Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85 F1.4 ZA  reviews

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Christoph   review date: March-15-13  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 135 F1.8 ZA

price paid:

1450 USD (new)

positive:

fast, compact,
very sharp from wide open (the corners are almost as sharp as the centers),
solid all metal feel,
very smooth bokeh,

negative:

expensive,
little slop on the focus ring (I don't like this),
color fringes around highlight circles,
old screw-driven AF approach (lack of SSM)

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: snap   review date: January-04-13  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

135 STF, Zeiss 24/2, Minolta 200/2,8

price paid:

1090 euro (new)

positive:

- very sharp
- great bokeh
- wonderful build

negative:

- restrictive mfd
- extends when focussing
- slow and noisy focus
- purple fringing wide open in strong light

comment:

I used this lens on my my A55, A77 and A99. it always gave me very pleasing results but now it is sold. Why? The negative aspects got more and more disturbing for me and maybe I was looking for an excuse to sell it and try something new.

I shoot wide open a lot and it is a joy with this lens. it appears sharp from
1,4 giving wonderful blur to the oof area. I consider this lens to be as sharp as my 135 stf and the 200/2,8. at least it will be hard to tell differences from the pictures.

the focal length appears to be about perfect on aps-c but on full frame i wish i could get a little closer sometimes. 85cm mfd is about standard for this focal length but a bit limiting.

the focus is slow when it has to work through the whole range. nevertheless it is very accurate, I didn't have any problems here. I wonder how this lens will perform with af-d support coming soon on the a99.

the front element extents when focussing which gives this quite bully lens a push to the front. the focus appears very noisy to me. In quite public places I mostly would focus manually. manual focussing is okay but not as good as with the stf or even the zeiss 24/2. ssm would suit this lens very well. I might buy it again in an updated version with quiet and fast AF (an maybe closer mfd).

I already miss this lens a little but now I will try to find out how the 135/1,8 performs in comparison.

some pictures with the Zeiss 85/1,4 can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pixiepeeper/sets/72157630070130557/

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: lassero   review date: August-26-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony 2.8/85 SAM
Minolta AF 1.4/50
Sigma 1.4/50 EX DG HSM

price paid:

1200 EUR

positive:

- Sharp
- No distortion
- Neutral colour
- Very creamy bokeh
- Solid all metal feel, fits nicely in hand. Just the right weight
- Handles flare well (at least with the hood)

negative:

- Strong colour fringing in high contrast areas (but easily removable in LR 4.1)
- AF is loud, but relatively fast considering the amont of glass being moved (certainly faster than Sigma 50mm HSM).

comment:

I do wish it has SSM and less fringing, but it's still hands down the best lens I've ever used

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: dealaddict   review date: June-26-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Canon 85L I, Canon 85 1.4, Sigma 85 1.4

price paid:

$1100 (used)

positive:

Carl Zeiss color and contrast, smooth bokeh

negative:

slow focus, no SSM, not weather seal, really bad CA, long minimum focus distance, over price, the hood is on the inner part where extend or retract when focusing

comment:

85mm is one of my favorite focal length, and I try out many different ones. Before I switch to Sony, I tried the Canon 85L, Canon 85 F1.4 and Sigma 85 1.4. The CZ lens has excellent color and contrast, but it has really bad CA which affect the sharpness in certain condition. I think you read any review will say the same thing. The focus is acceptable but can be faster. Bokeh is smooth. I think the retail price is way over priced compared to Canon and Sigma. The Canon 85L II is about the same price but better. I will buy the Sigma, it is as good but cost only half of the price.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: joestealthmode   review date: June-13-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 70-210 f4 (Beercan)
Sigma 75-300 f/4.5-6.3
Sony 50mm f/1.8

price paid:

1500 USD (new)

positive:

Razor sharp
Great results wide open
Focus hold button
Beautiful smooth bokeh

negative:

CA/purple fringing in certain bright or backlit situations
Slow screw-driven AF
Loud

comment:

