Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/1.4 | First Look, Handling, and Build

[@jamesr6497]

If someone new to photography asked me to describe Zeiss lenses in a single word... Quality!!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Absolutely

[@swansong007]

Yet another supreme part one video. I think you are a very knowledgeable photographer and very easy to listen to. No question you are the best on KZbin by a country mile.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's really kind. Thanks!

[@cryptobyt2403]

I just got the lens. I plan on ditch my afd 50/1.4 and ai 28/2.8 for milvus 50 and 35/2 later lol

[@matto29]

Excellent initial review, sir. Very much looking forward to the follow up! I'm currently in the market for a fast 50 and as I see it, it's really boiling down to the Milvus and the Sigma Art. Manual focus is not really a detriment to me as my main use will be video on a Metabones equipped GH4. As I see it the Milvus likely has superior build quality and the weather resistance is definitely attractive (travelling to Iceland in June for honeymoon, would be nice to have something that could handle light drizzle) but from all the technical breakdowns of the lenses I've read it sounds like they're comparable in terms of sharpness, CA etc with the Sigma perhaps even a little better. Would love to hear your thoughts on how these two compare and if it's worth it to spend extra for Zeiss. To me there's something intangible about the Zeiss that makes it seem superior to me but I can't put my finger on it, I'd hate to shell out an extra $300-$400 just for the prestige of the Zeiss name.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Sigma has a hint more contrast and resolution, but I feel like the Zeiss produces the more pleasing images. Better color, nice bokeh, and that intangible "it factor".

[@matto29]

+Dustin Abbott thanks for replying! Love the channel, it's a great asset for researching lenses.

[@LookRainy]

Hi Dustin, I really like your videos, especially the way you present your opinions and thoughts. Keep the videos coming! Cheers!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure. thanks!

[@spenc1964]

these reviewer give you more questions about the lens after the review, lens company should not review there own lenses.....

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

??? I don't work for Zeiss...

[@melodychest9020]

Now I know why you love this lens so much! Wow! OK time to save up more!! hahaha.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a lovely one.

[@Nat.ImagesLarge.F.Photographer]

When trying a Zeiss lens it is impossible to return back, simply the best, awesome!!!!!!!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

They are pretty great.

[@vincenterwinphotography4224]

sorry sir dustin which one is the best and sharpest one between sigma art 20 f1.4 versus zeiss milvus manual 50 f1.4? would u please to help me give me some info thank u very much dustin

[@andrepamendes]

Hi there. Can you please tell me who was the winner of your Night Pro Vision 120F (Headlights) + 120R (Tailights) for Cycles giveaway? I can't find the announcement and it should be directly on the gleam widget, in my humble opinion. Was it a fake giveaway? Cheers

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It was Djordje Mustur from Serbia. He was notified and the winner was announced in the comment thread of the giveaway video.

[@BarisYener]

Liked before seen. I'd never regret it. :)

[@84nomas]

Dustin, How diffiult is this to focus on an slr cam?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That really does depend on your skill and comfort level with the process. It’s not as easy as mirrorless, for sure, but doable.

[@j.r.bohnenblust1084]

I have several of the Zeiss Classic lenses and two of the Milvus lenses and they are both exceptional. None of zf.2 lenses are flagged with the ten year recycle symbol, but the Milvus lenses are so flagged. What happened?? Many thanks - love your reviews.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I have no idea.

[@SKgeostrat]

Nice video, but I wish you would show more pictures taken with the lens. That is what it is about, isn't it? Beautiful lens, yes, but what about the IQ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's what the final review is all about. I break down the image quality there. This video (as the title says) is about the handling, build, and design. You can see the full review here: bit.ly/1TXoUPs

[@arashmarandi2185]

Thanks for all the effort you put in your reviews, really enjoy them! May I ask, if the friction/drag of the focus rings are comparable between the 85mm and the 50mm Milvus? I'd definitively prefer a more loose focus ring than the one I tried on the 85mm Milvus. Thanks and all the best!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The 50mm definitely has less damping. A lighter touch.

[@davidjewels]

Dustin quick trio of questions: Can I outfit my 1Dx Mark II with a focusing screen since I use a Zeiss Otis 85mm? Secondly where does the Canon EF50mm f1.2L (I know it's autofocus compared to Zeiss's manual focus) rank next to the Zeiss Milvus 50mm f1.4 if YOU personally were to choose only one of them as a lens that stayed on the 1Dx? Thirdly if you were to compare build quality and image quality between these three, the Canon EF50mm f1.2L, the Zeiss Milvus 50mm f1.4 and the new Canon EF35mm f1.4L II which in YOUR opinion comes out as the ultimate winner, the one that you will use MOST of the time,mindful of the fact that the 35mm is a different focal length.? Thanks again and I really need your opinion on this

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

David, most all camera bodies can be fitted with a custom focusing screen, although Canon itself only makes them for a few of them. Just do a Google search and I think you'll find one, or you could reach out to Zeiss and get a recommendation. I personally like the Milvus 50mm f/1.4 better than the Canon. It's better made, much sharper, and has perhaps the best overall rendering from a 50mm lens that I've personally see. I'm very tempted by it despite having the focal length well covered. Throwing the 35L II into the mix makes things more complicated. It's a fabulous lens and also on my wish list. It would pair beautifully with your 1DxII. I think I would go for it if 35mm suits your focal length needs.

