Zeiss announces Otus 100mmf/1.4, a full-frame manual focus lens with “medium-format quality”

Zeiss has just announced the Otus 100mm f/1.4, a manual focus lens for full frame cameras that promises the look and quality of the medium format. This lens joins the 28mm f/1.4, 55mm f/1.4, and the 85mm f/1.4 and just like those, it promises exceptional image quality, and most likely a high price tag to go along.

Zeiss describes the Otus 100mm f/1.4 as one of the best lenses in its class, “due to its low sample variation, outstanding imaging performance, and superior build quality.” Due to a fast aperture and the 100mm focal length, I believe that portrait photographers will find it especially appealing.

It was developed for 35 mm full-frame cameras, and just like the previous models from the series, it will be available for Nikon F and Canon EF mounts. But, despite being made for full frame cameras, Zeiss notes that this lens gives you “the quality and look of a medium-format system.” It should give you a high resolution and end-to-end sharpness even at the maximum aperture of f/1.4. The build and coatings of the lens minimize lens flares and almost all aberrations.

Here are the full specs:

Performance	Focal length	100 mm
	Aperture range	f/1.4 – f/16
	Camera mount	Canon EF-Mount* (ZE) | Nikon F-Mount* (ZF.2)
	Format compatibility	Full Frame
	Focusing range	1,0 m (39.4″) – ∞
	Free working distance	0,83 m (32.7″) – ∞
	Angular field** (diag. | horiz. | vert.)	24° / 20° / 14°
	Diameter of image field	43 mm (1.69″)
	Coverage at close range (MOD)**	206 x 309 mm (8.11 x 12.17″)
	Image ratio at minimum object distance	1 : 8.6
	Lens elements | groups	14 / 11
	Flange focal distance	ZE: 44 mm (1.73″) | ZF.2: 47 mm (1.83″)
	Entrance pupil position (front of image plane)	35 mm (1.38″)
Features	Autofocus	–
	Image Stabilization	–
Physical	Filter thread	M86 x 1.00
	Rotation angle of focusing ring	315°
	Diameter max.	ZE: 101 mm (3.96″) | ZF.2: 101 mm (3.96“)
	Diameter of focusing ring	ZE: 90 mm (3.54″) | ZF.2: 90 mm (3.54″)
	Length (with lens caps)	ZE: 152 mm (6.00″) | ZF.2: 150,1 mm (5.91″)
	Length (without lens caps)	ZE: 129 mm (5.07″) | ZF.2: 127 mm (4.98″)
	Weight	ZE: 1405 g (3.10 lbs) | ZF.2: 1336 g (2.95 lbs)

The Zeiss Otus 100mmf/1.4 isn’t available for preorders yet and we don’t know the exact price. But, according to Nokishita, it will cost around $ 4500 (excluding tax). Considering that the other lenses from the Otus family cost between $3,990 and $4,490, this price sounds plausible. As for availability, the lens is expected to arrive in May current year, and we’ll update the article as soon as we know more info.