ZEISS has just announced the latest addition to their highly regarded Otus lineup, the Otus ML series, specifically designed for mirrorless camera systems. The first lenses in this new family, the Otus ML 50mm f/1.4 and Otus ML 85mm f/1.4 bring ZEISS’s legendary optical quality to modern mirrorless mounts for Sony E, Canon RF, and Nikon Z.
Otus ML 85mm f/1.4 Lens (Sony E)
all prices excluding sales tax/VAT
With this release, ZEISS finally gives photographers and filmmakers a native Otus experience for mirrorless cameras. The Otus ML lenses follow the same principles as their DSLR predecessors. ZEISS claims they offer exceptional optical performance, premium build quality, and precise manual focus. These lenses are not for everyone. The manual focus design and high-end pricing put them squarely in the hands of professionals who demand the best optics available.
A brief history of ZEISS Otus
When ZEISS introduced the first Otus lens in 2013, it set a new benchmark for image quality. CineD covered the debut of the Otus 55mm f/1.4 in this article. The original Otus lenses became known for their unmatched sharpness, near-zero distortion, and beautiful color reproduction.
Over the years, ZEISS expanded the lineup to include 85mm, 100mm, and 28mm lenses. These were built for Canon EF and Nikon F mounts, which meant mirrorless users had to rely on adapters. ZEISS’s long silence in the stills lens market led to speculation about whether it would continue developing high-end photography lenses. This new release puts those doubts to rest.
The Art & Science of Lenses
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Otus ML: built for mirrorless cameras
ZEISS has now introduced the Otus ML 50mm f/1.4 and Otus ML 85mm f/1.4, both designed for Sony E, Canon RF, and Nikon Z mounts. These lenses are built specifically for mirrorless cameras, eliminating the need for adapters.
At 50mm and 85mm, they are made for portrait and cinematic work. The f/1.4 aperture should allow for excellent performance in low-light conditions while offering precise depth-of-field control. ZEISS designed these lenses to work seamlessly with modern mirrorless cameras, giving users the best possible performance without any compromises.
What’s new in Otus ML?
The Otus ML lenses continue ZEISS’s tradition of high-quality, albeit pricey, optics. However, they also introduce key improvements for mirrorless shooters. ZEISS claims these lenses provide exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness, reducing chromatic aberration even at wide apertures.
According to ZEISS, the shorter flange distance of mirrorless systems allows for better optical performance, lighter weight, and a more compact size compared to older DSLR-based Otus lenses. The apochromatic optical design significantly reduces chromatic aberrations, ensuring crystal-clear images with accurate colors. The ZEISS T anti-reflective coating minimizes flare and ghosting, improving contrast even in high-contrast lighting.
ZEISS has also prioritized manual focus precision. The helicoid-driven focus system provides a smooth, accurate focusing experience, giving photographers complete control. Videographers will appreciate the manual aperture ring with a de-click function, allowing for seamless aperture changes during filming.
Durability is another major factor. The all-metal construction ensures reliability, even in demanding conditions. The weather and blue sealing ring at the camera lens interface protect against dust and moisture. ZEISS has also tested the lenses in extreme temperatures, ranging from -20°C to +55°C.
Technical specifications
Performance
- Focal length: 50mm / 85mm
- Aperture range: f/1.4 – f/16
- Camera Mount: Sony E-Mount | Canon RF-Mount | Nikon Z-Mount
- Format compatibility: Full Frame
- Focusing range: 0.5 meters (19.69″) – ∞ | 0.8m (31.49″) – ∞
- Image ratio at minimum object distance: 1:7.3 | 1:8.1
- Lens elements | groups: 15 | 11
Physical Features
- Filter thread: 77mm (50mm lens) | 86mm (85mm lens)
- Rotation angle of focusing ring: 244°
- Weight:
- 50mm: 1.49 lbs (0.68kg)
- 85mm: 2.29 lbs (1.04kg)
- Weather sealing: Yes
For a complete breakdown of specifications, visit the official ZEISS Otus ML product pages for the Otus ML 50mm f/1.4 and the Otus ML 85mm f/1.4.
Availability and pricing
ZEISS has confirmed that the Otus ML 50mm f/1.4 will be available in Spring 2025 at a price of $2,500. The Otus ML 85mm f/1.4 will follow later in 2025 for $2,999. ZEISS will officially present the lenses on YouTube on February 26, 2025, at 11 AM CET. See the embed below.
If you’d like to watch the live event, or catch up on it later, check out the link below.
The ZEISS Otus ML 50mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.4 lenses are also now available for pre-order at B&H Photo. Please check out the links in the article below.
Final thoughts
The Otus ML series brings ZEISS’s most respected lenses into the mirrorless world. These lenses stick to the Otus reputation for exceptional optics, all-metal construction, and precise manual focus. They are not designed for casual users. Instead, they are for photographers and filmmakers who demand top-tier image quality and don’t mind focusing manually.
Have you used ZEISS Otus lenses before? What do you think about the move to mirrorless? Let us know in the comments!
