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 F1.4 GM
Sony E Mount
FE 50mm F1.4 GM — 50mm f/1.4 for Sony E, a popular choice in the sony lineup.
$1,799
Launch priceReleased Mar 2025
FE 50mm F1.4 GM is 10.5 years newer.
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Wins
LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2
Wins
FE 50mm F1.4 GM
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 higher Max magnification (0.25 × vs 0.15 ×)
- ALEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 has lower Weight (425 g vs 580 g)
- BFE 50mm F1.4 GM has lower Min focus distance (30 cm vs 38 cm)
- ALEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 has lower Length (110 mm vs 131 mm)
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
- ✓
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 580 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
110 mm vs 131 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/1.4 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/1.4 — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
70 mm vs 81 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.25 × vs 0.15 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the FE 50mm F1.4 GM
- ✓
Min focus distance
30 cm vs 38 cm — lower is better
Shared specifications
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 F1.4 GM
Pros
- ✓Bright f/1.4 aperture for low light and subject separation
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 and FE 50mm F1.4 GM at major authorized retailers.
Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2
Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.