Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM vs Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical opens to f/1 versus the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM's f/1.4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM gives that up to stay lighter (516g (1.14 lb)). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM if…
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Choose the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1 is faster than f/1.4, better for low light and subject separation.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical opens to f/1 vs the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM's f/1.4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Price: the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical is $1,199, $100 under the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM.
- ›Durability: the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM or the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical opens to f/1 versus the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM's f/1.4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM gives that up to stay lighter (516g (1.14 lb)). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM?
Choose the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Who should choose the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical?
Choose the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical if you want more light and background blur — f/1 is faster than f/1.4, better for low light and subject separation.
What is the main difference between the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM and the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical?
Aperture: the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical opens to f/1 vs the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM's f/1.4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 50mm | 50mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 14 | 10 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 8 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 | f/1 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 12 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 47° – 47° | 47° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | No |
| Focus Motor | XD Linear | − |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 38 cm | 50 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.16x | 0.15x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | Yes | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,299 | $1,199 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 80.6mm | 70mm |
| Length | 96mm | 66.4mm |
| Weight | 516g (1.14 lb) | 530g (1.17 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
