Summary
- The new NOKTON 35mm f/1.2 is coming to Sony E and Nikon Z.
- It covers full-frame sensors and uses manual focus.
- The versions weigh 380 and 390 grams respectively.
- Availability is planned for December 2026.
Cosina has introduced the Voigtländer NOKTON 35mm f/1.2 Aspherical for Sony E and Nikon Z, pairing an exceptionally fast aperture with a weight under 400 grams.
The two full-frame versions were announced on November 13, 2026, with a December launch planned but no exact date confirmed. This is a manual-focus lens, not an autofocus alternative.
An f/1.2 aperture in a compact body
The optical formula uses nine elements in seven groups, including two double-sided aspherical elements. A 12-blade aperture is designed to render smooth bokeh; minimum focus is 0.3 metres and maximum reproduction is 1:5.8. The lens takes 58mm filters and ships with a hood.
Both versions cover full-frame sensors and can also be used on APS-C cameras, giving roughly a 52.5mm-equivalent field of view. Unlike the NOKTON 35mm f/1.2 for Fujifilm X, this is a different lens for different camera systems and formats.
Sony E versus Nikon Z
| Specification | Sony E | Nikon Z |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 380 g | 390 g |
| Size (diameter × length) | 68.1 × 60.2 mm | 67.6 × 62.4 mm |
| Angle of view | 61.9° | 61.7° |
| Aperture | f/1.2–f/22 | f/1.2–f/22 |
| Filter | 58 mm | 58 mm |
Both use a metal manual-focus mechanism, a physical aperture ring and electronic contacts that support EXIF communication and compatible camera focus aids and stabilization features.
The Sony E version adds a switch for clickless aperture operation, useful when manually adjusting exposure while filming. On Nikon Z, Cosina lists focus peaking, camera-button magnification and focus-frame colour indication on supported bodies with compatible firmware.
Another option for photographers interested in high-quality manual lenses for these mounts is the Voigtländer APO-LANTHAR 28mm f/2, which offers a wider perspective and a different optical design emphasis.
More information on Sony E here and Nikon Z here.
Price and availability
Both lenses are scheduled for December 2026. Japanese list prices are 140,000 yen before tax for Sony E and 130,000 yen before tax for Nikon Z. No official European price has been confirmed.
What we think
A full-frame 35mm f/1.2 weighing 380–390 grams is a compelling option for street, travel and environmental portraits. You get genuinely shallow depth of field and useful low-light flexibility without carrying a bulky prime.
The trade-off is manual focus. At f/1.2, keeping up with moving subjects takes practice and attention. It would not be our only 35mm for weddings or fast-paced reportage, but for more deliberate work, manual focusing can be part of the creative process.
Sony’s clickless aperture option is a welcome feature for video. We would also want to examine backlit and wide-open samples before drawing conclusions about its overall optical rendering.
