Zeiss announces Otus 100mm f/1.4 prime lens for Canon and Nikon full-frame DSLRs

 

 

Zeiss has announced the fourth lens in their set of Otus manual focus prime lenses, the 1.4/100. The 100mm prime lens has been developed for full-frame Canon and Nikon DSLR camera systems and promises "low sample variation, outstanding imaging performance and superior build quality."

The lens featured a Sonnar design and incorporates floating elements in its design. In total, its optical design comprises 14 lens elements across 11 groups, including aspherical elements. The lens can focus as close as 39.4 inches (1 meter), which results in a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:8.6. While the lens' physical dimensions vary slightly depending on which lens mount you choose, it is about 5 inches long (127-129 millimeters) and it has a maximum diameter of 3.96 inches (101 mm). The included lens cap adds about an inch of length. The lens has high-end build quality and its weight reflects that, with the lens tipping the scales at about 3 pounds (1,336 to 1,405 grams).

 

Zeiss Otus 100/1.4 shown in ZF.2 (Nikon) and ZE (Canon) lens mounts.

The 1.4/100 Otus lens is an apochromat optic, meaning that chromatic aberrations are corrected through the use of special glass elements and anomalous partial dispersion, rendering aberrations "significantly below the defined" limits. This is particularly noticeable when viewing bright to dark transitions in images. Further, Zeiss promises "no color fringing." If you'd like to judge these claims for yourself, you can view and download full-resolution sample images by clicking here.

 

Sample image shot at f/2 on a Canon 5D Mark III. Image credit: Bjoern Pados.

While the lens is not yet available to order from retailers, the Zeiss Otus 100mm f/1.4 lens is expected to cost $4,500 USD in both ZE (Canon) and ZF.2 (Nikon) mounts. We will update this news when links to order the lens are available.

 

Sample image shot at f/1.4 on a Nikon D850 camera. Image credit: Bjoern Pados.