A portrait-length prime featuring a high 1:2 maximum magnification for close-up shooting, the Canon EF-mount Milvus 100mm f/2M ZE from ZEISS features a floating elements system for consistently high image quality when working with both near and distant subjects. Based on the classic Planar optical design, this lens features two anomalous partial dispersion glass elements to control aberrations and distortions for even illumination and sharpness throughout the aperture and focus ranges. An enhanced ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating has also been applied to lens elements to suppress flare and ghosting for increased contrast and clarity.

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.

EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format    Aperture Range: f/2 to f/22    Two Low Dispersion Elements    Planar Optical Design    ZEISS T* Anti-Reflective Coating    Floating Elements System    1:2 Magnification, 1.4' Min. Focus    Manual Focus Design, Rubber Focus Ring    Weather-Sealed Construction

Short telephoto prime is designed for full-frame Canon EF-mount cameras, however can also be used with APS-C models where it provides a 160mm equivalent focal length.

Ideal for macro shooting, this lens offers a half life-size 1:2 maximum magnification along with a minimum focusing distance of 1.4' to suit working with close-up subjects.

Bright f/2 maximum aperture benefits working in low-light conditions and also enables extensive control over depth of field.

Planar optical design affords high sharpness and consistent performance throughout the focusing range to suit photographing at a wide range of imaging scales.

Two anomalous partial dispersion elements are used to significantly 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.

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.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. I’m wanting to digitize a lifetime of 35mm film, and rephotographing rather than scanning seems to be the only practical way due to time and speed of operation. Concerned that this lens does not do 1:1. Was this limitation part of the optical design, or will an extension tube solve the problem? Any advice how to proceed, or an alternate approach?

A: ZEISS designed the Milvus Makro lenses with faster, f/2 apertures compared to other macro lenses. This resulted in a lens with a 1:2 magnification ratio, but that was also a useful short tele lens for portraiture and other applications. If image magnifications of 1:1 or higher are required, then extension tubes or extension bellows are useful accessories and do not impact the image quality.

Q: 2. Since the EF mount version of this lens doesn't have manual aperture option, ..does it make sense to purchase a Nikon mount version and a converter for my EF mount DSLR in order to ease video work. Will it do the job or Nikon cameras got certain special features I don't know of that allow manual aperture to be enabled when the lens is declicked ? Many thanks in advance for your kind reply.

A: You would adjust the aperture of the Zeiss Milvus 100mm f/2M ZE Lens for Canon EF via the Quick Control Dial built onto the Canon EOS camera body. The Zeiss Milvus 100mm f/2M ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F is designed to have the aperture adjusted on current Nikon DSLR cameras via the Command Dial built into the cameras (as the aperture ring is designed to be locked at its smallest aperture to for the aperture to be controlled by the camera. The aperture ring may only be used on advanced versions of Nikon's current DSLR cameras if you input the lens' focal length and maximum aperture under the Non-CPU Lens Data section of the camera menu; otherwise, unlocking the aperture ring from the minimum aperture will result in an F-EE error message and will not allow you to release the shutter. The Non-CPU Lens Data option is not available on entry-level Nikon DSLR cameras. On older manual Nikon 35mm film cameras, the aperture ring would be needed to control the aperture, as you may not control the aperture from the camera body on older Nikon cameras. As Nikon's electronics and Canon's electronics do not communicate with each other, while you could use the Nikon version of the lens on a Canon camera to manually control the aperture, you would lose the ability for the lens to transfer EXIF data to the camera, as well as advanced metering capability. Unless you have to physically control the aperture on a Canon camera for video shooting purposes, there is no benefit to using the Zeiss Milvus 100mm f/2M ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F with an adapter on a Canon DSLR camera.

Q: 3. can you pull focus with this for wireless fallow focus? I heard no because unlike the other Miller's the focus ring moves up and down the length of the barrel but some people say that is not true only the barrel extends or contracts making the ring still work for fallow focus

A: Just keep in mind the focus is a 360 degree turn from start to finish. It is also super sharp, the slightest movement takes the subject out of focus, of course depending on distance from the subject.

Q: 4. Curious, how can you do maKros if this lens makes only 1:2? Does Zeiss make extension tubes that B&H does not carry? Would not mount a Kenko behind this lens :-)Thank you.

A: Lenses are considered a macro if they have a magnification ratio of 1:2 or greater. Any 3rd party extension tube would be compatible with the ZEISS Milvus 2/100 and would not impact the image quality, since there are no additional optics introduced.

Q: 5. Is this a good lens for portaits or is it specifically conceived for macro?Using it for portraits will it be using a great lens for the wrong application?Thanks for clarifying

A: The ZEISS Milvus 2/100M lens incorporates a floating lens element design, which optimizes the focus from macro through infinity. As a result, the lens can also be used as a short telephoto or portrait lens.

Q: 6. What is the image circle of this lens please?

A: The image circle for this ZEISS Milvus 100mm f/2M ZF.2 Macro Lens for Nikon F would measure 43mm.

Q: 7. Can you use Lee filters on this lens?

A: Yes, the ZEISS Milvus 100mm f/2M ZE Macro Lens for Canon EF uses a 67mm filter size. So all you need to make sure is that the you get a 67mm Lee adapter ring that is for the specific Lee holder you want.

Q: 8. Is this Manual Focus?

A: As with all the ZEISS Milvus lenses, the Milvus 1.4/25 ZE lens is manual focus. The lens does couple to the camera, meta data is transferred, aperture is controlled electronically and focus confirmation is active.

Q: 9. 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?

A: 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

Q: 10. Is this a good lens for dental photography ?

A: Yes, excellent if you don't mind manual focus.