In a recent interview with PetaPixel, a representative from ZEISS, a German brand that’s been relatively quiet in the photography scene for over six years, shed some light on the design philosophy behind their new ‘Otus ML’ lens series. According to the report, the ZEISS Otus ML, specifically designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras, focuses solely on optical quality, without relying on in-camera corrections to rectify lens flaws – a feature commonly used in modern lenses. This approach is quite refreshing, as it signals a shift towards creating lenses that can stand on their own merit, rather than relying on camera software to compensate for their weaknesses.
The goal, as stated by the brand, is to create lenses that are so good, they don’t need any external corrections. This is a bold statement, especially considering that in-camera correction features have made life easier for photographers. However, for ZEISS, the ultimate aim is to produce lenses that can deliver exceptional results without needing any crutches. The Otus ML series, with its manual focus design, is a testament to this philosophy. For those unfamiliar with ZEISS’ Otus series, it’s worth noting that the brand has previously released four DSLR versions: 28mm F1.4, 55mm F1.4, 85mm F1.4, and 100mm F1.4, all of which have garnered critical acclaim and are considered among the best in the world.
The new mirrorless versions of the Otus series, which include the ‘Otus ML 50mm F1.4’ and ‘Otus ML 85mm F1.4′, retain the manual focus characteristic of their predecessors but with a significant reduction in weight, making them more agile and easier to handle. This attention to detail is a hallmark of ZEISS’ design approach, and it’s clear that the brand is committed to creating lenses that not only deliver exceptional image quality but also provide a unique shooting experience. For those interested in learning more about the Otus ML lenses, you can find additional information here.