ZEiSS IS BACK!!! This is the new Otus ML 50mm f/1.4

Today Zeiss has announced the return of the Otus series of lenses - this time in mirrorless mounts! The new Zeiss Otus ML 50mm f/1.4 will be available for Sony E mount, Nikon Z mount and Canon RF mount. An Otus 85mm f/1.4 will be available by the end of the year.

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Ted Forbes
The Art of Photography
2830 S. Hulen, Studio 133
Fort Worth, TX 76109
US of A

[pedrova]

9:04 Lateral chromatic aberration doesn't change with aperture. When we see a lens that has more aberration at full aperture, but it decreases if we stop down a couple of stops, it's most likely due to residual aspherical aberration (causes the red (longer wavelength) to be slightly shifted).That's why there is a slight difference in contrast at f1.4 vs f2
If we compare the diagrams 3:44, it's obvious that Zeiss introduce more elements to reduce spherical aberration/coma. In the old version, there are 2 thick elements (3rd & 4th) that are replaced by 4 thinner elements in the new design (3rd on older lens= 2nd+ 3rd in nwer version; 4th = 4th+5th in newer design) That's the classic trick to reduce spherical aberration (2 thinner, less curved elements replace 1 thicker, strongly curved element) The same with the doubet (6/7 in the old design), much more thinner/flatter in the new lens.
This type of "new" design is increasingly similar to lenses used in industrial applications (those giant lenses for semiconductor photolithography, or ultra-high-resolution scanner lenses), quasi symmetrical design, but with a bunch of elements on each side to correct every last trace of a spherical aberrations, coma and astigmatism.

[richarddenise]

As an old Zeiss fan: you were appropriately critical ...much appreciated!

[Integrd]

Have the older 55mm. Truly makes 3D images. I LOVE this lens.

[georgesealy]

I like the colors and contrast that Zeiss lenses produce. For my kind of photography, I don't need high-speed autofocus, so that is a non-issue. I have several Zeiss Milvus and vintage lenses, and I love every one of them. $2500 for a Zeiss Otus lens is fine.

[---usqf]

Well, Zeiss certainly knows how to make a re-entrance. That Canadian Conspiracy guy should be very pleased.

I shoot with a Nikon D850, so I will keep the original Otus that I bought.

[RM-hyso]

Thanks! This is a really well balanced review considering the availability of exceptional Sony lenses like the 50mm 1.4 GM and the 50mm 1.2 GM. For some reason I really like the cool colors that Zeiss lenses deliver and I fondly remember the Zeiss Milvus lenses that I used to own. I still yearn for the Zeiss 35mm1.4 ZM, that I long since sold. I still have 4 Loxia lenses that are excellent.

But as you mentioned, the landscape has changed and I can’t justify purchasing the 50mm 1.4 Otus ML, when I have the amazing autofocusing Sony 50mm 1.2 GM.

Zeiss should really consider making autofocus Otus lenses, as the times and expectations have changed since the original Otus lenses were released in 2013. The powers that be at Zeiss seem to be unaware of how much the photographic market has changed and are stuck in the past.

Still it’s great that they have decided to get back into photographic lenses.

[chhansen]

can’t wait to see this compared with the Voigtlander 50 mm f/2 apo-lanthar!

[MichaelLaing]

I have loved Zeiss since I first tried out the 85mm 15 years ago, and have since built up a collection from 21mm through to 135mm. The big issue with the Zeiss Otus and Milvus f/1.4 lenses is the size and weight. Optically, they are great, but they are just not fun to carry around. It is one of the reasons I went for the rehoused 35mm f/2 Milvus over the newer 35mm f/1.4. From the looks of it, Zeiss has saved around 198g of weight when comparing Milvus 50mm f/1.4 Zf.2 to the new Otus ML 50mm f/1.4, and a similar amount between the Zeiss Milvus 85mm zf.2 and the new Otus ML 85mm (The reason I use Milvus instead of Otus for comparison is because I think they are similar sizes).

The elephant in the room is price. I can currently pick-up a used Milvus 50mm for £650, a used Otus 55mm for £1300, a used Milvus 85mm for £710, and a Otus 85mm for £1500. Yes, I have to adapt them and they are heavier, but I would save a huge amount of money and get the same feel, which for me is the essence of why I enjoy shooting with Zeiss lenses.