This is my go-to lens. At the time I purchased this lens, I had the 35mm f/1.8 SAM, 50mm f/1.8 SAM, Tamron 18-270mm and the Minolta beercan. I got rid of all four lenses after I got the 85mm f/1.4. I have had my A77 since November 2011, so for about 7 months and out of 20,000 actuations I have had the 85mm lens on the body for 18,500 of those. I cannot wait to see how it does on a Full Frame body when I get one. I recently acquired an A100 body and the lens still does not disappoint. I was able to shoot a ballet at ISO 400 and the shots at 1.4 were sharp corner-to-corner and stopped down to f/4 facial details and strands of hair were apparent and I was in the 20th row! There was a little CA on the wide open shots but nothing Lightroom couldn't quickly fix. Do I miss my wide angle lenses? Yes. But I can always stitch multiple shots from the 85mm. Do I miss my telephoto lenses? Sometimes. The 85mm lens takes full advantage of the high resolution of the A77. This lens is worth every penny. Sure, I wish it had a little faster drive in it, but it has forced me to be a better manual shooter. The A77 focus peaking certainly helps.

Updated 10/12/2012 to reflect testing on A900. This lens is still my go-to lens even though it is so much wider on the A900 than on the A77. Sure, it was predictable, I get 66% of the frame on the A77, but words can't describe how much wider it is until you try it. Shots you would have stepped back to frame now are fully framed. Wide open, the backgrounds are unbelievable. If they ever update this lens to have SSM, I'll be the first one in line, but I will probably have a very hard time selling my non-SSM copy.

Updated 1/4/2013 for the A99. The lens is super loud, and in using this lens for video on the A99, it is definitely apparent, especially with the lens hood attached, the extra vibration is magnified. When video is set to manual focus, the lens is quiet enough, but then the depth of field wide open is just too low to realistically shoot at f/1.4 by hand if the subject is moving at all. On the A99, this lens shines in terms of image quality. If there is a negative, it is the lack of AF-D. Hopefully a firmware update will allow for AF-D on this lens.

Update 5/8/2013: AF-D helps a lot. I feel like the firmware update allowed the body to understand this lens a little better. I use AF-D almost exclusively in AF situations now. DMF when I need more speed than the screwdrive motor can process.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: SLT   review date: May-14-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 50 F1,4 EX DG HSM

price paid:

1400 USD ( new )

positive:

All metal construction
Built like a vault and yet light enough

negative:

purple fringing at F 1,4
noisy AF

comment:

Internal Focus mechanism would be an added value to this lens considering the price tag, but overall, i am very happy with this lens, very sharp and vault like built quality, except it is one noisy lens, sounded like a car gearbox with no transmission oil, which attracts attention

on a side note, Zeiss brand will somehow raise the jealousy among fellow photographer

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: tefoonez   review date: April-11-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tamron 90mm

price paid:

L700

positive:

Great contrast and colour rendition. Super sharp and very fast af. Lightweight. Low light/nightime v useful.

negative:

None.

comment:

Fantastic full-frame portrait. Sharp right from 1.4, perfect from f2 and delivers beautiful images without any PP. Only compared to Tamron as the only other lens I have had in this range. If you can get either this or the 135ZA don't refuse. Both is even better but this might be more practical on crop-sensor.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: lifeispixels   review date: April-10-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

CZ 135 f1.8
Vivitar 85 f1.4
Sony 85 f2.8

price paid:

1200 USD used, mint

positive:

- superb resolution
- Nice neutral color rendition
- Amazing contrast
- Much lighter than CZ135 f1.8

negative:

- strong purple CA wide open

comment:

In summary, the best 85mm for Alpha mount period! This lens is a joy to use on both full frame and APSC. Build quality is high. Color rendition is more neutral and lighter than Sony and Minolta tone which is great for portraiture.

On A850, I find that focusing accuracy must be checked carefully when shoot wide open. On A77, my copy focuses more accurately most of the time (both using center spot). Focusing speed is respectably quick and doesn't hunt annoyingly.

On Full frame, there are some bokeh vignette (cat eye shape bokeh) around the edges. On APSC A77, bokeh vignette is non-existent and gives the same FOV as A850 + CZ 135f1.8. I prefer carrying A77 + CZ 85f1.4 combo to A850 + CZ135f1.8 due to much lighter weight.


Compared to CZ135 f1.8, both fully wide open, the 85 f1.4 is slightly inferior optically around the edges however on APSC, the 85f1.4 is the excellent choice for portraiture. Sharpness is high in the center even wide open. Contrast is amazing and because of the creamy bokeh it can render, the focused subject will pop up from the background like 3D image.

