Voigtländer has announced an appealing aesthetic update for its popular lineup of manual-focus prime lenses designed for APS-C mirrorless cameras, introducing sleek new silver finishes for both the Nokton 23mm f/1.2 Aspherical and the Nokton 35mm f/1.2. Previously available exclusively in a classic black finish for Fujifilm X-series and Nikon DX camera bodies, these highly regarded prime lenses can now be matched aesthetically with silver camera bodies such as the Fujifilm X-T5, X-M5, and X-E5.
The introduction of the silver variant offers photographers using Fujifilm’s retro-styled mirrorless systems a cohesive look that complements the classic silver-and-black or all-silver housings of modern APS-C cameras. Beyond the visual update, the lenses retain the robust optical performance, meticulous mechanical construction, and characteristic rendering that have earned the Nokton series praise among enthusiasts and professionals alike. Both lenses are currently available for pre-order through major photography retailers, including B&H Photo, providing shooters with fresh options for outfitting their camera bags.
The Voigtländer Nokton 23mm f/1.2 Aspherical lens for Fujifilm X-mount arrives in its new silver finish with a pre-order price of $599, positioning it slightly lower than the current pricing for the black edition. Weighing in at a modest 240 grams, the lens strikes a balance between a fast maximum aperture and a lightweight, compact footprint that complements portable bodies like the Fujifilm X-M5 without throwing off the balance of the camera.
Optically, the 23mm f/1.2 features a sophisticated internal design comprising ten optical elements arranged across several groups. Among these are a complex double-sided aspherical element and two abnormal partial-dispersion glass elements. These specialized optical components work in tandem to suppress chromatic aberrations and maintain high levels of sharpness across the frame. While the lens delivers exceptional corner-to-corner clarity when stopped down to f/4, shooting wide open at f/1.2 produces a shallow depth of field characterized by smooth, atmospheric bokeh.
Offering a 35mm equivalent focal length on a full-frame sensor, the 23mm field of view is widely favored for street photography, environmental portraits, and everyday documentary shooting. Like other manual-focus lenses in the Voigtländer range for electronic mounts, the lens features dedicated electronic contacts. These contacts facilitate data communication between the lens and the camera body, ensuring that shooting parameters, EXIF data, and focus-assist functions operate seamlessly with compatible Fujifilm camera systems, even though focusing must be handled manually via the mechanically damped focus ring.
Joining the 23mm focal length in receiving the silver treatment is the Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.2 lens for Fujifilm X-mount, which has been a staple for black-finish shooters since its initial release in 2021. The silver version of the 35mm f/1.2 matches the pricing of its black counterpart, retailing at $649.
The optical architecture of the Nokton 35mm f/1.2 utilizes an almost symmetrical Double-Gauss layout. This traditional optical design is particularly effective at controlling optical aberrations across a wide focal plane, ensuring reliable performance even in challenging lighting conditions. One of the standout features of the 35mm f/1.2 is its incorporation of twelve aperture blades. This high blade count contributes to the creation of circular, smoothly rendered out-of-focus highlights, making it a popular choice for photographers who prioritize rendering quality and subject isolation.
The lens offers a close minimum focusing distance of 0.3 meters, allowing photographers to move in tight on subjects for detailed close-up compositions, and accepts front filters via a 46mm thread. Like its wider sibling, the silver 35mm f/1.2 features an all-metal barrel construction that emphasizes durability and tactile feedback, reflecting Voigtländer’s traditional manufacturing ethos.
Both lenses emphasize tactile operation, featuring physical aperture rings with distinct click stops that allow photographers to make exposure adjustments quickly and intuitively without looking away from the viewfinder. The inclusion of electronic contacts across both models ensures that photographers do not sacrifice modern convenience for traditional handling, bridging the gap between vintage-style manual operation and contemporary digital workflows.
The availability of both the Nokton 23mm f/1.2 Aspherical and the Nokton 35mm f/1.2 in silver finishes provides Fujifilm users with greater flexibility when coordinating their gear. Pre-orders are currently open through authorized dealers such as B&H, allowing photographers to secure the new silver editions ahead of official shipping dates.
