Zeiss Otus Distagon T* 55mm f/1.4 : Specifications and Opinions

Zeiss Otus Distagon T* 55mm f/1.4

The Zeiss Otus Distagon T* 55mm f/1.4 is a standard lens for FF and APS-C, manufactured from 2013. The focus is done by Manual Focus, it does not have image stabilization. The average price, when it has been added to the JuzaPhoto database, is 3000 €;

19 users have given it an average vote of 9.5 out of 10.

MOUNT

This lens is available with the following mounts:

Canon EF: this lens is compatible with reflex fullframe and APS-C Canon EF.

Nikon F: this lens is compatible with reflex fullframe and APS-C Nikon.

Specifications
Focal lenght	55 mm
Angle of view	43°
Format	FF, APS-C
Max. aperture	f/1.4
Aperture blades
Lenses/Groups	12 elements in 10 groups
Min. focus distance	0.50 meters
Reproduction ratio	0.15x
Features
Stabilization	No
Focus	Manual Focus
Internal Focus	No
Built and notes
Tripod ring	No
Extenders	No
Filters	77 mm
Lens hood	Yes, supplied
Weather sealing	No
Weight	970 g
Dimensions	92 x 141 mm
Buy
*Zeiss Otus Distagon T 55mm f/1.4, buy on Ebay** JuzaPhoto contains affiliate links from Amazon and Ebay and JuzaPhoto earn a commission in case of purchase through affiliate links.

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Reviews

What do you think?

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Jörg Beschmann

sent on 09 Dicembre 2023

Pros: As Zman has written.

Cons: None.

Opinion: When the Otus 1.4/55mm was released, it was the fatest fifty in the market. The 50mm lenses at that time were small. The 1.4/55mm has the same dept of field at open aperture like the 1.2/50mm lenses. Comparing it with the current lenses from Canon, Nikon and Sony the lens's dimensions are normal now. Only the Sony 1.2/50 has significant less weight. The Nikon 1.2/50 is heavier and the Canon 1.2/50 is the same. When you buy such a lens used the prices are similar. Manual focus with a mirrorless camera is more an advantage than a downside. The focus ring of the Otus works precisely. Since the focus manual of Sony lenses is not mechanically, it is a pain. I would not buy such a lens because of the bokeh - a 85mm lens is usually the better choice. Shooting in low light is the main reason for purchasing such a lens. Colours and contrast remain great in low light. In combination with a mirrorless having a high dynamic range and a electronic shutter the lens enables you to continue shooting longer after sunset than with other lenses. My last picture of the day is always taken with an Otus lens. The lenses with Canon mount are usually significant cheaper. Sigma has a nice adapter for Canon mount lenses to Sony E-Mount cameras. The is combination gives you a great value for the money. I don't want to buy another camera body, so I stayed with the Nikon F mount.

Zman

sent on 01 Aprile 2016

Pros: Great sharpness and great contrast at all F stops. No aberrations and lovely focusing ring.

Cons: a bit expensive.

Opinion: I bought this lens six months ago and I fell in love without. I used to have my AF-S 24-120 zoom on my camera at all times but when I used this lovely lens I am keeping it on my D800E in all my travel. Very smooth focussing ring and not so heavy. I got used to its size and weight. I have shot wonderful shots of Shk Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi with it .

The following opinions have been automatically translated with Google Translate.

Valerio Tagliabue

sent on 18 Marzo 2026

Pros: Construction, sharpness, colors, precision of focus movement, backlight resistance, tactile feel...

Cons: none

Opinion: One of the best portrait lenses I've ever tried... perfect colors, backlight resistance, fluid and precise mechanics to the point that despite being a manual focus you almost never go wrong... together with the D850 (for which I think it was born) I think it is one of those objects that I will keep forever. It weighs heavily, but this helps not to move... Seeing is believing. It's an otus... together with the '85 and '28 they are the highest level you could wish for a reasoned photograph. I don't know what else to add.

