Reader Comment: Weather Sealing on Zeiss Milvus vs Zeiss Otus
James P writes:
Really enjoyed your recent articles on Zeiss, and congrats on getting the early scoop on the Milvus range! It's very reassuring to know Zeiss is moving in a good direction with their lineup, they seem to be a very forward-thinking company.
Regarding the weather sealing on the Milvus range, it seems to me this highlights a the rather glaring omission of similar features on the Otus range. To be honest, this is a big factor that puts me off those lenses, because I would absolutely hate to get significant internal moisture or dust in such an expensive lens that I would want to keep pristine for resale if nothing else.
Now that sealing is becoming standard on the Zeiss DSLR range, it puts the Otus lenses in an odd position where they're currently lacking in this aspect of build quality. Did you hear any word over whether Zeiss are aware of this issue and whether they intend to address it?.
DIGLLOYD: the weather sealing on the Milvus line has some effect: focusing is slightly stiffer than it might be (perhaps due to air between elements; there are multiple seals). Still, I deem the Milvus focusing superior to the existing ZF.2/ZE lineup.
As for Otus, neither Ming Thein nor I have experienced any dust or moisture problems with Otus lenses (he is in a much more moisture prone environment than I am). The Otii have cine-lens bearings for the best focusing feel available. I would be loathe to see that fabulous focusing feel compromised by weather sealing, so I am content. And I think that one could have Zeiss clean the lens if dust were to make ingress.
Accordingly I do not see weather sealing as a “build quality” issue. I see it as a design choice.