ZEISS Expands Otus ML Lineup with New 1.4/35 Mirrorless Prime

ZEISS has introduced the Otus ML 1.4/35, adding a new wide-angle option to its manual-focus Otus ML mirrorless lens series alongside the existing 50mm and 85mm models.

The new ZEISS Otus ML 1.4/35 lens is designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras and will be available in Sony E, Canon RF, and Nikon Z mounts. As ever, the 35 mm is a true workhorse, ZEISS billing it as ideal for street, travel, or documentary work, offering a field of view wide enough for context while still allowing subject separation at the fast f/1.4 aperture.

Optical Design and Features

The Otus ML 1.4/35 uses a 15-element, 11-group optical construction that incorporates aspherical and anomalous-dispersion elements to control distortion and chromatic aberration. The lens also features ZEISS T* coatings to reduce flare and improve contrast. 

Like the rest of the Otus ML series (it joins the established Otus ML 1.4/50 and the Otus ML 1.4/85) it is manual-focus only, using a long-throw mechanical focus ring designed for precise adjustment rather than focus-by-wire control. It's not a truly analog instrument though as electronic contacts are included to transmit EXIF data and enable camera assist functions.

The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0.3 m (11.8 in), a 10-blade diaphragm that provides the trademark Otus bokeh, and a 67 mm filter thread.

Build and Handling

All three lenses in the series share a consistent design language, including ribbed focus rings, yellow markings, and a blue accent line at the mount. The all-metal construction and internal sealing are intended to support durability in professional use.

Depending on mount, the lens weighs roughly 698–737 grams (1.54–1.63 lb) and measures about 101 mm (4.0 in) in length. 

De-Click for Video

The Otus ML series is very much aimed at stills photographers, but they also offer a practical declick function for seamless aperture control. By using the supplied tool and an adjustment screw on the bayonet surface, the locking mechanism can be disengaged, allowing for stepless and silent aperture adjustments. This enables smooth exposure transitions in video use, ensuring precise brightness control while panning.

Pricing and Availability

The Otus ML 1.4/35 will ship in spring 2026 at a suggested retail price of $2299.