Zeiss’ Upcoming 35mm f/1.4 Distagon Lens

credits: Zeiss

Zeiss is about to introduction a new 35mm f/1.4 Apo Distagon lens for Nikon Z, Sony E, and Canon RF mounts, with an announcement scheduled just ahead of CP+ 2026, around February 23–24. The lens would become the third model in the Otus ML series, following the 50mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.4 that marked Zeiss’s return to the lens market after years of inactivity.

Like the existing Otus ML lenses, the 35mm will feature apochromatic correction meant to minimise both lateral and longitudinal chromatic aberrations, especially at wide apertures. The Distagon optical formula points to a retro-focus wide-angle design built for strong edge-to-edge sharpness and well-controlled distortion. A fast f/1.4 maximum aperture would make it suitable for low-light work and shallow depth of field, while Zeiss’s T* coatings are intended to reduce flare and ghosting while maintaining high contrast and colour fidelity.

The lens is also expected to retain the series’ fully manual focus construction, including a long focus throw for precise adjustments, a de-clickable aperture ring and an all-metal build. Pricing will probably stay in line with the current Otus ML range. The 50mm f/1.4 sells for about $2,700, and the 85mm f/1.4 for $3,000.