Zeiss Otus 55mm f1.4 - WORLDS BEST LENS???
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- You can stay up to date with Matts latest work at www.mattgrange... - join the mailing list!
Check out the Nikon Expert Setup Guide: learn.mattgran...
/ _mattgranger
/ mattgranger
A few thoughts on the cost. It is hard to comprehend I suppose, given that we automatically compare it to prices of Canon and Nikon - as those are the mounts available. In terms of optics and quality - it should really be compared to Leica and Voitlander etc. Martin Reichel made a good point below that on a very expensive body like Hasselblad etc, a $4000 lens doesn't seem so bad - but on a Nikon DSLR - it is more than the body.
Two things to recognise:
- with a high megapixel DSLR like D800E - the image quality is going to be around medium format quality (forget sensor size - I mean actual resolving power)
- and this is cheap compared to many Leica 50mm primes - and as good or better. AND the Nikon and Canon sensors you can put this on (i'd argue) are as good or better than Leica digitals offer.
you make a valid point re the d800e in particular....a 30X40 print shot wide open would be very obviously sharper and w better contrast with this beast than w the nikon 50mm 1.4g
You could look at it a different way, if you wanted a single goto lens that you know WILL give you the best shots then it's worth it.
Rather than having a bunch of lenses and never quite getting what you want or like.
While I can't afford the lens, I would save up and buy one ASAP, as the images just show why it's worth the $4,000 USD
That's an amazing quality of image, but not to have any autofocus at that price is crazy. For what ever reason I just cant see focus on digital cameras (as in I'm totally useless), so I need the autofocus to nail shots at sub f4, so even if I had the cash I still wouldn't get it.
Put this lens on a SONY A7 and you have the best camera set up
Daniel Shortt
I read (can't verify) that the reason this is Manual Focus is not technical. It is because Canon and Nikon have not given licensing permission to go AF. Some lenses they have approval and made them AF - this one no!
That said - the images I included were all MF (obviously) and surprisingly easy. Moving objects would be different.
When I was at the CP+, I set up my gear on a tripod and tried out the flower basket with fixed focus distance that includes the subjects and the background specular lights and started shooting from f1.4 to f16, the colors and bokeh was simply out of this world...
Focusing a zeiss is so good!!!
It's so smooth! Finding fine focus is sometimes quite daunting, but with the throw that almost all their lenses have, its easy peasy!
Very impressive!...gave me GAS as well.
On a side note, given the worldwide popularity of photography and strides made in manufacturing and innovation, can you explain why quality lenses cost so much? It would be cool if you could do a program on how lenses are made. Thanks for your work!
damn thats a sick lens, the quality is crazy. Matt, when were you in Japan?
I have a history with Nikon and with good quality lens. Though older now and not as active in my field as I was some years back - I must admit - this new lens draws my attention. Yes, I would like to have one; but alas, no, I cannot afford one any longer.
Thank you Matt for keeping me up-to-date with what is happening in the photography world. I enjoy your posts.
Dave
Its definitely on my MUST HAVE list for sure!!! Thanks +Matt Granger for the review
Always love your work Matt, keep up the great videos, especially your instructive one's, when I was starting out your video's were very helpful particularly your educational ones, cheers man.
Good Review Matt. Not in my price range but glad to see the advance in technology
Looks pretty damn amazing to me. I'm certainly impressed! $4,000 definitely is a big pill to swallow, but I think the images you were able to get with the test shots speak for themselves. Justified.
Can you shoot action with a manual focus?
I have to say Matt, that lens is beyond beautiful; after seeing it in action, I agree...that is a wish list item that I would love to get my hands on myself. Thank you for sharing this with use, I guess it is time to get my photographer into overtime to get that lens.
The 100% are crazy sharp even after TH-cam compression. For D800E /A7R owners, or cropped AA-free cameras, it might be a great buy for some work. Definitely not in my own budget for a prime.
I just bought two of these, what are they for?
taking photos of course! The lens is phenomenal.
In case someone break into your home! @@ hit him
Shit on one and cover it up with the other one.
A price tag I can't justify to buy one by myself, but it is very interesting and astonishing to see what a huge difference in sharpness and contrast this lens delivers.
I have Nikkor 50 mm 1.4 G on D7100 and the results gives me an intensive excitement !
Holy crap that thing is impressive! Seems like it's stonking even wide open, crazy stuff.
wow those are really sharp great review matt!
Do they do this for Canon mounts too? I think my photographer friend would be rather interested in this for his 1DX.
