Zeiss is back in action with their latest lens release, the Zeiss Otus ML 50mm f/1.4, designed specifically for full frame mirrorless cameras. For those considering a high-end lens, this release marks a significant shift from Zeiss’s older, larger Otus lenses.
Coming to you from Christopher Frost, this detailed video breaks down the performance and features of Zeiss’s new Otus ML 50mm f/1.4 lens. Frost highlights key differences from the original Otus 55mm lens from a decade ago, including a much smaller build, lower price point, and improved practicality for mirrorless systems. Zeiss has redesigned the manual focus ring, ditching the problematic rubber grip for a smoother metal one that doesn’t collect dust. Frost points out the lens’ robust build quality, complete with metallic finishes, precise manual focus control, and crucial weather-sealing previously missing in earlier Otus models. Although smaller size sometimes compromises optical performance, Frost’s analysis suggests that Zeiss has managed to maintain impressive sharpness even at wider apertures.
Image quality, as shown in Frost's rigorous testing on both full frame and APS-C sensors, reveals that this lens excels in sharpness and contrast, particularly once you step down slightly from its widest aperture. At f/1.4, images exhibit very good sharpness, especially in the corners, although the lens performs even better at f/2. Frost’s tests also highlight minor issues with magenta color fringing wide open, which become less noticeable at narrower apertures. One notable strength is its minimal flaring and excellent resistance to bright light, beneficial if you regularly shoot in challenging lighting conditions. Close-up shooting performance is another area where the Zeiss outshines competitors, delivering notably sharper results at close distances.
Key Specs
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Focal Length: 50mm
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Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/16
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Lens Mount: Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z
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Format Coverage: Full frame
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Optical Design: 14 Elements in 11 Groups
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Focus Type: Manual Focus
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Minimum Focus Distance: 1.6' / 50 cm
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Maximum Magnification: 1:7.3
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Diaphragm Blades: 10
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Image Stabilization: None
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Filter Size: 67 mm
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Dimensions: 3 x 3.9" / 77 x 100 mm
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Weight: 1.5 lb / 677 g
Despite its many strengths, Frost doesn’t shy away from pointing out the lens' shortcomings. For example, chromatic aberration is quite noticeable at the widest apertures, lingering until around f/2.8. He also compares it closely with the Sony G Master 50mm lens, noting that while the Zeiss provides superior close-up sharpness, the Sony edges ahead in overall resolution at standard shooting distances. Yet, Frost argues convincingly that Zeiss isn’t necessarily aiming for absolute sharpness at all costs but rather balancing exceptional build quality and manageable size.
This lens could significantly appeal to those who enjoy the tactile experience of precise manual focusing and premium build, especially for close-up work or detailed compositions. The video’s balanced discussion and real-world tests make it clear why this lens, while expensive, still has a compelling case for certain types of photography. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Frost.
Zeiss had some great Loxia lenses which were a little pricey but were not competing with top of the line lenses like Canon L or Sony GM. Sadly these abandoned Loxia lenses have compatibility issues with the most up to date cameras. These new Zeiss lenses seem to be in the same market as the other mentioned lenses yet the biggest downside is these Zeiss lenses are manual only. I cannot imagine who would choose any of them over other modern flagship lenses or lenses from Sigma for that matter. I love manual lenses but choose smaller lenses with character rather than these large, expensive optically corrected lenses.
It'd be helpful to compare the new Otus's performance with the previous distagon, Milvus, and Otus lenses. Since the new one doesn't come with any new features beyond a native mirrorless mount, the older versions remain serious alternatives. I'm curious how the image quality compares between them all.