Purple fringing wide open can be very strong compared to CZ135. Other than that, I have no complaint whatsoever.

Compared to Vivitar 85f1.4 (Samyang) that I have, I like how CZ lens deliver more neutral colors than the Samyang which is more bluish. If you own A77 with focus peaking ability, the Samyang will save you 3-4x money spent on CZ. However you would find that it's indeed complicated when manual focusing with a constantly moving object, especially with a flash unit on, at least for me since I prefer setting ambient/flash exposure manually.

Compared to Sony 85 f2.8, the Sony is very sharp and contrasty. The colors are more vivid (modern Sony style). I'd not hesitate to recommend the Sony if you're short on Budget. It's a capable lens if you can live with f2.8 and do not need wider aperture.

See my photos with Carl Zeiss 85mm f1.4 on my Flickr collection at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lifeispixels/collections/72157628204412995/

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: hp5   review date: December-04-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony 35 1.4 G
Minolta 28-75 D
Sony 50 1.4
Sony 70-300 G

price paid:

to much

positive:

sharp, sharp!
Colors
Bokeh, bokeh!

negative:

horrible, slow and noisy AF

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: ciupo35   review date: August-07-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Samyang 85/1.4

positive:

sharp,
not heavy,
nice (cool) colors,
good contrast,
good bokeh

negative:

Hood mount could be better (plastic bayonet? :( ),
AF is not perfect,
overpriced

comment:

I think it is not as sharp as Samyang 85/1.4. However, colors and contrast are better.
Probably, old Minolta 85/1.4 has better (warmer) colors and new Sigma 85/1.4 has better AF and price.
Bokeh of Zeiss is not 'harsh' in my opinion and looks pleasant.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Bob Socko   review date: May-02-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

* Minolta 85mm f/1.4 G RS
* Minolta 100mm f/2.8 macro
* Sony 50mm f/1.4

price paid:

1200 USD (used)

positive:

* Sharp wide open.
* Great bokeh.
* Excellent build.
* Good color rendition.

negative:

* I cannot think of a meaningful criticism.

comment:

This is the sharpest lens I own, hands down. Even wide open, this lens is razor sharp. I know it's cliche to say, but my jaw literally dropped when I looked at my first few test shots. The build is excellent, the hood is useful, and the balance is good on a full-frame camera. This may be the closest thing to a perfect lens that I own.

Up above, I mentioned I cannot think of a meaningful criticism of this lens. Sure, there are things that I could nitpick, but I feel like it's the type of stuff that are either unrealistic or unfair. It's heavy and expensive - but so are other lenses of this quality/performance level. It doesn't have "classic Minolta colors" - but neither does anything else made in the past twenty years. It doesn't have a SSM or SAM motor, so I guess it would be a pain to use while trying to shoot video?

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: maxfarphoto   review date: May-01-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 85/1,4 G
Tamron 70-200 f2,8
Sony Sonnar 135/1,8 ZA

positive:

Everything

negative:

Nothing but colors little bit too cold for me

comment:

I have jut tried it once on portraits and fell in love...but I still consider Minolta 85/1,4 G little bit better than this.
Its big brother (the Sonnar, King Carl) defeats it hands down

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Bahudda   review date: April-24-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 85mm f1.4
Minolta 100mm f2.0
Sony 135mm f1.8 ZA
Sony 24-70mm f2.8 ZA
Sony 70-200mm f2.8 G
Canon 85mm f1.8
Canon 85mm f1.2L II

price paid:

$$$$

positive:

Clarity & sharpness wide open
Contrast & micro contrast
Color (though cooler than Minolta}

negative:

Needs SSM
Hood could fit better

comment:

This lens at f1.4 slays all competitors! Honestly, it is hard not to enjoy this lens. It has great color, which I would describe as solidly neutral. It is cooler than the Minolta variant. It is sharper than the MinO 100mm f2.0. Like the 70-200G it grabs every bit of detail in a scene (only a little better). Like the 135 ZA it makes taking portraits easy.

