DZOptics Kerlee 35mm f/1.2 Lens

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Image taken with the 35mm f/1.2 lens by Yu Hua

The Kerlee 35mm f/1.2 lens by DZOptics was the fastest 35mm full frame lens when it was launched earlier in 2016. It's a very fast, manual focus lens that boasts outstanding sharpness and soft bokeh at wider apertures. Available in Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E and Pentax K mount, the lens can also be used on APS-C cameras as well as the full frame model it was designed for.

Kerlee is a sub-brand of DZOptics technology co., Ltd. Kerlee's name originates from the phonetic sound of 'clear' - a rather fitting name when you think about the quality of images that this lens produces. The aim was to develop an affordable yet high-quality lens that even amateur photographers could afford, using the best optics available. This, the first lens under the Kerlee name, has been designed specifically with photography enthusiasts in mind.

Image by Yu Hua

Here, we take a look at some key features of the lens: 

Lens Construction

The 35mm f/1.2 lens has 11 elements in 10 groups, with one low dispersion element and two extra refractive index elements. It's made of solid metal and glass, so feels robust and well made in the hand. The lens is also ergonomically designed, with a wide focus ring and grippy aperture control. 

Super Wide f/1.2 Aperture 

This is the first full frame 35mm lens with a f/1.2 aperture - meaning the lens will let in a lot of light, enabling you to shoot in the gloomiest of conditions. This also allows for really precise depth of field control, allowing you to focus on what matters most and blur out the things that don't.

Image by Robin Schimko

Optional Aperture Click Lock For Versatility 

The lens has built-in click stops on the aperture ring which is great for when you're using the viewfinder and want to know for sure you're bang on an aperture. If you plan on using the lens for video, then this feature can easily be switched off, giving you a smooth transition ideal for changing aperture subtlely in video. 

0.3m Closest Focus

As well as having really precise focus, the lens also has a minimum focusing distance of 0.3m, making it great for getting up close and personal with your subjects. This allows you to take fantastic mace images with the lens as well as the portrait and landscape shots that this focal length is more commonly associated with. 

Image by Robin Schimko

Excellent Performance In Low Light

Owing to the large aperture of the lens it can cope really well in low light, providing excellent images even in dull conditions. 

Image by Robin Schimko

Supreme Bokeh

The lens has 14 aperture diaphragm blades, which create an almost perfect circle. This is what makes the bokeh that this lens can produce so smooth and creamy. 

Find out more about the DZOptics Kerlee 35mm f/1.2 lens in our expert review