Nice video Matt. Hmmm ... Compare the Dxo score of that lens (45) with the Sony FE Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 55mm F1.8 ZA (42), The scores are remarkably close across the board. Are those additional 3 pts. performance difference worth the additional $3K? The sharpness performance of both lenses are identical based on the Dxo testing, (29P-Mpix) ... Think I'll keep my FE 55mm (AF) and A7r as much as I'd like an Otus 55mm!!!
man, i always pick up on the subtle hip hop classics playing in the background haha nas is like!
I'd wait until the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art since it also has such a complex lens design for a 50 and judging from the 35 it should be one of the best 50's. And then you can do a comparison video!
That Sigma will probably end up being the poor mans Otus.
With autofocus!
Timothy Tasmin Exactly, resolving someones ear in massive detail when you wanted the eye ain't that useful!
The 35mm art is a lovely lens and I am a fan - but it is NOT on this level of optical quality. Let's see how the 50mm performs - but I don't think they are aiming to be in the same market as the Otus.
Matt Granger Actually, Matt, that is exactly what Sigma is aiming for :)
Only time will tell.
Zeiss Milvus Distagon 50mm f1.4 is also really nice.
This proves how lens is important. Investing in lens is crucial.
Awesome review! Is this lense great for Cin?
Great review Matt.
Crazy sharpness wide open, just WOW
2:45
ehh, apparently the capabilities of weather sealing is often greatly overstated.
Hi Matt,
Sorry, an old video and maybe a rhetorical question, but were your shots on the coin and paper handheld?
Thank you.
People should stop complaining about the price. It's not for enthusiasts, but rather aim at pros; those who make a living selling their works. If any D-bag with bags of money can buy a Noctilux 50mm 0.95 just to shoot crappy shots on weekend to post on facebook, this lens makes perfect sense for pros.
That would be a nice upgrade from my 60 dollar 50mm lens. If Santa in some way happens to give you two of those, don't hesitate sending the second one over, it will be put to good use.
Try the Nikon manual 55mm f2.8 Micro AIS on the Metabones Speedboster, you'll save a lot of money!
I've seen the test shots from you and others that have shot with that lens and they really do look amazing. I would like to see a review for the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 Lens from you and i would like to know how it would compare to lest say the L50mm f1.2 or even the Otus.
Ok, take my money, oh wait, I don't have it. =D
Impressive lens!
Hi Valter ! You could acquire a nice new bass guitar for this price...
Wilfried Delcambre yes,for sure, but I'm also loving photography!
We obviously share the same passions !
Thanks for the review. I would consider this lens except for the manual focus. Did you find that the manual focus was acceptable?
4 years on, have you compared to the new Pentax DFA* 50mm 1.4?
Just incredible! And mind blowing .. oh man I need one but the manual focus thing me dont like :/
Jared polin ad before video started thought I clicked the wrong video haha
I used it at photo plus in the city for 15 mins on the D800e and it blew me away....
Great review, thanks Matt!
Took delivery of it a couple of days ago after trying it back in November. Special thanks to Carl Zeiss USA for getting my order to me faster than the 4-5 month wait time. EVERYONE who has shot with the lens and looked at the images were foaming a the mouth and are signing up to buy one. Just amazing what they have done. By the way... for comparison sake... I was a long time Leica shooter - still love their products but this Otus has taken the crown when it comes to a 50mm type lens. I think it's even better than the 50 Summicron and Summilux and....yes, even the Noct.
Finally I understand the contrast in lenses.
i have it and it is unbelievable. You will never regret it. costly but worth every penny
Is no autofocus a compromise? How about no weather sealing gasket? Price? Its a beautiful lens but it's hardly no compromise.
Matt, as an adult who can justify buying this for their profession, you absolutely need to get one...for us.
I'll probably be shot for stating this but my newest camera is a Nikon D300, which is a CMOS sensor. I believe the Rokinnon 85mm @f1.4 is the BEST manual focus lens at its price point. Many of us do not have 4K to throw on a lens. If I did, I would invest it on a D4. :)
JESUS! Amazing. Not only is it incredibly sharp but there's beautiful character. I'm sold. Probably not the 55, but I may wait for the 85. With the manual aperture I can get a Nikon or Canon and use it on my Sony. Talk about future-proofing. I have a new lust.
I can't fathom why you'd need so much detail, at that point just shoot medium format hasselblad with a vintage Zeiss lens
How does the 58mm 1.4 stack up against the Otus?