I am trying not to repeat what others have said so I'll close saying that this is the lens I was hoping it would be. If you need top flight gear then this is what to buy. Highly recommended to those who want the best and don't mind going broke to get it! LoL!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Jozioau   review date: April-22-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 85mm/f1.4 G RS
Sony SAL50mm/f1.4
Sony SAL70-200mm/f2.8 SSM

price paid:

1,242 USD new

positive:

Excellent build, superb optics, rich colour rendition, sharpness, dreamy Bokeh.

negative:

Nothing I can find. A bit heavy but that goes with the territory for top quality fast lenses.
Would have been nicer with SSM focus.

comment:

Took advantage of the strong AU$ and a great deal from eBay seller 'simplyelectronics' in Hong Kong offering this gem at US$1,242 delivered, and am delighted. I've sold my Minolta 85mm/f1.4 G to offset this investment.
These two lenses are remarkably similar physically, although the CZ is heavier and more solid, having an extra glass element in the optical design, plus of course it has the CZ T* coating and the 8 pin lens to body connection for Advanced Distance Integration when using flash.
In comparison, I find the CZ is just a tad sharper and crisper and the colour rendition seems a bit richer. Perfect for portraiture as well as any low available light work like concerts, and candid medium tele shots (on my a700 it's a cropped equivalent of 128mm/f1.4).
Perfect for portraiture with full frame DSLRs the a900 and a850.
Early days yet, but so far, this lens is amazing. Superb , distortion free image quality, beautiful de-focussed effects. In low light autofocus can be a bit slow but there's a lot of heavy glass to shift.
I'm finding I just love leaving this lens on both my a900 as well as my a700 and continue to be amazed by the superb image quality it delivers.
Pity it doesn't have the quick and silent SSM focus mechanism of some of its Carl Zeiss cousins.
Unreservedly recommended.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: brian33   review date: April-18-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

50/1.4, 100/2, 100/2.8, 135/1.8, 135/2.8

price paid:

1200 EURO

positive:

Bokeh
Sharpness

negative:

Nothing

comment:

This is a perfect portrait lens. I love the MFD because at minimum focus you're right where you want to be for a vertical head shot. There's just a touch of vignetting wide open, I'd say it's just the right amount. At 1.4 sharpness isn't yet optimal but it's very close, and perfectly sharp for portraits - it's sharp enough that a light application of a sharpness tool in post is enough to make it seem razor sharp if that's what you need for a specific shot. I give distortion rating a 4 because it's sometimes visible on other types of shots where it may be visible from time to time. Because of this when I know that long, straight lines are going to be in the background I prefer to use the 135/1.8 the distortion of which is so close to zero. But then that's more a discussion of which lens for what purpose. Both the 85 and the 135 are portrait lenses but not the same type of portrait.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: gouldina   review date: April-08-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Min 135 f2.8
Min 100 f2.0
Min 100 f2.8 macro
CZJ Sonnar 135mm f3.5

positive:

Sharp as anything
Fast as anything
Tank like build

negative:

Heavy
Slightly slow focus
MFD

comment:

Super super sharp and bright. The colours are great, the bokeh's lovely and creamy and it's built like a tank.
It's quite heavy and bulky though. The bulk is more of a nuisance than the weight for me 'cos of trying to fit it and other lenses in a camera bag. The focus isn't the fastest (slower than the 135 2.8 and the 100 2.0 for example) but then it's really a portrait lens so no biggy. It would be nice to have a slightly shorter MFD too.
This review is beginning to sound a bit negative but have no doubts, this is one incredibly good lens.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: mhlvos   review date: March-27-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony 50mm f1.4
Sony 135mm f1.8
Sony 24-70 f2.8

positive:

Sharpness
Bokeh
Overall image quality

negative:

comment:

I really like this lens and used it for some portraits. The sharpness wide open is stunning. The bokeh is wonderful. I also tried a shot at f8 and the 24 mega pixel frame was sharp from side to side. I have no regrets whatsoever for buying this lens.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Arni Swarni   review date: January-17-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

-M100mm macro (D)
-85mm F2.8 SAM

positive:

-Über sharp from corner to corner
-All-metal

negative:

-Slight play on focus-ring
-SSM would have been nice...
-Bokeh CA stronger than other lenses

comment:

Getting perfect focus is really tricky, I'm sure almost everyone who dislikes this lens or is disappointed with it's sharpness has some kind of issues while focussing!

