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ZEISS Milvus 35mm f/2 ZE Lens for Canon EF

BH #ZE352MZE • MFR #2096-555
26 reviews
ZEISS Milvus 35mm f/2 ZE Lens for Canon EF
Key Features
  • EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2 to f/22
  • One Low Dispersion Elements
  • Distagon Optical Design
A standard, bright wide-angle prime for the Canon EF mount, the Milvus 35mm f/2 ZE from ZEISS utilizes the Distagon optical design, with one anomalous partial dispersion element, to produce well-controlled imagery with reduced chromatic aberrations and distortions. A floating elements system is also used to achieve consistent performance, even sharpness, and clarity throughout the focusing range. An enhanced ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating has also been applied to markedly reduce lens flare and ghosting for working in trying lighting conditions.
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$947.00
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ZEISS Milvus 35mm f/2 Overview

A standard, bright wide-angle prime for the Canon EF mount, the Milvus 35mm f/2 ZE from ZEISS utilizes the Distagon optical design, with one anomalous partial dispersion element, to produce well-controlled imagery with reduced chromatic aberrations and distortions. A floating elements system is also used to achieve consistent performance, even sharpness, and clarity throughout the focusing range. An enhanced ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating has also been applied to markedly reduce lens flare and ghosting for working in trying lighting conditions.

The manual focus design is complemented by a rubberized focus ring for fine-tuned, precise control over your focus position. Additionally, Milvus-series lenses also feature an equally aesthetic and durable frosted, anodized metal lens-barrel surface along with a weather-sealed construction to protect against dust and moisture

Wide-angle prime is designed for full-frame Canon EF-mount cameras, however can also be used with APS-C models where it provides a 56mm equivalent focal length.
Bright f/2 aperture helps to achieve a more compact, portable form factor while also remaining versatile for use in a variety of lighting conditions.
Distagon optical concept affords high sharpness, well-corrected image quality from edge-to-edge, and very low field curvature.
One anomalous partial dispersion element is used to reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations for increased clarity and color fidelity.
ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating has been applied to each lens surface to help minimize reflections and provide greater contrast and color fidelity.
Floating elements system helps to maintain consistent image quality throughout the entire focusing range, from 11.8" to infinity.
Manual focus design is benefitted by focusing and depth of field scales along with hard stops at both infinity and minimum focusing positions.
Weather-resistant construction includes internal seals to guard against dust and moisture as well as a blue sealing ring at the lens mount to protect the lens-camera interface.
All-metal lens barrel has a frosted, anodized surface along with a rubberized focusing ring for both durability and improved tactile control.

ZEISS Milvus 35mm f/2 Specs

Focal Length35mm
Maximum Aperturef/2
Minimum Aperturef/22
Lens MountCanon EF
Lens Format CoverageFull-Frame
Angle of View62°
Minimum Focus Distance11.81" / 30 cm
Maximum Magnification0.19x
Optical Design9 Elements in 7 Groups
Focus TypeManual Focus
Image StabilizationNo
Filter Size58 mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L)3.03 x 3.27" / 77 x 83 mm
Weight1.54 lb / 702 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight2.51 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)10.2 x 5.5 x 4.75"

ZEISS Milvus 35mm f/2 Reviews

Highly recommend, great quality, enjoying photography again

By Aimee
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-05-30

I was going to buy the Canon 35mm lens, but am happy I opted for this instead. Quality is excellent. Yes, heavier than most, but it hasn't been a huge issue and I've gone on several hikes with it, carrying it, etc. No problems with camera shake or focus issues (which I have had with Canon lenses). I tested my ability to hand hold down to 1/15 and was able to do it (never with the Canon lens). The manual focus is not a problem ... as another reviewer suggested, I use the focus assist (green light in the viewfinder). The resulting photos are stunning and I've eliminated a lot of issues I was having with Canon lenses, which frees me up to focus on more important things, like getting the shot. I'm probably going to trade up my Canon 50mm lens for the Zeiss eventually. Other things: background blur is nice, chromatic aberration is definitely a thing under certain conditions, if you want a light-weight lens, then reconsider. But, this lens has brought my confidence in my photographic ability back (because I was having so many performance issues with the Canon lenses I was doubting myself). Glad I bought this and would recommend it.

