Voigtlander's ultra-fast 28mm for Leica M — the Type II Nokton with f/1.5 speed and aspherical design.
The Voigtlander Nokton 28mm f/1.5 Aspherical Type II VM is the updated version of Voigtlander's ultra-fast 28mm rangefinder lens for the Leica M mount. The Type II designation indicates a revised optical design with improved performance. At f/1.5, it is the fastest 28mm lens available for the M mount — faster than any Leica-branded 28mm.
Optical performance is excellent, particularly for the Type II revision. Sharpness is very good from f/1.5 and outstanding by f/2.8. The aspherical element controls spherical aberration and coma effectively. Bokeh is smooth and pleasant at wider apertures. Vignetting is present wide open, as expected for a fast wide-angle on rangefinder bodies, but correctable.
Leica M mount with rangefinder coupling for accurate manual focus. Filter thread is 46mm. Weight is approximately 260 grams — compact for such a fast lens. Build quality is superb with brass and aluminium construction, precision-machined by Cosina in Japan. The focus ring is silky smooth with well-spaced focus markings for zone focusing.
Available on the used market at moderate prices — significantly cheaper than equivalent Leica-branded lenses. Check rangefinder coupling accuracy and smooth focus action. An outstanding choice for M-mount street and documentary photographers who want maximum speed at 28mm. The Type I version is cheaper but optically inferior.