The German premium brand Zeiss has released two new photo and video shooting lenses. The Zeiss Otus ML 50mm F1.4 and Zeiss Otus ML 85mm F1.4 optics are presented for full-frame mirrorless cameras Sony E, Canon RF, and Nikon Z. The manufacturer promises “exceptional optical performance and precision” achieved through an apochromatic design, Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating, precise manual focusing, which is adjusted using a smooth metal ring with a precision helicoid drive.
Design and Build Quality
Both new lenses are the start of the updated Zeiss Otus ML series. According to the manufacturer’s statement, other lenses will be introduced.
The Zeiss Otus ML 50mm F1.4 and 85mm F1.4 lenses feature an apochromatic design, which, according to Zeiss, ensures excellent color fidelity while minimizing chromatic aberrations.
Each of the two new lenses features Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating, which reduces reflections and glare, further improving color accuracy and overall imaging.
The new Zeiss Otus ML series features manual aperture control and a click-free ring control function, making video shooting more convenient.
The lenses come with a special key that can be used to unlock the mechanism and smoothly adjust the aperture.
The new Zeiss Otus ML 50mm F1.4 is quite large. It is about 100 millimeters long, although the Nikon Z version is 102 millimeters long.
The lens has a maximum diameter of 77.4mm and is compatible with 67mm front filters. The metal, weather-sealed lens weighs between 677g and 718g depending on the mount, with the Sony E-mount version being the lightest.
Features
The Zeiss Otus ML 50mm F1.4 lens can focus as close as 0.5 meters, providing a maximum magnification ratio of 1:7.3. Additionally, the focus ring rotates 259.5 degrees, allowing for precise control. Moreover, both lenses feature a ten-blade aperture.
Commenting on the release to one of the foreign publications, Zeiss explained that the new line’s optical characteristics are better than those of the original Otus series (produced for SLR cameras), that it performs better from edge to edge, and that it shows better results in difficult lighting conditions.
For fun, you can compare the Zeiss Otus ML 50mm F1.4 with the advanced autofocus Sony 50mm F1.4 G Master, which weighs 516 grams and is 96 mm long. In contrast, the Sony optics are almost 200 grams lighter.
Both lenses use Zeiss’ proprietary Distagon and Sonnar designs and are apochromatic but exceptionally weather-sealed.
The two new lenses mark the start of the Zeiss Otus ML optics series, which will eventually expand to include other focal lengths. For now, today’s latest products are just the beginning.
Zeiss Otus ML 50mm F1.4 Specifications and Price
- Focal Length: 50mm
- Lens Mount: Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z
- Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
- Focus Type: Manual Focus
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
- Minimum Aperture: f/16
- Angle of View: 47°
- Minimum Focus Distance: 1.6′ / 50 cm (From Camera Sensor)
- Macro Reproduction Ratio: 1:7.3
- Optical Design: 14 Elements in 11 Groups
- Diaphragm Blades: 10
- Image Stabilization: No
- Front Filter Size: 67 mm
- Dimensions (ø x L): 3 x 3.9″ / 77 x 100 mm
- Weight: 1.5 lb / 677 g
- Price: $2,499 on B&H Photo or Adorama
Zeiss Otus ML 85mm F1.4 Specifications and Price
- Focal Length: 85mm
- Lens Mount: Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z
- Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
- Focus Type: Manual Focus
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
- Minimum Aperture: f/16
- Angle of View: 30°
- Minimum Focus Distance: 2.6′ / 80 cm
- Macro Reproduction Ratio: 1:8.1
- Optical Design: 15 Elements in 11 Groups
- Diaphragm Blades: 10
- Image Stabilization: No
- Front Filter Size: 77 mm
- Dimensions (ø x L): 3.5 x 4.4″ / 88 x 113 mm
- Weight: 2.3 lb / 1033 g
- Price: $2,999 B&H Photo or Adorama
Earlier this month, the company announced the Zeiss Nano Prime cinema lenses for Sony E. The company says the line delivers “ high-end performance and cinematic looks in a compact, lightweight package.”
Zeiss Nano Prime optics are lenses with fully manual focus ring control. Additionally, the entire line of the new series features a maximum aperture of T1.5. Moreover, cinema optics are marked in feet or meters and can be purchased individually or as a set of six lenses.
