ZEISS Unveils New Otus ML

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 1.4/50mm and 1.4/85mm in 2025.

ZEISS has announced the introduction of a new Otus ML family, a series of lenses designed specifically for professional photographers and visual story creators who require the highest optical performance and precision mechanics for full creative control. The Otus ML is available in two focal lengths: a 1.4/50mm lens suitable for versatile photography and a 1.4/85mm lens optimized for portrait work. Inspired by the legendary ZEISS Otus family, these new lenses bring ZEISS’ renowned optical excellence to mirrorless cameras including Sony E, Canon RF- and Nikon 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-established ‘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.

The Otus ML lenses offer precise manual focus, which enhances 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.

Sebastian Döntgen, Head of ZEISS Mobile Imaging and Photography: “We are pleased to announce the introduction of the Otus ML lens to the community of photographers. This lens reflects our ongoing commitment to quality and innovation. The Otus ML family combines classic features with modern advancements, showcasing our dedication to enhancing photographic technology while honoring traditional craftsmanship.”

Petra Visuri, Category Manager ZEISS Photography: “Manual focusing is more than a method — it’s a way for photographers to connect deeply with their creative power and craftsmanship, enabling both unparalleled control and artistic freedom. Its precise focus allows exacting attention to detail that helps bring the visual idea to life.”

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 1.4/50mm weighing 1.49-lbs/0.68kg and the 1.4/85mm weighing 2.29-lbs/1.04kg. Clear and precise scales on the lenses enable quick adjustments, ensuring that photographers maintain control over their settings.

Mo Xie, professional photographer and ZEISS ambassador: “The unparalleled excellence of the ZEISS Otus ML lens makes it nearly impossible to find any flaws in the images it captures. Its remarkable sharpness and true-to-life colors are exactly what I need as a professional photographer – to preserve the essence of moments, people, and things as they truly are.”

Wolf-Peter Steinheisser, professional photographer and ZEISS ambassador: “This new lens from ZEISS is simply stunning! Incredibly sharp and precise, with a wonderfully lightweight feel in hand. The fully metal focusing ring? An absolute tactile delight—it’s a joy to use!” 

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°C to +55°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 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 February 26, 2025, at 11 am CET on YouTube (@ZEISSCameraLenses) by ZEISS experts.  Available from retailers, the ZEISS Otus ML 1.4/50mm will be out in Spring, 2025 at $2,500, with the 1.4/85mm later in 2025 at $2,999.

For more information about the ZEISS Otus ML and its specifications, please visit www.zeiss.com/otus-ml.

Further product and application images can be downloaded here: (https://mam.zeiss.com/Redirect.do?urlId=NeG83aO46UUzfuLZgX79S92tByjJGAUaYcQUc8DKrrg%3D)

Sony is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation.

Canon is a trademark or registered trademark of Canon Inc. and/or other members of the Canon Group.

Nikon is a registered trademark of the Nikon Corporation.

 

##

ZEISS Otus ML 1.4/50

Press contact

ZEISS Photonics & Optics Joachim Kuss

Phone: +49 151 42112288

[email protected]

www.zeiss.com/newsroom

About ZEISS

ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. In the previous fiscal year, the ZEISS Group generated annual revenue around 11 billion euros in its four segments Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology and Consumer Markets (30 September 2024).

For its customers, ZEISS develops, produces and distributes highly innovative solutions for industrial metrology and quality assurance, microscopy solutions for the life sciences and materials research, and medical technology solutions for diagnostics and treatment in ophthalmology and microsurgery. The name ZEISS is also synonymous with the world’s leading lithography optics, which are used by the chip industry to manufacture semiconductor components. There is global demand for trendsetting ZEISS brand products such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses and binoculars.

With a portfolio aligned with future growth areas like digitalization, healthcare and Smart Production and a strong brand, ZEISS is shaping the future of technology and constantly advancing the world of optics and related fields with its solutions. The company’s significant, sustainable investments in research and development lay the foundation for the success and continued expansion of ZEISS’ technology and market leadership. ZEISS invests 15 percent of its revenue in research and development – this high level of expenditure has a long tradition at ZEISS and is also an investment in the future.

With over 46,000 employees, ZEISS is active globally in around 50 countries with more than 60 sales and service locations, around 40 research and development facilities, and 35 production facilities worldwide (30 September 2024). Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The Carl Zeiss Foundation, one of the largest foundations in Germany committed to the promotion of science, is the sole owner of the holding company, Carl Zeiss AG.

Further information at www.zeiss.com

About ZEISS Mobile Imaging

For over 130 years, ZEISS has shaped the state of photography and mobile imaging with optical designs, construction principles, manufacturing processes, and the development of new application fields. With photo lenses for professional users and ambitious photography enthusiasts, as well as smartphone imaging systems developed and marketed through brand partnerships, images and videos are created that shape our perception of the world. Millions of consumers worldwide rely on ZEISS to enjoy their creativity thanks to intuitively usable, exceptional technology. ZEISS Mobile Imaging is based in Oberkochen, Germany, and is part of the strategic business unit Photonics & Optics.