A Classic 35mm Manual Focus Lens

By James
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-04-28

I have used this lens on the Nikon D850, D810 and Z7ii. It has the legendary Zeiss build quality and can produce very sharp images with beautiful color and contrast. The brokeh is nice in a way that only Zeiss can render, and the manual focus ring is precise in a way my Nikon lenses are not. This lens is also small and light for a Zeiss prime. Good for semi-wide landscape, portrait, and studio work. While this lens is not as sharp as the new Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 prime, it is still able to produce good micro detail with the classic Zeiss 3D look. The sweet spot is f/10, for highly detailed Landscapes and Close In. My Zeiss 25mm f/2 is an excellent lens and this 35mm is just as good, I think. I would highly recommend this if you do not want to shell out twice as much cash for the f/1.4, but need the 35mm FOV and the Zeiss look in an F-Mount.

My go to lens for almost everything.

By Boswell
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-03-25

One of the more approachable of Zeiss lenses is also one of the most useful. I use it for kids, landscapes, interiors and street photography. The manual focus is tight and deliberate allowing for small adjustments to bring everything into focus. Then I can let go and know that the focus ring is staying in place. And it is sharp. Very sharp. Weighty for its size (read: quality), all metal including the lens cap. A true piece of quality to add to your arsenal of lenses.

THE RENDITION OF COLOR

By Jerson
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-03-19

I LOVED THIS LENS SINCE THE MOMENT I TOOK IT OUT OF THE BOX. THE CONSTRUCTION IS GREAT AS EXPECTED FROM ZEISS. NO AUTO FOCUS MAY BOTHER SOME PEOPLE BUT, IF YOU GET USED TO IT, YOU WILL END UP ENJOYING IT. SHARPNESS IS AS GOOD OR BETTER THAN ANY OTHER LENS OUT THERE IN THE MARKET. BUT WHERE THIS LENS COMES AHEAD OF ANY LENS OF THE SAME PRICE OR EVEN MORE EXPENSIVE ONES IS: IT'S UNIQUE RENDITION OF COLOR, HERE THERE IS NO EQUAL. BEAUTIFUL LENS. I HIGHLY RECOMEND IT.

Personality

By Kevin
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-03-08

The feel in hand, richness of colour, and subject isolation make this lens one or my favourites. I can't believe the price of this product versus the other options I've tried (including the Nikon 28mm f1.4). Yes, the manual focus is a hassle, but the results can be oh, so enjoyable!

nicely built

By Bruce A
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2019-07-05

A very nice compact lens. Very sharp, a nice long throw making focusing easy and accurate. Build quality is really beyond compare as is the norm from Zeiss. I see no reason to ever own another 35mm prime. Also own the Milvus 21mm and the 50mm/f2M, both fantastic lenses. Once you've spent some time shooting with a Zeiss the rest of your lenses may start gathering dust.

Only a thousand dollars

By Eugueny
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-04-29

Most people are concerned with sharpness. I have never had a 35mm prime that's sharper wide open at f/2. When mounted on a 60mp sensor camera this Milvus delivers the same amazing resolution at f/1.4 as my $6K Leica Summilux FLE. The trade-off in this case is probably weight, it is quite heavy/bulky for a f/2 35mm prime. Perhaps this lens phenomenal performance helps explain the absence of Zeiss Otus 35mm - there's simply no need, no room for improvement over this Milvus. Frankly, for roughly a thousand dollars this lens is a bargain, if you don't mind the weight.

Great size, great smooth focus, great micro-contrast

By frederick
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-03-25

I alway depend on my Zeiss glass for consistent uniform color and great contrast, minimal flare.. a professional photographer PRIME GLASS. There MIVLUS line is exceptional. You will be a happy camper

See any errors on this page? Let us know

YOUR RECENTLY VIEWED ITEMS

Is it only manual and auto

Is it only manual and auto
Asked by: Elise
The Zeiss Milvus 35mm f/2 ZE lens is a manual-focus only lens, but its aperture can be electronically set, either manually (M, Av) or automatically (Tv, P, Auto).
Answered by: Jeremy
Date published: 2022-09-07

Is this lens made in Germany?

