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Leica Noctilux vs Meike 50mm f/0.95 — Dreamy Bokeh, Smart Choice

 

Fujifilm vs Leica — 50mm f/0.95: Which ultra-fast 50mm should you buy?

Short answer: if you want legendary Leica rendering and collectibility (and the budget for it), the Noctilux is unmatched; if you want that dreamy f/0.95 look on a budget for Fujifilm, Sony, Nikon Z, Canon RF, MFT or other mounts — the Meike 50mm f/0.95 gives you most of the aesthetic for a tiny fraction of the price. Leica Camera

Why photographers chase f/0.95 50mm lenses

An f/0.95 50mm lens delivers an ultra-shallow depth of field and extreme low-light capability — great for portraits with creamy bokeh, moody nighttime scenes, and cinematic separation of subject from background. Leica built the Noctilux as a flagship M-lens that pushes the limits of what a 50mm can do optically and aesthetically. Leica Camera

The contenders at a glance

Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 (the benchmark)

  • Aperture: f/0.95 — Leica’s fastest aspherical 50mm. Leica Camera

  • Who it’s for: Leica collectors, rangefinder purists, pro photographers who want iconic rendering and are comfortable with manual operation and premium pricing. Leica Camera

  • Price note: historically, the Noctilux launched as a very high-end, premium lens (reports at launch put it around ~$11,000), so this is a luxury purchase as much as a photographic one. WIRED

Meike 50mm f/0.95 (affordable alternative)

  • Aperture: f/0.95 — yes, Meike offers the same ultra-wide maximum aperture in a very different price bracket. Meike Global

  • Optical build (high level): ~7 elements / 5 groups, 13-blade iris, ø62mm filters (specs vary slightly by mount). Meike Global

  • Weight: around 420 g (varies by mount). Meike Global

  • Price: typically around $189.99 USD on the Meike store — a fraction of Leica’s cost. Meike Global

  • Who it’s for: photographers who want that dreamy f/0.95 look without spending thousands — hobbyists, content creators, wedding & portrait shooters on a budget, and anyone experimenting with ultra-shallow DOF.

Side-by-side: practical differences

  • Build & finish

    • Leica: top-tier machining, heritage M-lens feel and mount compatibility. Leica Camera

    • Meike: solid budget construction, manual focus, tactile focus/aperture rings — not Leica levels but very usable. Meike Global

  • Optical character

    • Leica: renowned for unique “Noctilux” rendering — subjectively one of the most pleasing bokehs and tonal transitions in existence. Leica Camera

    • Meike: produces strong subject isolation and pleasing bokeh for the price — you’ll get that dreamy look, though micro-contrast, flare control and corner sharpness differ from Leica’s premium optics. Meike Global

  • Price & value

    • Leica: a long-term collectable and statement lens — expensive. WIRED

    • Meike: Incredible value if your goal is the look rather than brand prestige. Meike Global

Who should buy which?

  • Buy the Leica Noctilux if: you want the absolute best Noctilux rendering, own an M system (or plan adaptations), collect Leica gear, or pricing isn’t a constraint. Leica Camera

  • Buy the Meike 50mm f/0.95 if: you want the f/0.95 aesthetic for portraits/low light on a budget, or need a lightweight manual lens compatible with many mirrorless systems. Meike Global


Quick specs (Meike 50mm f/0.95 summary)

  • Focal length: 50mm (APS-C / crop field of view on many mounts)

  • Maximum aperture: f/0.95

  • Aperture range: f/0.95–f/16

  • Elements/groups: 7 elements / 5 groups

  • Iris blades: 13

  • Filter thread: 62mm

  • Minimum focus: ~45 cm

  • Weight: ~420 g (varies by mount). Meike Global

Ready to buy? (affiliate links)

If you want the Meike 50mm f/0.95 for your system, here are the exact product pages (affiliate links you can use to purchase):

Note: Links above point to the Meike product pages you provided. Prices and stock can change — check the product page at checkout. Meike Global

Final verdict

If your budget allows and you want a historic, museum-quality lens with an iconic look, the Leica Noctilux remains in a class of its own. If you want the dramatic f/0.95 look for real work (portraits, cinematic video, low-light), and especially if you want compatibility across modern mirrorless systems without breaking the bank, grab the Meike 50mm f/0.95 for your mount from the links above. It’s the pragmatic way to get started with ultra-fast 50mm creativity. 

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