Just recently, Hongkong-based lens manufacturer SLR Magic, best known for their affordable alternative manual lens options for Micro Four Thirds and Sony NEX, have announced production of a new super fast 50mm T0.95 lens for Leica M mount. The lens is thus a direct competitor to the crazy expensive yet legendary Leica Noctilux 50mm f/0.95.

The new SLR Magic 50mm T0.95 lens for Leica M

The “T” designation means that the lens’ actual maximum light transmission is that of a theoretical f/0.95 aperture opening with now light loss. In a typical photographic lens, the number of lens elements and glass-air-surfaces as well as the quality of the coatings has an effect of how much light is actually being transmitted. The “f” designation in these lenses simply states the physical size of the maximum aperture opening. “T” designations have so far been reserved for cinema lenses, where the actual light transmission capability of the lens is more important than its factual aperture size.

Steve Huff, Leica aficionado and passionate gearhead has now obtained one of the first samples of the lens, and wrote a short article about his first impressions. Attendants of his January Los Angeles workshop will also have the opportunity to try the lens first hand.