Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/1.4 ZF.2

£999/$1199

who needs autofocus anyway?

It seems rather strange that Zeiss is still doggedly making manual-focus lenses. However, the range of 11 Milvus prime lenses certainly give a hands-on, feel-good-factor to photography. The 50mm f/1.4 is typical in having a metal barrel and a full set of weather-seals. The optical design is based on Zeiss’s legendary Distagon principles and T* anti-reflective coatings.

The rotational travel of the focus ring enables excellent focusing precision, and the super-smooth fluidity of its movement makes focusing a joy.

For reassurance, built-in electronics enable the viewfinder’s focus assist and confirmation lamps to be activated. The Nikon-mount edition also has a physical aperture ring.

Performance

Living up to its reputation and price tag, the Milvus delivers gorgeous image quality. When shooting wide-open, it combines amazing sharpness and contrast with beautiful bokeh, and maintains a beautiful smoothness in defocused areas when stopping down a little.

Sharpness

Superb sharpness is maintained across almost the entire frame, even at f/1.4.

Fringing

Colour fringing is almost a complete non-issue, even in the corners.

Distortion

There’s a little more distortion than in the Sigma 50mm and both Tamron lenses.

Verdict

Features Build/handling Performance Value for money

Overall

It’s a top-performance lens, if you can live without the autofocus.