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Zeiss Continues Otus Optics for Mirrorless With ML Line
25 February 2025
Zeiss has announced the Otus ML family, a new series of lenses designed to bring the Otus brand to the mirrorless world. The first of the Otus ML lenses will be available in two focal lengths: a 50mm lens and an 85mm lens, both with an f1.4 maximum aperture. Mirrorless mounts will include the Sony E, Canon RF and Nikon Z.
Otus ML Family. 1.4/50 (left) and 1.4/85.
The all-metal construction of the mechanical focus Otus ML lenses accommodates a compact and portable design with the 1.4/50 weighing 23.70 oz. and the 1.4/85 weighing 36.40 oz. Clear and precise scales on the lenses enable quick adjustments.
OTUS ML 50
Highlights of the 50mm include:
- Full-frame coverage
- Apertures: f1.4 to f16
- Distagon optical design
- 10-blade diaphragm
- 260° focus throw
- Zeiss T* Antireflective coating
- Dust and moisture-resistant construction
Specifications for the 50mm include:
ZEISS OTUS ML 50mm f1.4 LENS SPECIFICATIONS Mount Canon RF, Nikon Z, Sony E Focal Length 50mm Aperture f1.4 to f16
10 diaphragm bladesAngle of View 47° Minimum Focus 1.6 feet Magnification 1:7.3 Optical Design 14 elements in 11 groups Autofocus No Image Stabilization No Filter Thread 67mm Dimensions 3.0 x 4.0 inches Weight 1.6 lbs. Zeiss said the Otus ML 1.4/50mm will be available in the spring for $2,500. Adorama and B&H are both now accepting pre-orders.
OPTUS ML 85
Highlights of the 85mm include:
- Full-frame coverage
- Apertures: f1.4 to f16
- Sonnar optical design
- 10-blade diaphragm
- 260° focus throw
- Zeiss T* Antireflective coating
- Dust and moisture-resistant construction
Specifications for the 85mm include:
ZEISS OTUS ML 85mm f/1.4 LENS SPECIFICATIONS Mount Canon RF, Nikon Z, Sony E Focal Length 85mm Aperture f1.4 to f16
10 diaphragm bladesAngle of View 30° Minimum Focus 2.6 feet Magnification 1:8.1 Optical Design 15 elements in 11 groups Autofocus No Image Stabilization No Filter Thread 77mm Dimensions 3.5 x 4.4 inches Weight 2.3 lbs. Zeiss said the Otus ML 1.4/50mm will be available later in 2025 for $2,999. Adorama and B&H are both now accepting pre-orders.
Zeiss Unveils New Otus ML
Continues the Legendary Lens for Mirrorless Mounts
- Exceptional optical performance and precision with the highest standards for professional photography and visual story creation, optimized for the latest mirrorless mounts (E, RF and Z).
- Creative freedom through its exceptional optical performance and ultimate precise focus.
- New lens family starts with 1.4/50 and 1.4/85 in 2025.
OBERKOCHEN, Germany -- Zeiss has announced the introduction of a new Otus ML family, a series of lenses designed specifically for professional photographers and ambitious visual story creators who require the highest optical performance and precision mechanics for full creative control. For the start, the Otus ML is available in two focal lengths: a 1.4/50 lens suitable for versatile photography and a 1.4/85 lens optimized for portrait work. Inspired by the legendary Zeiss Otus family, these new lenses bring Zeiss' renowned optical excellence to mirrorless cameras: Sony1 E, Canon2 RF- and Nikon3 Z-Mount.
Continuing the Legacy of the First Otus Generation
The Otus ML lenses are engineered to provide exceptional optical performance, revealing details that may not be discernible to the naked eye. These lenses embody the well-regarded Zeiss Look, characterized by sharpness, accurate color reproduction and a three-dimensional quality. The apochromatic lens design ensures excellent color fidelity while minimizing chromatic aberrations. Additionally, the aspherical design contributes to virtually distortion-free images, enhancing overall image quality. The Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating further reduces reflections and flare, improving clarity and color accuracy.
From a mechanical standpoint, the Otus ML lenses offer precise manual focus, which enhance the creative and storytelling process. The lenses feature a smooth metal focus ring with a precision helicoid drive, facilitating accurate focusing. Manual aperture control, equipped with a de-click function for video, allows for seamless adjustments, which can be advantageous in various shooting scenarios.
The all-metal construction of the Otus ML lenses is designed to endure the demands of professional photography. The compact and portable design is optimized for the latest mirrorless mounts: Sony E, Canon RF, and Nikon Z-Mount, with the 1.4/50 weighing 677g and the 1.4/85 weighing 1,040g. Clear and precise scales on the lenses enable quick adjustments, ensuring that photographers maintain control over their settings.
The Otus ML lenses are built to perform reliably in challenging conditions. A blue sealing ring protects the camera lens interface from dust and moisture, while additional seals provide protection against splashes. The lenses are temperature resistant, functioning effectively in environments ranging from -20*deg;deg;C to +55*deg;deg;C. They have also undergone rigorous testing for mechanical, vibration and shock resistance.
Continuing the legacy of the Otus family, which has been recognized for its low sample variation and outstanding imaging performance since its introduction in 2013, the new Otus ML combines premium optical performance with precise mechanical engineering, optimized for the latest mirrorless mounts. This positions the Otus ML as a valuable tool for ambitious photographers seeking to combine full, precise control with creative freedom while focusing on the core of their imaging work.
Product Introduction Available on the Web
The Zeiss Otus ML lens family will be presented on Feb. 26, at 11 a.m. CET on YouTube, @ZeissCameraLenses, by Zeiss experts. The new Zeiss Otus ML will be available from specialist retailers: 1.4/50mm from Spring 2025 at the RRP of €2,499 (incl. german VAT 19 percent)/$2,500 and the 1.4/85 later in 2025 at the RRP of €2,799 (incl. german VAT 19 percent)/$2,999.
For more information about the Zeiss Otus ML and its specifications, visit http://www.zeiss.com/otus-ml.