On the A700 it's often a hit or a miss (when shooting on tripod), but when shooting portaits handheld, it's usually a non-issue. (I use local AF with this lens, recomposing should be avoided!)

I've tested my lens with the A700 for sharpness, but got really mixed up results. So I tried it on my nex 5 an did everything MF. I focussed in the centre and then I focussed in the extreme corner...damn, I swear, those extreme corners are incredible when focussed perfectly!!! (Even MF is tricky + only tested in extreme corner on APS-C)

Bokeh CA is clearly visible, stronger than eg 85mm F2.8 SAM (which has very little of this), but it's not unusual for a lens with such bright F-stop. The bokeh CA does not rapidly disappear, but it doesn't bother me that much at all. It might to others. (When focussed perfectly, you should see none on your focussed subject).

My lens has some very little play on the focussing ring and SSM would have been nice, not just for it's silentness, but rather to improve the focussing of this lens!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: MartinM   review date: August-17-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 85/1.4 GD
ZA 24-70
ZA 135/1.8

price paid:

1100

positive:

- Tack sharp
- Metal hood with rubber protection
- IQ
- Aperture

negative:

- Nothing for the moment

comment:

Great portrait lens. Amazing how sharp it is in comparision with the non-A-Mount lenses i owned earlier.

Certainly great for concerts too. Paired with my CZ135 and the Sony 50mm an amazing AL setup

In terms of weight, some call this heavy. Well, my Leica 25mm f1.4 was 550gr of weight too. So very common to me, for primes.

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Sharpeye   review date: July-22-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony 50/1.4, Minolta 80-200/2.8,
Sigma 70/2.8

price paid:

1000eur (little used

positive:

Sharp wide open, great build quality, 'born to be portrait lens' Zeiss logo :)

negative:

Little slow and noisy AF, but nothing serious. Some CA wide open as this is normal for any lens of this kind. Shorter minimum focus distance could be better.

comment:

I would never ever sell this lens and will be carry it with me wherever i go. One of best primes i own, stunning optics,fantastic sharpness from F2 onwards. Great range on APS-C sensors for portrait work. My honest recommendations.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: marc-104   review date: June-27-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

1100€

positive:

one of my favortie lens
it stays sticked to my A900

very useful in studio with lowlight conditions thanks to its large aperture

my favorite for indoor portrait

negative:

none

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: boyracer   review date: June-27-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony 50mm 1.4
Minolta 50mm 1.7
Minolta 50mm 2.8 Macro
Sony 24-70 2.8 CZ

price paid:

$1,100 USD new

positive:

Super sharp from center to corner wide open
Solid build
CZ reputation upheld [unlike the 16-80CZ]

negative:

Noticeable CA in high contrast scenes
Pricey

comment:

Amazing performer on the a900. Usually, I stop down on the 50/1.4 to get the best out of that lens, but on the 85CZ, this thing rips from the get-go and allows me to throw everything out of focus without losing sharpness and contrast. Comparing the other lenses I've used, this is the bar for performance on a prime.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Tomodo   review date: June-11-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 50 f1.4
CZ 24-70

price paid:

£800

positive:

Sharp with great contrast
Good build
Large focus ring
Usable right from f1.4

negative:

The hood doubles the size
No SSM

comment:

This was my first expensive lens after using only Minolta and third-party lenses. It is now my most used lens - i use it twice as much as any other in my kit. As I shoot in low light almost all the time the f1.4 is ideal, and its reassuring that I can use it at f1.4 and still get great results.

I also use this with the Panasonic GH1 and it produces really sharp, crisp video with the option of nice shallow DOF.

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: remai   review date: June-10-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

900€

positive:

Very well balenced lens, edges are barely less sharp than center

negative:

In the center, less sharp that 85L Canon.
Colors, I prefered the Minolta ones.

comment:

Edge to edge, the sharpest lens ever seen.

I change my minolta 85 1.4 for the Zeiss, and I've to say that the Zeiss is better. Sharpness at the center is a bit better but it's not another world... Less purple fringings and CA, make the difference anyway.

But in the edge, by the way, it's another dimension! This lens is incredibly sharp in the edge, u can shoot wide open with the subject in a corner and be sure the quality will be awesome.

