Zeiss Milvus 100mm f2 (Makro-Planar)

May 13

Fully extended at maximum magnification!

Why is macro filmmaking so frustrating?

This will be a short review because I ended up returning this lens (for now). I’ve been seeking a 1:1 macro lens for a while and stumbled upon this Milvus 100mm f2. However, it’s only 1:2 magnification ratio, which makes it not truly a 1:1 macro lens. That closeness actually does quite matter in my opinion if you really want that true-to-life magnification. 1:2 is fine, but if you want to get otherworldly perspectives and explore the small immersive details of the world, you really do need 1:1. With my recent acquisition of the Nisi close-up lens, you can pair it with this lens to get 1:1, which is the reason I finally decided to purchase a used copy. However, there were a few aspects that made me end up returning it.

Review

No Zeiss branding on the front element to hide macro reflections

After 2016 there should be no Makro Planar designation unless Asian market.

Max 1:2 magnification at minimum focus. Can achieve about 1:1 with a Nisi close up lens.

The lens is surprisingly small and light compared to your typical Otus or Milvus f1.4 lens. The caveat is that when you focus the barrel extends in length. From the rear side of the lens, you can actually see how the inside of the lens becomes completely exposed and it’s quite fascinating to witness. It really is just the previous 100mm f2 but rehoused in this modern weather-sealed housing. This makes it only suitable for photography or hand operated video work (no rigs because the gear position would shift).

This really is just an older lens rehoused.

Fully extended, you can see deep into the lens. Definitely a point of failure for dust.

The lens hood is reversible like all other Milvus lenses and the focusing is very smooth at some 352 degrees for precise manual focusing. However, what bothered me the most was my copy had ridiculous focus breathing. From other reviews online, it is reported that the focus breathing is superb and unnoticeable (a rarity for macro lenses) so when my copy zoomed in about 30mm of focal length when pulling, I determined that something was terrifying wrong. This might be explained by the fact that my copy has ‘Makro-Planar’ engraved on the side, something only older models and Asian markets have or perhaps indicating a refurbished defect.

Solid, even if it’s just a rehoused lens. Idk how relevant weather sealing is for macro work.

352 degrees of dampened manual focus. f4/5.6 is the minimum if you don’t want a blurry mess for your macro shots.

Image quality is decent - it’s not as sharp as the Otus line, but does have pleasant bokeh and 3D rendering. The out of focus transition is quite nice and the main qualms you will hear about the image is the CA. I didn’t notice much in my usage because I’m using it at minimum f4/5.6, which of course improves purple fringing. I don’t see why you would use this lens at f2 for closeups but if you are so inclined then yes you will see purple fringing wide open. A reason you may feel tempted to open up aperture is that this lens captures less light than the Otus, maybe a full T stop. This is makes it naturally more difficult to use at the necessary higher f stops and you will likely need additional supplementary lighting.

Through the eyes of a sleep deprived ghost. Otus 55mm with a close up lens, about 1:3 magnification.

Zeiss Milvus 100mm f2, 1:2 magnification with no close up lens. Nearly a stop of light less.

Final thoughts

The light transmission was a disappointing surprise that I haven’t heard anyone cover. This is perhaps due to the physical design of the extended barrel, though I am grasping at straws. That wasn’t the dealbreaker because macro is more deliberate and almost always requires supplementary light. What ultimately made me give up and look for an alternative is that the focus breathing was the worst of any lens I’ve ever used. For macro filmmaking this might not be relevant if you just have static shots (this focal length basically makes it a tripod lens anyway), but I do rack focus for macro and the amount of breathing was too severe. I’m hesitant to show it because maybe it is just my copy so you’ll just have to just trust me bro. Realizing that my Zeiss Otus 55 performs better, has more light, better focus breathing at the cost of only achieving 1:3 magnification with a close up lens, I decided I could save a thousand dollars and stick with the Otus a bit longer. If money is tight for me, it probably is for you and for a specialty lens it’d better be worth all the compromises if I’m going to substitute it with my primary lenses.

more blogs