Zeiss relaunches Otus with a hybrid range, but prices are already debated

Everyone thought that Zeiss had nothing more to take photo and hybrids. However, the manufacturer was quite active at the beginning of the great hybrid revolution with several ranges of optics designed for the Sony 24 × 36 models in ES mount. We then think of the Loxia and Batis ranges. These were fixed focal lengths with (Batis) or without (loxia) Autofocus which offered large openings F2 or F2.8. The latest model in these series dates back to September 2018 with the Batis 40mm F2 cf. The ultra wide F1.4 openings were reserved for the world of SLR in Canon EF or Nikon F frame with the Otus (manual development) and Milvus (with Autofocus) ranges. The latest model of these series dates back to April 2019 with the OTUS 100MM F1,4. Since then, it was flat calm.

Today, to everyone's surprise, the manufacturer is talking about him by announcing, on the occasion of the CP+ 2025the return of the Otus, but this time designed for Full Frame 24 x 36 mm hybrids. The Otus ML range is currently made up of 2 limbs, a 50 mm F1.4 and an 85 mm F1.4: high -end ultra -light fixed focal lengths with manual focus. Zeiss wishes to seduce as many users as possible and therefore decided to decline these objectives in different frames: Sony E, Canon RF and Nikon Z.

Manual

Zeiss has always carried a particular care to the design of his photo optics and the photographic experience. This philosophy is of course the game on these new Otus ML. We therefore find a 100% metal construction, a very elegant design which combines the advantages of the ancient Otus and Loxia, manual settings for the focus and the opening or the possibility of working with a notched diaphragm ring or Continue (useful in video) with the Declick function.

For Zeiss, manual focus is almost more a bias than a constraint. If this approach could be very questionable of the time of reflex, especially with very wide openings, it is more understood for the hybrids and all the assistance tools they can offer: Focus Peaking for example or the zoom in the picture. The manual focusing ring of OTUS ML is extremely precise (running length) and pleasant (fluidity). There are distance benchmarks engraved on the top of the lens.

Even if they do not have autofocus, the Otus ML communicate with the case with which they are associated. It is therefore possible to find, for example, the exif data relating to the optics in the images made and perhaps even the management of certain digital optical corrections.

The 50 mm is based on a Distagon optical formula (Retrofocus type design) composed. From 14 lenses divided into 11 groups with 2 aspirial lenses and 4 low dispersion lenses. The 85 mm for its part is based on a Sonnar type optical formula which is made up of 15 lenses divided into 11 groups, with 3 aspherical glasses and 6 glasses with low dispersion. The manufacturer announces, supporting MTF curves, high-flying optical performance with a strong and homogeneous dive from the largest f1.4 opening, an incomparable micro-contract and real colors. Zeiss also insists on Bokeh's signature of his objectives thanks to their 10 -strip diaphragm.

Availability and price

The new OTUS ML 1.4/50 and 1.4/85 will be available in 2025. We still do not know their price on the French market. However, resellers in the United States announce $ 3,000 for the 85 mm and $ 2,500 for the 50 mm. By comparison, the Sony FE 85 mm F1.4 GM II model is offered at a price of € 2,100 and the Sony FE 50 mm F1.4 GM is offered at a price of € 1,600. To make an already well -busy market place, these new Otus will have to be exceptional!