This lens feels very modern, bokeh is excellent, and colors look even too much clean for me, that's almost a flaw for me...

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: ddoctor   review date: May-06-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 28-135
Sony 70-300 G
Minolta 50mm 1.7 RS

price paid:

USD1050

positive:

Very Sharp lens
All metal build
Usable f1.4
Great punchy colour

negative:

A bit CA

comment:

This baby is certainly sharpest lens I've ever owned. Sharp wide open. Razor sharp at f2.8
I usually use f2 with this lens. As at e1.4 the DOF is really shallow that sometimes its hard to get a clean hit.
Noisy and rather slow AF though. But acceptable as this is a potrait lens.

Best lens besides CZ 135

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: zfcentral   review date: May-04-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Nikkor 85/1,4D
Nikkor 85/1,8
Zeiss 85/1,4 (ZF)

price paid:

900L New from Warehouse Express

positive:

+Sharp and contrasty
+Useable even @ F/1,4.
+Excellent color
+Buildt well.

negative:

-Slow AF
-CA
-Small play in the focus ring.

comment:

A 85mm prime that just like the Nikkor is optimized for close to medium distances, which makes it a perfect "in your face" shallow dof potrait lens.

For some it might be to clinical (not to the same extent as the Nikkor 85/1,4D which has a blue cast) due to its good contrast and closeup performance.

As no real SA is visible it dosent share the "softening" effect like the 85/1,4 ZF or the 135/2 Ais can produce at wider aperture and closer distances. Which many times can be preferable for natural female/child portraits.

It dosent seem to perform as well at longer distances as wider apertuer, here the Zeiss 85/1,4 ZF outperforms it.

Havent used it much in the studio yet, will update this commentary as i use it more.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: pcarmalt   review date: April-01-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tamron 28-75 F2.8
Minolta 28-135 F4-4.5
Minolta 35-70 F4
Minolta 35-105 F3.5-4.5 Old
Minolta 50 F1.7 RS
Sony 50 F1.4
Minolta 70-210 F4
Sony 100 F2.8 Macro
Minolta 135 F2.8

price paid:

GBP 850

positive:

+ Sharper at f/2 than any of my other lenses at ANY aperture
+ Best bokeh of all my lenses
+ Amazing perfect colour and contrast

negative:

- Very slow and noisy AF
- Quite bulky with hood
- MFD no better than old Minolta (still 85cm)
- A little CA
- Bokeh still not as good as STF :-)
- Expensive e.g compared to Sigma 50/1.4 HSM

comment:

Got it for a low price as a one time only special from London Camera Exchange Colchester.

I usually use this lens at f/2 where sharpness is absolutely spectacular, as is bokeh. It blows away all my other lenses. Colour is just as good as the special Minolta lenses like 28-135, beercan, maybe even better.

It's nice to have the f/1.4 available when I want extra shallow depth of field.

This lens would be much more useful for me if it had fast AF like my 135/2.8. AF is so slow like my 100 Macro, probably slowest of all my lenses. No good for running kids / dogs.

Also wish it was a bit less bulky so I could take it everywhere. The hood especially makes it quite bulky, but is absolutely necessary as I got horrendous flare when trying the lens without hood!

But no regrets. The 85mm focal length is very useful, means the lens is not too long to use indoors in low light..

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: AsuAmo   review date: January-23-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sig 70, 105; Sony 50, 100 macro
Sony, Min 50/1.4
Sigma 30/1.4

positive:

Sharpness, contrast, accurate AF, bokeh, colours, balance on camera, build

negative:

OOF CA.

comment:

This is by far the best lens I had, definitely worth the money.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: 3rdworld   review date: January-23-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

1100 used

positive:

negative:

comment:

Really fast and sharp.Can appear "clinical"@ times.Bokeh is
impressive.I like it.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: kevinbm   review date: January-10-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

CZ 24-70
CZ 135
Sony 100mm
Minolta 85mm 1.4 G

price paid:

L970

positive:

Sharp
General build quality

negative:

Slight play on manual focus ring
Nothing else

comment:

I used this lens for the first time today alongside my CZ 135. I love the versatility of having both lenses in my camera bag. This lens I would say is as sharp as the CZ 135 and just as much of a black hole when it comes to collecting light.