This is a great video doing some seriously interesting things. And as you say; DAMN how well it handles e.g. chromatic aberration etc. Amazing!
I was actually thinking a bout the Otus for my Canon... but since I've now changed to Sony I need to settle with the Batis lenses. However... I would of course always consider an Otus. The big turnoff for me (except the price) is that it doesnt have auto focus. I shoot both studio (with controlled light etc), but I also do a lot of nature/street photography... and a camera + lens with killer auto focus is so very important for me. So... well... this is still one of the best lenses on the market, so... hm...
It's way too expensive for me, but the results look worth it. I only dont like the rubber focus-ring, like the Touit also has. Rings like that tend to go baggy (is that the right word?)...
Matt, thanks for all your great videos. I think I reach out to your videos for credible reviews more than any others. Performance wise, one reason the Otus is so great is because it controls chromatic aberration so well, which will directly effect the perceived sharpness. However, chromatic aberration is something that can be corrected in post. Also, since sharpness of often a perceived phenomena; for example all else equal, if we sharpen the eyes and eyelashes to a model (done well of course, not over sharpening, and done selectively) of one photograph over another one, that one that is sharpened to the end user will be perceived as "sharp" and hence taken with a higher quality lens. Since essentially these days, all photos are "photoshoped" anyway, are we not barking the wrong tree by making these incredible lens but at such a high price?
could you plz tell me the name of the gear make this clip ? thanx.
The Otus lenses are INSANE.... I want one!
I found a review where the reviewer had 50% keepers with respect to focus with the Otus versus 100% keepers with the autofocus with the Nikkor 58mm f/1.4. For me for fashion and beauty photography I don't think I would be able to do without autofocus.
Awesome piece of kit!!!
does it not have chromatic aberration?
does it not have barrel distortion/pincussion distortion?
does it not have vignetting?
does it have silent autofocus?
does it have IS
does it focus fast
does it not flare/ghost
IS IT A GOOD LENS FOR LOW LIGHT
This one seems to have more chromatic aberration than the Samyang 135 f2.
Look at the coin shots: Clearly green at the top of the coin, purple at the bottom.
Check against the text shots in Christopher Frost's review of the Samyang.
It may cost thousands but it is optically phenomenal.
Great lens for those, who need such a sharp tool. The price tag is OK, cause the quality will remain long after the price is forgotten. I use Leica M with Zeiss, Voigtländer and Leica R- lenses. My Zeiss C Sonar 1.5/50 is 1.430 USD and I'll order the Distagon 2.8/15 for 5.300 USD. (OOOPS) You've always to analyze your needs. I do press and docu, so I'm fine with Zeiss and Voitgländer in the M-range.
But again: a nice piece of optical design!
there is obvious compromise " it is called size and weight" remember 80-90s tube tv. how you want screen flat? pretty much same idea. make it bigger !
Stunning!! just sunning!!!!
@matt granger Matt Granger Awesome review! would you mind telling me which artist the background music is? thanks!
I have G.A.S to now! Another great review, the problem with that is I keep wanting to buy more gear. Thanks Matt "That Zeiss Guy"
Look at the football shaped bokeh!
Have you tested the Canon Cinema Prime CN-E 35mm T1.5 L F Lens and if so how does it compare to the Zeiss Otus?
And the 35mm equiv (17.5mm) Voigtlander for the MFT systems isn't so bad either (manual lens) and costs less than $4000.
now i miss the possibility to change the colour of the writing on the lens
Well, here's my perspective. If you can blow almost 7-8 times more to go from a 1.8g 35mm to the 58mm for barely, if any gain in performance then one can certainly spend twice that for a huuuge leap in performance.
Dear Mr. Nikon Guy, would you like to compare it with canon 50mm 1.2 lens and noctilux-m 50mm 0.95. Thanks by the way.
Quality glass is worth the effort and the time spent working to get it. When you use a cheap kit lens or zoom lens or whatever you think your 18-24MP camera looks great, until you use even Canon's L glass and suddenly you realize your entire sensor is being taken advantage of. When I got my Canon 85mm, it was like getting a new camera, the glass is so sharp, wide open it beat my kit lens, stopped down to 2.5, 2.8 it was already reasonable for 90% of anything I'd ever need and by 3.2-4.0 it was tack sharp. Now when you mount a piece of glass on a camera that can resolve virtually every pixel, THAT is a beauty. You can say "but muh large format" great but can it resolve? We are seeing glass that can keep up with a 36MP D810 or a 42MP A7RII and that is amazing because I believe 24MP is probably the limit of most 35mm so anything more than that is a new achievement.