Is this lens made in Germany?
Asked by: Evan
The Zeiss Milvus 35mm f/2 ZE lens is made in Japan.
Answered by: Jeremy
Date published: 2022-08-24

Do i get the distance scale on my evf with the ...

Do i get the distance scale on my evf with the adapter for EOS-R?
Asked by: Fred
No distance scale in the EVF will be shown.
Answered by: Dennis A
Date published: 2019-06-17

Is this lens fully compatible with Nikon FE? ...

Is this lens fully compatible with Nikon FE? (will it allow using it in A mode)
Asked by: JONATHAN
Using this lens in full manual mode on the Nikon FE would not be a problem. However, it may not work in Auto mode.
Answered by: Kirk
Date published: 2021-03-25

question

When used on A7Rii with adapter, does it provide focus confirmation? Thanks
Asked by: Geoffrey J.
I'm using my Zeiss manual focus lenses on an a7R iii and find the focus peaking assist on the camera indispensable to sharp, sharp...sharp images!
Answered by: Albert
Date published: 2021-09-01

question

What would be a better option for portraiture, This Lense of the canon 35mm 1.4 ii? (Ps I already own a 85mm)
Asked by: Milan
When used with a full-frame camera, a 35mm focal length is a modest wide-angle lens and is well suited for environmental or group portraits. When the same lens is used on a camera with an APS-C sensor, then it behaves like a 'normal' focal length and is suited for head-and-shoulder portraits.
Answered by: ZEISS Zeiss Expert
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

Hi, I have nikkor 24-70 f2.8 and I am wondering if there is a clear and basic difference between this lens and my nikkor for upgrading
Asked by: Hossein N.
Hi - I don't own the 24-70 so I can't really give you a first-hand experience on how they are different. However, I can say that the Milvus 35 is a manual focus only lens, which can be challenging if you're shooting a moving subject. I do a lot of video work with my Nikon D810 and own a few all manual film cameras, which has given me a lot of practice manually focusing. The Milvus is one of the easiest lens to manually focus. It's smooth and tight, so you can really dial-in focus. Prime lenses in general tend to be sharper than zooms and you can shoot this lens wide open at f/2 and it's very sharp still. The bokeh on this lens is great, and there's virtually no distortion throughout the frame. Some vignetting is apparent, but that's easily removed in a program like Lightroom.One nice feature of this lens, if you do video work, is that it can be easily de-clicked (with special key provided by Zeiss), so you can manually turn the aperture ring and it's a smooth and silent transition. Construction is solid. All metal with rubber focus ring. It's also weather sealed. Color rendition is lovely.I know that's probably a longer response than what you were expecting, but I hope it helps.if you have any other questions, let me know.
Answered by: Matthew R.
Date published: 2023-01-21

question

I'm wondering whether to go for the Tamron 35mm 1.8 VC and benefit from its AF and VC or to get the Zeiss Milvus 35mm f2 distagon. I use the D800e and own the Nikon 24-70 f2.8. I am looking for a prime lens with this focal range, i.e. the 35mm, to use for street photography, and really don't want to carry the weight of the 24-70. I don't mind a manual lens and I am more inclined to get the Milvus, but it's also around 650g and I'm not sure if the manual focusing will stand in the way. So Tamron vs. The Milvus? Thanks. One more thing, if you think the Milvus is a better option, should it be Milvus or the Zeiss classic f2 zf2 diatagon?
Asked by: Walid
Hi there,I am a big fan of the Milvus Zeiss Family. My latest purchase which is from B & H is the Milvus 35mm F2.0 which is used for portrait and street photography to me this is a gain for a lense that is tac sharp point to point. I have no regrets over my purchase and please allow me to put you at ease on the manual focusing which is fast and accurate as I am using the Nikon D810 to pair up with the Milvus 35mm f2.0. This lense is light and worth carrying around. My advice to you is to get the Milvus and not the Classic ZF2 Distagon because the Milvus are considered the next generation of new lenses produced by Zeiss with better coatings and newer technologies to reduce flare, ghost and also barrel distortion. The Bokeh produced by the 35mm f2.0 is fantastic. Last and not least the 35mm f2.0 is also weather seal. You will not regret buying a lense with so many positive comments with a plus.Laurence
Answered by: Laurence C.
Date published: 2022-08-20
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