Leica’s Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ‘Titan’ Lens is the Priciest 50mm Prime
Leica has announced the Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH. “Titan” limited edition lens, the most expensive new 50mm prime lens available today.
The Leica Noctilux-M has been a legendary name in lenses since the first Noctilux-M launched in 1966. Since then, each subsequent Noctilux lens has captured the imaginations and hearts of photographers thanks to impressive technical achievements and extreme light-gathering capabilities.
Following the cue of prior “Titan” limited edition Leica products, the new Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH. “Titan” relies heavily upon solid titanium components. Every visible component on the lens is built using titanium, which Leica says gives the lens an “elegant appearance”. It makes it the “ideal complement” to all of Leica’s previously released Leica M-series cameras in titanium finish, like the $20,000 Leica M-A “Titan” film camera that Leica launched in limited supply last year.
Not to be outdone by Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro series and its new titanium chassis, the new Noctilux “Titan” is a work of art. As is the case with a lot of art, supply is constrained. The special edition lens will be limited to just 100 pieces worldwide.
Aside from its distinct appearance, the Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH. “Titan” is identical to the standard Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH. lens, available in black and silver finishes.
The black and silver versions of the lens already have eye-watering prices, costing $12,995 and $13,095, respectively. The new special edition “Titan” version blows those two pricey primes out of the water with a staggering $16,995 price tag.
Available exclusively at Leica Stores, the sleek, bright lens is the most expensive stills-oriented lens available brand new that is not an exotic telephoto. Of course, Leica’s engineers spare no expense when crafting a lens like the Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95. Achieving such a fast aperture that lives up to Leica’s impeccable exacting standards is not for the faint of heart — or the light of pocket.
The closest comparison lens is the Nikon Nikkor Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct, which offers a very similar focal length and the same extremely bright aperture. That lens is manual focus, like the Noctilux-M, and sets photographers back nearly $8,000.
As any Leica fan will tell you, there is something special about using the company’s storied cameras and lenses. In the case of the Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 “Titan” lens, experiencing that special feeling does not come cheap.
Image credits: Leica