Much appreciated if you could leave the name of background music
@William Salopek - I had sound.
7:19 "Whoooo, mama!"
The lack of spherochromatism is really amazing, it really makes the images a lot cleaner.
Hi,i can tell this otus lenses are super.fit to any camera ,the photo are super sharp.good likes music ,magical .i want .this lenses.
Uh looks like this lens has football bokeh syndrome. Would expect more for a lens of that cost?
That rubber ring tho... What were they thinking?
Why zeiss doesn't has auto focus Matt
great review
For the cost of this lens, I think i'd go all the way to a Zeiss CP.2 50mm/T1.5. A lot more functional if you ever want to do video, and I am willing to bet is plenty sharp edge to edge as well.
The best thing for me is that Zeiss is making lenses for my camera system which is.... Sony :) Yes, we have several Zeiss lenses with quality like that :)
If I'd have enough money left, I'd buy this lens now, its one of maybe 3 lenses which can give you more than 30 Mp resolution on zhe alpha 7r.
But I'll go for the 55 1.8 FE
XenatR
Well the one is the otus, the secont is the FE 55 1.8
the third one is the 85 1.4 otus...
but now sony has a big lineup with great 30MP++ Lenses :) give it a try
the zeiss loxias the zeiss batis... the sony G lenses for e mount...
Don't know if I could justify this even if I had the money lol, If I'm to be limited to manual focus then I'll just stick with my vintage lenses using an adapter. Smooth focusing and great quality that doesn't break the bank.
I just feel its a really over the top lens and there are really good primes out there at much better prices.
are u sure that u focus on the same spot for the coin challenge? ??
Love your video !!!!
So if you stop down to F2 on the Nikon you are almost at the same image quality but also getting fast auto focusing with the Nikon, I think I'll keep my old small light f1.4D 50mm for now.
+Larry L also you ll keep 4k $
+Sergio Antonov Yep.
hah! love at first pixelpeep. ♥ I will have to settle for the Sigma 50mm ART when that gets out, but ... *drool*
Let me try to sum up this test of the Zeiss 55mm f1.4, DAMN!!!! I think that says it all. Now, I have to admit that $4,000 is a huge sum of money to pay for a prime lens, but shit, look at the results, and let those results speak for themselves. I would love to see a more well rounded photo shoot with several subjects and lighting situations being taken into consideration, but for now all I can say is DAMN, this lens is brilliant. I bet you could get some GREAT portrait images with this lens if you took the time to get familiar with the manual focus and all it has to offer. Just my opinion, and this lens would definitely make it onto my wish list.
What is the background music ?
This lens makes me almost want to sell off 4 pro Nikkor primes to get it and go Henri Cartier-Bresson style since it would be all I could afford (One lens)... If only it had autofocus.
It has focus confirm and you can learn to be a fast focuser, especially with focus confirm and Zeiss' incredible focus rings. It will be a change, yes, but it shouldn't be the thing to keep you from getting the lens.
Nathan Lawrence I do not like the focus indicator.
For me this lens would be nice on a tripod with some time to work on the image, possibly with live view and a high magnification, Manual focus on the Nikon cameras is far away from ideal, no chance to switch the focusing screen on most recent cams to something with micro prisms, nor focus-peaking, ...
The lack of auto focus, the size, the weight, the availability and the price (in this order) stopped me on getting one till now.
This seems to be a sharpens and contrast monster and there is definitely a use case for it. But maybe its time for many of us (incl. me) to concentrate first on making great and interesting images and not the technology! ;-)
There is at least one maker of split d, micro-mesh focusing screens. A good mf focusing screen on a D800 would be a joy to use. I do not have one on mine but plan to get one to get full use of my 50 1.2 mf
looks like it has slight purple fringe in the 35mm shot..
and the bokeh isn't all that great - but what the heck, its sharp :D
the only good lense for bokeh is the Minolta / Sony 135 STF
how does this go with video?
What's the name of the song?
canon version ?
Love to see it vs the canon f1.0 so you have to buy it.
At 2:15 the fantastic vertical cut of the Zeiss lens.
German quality is the best. No wonder why nikon canon don't let Zeiss to have autofocus.😡
Wow, but I am looking forward to seeing how the new Sigma 50 performs against it. Probably not as good but 1/4 of the price and with Auto Focus.
Those where some life like people Matt Granger Wow! :-)