Leica Camera AG has announced the Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH. lens. This announcement was made on January 29, 2026. This lens marks the first time the legendary Noctilux lens, which has been synonymous with extreme low-light performance since 1966, now offers a 35mm focal length. This lens offers the same speed and signature look of the Noctilux lens with a new and versatile wide-angle perspective.

The manual focus lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.2 (with a minimum of f/16), an optical design consisting of 10 elements in 5 groups, including three aspherical elements crafted using Leica’s Precision Glass Molding (PGM) technology, and a floating element group to provide sharp images from infinity to the minimum focus distance of 0.5m or 19.7". The lens also sports 11 blades to provide a smooth bokeh effect, a built-in lens hood to prevent lens flare, high contrast and color rendition, and reduced lens aberrations, even when backlit.

The lens measures about 50mm in length and 65mm in diameter and weighs 416g or 14.7oz. The lens also has a 49mm filter thread. This lens is hand-crafted in Germany and has been designed to work with the high-resolution M system image sensors. This lens provides sharp and cinematic images with a shallow depth of field and a velvety bokeh effect. This lens also has a distinct look and feel that makes it suitable for portraits, street photography, reportage, and low-light photography.

The lens retails at $9,650 and is available immediately from Leica Stores, the online store, and other dealers. This lens is priced 50% higher than the Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 lens. However, the lens offers 1/3 of a stop faster and has the ability to focus much closer.

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Press Release

New: The Leica Noctilux-M 35 f/1.2 ASPH.

Leica Camera AG presents the first Noctilux M-Lens with a focal length of 35 mm

Teaneck, January 29th, 2026 – Since first being introduced in 1966, the name “Noctilux” has represented the pinnacle of optical craftsmanship at Leica. The name is made up of the Latin words “noctu” and “lux”, meaning “night” and “light”, and refers to the exceptional speed of this lens series. With a maximum aperture of up to f/0.95, Noctilux lenses are considered to be the epitome of optical development, opening up creative possibilities beyond the ordinary. They deliver images with an unrivaled visual aesthetic. With the new Noctilux-M 35 f/1.2 ASPH., Leica Camera AG is presenting the first Noctilux M-Lens in the company’s history to feature a 35 mm focal length.

Like all Noctilux lenses, the latest addition to the family impresses with its exceptional speed and superior imaging performance. The new, compact Noctilux-M 35 f/1.2 ASPH. produces clear, high-contrast images characterized by a distinctive look. The shallow depth of field at a wide aperture, precisely separates subject and space, creating a velvety soft bokeh and lending images tangible depth as well as a cinematic atmosphere. Stopping down the aperture allows you to selectively increase the depth of field. A floating element within the complex optical construction ensures consistent performance across the entire focusing range, from the close focus distance to infinity.

Up until now, the unique offering of Noctilux glass has been leveraged exclusively for 50 and 75 mm focal lengths. The new Noctilux-M 35 f/1.2 ASPH. now makes the revered Noctilux quality available for the versatile 35 mm focal length for the very first time. The perfect combination of a wide aperture and natural perspective makes it ideal for outstanding portrait, reportage, available-light, and street photography. Subjects are clearly in focus thanks to precise separation, while retaining their context thanks to harmonious transitions to the background.

This new lens is the first Noctilux to feature an extended close focus distance down to 50 cm. When used with the new Leica M EV1 and its high-resolution integrated electronic viewfinder, focusing is particularly convenient across the entire focusing range. M-Cameras with a rangefinder can focus to a distance of 70 cm via the optical viewfinder. In the close-up range of 70–50 cm, focusing is carried out via Live View on the rear LCD panel or the Visoflex viewfinder. The large focusing angle of the Noctilux-M 35 supports this, thereby enabling precise and sensitive work.

The new Leica Noctilux-M 35 f/1.2 ASPH. has been optimized for M-Cameras with high-resolution image sensors, in addition to having been completely redesigned and handcrafted in Wetzlar. Decades of experience and state-of-the-art production technologies have gone into its development, including processing of special glass materials and aspherical lens elements manufactured in Wetzlar using innovative Precision Glass Molding (PGM) technology, which shapes lenses in a highly precise process, achieving exceptional quality standards. The optical design comprises ten lenses in five groups, including three aspherical lenses. A floating element ensures consistent imaging performance over the entire focusing range. The integrated lens hood reduces glare and reflections, ensuring high contrast and brilliant color rendering, even with backlighting. Measuring just 1.9 inches in length, with a diameter of 2.5 inches, and weighing only 14.6 ounces, the new lens also impresses with its remarkably compact size.

The Leica Noctilux-M 35 f/1.2 ASPH. will be available worldwide as of January 29th, 2026, from Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store, and authorized dealers. The retail price is $9,650.00

Specifications

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Purchase the Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH. Lens from B&H Photo