ZEISS has formally launched the primary two lenses of their new Otus ML sequence: a 50mm f/1.4 and an 85mm f/1.4, including Nikon Z-Mount to Canon RF and Sony E mounts. Designed for photographers who need full handbook management and excessive optical precision, these lenses carry over the acquainted Otus character whereas adapting to a mirrorless format. They’re stills-first lenses, however options like inner focus and a de-clickable aperture ring might give them added enchantment for filmmakers.
Again in February, we wrote in regards to the Otus ML lenses once they had been first introduced for mirrorless cameras. Now that the lenses have began delivery, let’s take a fast have a look at what every one presents.
Key options for each lenses
Each the 50mm and 85mm Otus ML lenses are constructed for full-frame mirrorless cameras and provide the identical high-end core options:
- Full-frame | f/1.4 to f/16
- 10-Blade Diaphragm
- 260° Focus Throw
- Compact & Moveable Kind Issue
- ZEISS T* Antireflective Coating
- Mud and Moisture-Resistant Building
The 50mm follows a Distagon optical design and is taken into account a general-purpose quick prime, whereas the 85mm makes use of a Sonnar optical design optimized for portrait work.
ZEISS Otus ML 50mm. Picture credit score: ZEISS
ZEISS Otus ML 50mm f/1.4
The Otus ML 50mm f/1.4 is a regular prime with ZEISS’s signature rendering: sharp throughout the body, low in distortion, and free from chromatic aberrations. It makes use of a Distagon optical design and has ten aperture blades for easy bokeh. The lengthy 260° focus throw offers you exact handbook changes, whereas the inner focus retains the lens size fixed, helpful for rigging or handheld work.
Specs for the 50mm
- Coloration: Black
- Focal Size: 50mm
- Aperture: Most: f/1.4, Minimal: f/16
- Lens Mount: Nikon Z
- Lens Format Protection: Full-Body
- Angle of View: 47°
- Minimal Focus Distance: From Digital camera Sensor – 1.6′ / 50 cm
- Magnification: 1:7.3 Macro Copy Ratio, 0.14x Magnification
- Optical Design: 14 Parts in 11 Teams
- Aperture/Iris Blades: 10
- Focus Sort: Handbook Focus
- Picture Stabilization: No
- Filter Measurement: 67 mm (Entrance)
- Dimensions: ø: 3 x L: 4″ / ø: 77 x L: 102 mm
- Weight: 1.6 lb / 718 g
ZEISS Otus ML 85mm. Picture credit score: ZEISS
ZEISS Otus ML 85mm f/1.4
The Otus ML 85mm f/1.4 is constructed for portrait work because it has an extended focal size however with the identical apochromatic sharpness and minimal aberration discovered within the 50mm. It makes use of a Sonnar optical design and the identical ten-blade aperture because the 50mm for easy background separation. Just like the 50mm, it incorporates a 260° focus throw and inner focusing, giving filmmakers and photographers higher management with shallow depth of subject.
Specs for the 85mm
- Coloration: Black
- Focal Size: 85mm
- Aperture: Most: f/1.4, Minimal: f/16
- Lens Mount: Nikon Z
- Lens Format Protection: Full-Body
- Angle of View: 30°
- Minimal Focus Distance: 2.6′ / 80 cm
- Magnification: 1:8.1
- Macro Copy Ratio: 0.12x Magnification
- Optical Design: 15 Parts in 11 Teams
- Aperture/Iris Blades: 10
- Focus Sort: Handbook Focus
- Picture Stabilization: No
- Filter Measurement: 77 mm (Entrance)
- Dimensions: ø: 3.5 x L: 4.6″ / ø: 88 x L: 116 mm
- Weight: 2.3 lb / 1061 g
Engraved yellow scale markings. Picture credit score: ZEISSDe-clickable aperture. Picture credit score: ZEISS
The ZEISS construct
ZEISS has constructed their title on optical efficiency, and these lenses proceed that custom with sharp, detailed rendering throughout the body. They function ZEISS’s typical consideration to element, together with an all-metal housing, engraved yellow scale markings, and a blue sealing ring that protects the lens and digital camera interface. Each lenses are rated to be used in temperatures from –4°F to 130°F (–20°C to 55°C). The 50mm f/1.4 weighs 677g (1.5 lbs), whereas the 85mm f/1.4 is available in at 1,040g (2.3 lbs) – substantial, however in step with the all-metal housing and construct high quality.
The main focus and aperture rings are totally handbook, with a protracted 260° throw and a de-clickable aperture for easy changes. Utilizing the equipped device and a small screw on the bayonet floor, the aperture ring will be set for stepless, silent management, particularly useful for video.
Compact and moveable. Picture credit score: ZEISS
Who’s it for?
At this value, you’re not simply shopping for a lens, you’re deciding the way you wish to work. ZEISS describes the Otus ML sequence as a lens for storytellers – those that choose to work with care and intention moderately than velocity. There’s no autofocus right here, however the handbook management is extremely exact, and the construct encourages a really deliberate, hands-on strategy. For photographers or filmmakers working with deliberate shoots, these lenses might be a compelling possibility.
Worth and availability
The Otus ML 50mm f/1.4 is priced at $2,499 / €1,879.11 and is on the market now, whereas the 85mm f/1.4 is on the market for pre-order at $2,999 / €2,264.57, with delivery anticipated quickly. For extra particulars, go to the ZEISS web site.
Do you continue to use handbook lenses in your work? Does handbook precision nonetheless matter in a world of quick autofocus? Allow us to hear your ideas within the feedback under.
