Panasonic
LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2
Micro Four Thirds Mount
LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 — 42.5mm f/1.2 for Micro Four Thirds, a popular choice in the panasonic lineup.
$1,599
Launch priceReleased Aug 2014
Sony
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Sony E Mount
Exquisite resolution and dreamy bokeh combine in a masterful f/1.2 prime.
$1,999
Launch priceReleased Mar 2021
FE 50mm F1.2 GM is 6.6 years newer.
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Wins
LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2
Wins
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
2 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- ALEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- ALEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 has lower Weight (425 g vs 778 g)
- ALEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 has higher Max magnification (0.25 × vs 0.17 ×)
- ALEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 has lower Diameter (70 mm vs 87 mm)
- ALEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 has lower Min focus distance (38 cm vs 40 cm)
Key specs at a glance
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical, ED
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 supports it
- ✓
Weight
425 g vs 778 g — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
70 mm vs 87 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.25 × vs 0.17 × — higher is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
38 cm vs 40 cm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the FE 50mm F1.2 GM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 XA (extreme aspherical)
- ✓
Length
108 mm vs 110 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Max aperture (Wide)
Both f/1.2
Max aperture (Tele)
Both f/1.2
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Control ring
Both support control ring
Custom function button
Both support custom function button
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2
Pros
- ✓Bright f/1.2 aperture for low light and subject separation
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Pros
- ✓Outstanding sharpness wide open at f/1.2
- ✓Stunningly smooth, circular bokeh with 11 aperture blades
- ✓Extremely quiet and fast autofocus tracking
- ✓Manageable size and weight for an f/1.2 lens
Cons
- –Expensive investment for a single focal length
- –Heavy compared to standard f/1.8 options
- –Some visible vignetting wide open
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 and FE 50mm F1.2 GM at major authorized retailers.
Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2
Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.