[@lswatts07]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Why did you make this statement above, " I'm very tempted by it despite having the focal length well covered."

[@anthonyamos8122]

This video was published in May 2016. Will you still recommend the Milvus NOT the Distagon? Also why use the Focusing Ring? What does it do? Thanks for the video.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would definitely recommend the Milvus over the Distagon. The focus ring is for, ummm, focusing ;) This is a manual focus only lens.

[@marckydasaint8730]

I think he misspoke when he said, Ring." Think he was asking about the Screen, maybe?

[@chevford5223]

How do you like the focus ring? It seems odd to build a manual focus lens with a smooth focus ring.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's very nice, though I think I preferred the metal focus rings a bit more. The MF ring handles really nicely here, though.

[@tannersilva4215]

I own this lens. Easily the best 50 for SLR's I've ever used

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It is a lovely lens. I'm enjoying using it.

[@GarryBurgess]

If I do a half press of the shutter, does my Canon 5D just ignore trying to focus with the Milvus?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Right - but what it will do is activate the AF points so that when you achieve manual focus the appropriate point will light up.

[@GarryBurgess]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Wow. That's important information. Thanks.

[@OrenBVideo]

Thank you for the review, When do you plan to post a review regarding image quality of the Milvus 50mm/1.4? Thanks again.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That will come next week.

[@OrenBVideo]

Thank you very much, looking forward to your professional review.

[@userstherrien]

Hi Dustin, Did you prefer the milvus 85 or 50 so far?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hmmm, that's a tough one. The 85 is sharper wide open but the 50mm focal length is a little more versatile. It might depend on your personal preference for focal lengths. Both are beautiful lenses.

[@colorcrushmedia680]

Finally, I thought you forgot about this review.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Zeiss ended up needing their review copies for a trade show that set us back a month or two. Full review coming next week.

[@SKgeostrat]

Thank you for that😊

[@Ademirb123]

I've tried to photograph a couple walking on the beach with the Milvus 50mm but most of the photos were out of focus :) I end up buying the Sigma Art

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm not sure what the distance was, but the "not quite infinity" zone is the hardest for MF glass and most photographers. Having the EG-S focus screen I mentioned helps, but the distance is tough even with one. It takes some practice!

[@augdietrich1316]

With the EOS R that lens would be awesome!!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It definitely would. The focus aids make such a lens much more usable.

[@augdietrich1316]

@@DustinAbbottTWI will the digital distance scale work though. through the included adapter or it will just read the exif?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't think you'll see the digital distance scale.

[@hawg427]

Hi Dustin, I had asked you about 2 weeks ago about the 100mm F2 Zeiss Macro for Nikon & the biggest differences. Well, B&H had a used one if you really have to call it used. Looked Mint to me. They rated it a #9 on their used scale 10 being best. I am glad I saved a chunk of change going with the used lens. It is the non-water resistant model but I don't plan using it in bad weather anyway. Tack sharp is the only word that can be used to describe the sharpness, nothing compares. Reminds me of my Hassy Medium format. The only drawback is if you are shooting a portrait of a woman she had better have near perfect skin. LOL But I guess that's when the LR & PS come into play. LOL You are spot on 100% about the solid feel & the smooth manual focusing of these Zeiss lenses. Best investment I've made in a while. Thank you. Lou

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Good for you. That's a fun lens!

[@Stephenan]

10:25 random footsteps?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Wow - I missed that. Some orphaned audio that shouldn't be in the video at all!

[@ГорПогосян-ъ1ш]

сделайте обзор на русском

[@spacebar420]

Milvus sounds so dirty...

[@ChaitanyaShukla2503]

Milvus is Latin name for genus of kites. Otus were named after genera of owls and other recent Zeiss lenses have been named after latin names of birds. Someone in Zeiss is a birding enthusiast.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Now there's a great bit of trivia!

[@ahmadsawas8324]

@@ChaitanyaShukla2503 I'm guessing because those birds have extremely sharp eye sight? so I guess it makes sense.

[@ГорПогосян-ъ1ш]

сделайте обзор на русском пожалуйста

[@Sergey_Sergeev]

Гор Погосян Учите английский.