Zeiss has added a new lens to its line up of ‘no compromise’ Otus optics for full-frame Canon and Nikon DSLR users. The Otus 100mm f/1.4 lens is the fourth optic in the range which originally launched in 2013 with the Otus 55mm f/1.4. This was followed by the 85mm f/1.4 in 2014 and the 28mm f/1.4 a year later.
Like the other Otus optics, the 100mm f/1.4 is built to exacting standards and is claimed to offer image quality on a par with that from a medium format camera. It uses 14 elements in 11 groups and features aspheric elements along with other glass materials to keep chromatic aberrations and distortion to a minimum, even at the maximum aperture setting. Focusing is manual only between 1m and ∞, while the lens also accepts 86mm filters.
In addition to offering impressive image quality, the Otus 100mm f/1.4 is also well made with an all-metal construction and precise mechanical componentry used to offer smooth focusing. All this glass and high build quality does come at a premium in terms of both weight and price. The Canon (ZE fit) version weighs 1405g while the Nikon (ZF.2 fit) is a little lighter at 1336g, both cost the same at £4000, but you’ll be pleased to hear that this includes a dedicated lens hood and front and rear lens caps.
With a price like this, the Otus 100mm f/1.4 – and all the other optics in the Otus range for that matter – are designed for professional users who don’t want to compromise on either image or build quality. This moderate telephoto option is clearly well suited to those wanting to shoot portraits with the smooth bokeh available at the f/1.4 setting sure to be a major appeal.
The Otus 100mm f/1.4 is available now. Take a look at two of Zeiss’s sample images below:
