The Zeiss Otus ML 50mm f/1.4 brings the legendary optical high quality of the Otus sequence right into a mirrorless-friendly bundle. Here is a take a look at what you may count on.
Coming to you from Ted Forbes of The Artwork of Images, this complete video breaks down the Zeiss Otus ML 50mm f/1.4. Forbes explains how this new mirrorless model maintains the distinctive “Zeiss look” whereas dramatically decreasing dimension and weight in comparison with its DSLR predecessors. The unique Otus lenses had been optical marvels that got here with a serious portability penalty; they had been just too massive and heavy for a lot of real-world capturing eventualities. This new ML model modifications that equation totally, providing the identical no-compromise optical philosophy in a bundle you may really carry round. Forbes demonstrates the lens’ outstanding capacity to create quick topic isolation by means of its engineered focus falloff, displaying the way it produces that coveted three-dimensional look that separates premium optics from the competitors.
The video reveals some fascinating technical enhancements Zeiss made throughout the redesign course of. Forbes discusses how the corporate did not merely shrink the unique design however really enhanced it, utilizing extra lens components to scale back spherical aberration and coma in comparison with the DSLR model. He notes that his manufacturing copy eliminates the slight crimson fringing he noticed within the pre-production mannequin, suggesting Zeiss refined the optics between variations. The handbook focus expertise will get explicit consideration, with Forbes explaining his most well-liked setup for essential focusing and why he disables the automated focus magnification characteristic. You will be taught concerning the lens’s de-clickable aperture characteristic and the way it advantages video shooters who want clean aperture transitions.
Key Specs
Focal Size: 50mm
Most Aperture: f/1.4, Minimal: f/16
Lens Mounts: Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF
Optical Design: 14 components in 11 teams (2 aspherical)
Aperture Blades: 10 rounded blades
Minimal Focus Distance: 1.6 ft / 50 cm
Weight: 1.6 lb / 718 g
Dimensions: 3 x 4 inches / 77 x 102 mm
Filter Dimension: 67mm
Focus Kind: Handbook solely
Forbes addresses some sensible concerns you will not discover in typical spec sheets. He discusses how simply the aperture ring can shift throughout dealing with and why the absence of L-mount compatibility disappoints him given latest developments in that ecosystem. The video additionally positions this lens inside Zeiss’ broader technique and hints at future focal lengths, together with the upcoming 85mm model that has Forbes significantly excited. Take a look at the video above for the total rundown from Forbes.