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Zeiss is back with two new F1.4 Otus ML prime lenses
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission. Image: Zeiss Zeiss is returning to making lenses for stills cameras, introducing the Otus ML line with new 50mm and 85mm F1.4 lenses for E, RF, and Z mounts. The lenses are manual focus only, but are focused on providing "the highest optical performance and precision mechanics," according to the company. The lenses emphasize build quality, with an all-metal design that's sealed against dust and moisture. They also feature engraved markings for the aperture ring and depth-of-field scale. The focus ring has a very long throw, giving you precise control over the focus point – essential when pairing a wide aperture with a high-resolution camera. Given the amount of metal and glass that make up these lenses, it's no surprise that they're on the heavy side: the 50mm weighs 677g (1.5lb) and the 85mm is 1040g (2.3lb). For reference, Sony and Canon's flagship 50mm F1.4 lenses weigh 516g and 580g, respectively, and those have autofocus motors. The focus ring? Metal. The lens hood? Also metal. Image: Zeiss The 50mm has 14 elements in 11 groups – two aspheric and four special glass – while the 85mm has 15 elements in 11 groups, with two aspheric lenses and five special glass elements. The apertures have 10 blades, and the rings to control them can be de-clicked using a special tool. It's nice to see that Zeiss is bringing the Otus line to mirrorless cameras and that it's supporting a wide variety of mounts. Given that the original Otus line had 28mm and 100mm options and some of the wording in the company's press release, we wouldn't be surprised if we see more lenses in the Otus ML line in the future. We got the chance to shoot with a pre-production sample of the 50mm F1.4, and you can see the results for yourself in the sample gallery below. The 50mm F1.4 will be available in the spring at an MSRP of $2500, with the 85mm F1.4 coming at an unspecified point later this year at $2999. While those are still big sums for manual focus primes, they are a fair bit more affordable than the original 55mm and 85mm Otus lenses, which retailed for $4000 and $4500, respectively. Otus ML 50mm F1.4: Buy now:Buy at B&H Photo Otus ML 85mm F1.4: Buy now:Buy at B&H Photo Zeiss 1.4/50 Otus ML pre-production sample gallery Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Click here to open it in a new browser window / tab. ZEISS Unveils New Otus ML – Continues the Legendary Lens for Mirrorless Mounts Exceptional optical performance and precision with the higheststandards for professional photography and visual story creation,optimized for the latest mirrorless mounts (E, RF, and Z). Creative freedom through its exceptional optical performance andultimate precise focus. New lens family starts with 1.4/50 and 1.4/85 in 2025 ZEISS has announced the introduction of a new Otus ML family, a series of lenses designed specifically for professional photographers and ambitious visual story creators who require the highest optical performance and precision mechanics for full creative control. For the start, the Otus ML is available in two focal lengths: a 1.4/50 lens suitable for versatile photography and a 1.4/85 lens optimized for portrait work. Inspired by the legendary ZEISS Otus family, these new lenses bring ZEISS’ renowned optical excellence to mirrorless cameras: Sony1 E, Canon2 RF- and Nikon3 Z-Mount. Continuing the Legacy of the First Otus Generation The Otus ML lenses are engineered to provide exceptional optical performance, revealing details that may not be discernible to the naked eye. These lenses embody the well-regarded ZEISS Look, characterized by sharpness, accurate color reproduction, and a three-dimensional quality. The apochromatic lens design ensures excellent color fidelity while minimizing chromatic aberrations. Additionally, the aspherical design contributes to virtually distortion-free images, enhancing overall image quality. The ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating further reduces reflections and flare, improving clarity and color accuracy. From a mechanical standpoint, the Otus ML lenses offer precise manual focus, which enhance the creative and storytelling process. The lenses feature a smooth metal focus ring with a precision helicoid drive, facilitating accurate focusing. Manual aperture control, equipped with a de-click function for video, allows for seamless adjustments, which can be advantageous in various shooting scenarios. Sebastian Döntgen, Head of ZEISS Mobile Imaging and Photography: "We are pleased to announce the introduction of the Otus ML lens to the community of photographers. This lens reflects our ongoing commitment to quality and innovation. The Otus ML family combines classic features with modern advancements, showcasing our dedication to enhancing photographic technology while honoring traditional craftsmanship.” Petra Visuri, Category Manager ZEISS Photography: “Manual focusing is more t
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| Image: Zeiss |
Zeiss is returning to making lenses for stills cameras, introducing the Otus ML line with new 50mm and 85mm F1.4 lenses for E, RF, and Z mounts. The lenses are manual focus only, but are focused on providing "the highest optical performance and precision mechanics," according to the company.
The lenses emphasize build quality, with an all-metal design that's sealed against dust and moisture. They also feature engraved markings for the aperture ring and depth-of-field scale. The focus ring has a very long throw, giving you precise control over the focus point – essential when pairing a wide aperture with a high-resolution camera.
Given the amount of metal and glass that make up these lenses, it's no surprise that they're on the heavy side: the 50mm weighs 677g (1.5lb) and the 85mm is 1040g (2.3lb). For reference, Sony and Canon's flagship 50mm F1.4 lenses weigh 516g and 580g, respectively, and those have autofocus motors.
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The focus ring? Metal. The lens hood? Also metal. Image: Zeiss |
The 50mm has 14 elements in 11 groups – two aspheric and four special glass – while the 85mm has 15 elements in 11 groups, with two aspheric lenses and five special glass elements. The apertures have 10 blades, and the rings to control them can be de-clicked using a special tool.
