Key Takeaways
1. ZEISS has re-entered the consumer photography market with two new Otus ML f/1.4 lenses (50mm and 85mm) designed for mirrorless cameras.
2. The lenses offer exceptional low-light performance and shallow depth-of-field with their wide maximum aperture and advanced optical design.
3. Built entirely of metal with weather-sealing, the Otus ML lenses provide superior build quality and durability for outdoor use.
4. Both lenses are manual focus with no autofocus motors, maintaining the Otus brand’s tradition but adding weight to camera setups.
5. The Otus ML lenses are suitable for both still photography and cinematography, featuring a de-clicked aperture control and a focus throw designed for videographers.
After being absent from the consumer photography scene for five years, ZEISS, a top-tier lens maker, has introduced two f/1.4 lenses designed specifically for mirrorless cameras. The new Otus ML f/1.4 50mm and 85mm lenses mark a shift from the DSLR-centric Otus family, reflecting that mirrorless technology is now the norm in the industry.
Exceptional Low-Light Performance
These lenses are perfect for low-light photography and achieving a shallow depth-of-field due to their wide maximum aperture. The 50mm lens is composed of 14 optical elements arranged in 11 groups, while the 85mm lens features one additional element. Each Otus ML lens is equipped with ten diaphragm blades, which create a smooth bokeh effect and provide natural rendering, enhancing the isolation of the subject.
Superior Build Quality
All Otus lenses exemplify the high precision engineering and exceptional build quality associated with ZEISS products, and the ML series maintains this reputation. Made entirely of metal, with a blue seal at the bottom to shield the camera interface from harsh weather, landscape photographers can confidently use these shock-resistant Otus ML lenses in outdoor environments.
Manual Focus and Weight Considerations
As expected, the Otus ML lenses lack autofocus motors, remaining true to the Otus brand’s manual-focus tradition. While the mirrorless design allows them to be more compact and portable, both lenses weigh in at 1.5 lb (677 g), which can significantly increase the overall weight of the camera setup. For serious photographers or professionals, this added weight is likely a small compromise for the sharpness, tonal accuracy, and optical excellence that ZEISS lenses are renowned for.
Though the ZEISS Otus lenses are primarily designed for still photography, they are also well-suited for cinematography, featuring a 259.5° focus throw and a large rotation angle. Additionally, the de-clicked aperture control on the lens barrel enables videographers to achieve quiet, smooth transitions. The versatile Otus ML f/1.4 50mm lens is set to be available for pre-order at $2499, while the more portrait-oriented Otus ML f/1.4 85mm is priced at $2999, with both expected to launch in late Spring 2025.
Source:
Link
Leave a Reply