Zeiss’ Otus ML 35mm f/1.4 Lens Is Here

credits: Zeiss

Almost one year after unveiling the Otus ML 50mm f/1.4 and Otus ML 85mm f/1.4 manual focus primes, Zeiss is back with its third new Otus prime for mirrorless cameras, the Otus ML 35mm f/1.4. The new lens focuses from 0.3 meters (about one foot) to infinity and delivers a maximum magnification of 1:5.7. Optically, it is a complex design with 15 lens elements arranged in 11 groups, along with a 10-bladed aperture. Like the other Otus ML models, it uses a purely mechanical focusing system rather than focus-by-wire, meaning the position of the focus ring is directly linked to the optical elements. The focus ring rotates 257°, giving very fine control for precise manual focusing.

Physically, the lens is large but not unusually so for a high-end f/1.4 optic. Length varies slightly depending on mount, ranging from about 112 to 116mm, with a maximum diameter of 77mm. Weight also differs by version, the Sony E-mount is the lightest at 698g, the Canon RF version weighs 717g, and the Nikon Z mount is the heaviest at 737g. The lens accepts 67mm front filters, the same size used by the Otus ML 50mm f/1.4, while the larger 85mm f/1.4 in the series requires 77mm filters.

Interestingly, this is the first 35mm lens ever released under the Otus name. The earlier DSLR Otus lineup skipped this focal length entirely, offering 28mm, 55mm, 85mm, and 100mm f/1.4 lenses instead, all significantly larger and heavier, with the 28mm alone weighing over 1.3 kilograms. The new Otus ML 35mm f/1.4 will ship this spring for $2,299 and will be available in Sony E, Canon RF, and Nikon Z mounts.

You can see full details and sample shots on Cosina’s website here