Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 § 03 Head to head
Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 vs Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA
Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 is 35 mm shorter. Sony 35mm f/1.4 is 68 g lighter.
Both lenses are made for the Sony E mount: the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 is a 35mm f/1.4 prime, and the Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA is a 35mm f/1.4 prime. On paper the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 comes out ahead, 4 advantages to 1, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 
Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA 01
Key differences
Why is the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 better than the Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA?
- 35 mm shorter (77.4 mm vs 112 mm long)
- More aperture blades (10 vs 9)
- Smaller filter thread (67 mm vs 72 mm)
- Newer design (2026 vs 2015)
Why is the Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA better than the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4?
- 68 g lighter (630 g vs 698 g)
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Which should you buy?
- street For street photography, the Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA has the edge: it is 68 g lighter to carry.
- travel For travel, the Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA has the edge: it is 68 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 | Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 35mm | 35mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Wide-angle prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full Frame |
| Weight | 698 g | 630 g (1.39 lbs) ◆ |
| Dimensions | 95.7 x 77.4 mm | 79 mm (diameter) x 112 mm (length) |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.3 m | 0.3 m (11.8 inches) |
| Maximum magnification | — | 0.18x |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture ring | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture blades | 10 ◆ | 9 (circular) |
| Optical construction | 15 elements / 11 groups | 12 elements in 8 groups |
| Filter size | 67 mm ◆ | 72 mm |
| Lens mount | Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF | Sony E |
| Released | 2026 | 2015 |
| Price | $2,299 launch price | — |
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Size
- A · Carl
- B · Sony
- 77.4 × 95.7 mm
- 112 × 79 mm
The Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA is 35 mm longer and 68 g lighter than the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4.
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Sample frames
Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA
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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 Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA?
- The Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA weighs 630 g, 68 g less than the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 (698 g).
- Do the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 and the Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA 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 Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA better for street photography?
- For street photography, the Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA has the edge: it is 68 g lighter to carry.
- Is the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 or the Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA better for travel?
- For travel, the Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA has the edge: it is 68 g lighter to carry.
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Other comparisons
- Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 vs Nikon Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1.4
- Canon RF 35 mm f/1.4L VCM vs Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4
- Sigma A 35 mm f/1.4 DG II vs Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA
- Sirui Aurora 35 mm f/1.4 vs Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA
- Samyang AF 35 mm f/1.4 P FE vs Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA
- 7Artisans 35 mm f/1.4 FF vs Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA
- Samyang AF 35 mm f/1.4 FE II vs Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA
- Sigma A 35 mm f/1.4 DG DN vs Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA