Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 § 03 Head to head
Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 vs Nikon Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1.4
Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 has a physical aperture ring. Nikon 35mm f/1.4 is 283 g lighter.
The Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 is a 35mm f/1.4 prime, and the Nikon Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1.4 is a 35mm f/1.4 prime. On paper the Nikon Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1.4 comes out ahead, 4 advantages to 3, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 
Nikon Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1.4 01
Key differences
Why is the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 better than the Nikon Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1.4?
- Has a physical aperture ring
- More aperture blades (10 vs 9)
- Newer design (2026 vs 2024)
Why is the Nikon Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1.4 better than the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4?
- 283 g lighter (415 g vs 698 g)
- Focuses 3 cm closer (0.27 m vs 0.3 m)
- Smaller filter thread (62 mm vs 67 mm)
- $1,699 cheaper ($599.95 launch price vs $2,299 launch price)
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Which should you buy?
- street For street photography, the Nikon Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1.4 has the edge: it is 283 g lighter to carry.
- travel For travel, the Nikon Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1.4 has the edge: it is 283 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 | Nikon Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1.4 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 35mm | 35mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 698 g | 415 g ◆ |
| Dimensions | 95.7 x 77.4 mm | 86.5 x 74.5 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.3 m | 0.27 m ◆ |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | Yes | — |
| Aperture ring | Yes | No |
| Aperture blades | 10 ◆ | 9 |
| Optical construction | 15 elements / 11 groups | 11 elements / 9 groups |
| Filter size | 67 mm | 62 mm ◆ |
| Lens mount | Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF | Nikon Z |
| Released | 2026 | 2024 |
| Price | $2,299 launch price | $599.95 launch price ◆ |
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Size
- A · Carl
- B · Nikon
- 77.4 × 95.7 mm
- 74.5 × 86.5 mm
The Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 is 3 mm longer and 283 g heavier than the Nikon Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1.4.
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Sample frames
Nikon Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1.4
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 or the Nikon Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1.4?
- The Nikon Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1.4 weighs 415 g, 283 g less than the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 (698 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 or the Nikon Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1.4?
- The Nikon Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1.4 focuses down to 0.27 m, against 0.3 m for the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4.
- Do the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 and the Nikon Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1.4 have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 or the Nikon Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1.4 better for street photography?
- For street photography, the Nikon Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1.4 has the edge: it is 283 g lighter to carry.
- Is the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 or the Nikon Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1.4 better for travel?
- For travel, the Nikon Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1.4 has the edge: it is 283 g lighter to carry.
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