ZEISS Otus ML 35mm f/1.4 Lens for Canon RF Mount

ZEISS Otus ML 35mm f/1.4 Lens for Canon RF Mount Summary

The ZEISS Otus ML 35mm f/1.4 for Canon RF mount is a manual focus 35mm wide prime for full-frame RF mirrorless cameras. It expands the Otus ML lineup with the classic 35mm focal length while preserving the optical philosophy of earlier Otus generations in a mirrorless-ready form.

This lens sits in ZEISS’ flagship manual prime family, offering apochromatic aberration control, a fast f/1.4 aperture and refined Distagon design. It does not replace a previous Canon RF Otus ML but adds this focal length to the existing 50mm and 85mm options.

With consistent centre-to-edge sharpness, neutral colour rendition and manual precision, it suits professional and advanced photographers who prioritise manual control, optical discipline and smooth depth-of-field characteristics for subjects such as street, documentary and environmental portraiture.

ZEISS Otus ML 1.4/35 Lens for Canon RF Key Features

• Manual focus 35mm f/1.4 prime lens for full-frame Canon RF mirrorless cameras
• Apochromatic optical design reduces chromatic aberration and colour fringing
• Aspherical Distagon construction controls distortion and spherical aberration
• ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating suppresses flare and ghosting
• 10-blade diaphragm produces smooth, rounded bokeh
• Long-throw helicoid focus mechanism with precise mechanical damping
• De-clickable aperture ring supports silent exposure adjustment for video
• All-metal construction with environmental sealing and temperature resistance

ZEISS Otus ML 35mm f/1.4 Lens for Canon RF Mount In More Detail

Optical design and rendering

The Otus ML 35mm f/1.4 uses a refined Distagon optical layout with aspherical elements and special glass types that deliver apochromatic correction. This combination significantly reduces both longitudinal and lateral chromatic aberrations, maintaining clean colour transitions and suppressing magenta/green fringing in high-contrast zones.

Image sharpness stays consistent across the frame, even wide open at f/1.4, while the Distagon design controls distortion for straight lines and architectural detail integrity. The aspherical surfaces reduce spherical aberration and deliver uniform resolution from centre to edge.

ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating reduces internal reflections, helping retain contrast when shooting toward bright light sources. Artifact suppression enhances colour neutrality and tonal separation.

Depth of field control

A fast f/1.4 aperture enables shallow depth of field with clear subject isolation in environmental contexts. The ten-blade diaphragm maintains a smooth, rounded shape as it closes, delivering natural defocus transitions and evenly rendered background highlights.

The de-clickable aperture ring provides seamless and silent f-stop adjustments that benefit video workflows where visible aperture increments would be distracting.

Mechanical precision with manual focus

Construction includes a full-metal helicoid focus mechanism with a long rotation angle. Torque and damping are calibrated for precise control without play. The extended focus throw allows accurate focal plane placement, particularly effective in close-range and wide-aperture work.

Internal focusing keeps the lens length constant during operation. The ridged metal focus ring enables controlled adjustments, while engraved distance and depth-of-field scales provide dependable reference marks.

For videographers, smooth focus travel supports controlled focus pulls. Compatibility with ZEISS lens gears facilitates cine-style rig integration.

Legendary build quality

The lens barrel is fully metal with a frosted anodised coating for secure handling. A blue sealing ring at the mount interface protects against dust and moisture, while additional internal seals guard against splashes and environmental particles.

Operation spans a broad temperature range from –20°C to +55°C and the lens has passed DIN ISO 9022 mechanical stress, vibration and shock resistance testing, including drop and environmental durability protocols.

The Otus range

The Otus ML series carries forward ZEISS’ manual prime heritage into mirrorless systems. The 35mm focal length complements the existing 50mm and 85mm models, offering a wider field of view while retaining subject separation and micro-contrast fidelity. It continues the ZEISS rendering style of high micro-contrast, controlled aberrations and neutral colour reproduction, adapted for modern mirrorless platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ZEISS Otus ML 35mm f/1.4 autofocus?

No. It is a fully manual focus lens with mechanical focus control.

Is this lens compatible with all Canon RF mount cameras?

It is compatible with Canon full-frame RF mount mirrorless cameras. On APS-C RF bodies, it will deliver a cropped field of view.

Who is this lens for?

It suits professional and advanced photographers who prefer manual focus control and prioritise colour accuracy, edge sharpness and mechanical precision.

How does it compare to the original Otus DSLR lenses?

The ML version adapts the classic Otus optical philosophy for mirrorless mounts in a more compact format while retaining apochromatic correction and high-resolution rendering.

Can it be used for video?

Yes. The long manual focus throw and de-clickable aperture support controlled focus pulls and silent exposure adjustments.

Does the lens extend when focusing?

No. An internal focusing mechanism keeps the physical length constant during operation.

ZEISS Otus ML 35mm f/1.4 Lens for Canon RF Mount Specifications

What’s in the Box

• ZEISS Otus ML 35mm f/1.4 Lens for Canon RF Mount
• Lens hood
• Front lens cap
• Rear lens cap
• De-click key
• Lens pouch
• User manual
• Individual test certificate
• Warranty leaflet
• Three-year guarantee card