- ⌀58mm
- Weather sealed
- No
- Aperture ring
- Yes
Autofocus actuator
- Stabilisation
- Body IBIS
- Teleconverter
- Not supported
- AF speed score
- —
Close-up performance
- Min focus distance
- 0.30m
- Max magnification
- 0.16× (1:6.3)
Optical character
The E-mount Nokton classic is a redesign of Cosina's rangefinder 35/1.4 for Sony sensors, built around a traditional symmetrical double-Gauss layout. Aberrations are left deliberately under-corrected, so wide open it draws with a soft glow and gentle contrast that many shooters want from a 35mm.
It is one of the smallest fast 35s for E-mount: 262g and under 40mm long, with an all-metal barrel and a 10-blade aperture. Electronic contacts pass EXIF data, trigger focus magnification and give the camera distance data for 5-axis stabilisation.
Reviewer consensus
Reviewers treat it as a character lens rather than a resolution tool. At f/1.4 the centre is usable but veiled by spherical aberration; contrast and sharpness rise quickly by f/2.8, while the corners need f/8 or more. Vignetting is heavy wide open and there is some field curvature and focus shift.
The rendering is the selling point: soft transitions, a vintage glow at large apertures and pleasant out-of-focus areas at moderate distances. Flare resistance against the sun is only average, but the size, build and price earn it a recommendation for street and everyday shooting.
Owner sentiment
Owners love how small it is on an A7-series body and the classic feel of the metal focus and aperture rings. Many keep it for black-and-white street work and portraits where the glow at f/1.4 is welcome.
Criticisms centre on low contrast wide open, strong corner shading and the lack of a de-click option for video. Some users who expected modern sharpness were disappointed and moved to the APO-Lanthar 35mm or an autofocus 35.
Strengths, weaknesses & performance
Strengths
- +Tiny for a 35mm f/1.4: 262g, 39.6mm long
- +Classic glowing rendering wide open
- +Solid all-metal build
- +Electronic contacts with focus magnify and IBIS data
- +Sharp centre once stopped to f/2.8
Weaknesses
- −Soft, low-contrast image at f/1.4
- −Heavy vignetting and weak corners
- −No de-click aperture for video
- −Veiling flare in backlight
Six-axis rating
- Sharpness
- 7.0
- Bokeh Rendering
- 7.8
- Autofocus Speed
- MF
- Flare Resistance
- 7.0
- Build / Sealing
- 8.6
- Value / Size
- 8.2
Editorial 0–10 ratings synthesised from published reviews.
Technical specifications
| Mount | Sony E (FE) · full frame |
|---|---|
| Focal length | 35mm |
| Category | Wide |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 |
| Construction | 8 elements in 6 groups |
| Special elements | 1x APD |
| Aperture blades | 10 |
| Focus type | Manual Focus |
|---|---|
| Drive | Manual Helicoid |
| Minimum focus | 0.30m |
| Max magnification | 0.16× |
| Stabilisation | None (uses body IBIS) |
| Teleconverters | Not supported |
| Weight | 262g |
|---|---|
| Diameter × length | 67.0 × 39.6mm |
| Filter thread | ⌀58mm |
| Weather sealing | No |
| Aperture ring | Yes |
| De-clickable aperture | No |
| Release year | 2018 |
| Launch MSRP | $799 USD |
Sources
Specifications
- cosina.co.jp/voigtlander/en/e-mount/nokton-classic-35mm-f1-4/
- bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1381712-REG/voigtlander_nokton_classic_35mm_f_1_4
- photorumors.com/2018/02/11/us-price-of-the-voigtlander-nokton-classic-35mm-
Similar focal length alternatives
- VSNokton classic 35mm F1.4 vs 35mm F1.4
- VSNokton classic 35mm F1.4 vs 35mm F1.4 Mark II FF
- VSNokton classic 35mm F1.4 vs 35mm F1.4 Mark III
- 7Artisans
35mm F1.4
35mmF1.4- WT
- 298g
- FLT
- ⌀46mm
- MFD
- 0.40m
- MSRP
- $199
MFRING - 7Artisans
35mm F1.4 Mark II FF
35mmF1.4- WT
- 284g
- FLT
- ⌀52mm
- MFD
- 0.33m
- MSRP
- —
MFRING - 7Artisans
35mm F1.4 Mark III
35mmF1.4- WT
- 274g
- FLT
- ⌀52mm
- MFD
- 0.33m
- MSRP
- $189
MFRING·DC
