We first learned about the full-frame Zeiss Milvus line a few years ago when they introduced six different lenses at various focal lengths and apertures. Zeiss has now added its tenth lens, a 35mm f/1/.4 for full-frame Canon and Nikon users in EF and F mounts respectively. 

Milvus already offers a 35mm f/2, but with the addition of a f/1.4, it will provide more versatility for filmmakers looking for speed. The wide 35mm focal length features 14 elements in 11 groups, and Zeiss says its Distagon lens "ensures outstanding edge-to-edge imagery detail, even at full aperture." What's more impressive is that images are "practically free from chromatic aberrations" thanks to its newly designed optics. Its one aspherical element and five low dispersion elements help eliminate color fringing and chromatic aberrations for greater image clarity and color accuracy.

The lenses also feature an anti-reflective coating to reduce stray light, and ergonomically, they have a large rotation angle for pinpoint focusing. While focusing, changes are immediately visible in the viewfinder and the engraved focus scale adds additional support for manual focusing. All Milvus lenses deliver stable image performance over the entire focusing range. Christophe Casenave, Product Manager at Zeiss, adds, "The manual focus enables very exact focusing, and the creamy bokeh provides an excellent image look. And even at full aperture the image quality leaves nothing to be desired.”

The line of Milvus lenses now range between 15 - 135mm and have matching color characteristics throughout, giving filmmakers the ability to switch between lenses for a uniform color look. They can also be used with follow-focus systems and the de-click function allows the aperture to be set continuously in the version for Nikon cameras.

The Zeiss Milvus 35mm f/1.4 lens will be available for $1,999 starting in July.

Tech Specs: 

  • 35 mm focal length
  • f/1.4 – f/22 aperture range
  • Camera mount: Canon EF-Mount1 (ZE),  Nikon F-Mount1 (ZF.2)
  • Full Frame
  • 0.30m (11.81") - ∞ focusing range
  • 14 lens elements 14, 11 groups
zeissZeiss Milvuslensesfull frame
Cinematography & Cameras