On top you can watch the Leica Nocticron 42,5mm f/1.2 lens video review made by frugalfilmmakers. But the big question of the moment is, can the lens beat the optical performance of the $600 cheaper Fuji 56mm f/1.2 lens? Both lenses have been released at about the same time, both have the same f/1.2 speed at the same focal length (85mm FF equivalent). While the Nocticorn is much more expensive it also has a built-in lens stabilization (the Fuji has not) and a faster AF performance. Admiringlight had the lucky chance to test both lenses at the same time and writes:
- Wide open, the Panasonic Leica has notably higher contrast straight out of camera. It really has remarkable contrast for an f/1.2 lens. You can process the Fuji images with a simple contrast adjustment in post to match this, but it doesn’t get that high contrast pop until about f/2.2 straight out of camera.
- The Fuji exhibits some spherical aberration wide open, which may show as a glow with high contrast subjects such as white text on a black background. The Panasonic Leica exhibits extremely minimal spherical aberration.
- While both lenses can show some Longitudinal CA at wide apertures, the Nocticron displays it much more readily. High contrast areas immediately in front and behind the focus point display as a magenta or green fringe. Still, both lenses do a decent job in this department considering the speed.
- Price. Here’s it’a s huge win for the Fuji, coming in at $999 vs. the $1599 of the Nocticron. You do get optical image stabilization with the Leica, but I’m not sure that makes up the full $600 difference between the two lenses.
So overall the Panasonic wins the performance test. But it’s up to you to judge if that edge in performance, the in lens IS and faster AF are worth the $600 price difference. Be sure to read the full review at Admiringlight to learn more about the lenses!
You can buy the lens at Amazon US (Click here), Adorama (Click here) and BHphoto (Click here). In UK at Wexphotographic (Click here). In Germany at Redcoon (Click here), Technikdirekt (Click here).
P.S.: Nocticron vs A7+Canon 85mm lens by Derrick Pang.