Zeiss Continues Select DSLR Lens Production

credits: Zeiss

After recently confirming that its legendary Otus DSLR lenses have been discontinued, Zeiss clarified that it is not completely stepping away from DSLR lens production. While the company says it has adjusted its product lineup to reflect current market conditions, a number of DSLR lenses remain popular enough that production will continue. The discontinued lenses include the Otus 28mm f/1.4, 55mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.4, and 100mm f/1.4, all of which earned a reputation among photographers for their optical performance. Zeiss says support and service for these lenses will continue, even though they are no longer being manufactured.

At the same time, Zeiss confirmed that it is still producing six Nikon F-mount Milvus lenses because demand remains strong enough to justify keeping them in the lineup. Those lenses are the Milvus 35mm f/1.4 ZF.2, 35mm f/2 ZF.2, 50mm f/1.4 ZF.2, 50mm f/2 ZF.2, 100mm f/2 ZF.2, and 135mm f/2 ZF.2. Some Canon EF-mount Milvus lenses can still be found through retailers as well, although Zeiss did not specifically mention them as part of its ongoing production plans. Interestingly, the company made no reference to the Milvus 21mm f/2.8 ZF.2 or 25mm f/1.4 ZF.2, which may suggest those lenses are no longer being actively produced.

The decision stands out at a time when most lens manufacturers have switched their attention almost entirely to mirrorless systems. Zeiss itself has been focusing on newer products like the Otus ML 35mm f/1.4, 50mm f/1.4, and 85mm f/1.4for Canon RF, Sony E, and Nikon Z mounts. These Milvus lenses also remain relevant for Nikon mirrorless users since they can be adapted to Z-mount cameras using Nikon’s FTZ adapter, allowing photographers to continue using Zeiss manual-focus optics on modern bodies.