Rsuriani

sent on 14 Agosto 2018

Pros: Made high at any aperture. Overall image rendition. Post-production minimized.

Cons: Weight and price

Opinion: Bought on occasion but, still equipped with packaging and guarantee. When you are holding a Zeiss the first thing that comes to mind is the high sharpness/resolution of the images. In my opinion the Zeiss lenses should be appreciated for their general rendering that, no optics of other manufacturers are able to supply. At the sharpness level the Otus series is currently the most you can get. Before this I used the Planar 50/1.4 But, the Otus is another level. Aberrations seem to be non-existent. The images look like sculptures because of their three-dimensionality. The separation of the planes is very well marked, very useful in the landscapes. Photos taken in direct sunlight show a good reading of the shadows without risk of having dark or too light areas. Post production work is minimized, only small exposure adjustments. The chromatic rendition I think is very balanced/natural. By taking photos to models with curly or wavy hair you are stunned by the beauty of the three-dimensional image, the same photo made with other lenses you notice a compression/crushing of the planes. I use it more for photos at the theater or in environments with soft light, in these situations brings out all the grit. I agree that addictive, buy other lenses after this is very difficult because the comparison meter is very strict. I use it in conjunction with the 135/2 Apo Sonnar which I consider other planet apart for its resosure surrender. If you have a machine with many mega pixels I think it is a right choice. Today the builders Churm out machine bodies with high mega pixels but the optics are not up to par. The manual focus requires a special attention, after a bit of training you can also take the F 1.4. I recommend a camera body with a pretty big viewfinder, example I have the Nikon D800E and I am fine. I also tried to put it on Canon but the viewfinder is different and it turns out + difficult to focus. Last consideration are the positive comments that will make on your vs. Images.

Giuliost

sent on 02 Novembre 2015

Pros: Precision focus ring. Proper weight and balance. Absence of aberrations. Sharpness and contrast.

Cons: Price?

Opinion: Like the 28mm Otus I had the opportunity to try to Photoshow Milan in October 2015 on Canon 1Dx body. From the few pictures I think a large lens. Sharp to make an impression. The contrast is great. Also the ease of use fascinates despite manual focus. It's not overly heavy. A few minutes later I tried the 50 L of Canon. It must have been a copy scrambled (are lent) but it was disappointing across the board. That 50 L is not a miracle of clarity it is known but the results I got me down a lot. Probably my palate was "flawed" dall'Otus just removed from the bayonet :-). The Otus 55mm is a temptation in its purest form.

Photos taken with Zeiss Otus Distagon T* 55mm f/1.4

Shk. Zayed Mosque

by Zman
8 comments, 997 views

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by Maurizioartax
9 comments, 718 views

Shk. Zayed Mosque

by Zman
8 comments, 1116 views

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4 comments, 1127 views

Shk. Zayed Mosque

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0 comments, 815 views

Arianna

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0 comments, 694 views

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1 comments, 382 views

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0 comments, 867 views

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11 comments, 263 views

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6 comments, 640 views

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4 comments, 932 views

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2 comments, 868 views

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by Zman
4 comments, 339 views

Albrecht-Dürer-House

by Jörg Beschmann
4 comments, 491 views

Sunset

by Zman
2 comments, 285 views

The House of Three Chimneys

by Valerio Tagliabue
2 comments, 443 views

River Adige in full

by Alfonso21
2 comments, 896 views

Shk. Zayed Bridge

by Zman
0 comments, 805 views

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by Zman
2 comments, 660 views

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by Zman
0 comments, 657 views

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4 comments, 363 views

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by Valerio Tagliabue
0 comments, 445 views

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by Zman
2 comments, 764 views

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by Zman
1 comments, 635 views

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4 comments, 839 views

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2 comments, 420 views

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4 comments, 838 views

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Zeiss Otus Distagon T* 55mm f/1.4 : Specifications and Opinions

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Reviews

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Photos taken with Zeiss Otus Distagon T* 55mm f/1.4