[jorsetti]

Great news! I’d be interested in a Zeiss 18mm ultra wide Z mount for landscapes. I have used Zeiss for landscapes and that level of detail (micro contrast) and color rendering is in its own class.

[lakejindsay]

8:57 "unfortunately there is a little bit of CA." Thanks for pointing it out, Ted. Some people wouldn't.
But - that's a lot of CA. So tough to pony up $2500 and have to deal with that. Especially by stopping down the lens you purchased to shoot wide open. Rough.
Loxia lineup looking better and better.

[astrujillo]

I truly enjoyed the three Milvus lenses I had at one time but tired quickly of their weight - especially when all three were in the same bag (15, 50/2, 135). Otus had always been out of reach until recently when I noted the 55mm is less than half of original MSRP. Yup, ordered one! Happy that Zeiss is back!

[christianvolkner]

Zeiss did produce new lenses since 2019 and pretty cool ones actually. They are cinema lenses supreme primes, Supreme Prime Radiance and Nano Primes.

[mawob]

Great review! This sounds incredible, after many rumors that Zeiss would stop making regular photo lenses. The distortion and CA can be easily corrected in post - but the sharpness wide open, that's what matters - and I love to hear you rave about this. These lenses will be judged on a historic timescale, and it seems they may continue the tradition of providing the reference by which others will be evaluated. I don't see a limitation due to their choice of manual focus - such lenses would hardly be used for sports and kids photography. Manual focus with a long focus throw is a dream for serious work. I just wished, I could afford them...

[weakrecession]

Perfect first review, at least you make it clear that you were not chosen to be a hype up boy! The image quality seems impressive, but indeed a manual lens is a questionable choice at F1.4. Below F1, why not, but here, compared to the amazing offerings by some competitors, it will not be easy for Zeiss to claim back a suffient portion of the market to garantee a steady display of new offerings.

[hrn]

I have the original 55 1.4 otus and I might be wrong but I dont remember seeing as much chromatic aberration.

[dallasthomas]

I've been a Zeiss Milvus user users since 2017 and love the look but not the weight as I get older. I will have a good look at the new lens when it comes out time will tell whether I take the plunge to purchase. Look forward to your thoughts when you get a production lens.

[mustangshelby]

I bought an Otus 28mm F1.4 for my D850, the best lens I ever own and best image, super sharp from corner to corner, the color is so real, the texture, the sharp details and stunning result, less work in post, I don't mind manual focus since I enjoy slow photography, mainly landscape . Everytime I am in the field, people ask me what kind of lens .. as it is so big and amazingly some photographers never heard of Otus before .... !!
I never used my set of Nikon lens in the cupboard again, I stock Carl Zeiss T- planar 50mm F1.4 super light and small, 100mm too But no match in terms of color/contrast . I will get the Otus 55 sooner or later . You never go wrong with Zeiss Otus,
for some I agreed it is very heavy but they are designed to be used on tripod for motion picture . I have not tried the Milvus yet not sure what it 's like but once you have a taste of the Otus then that is it, you don't want to catch other bird .

[boshooda]

Thanks for the overview! exciting news, I hope these do well and Zess gets back in the game with even more lenses.
I wish Zeiss and Hasselblad would get back together. A set of Zeiss' with leaf shutters for the 907x cfv would be perfect (as long is it has marked manual aperture and shutter rings)

[sneakingelephant]

The Otus line if lenses are way out of my price range and will likely stay that way. However, I strongly recommend the Milvus line of lenses if you want something similar. The 50mm 1.4 milvus is one of my favourite lenses of all time

[lpddoc]

Great video! I am intrigued by the new offerings from Zeiss, especially after using the 35mm f2 Distagon back when I had a Nikon D810. But as you said, Sony, Canon, and Nikon have produced some damn good glass for their mirrorless systems. I have tried the 50mm f1.2 and 135mm Plena from Nikon, and they are amazing lenses. I have the 35mm f1.2 on the way as well. The Nikon 50mm f1.8 s is stellar for its price. Even Voigtlander offers some nice manual lenses at cheaper prices for various systems.
Heck, even Viltrox is releasing several f1.2 lenses this year at great prices...with autofocus. It will be interesting to see how the new Zeiss lenses perform vs the current offerings of other companies.