It's nice to see that Zeiss is bringing the Otus line to mirrorless cameras and that it's supporting a wide variety of mounts. Given that the original Otus line had 28mm and 100mm options and some of the wording in the company's press release, we wouldn't be surprised if we see more lenses in the Otus ML line in the future. We got the chance to shoot with a pre-production sample of the 50mm F1.4, and you can see the results for yourself in the sample gallery below.
The 50mm F1.4 will be available in the spring at an MSRP of $2500, with the 85mm F1.4 coming at an unspecified point later this year at $2999. While those are still big sums for manual focus primes, they are a fair bit more affordable than the original 55mm and 85mm Otus lenses, which retailed for $4000 and $4500, respectively.
Otus ML 50mm F1.4:
Otus ML 85mm F1.4:
Zeiss 1.4/50 Otus ML pre-production sample gallery
ZEISS Unveils New Otus ML – Continues the Legendary Lens for Mirrorless Mounts
- Exceptional optical performance and precision with the highest
standards for professional photography and visual story creation,
optimized for the latest mirrorless mounts (E, RF, and Z). - Creative freedom through its exceptional optical performance and
ultimate precise focus. - New lens family starts with 1.4/50 and 1.4/85 in 2025
ZEISS has announced the introduction of a new Otus ML family, a series of lenses designed specifically for professional photographers and ambitious visual story creators who require the highest optical performance and precision mechanics for full creative control. For the start, the Otus ML is available in two focal lengths: a 1.4/50 lens suitable for versatile photography and a 1.4/85 lens optimized for portrait work. Inspired by the legendary ZEISS Otus family, these new lenses bring ZEISS’ renowned optical excellence to mirrorless cameras: Sony1 E, Canon2 RF- and Nikon3 Z-Mount.
Continuing the Legacy of the First Otus Generation
The Otus ML lenses are engineered to provide exceptional optical performance, revealing details that may not be discernible to the naked eye. These lenses embody the well-regarded ZEISS Look, characterized by sharpness, accurate color reproduction, and a three-dimensional quality. The apochromatic lens design ensures excellent color fidelity while minimizing chromatic aberrations. Additionally, the aspherical design contributes to virtually distortion-free images, enhancing overall image quality. The ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating further reduces reflections and flare, improving clarity and color accuracy.
From a mechanical standpoint, the Otus ML lenses offer precise manual focus, which enhance the creative and storytelling process. The lenses feature a smooth metal focus ring with a precision helicoid drive, facilitating accurate focusing. Manual aperture control, equipped with a de-click function for video, allows for seamless adjustments, which can be advantageous in various shooting scenarios.
Sebastian Döntgen, Head of ZEISS Mobile Imaging and Photography:
"We are pleased to announce the introduction of the Otus ML lens to the community of photographers. This lens reflects our ongoing commitment to quality and innovation. The Otus ML family combines classic features with modern advancements, showcasing our dedication to enhancing photographic technology while honoring traditional craftsmanship.”
Petra Visuri, Category Manager ZEISS Photography:
“Manual focusing is more than a method — it's a way for photographers to connect deeply with their creative power and craftsmanship, enabling both unparalleled control and artistic freedom. It allows for precise focusing on the center of the image, the story, and emphasizes the exact details that bring the visual idea to life.”
The all-metal construction of the Otus ML lenses is designed to endure the demands of professional photography. The compact and portable design is optimized for the latest mirrorless mounts: Sony E, Canon RF, and Nikon Z-Mount, with the 1.4/50 weighing 677g and the 1.4/85 weighing 1,040g. Clear and precise scales on the lenses enable quick adjustments, ensuring that photographers maintain control over their settings.
Mo Xie, professional photographer and ZEISS ambassador:
“The unparalleled excellence of the ZEISS Otus ML lens makes it nearly impossible to find any flaws in the images it captures. Its remarkable sharpness and true-to-life colors are exactly what I need as a professional photographer – to preserve the essence of moments, people, and things as they truly are.”
Wolf-Peter Steinheisser, professional photographer and ZEISS ambassador:
"This new lens from ZEISS is simply stunning! Incredibly sharp and precise, with a wonderfully lightweight feel in hand. The fully metal focusing ring? An absolute tactile delight—it’s a joy to use!"
The Otus ML lenses are built to perform reliably in challenging conditions. A blue sealing ring protects the camera lens interface from dust and moisture, while additional seals provide protection against splashes. The lenses are temperature resistant, functioning effectively in environments ranging from -20°C to +55°C. They have also undergone rigorous testing for mechanical, vibration, and shock resistance.
Continuing the legacy of the Otus family, which has been recognized for its low sample variation and outstanding imaging performance since its introduction in 2013, the new Otus ML combines premium optical performance with precise mechanical engineering, optimized for the latest mirrorless mounts. This positions the Otus ML as a valuable tool for ambitious photographers seeking to combine full, precise control with creative freedom while focusing on the core of their imaging work.
Product Introduction Available on the Web
The ZEISS Otus ML lens family will be presented on February 26, 2025, at 11 am CET on YouTube (@ZEISSCameraLenses) by ZEISS experts. The new ZEISS Otus ML will be available from specialist retailers: 1.4/50mm from Spring 2025 at the RRP (incl. VAT) of €2,499 / $2,500, and the 1.4/85 later in 2025 at the RRP (incl. VAT) of €2,799 / $2,999
For more information about the ZEISS Otus ML and its specifications, please visit www.zeiss.com/otus-ml. Further product and application images can be downloaded here.
(https://mam.zeiss.com/Redirect.do?urlId=NeG83aO46UUzfuLZgX79S92tByjJGAUaYcQUc8DKrrg%3D)
1 Sony is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation.
2 Canon is a trademark or registered trademark of Canon Inc. and/or other members of the Canon Group.
3 Nikon is a registered trademark of the Nikon Corporation.