Overall the build qulaity is superb but there is a little bit too much play in the manual focus ring which is why I marked it down to 4 (pity there isn't a 4.5 choice).

This lens is a definate keeper and is I would say is sharper than the 85G I had (and that was very sharp) and the colours are pretty similar to my eye.

Highly recommended lens - if you have the chance to buy one - don't hesitate, just get it.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: walti   review date: January-08-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 85/1.4G

price paid:

900 EUR (new)

positive:

Everything you can think about

negative:

Bulky shade
If it was SSM, sigh!

comment:

Best portrait lens I've ever owned, period.
Perfect crop size on APS-C, maybe a little too short on FF

What are you waiting forr? Go buy it now.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: tobyjay   review date: January-06-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony 50/1.4
Sigma 50/1.4
Minolta 85/1.4
Minolta 100/2
S-M-C Takumar 85/1.8 (M42)
CZ135/1.8

price paid:

L700 used

positive:

Sharpness wide open
Contrast wide open
Neutral colours nicely saturated
A1 build
Accurate AF
Good looks

negative:

Slow autofocus
CA - but hardly worth mentioning

comment:

Build: Perfect. SSM with manual over-ride would be nice but then it would be more expensive!
Colours: Accurate. Saturation better than the Sigma. Less hot reds than the Minoltas. No colour cast to mention - unlike the Sigma, which can fox the AWB on A700.
Contrast: As per 135/1.8, lots of contrast wide open. It's a bright lens but the blacks stay black. The Minolta 85 has less contrast at wide apertures, which can make for interesting portraits.
Autofocus: AF is slower than all the lenses I've compared it to, except for the Minolta 85/1.4. The 100/2 is a lot quicker. Accuracy is Excellent, much better than the Sigma and Sony 50s. I think this is because it is so sharp and contrasty wide open.
Sharpness: Definitely "sharp wide open", better across the field than the Sigma, a LOT better than the Sony/Minolta primes - except for the 100/2 which probably beats it.
Bokeh: Not as smooth as the Sigma. Nicer than the 100/2 and less busy than the 135/1.8 can be. Very similar to the Minlta 85/1.4. Nowhere near as interesting out-of-focus as the Pentax 85/1.8, which holds the crown in my opinion for beautiful bokeh - which is why I included it in the comparison list. For manual focus, the 85/1.8 is also the champ.

These planar 85s have limitations in that they do not focus quickly and can catch flare, and can show CA at widest apertures. But the CZ85 is the sharpest tool in the box at f/1.4 and in low light it comes into its own. It has less character than the colourful Minolta lenses and produces pictures which are maybe FRACTIONALLY less sharp than the 100/2 and 135/1.8, but its focal length is more useful and it is the only totally usable lens for Sony users at f/1.4.

If you really need f/1.4, this lens is RECOMMENDED ! N.B I can't mark it down on flare because it is never actually a problem for me, so it gets straight 5s.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: funnybeep   review date: December-14-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Hartblei TS 80mm/2.8
CZ 24-70mm/2.8 (at 70mm)
Sony 50mm/1.4
Rokkor 58mm/1.2

price paid:

GBP 800 (used)

positive:

Sharpness, even wide open
Micro contrast
Neutral colours
Precise AF

negative:

CA at 1.4
Noisy and somewhat slow AF (esp. compared to CZ 24-70).

comment:

Fantastic lens. CA almost inevitable at 85mm/1.4. Disappointing AF speed (but very precise!!), but after CZ 24-70 everything is, I suppose :)

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: zblake   review date: December-05-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

CZ16-80

price paid:

$1100USD (used)

positive:

Fast
Sharp
Build
Contrast

negative:

none

comment:

This lens has ruined me. It is my favorite I have. I have noticed some CA, but nothing that I'm upset over. Its build like a single piece of steel, the hood makes a protector filter not required (IMO), and I love the manual focus feel.

Can't wait until I can get a CZ135 1.8 to keep it company!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: RHD   review date: November-27-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Contax C/Y Zeiss 85 1.4
Leica R 80 1.4 Summiux
Nikon 85 1.4 AIS

price paid:

1100

positive:

Sharp
Microfocus
Accurate color
AF

negative:

Large lens compared to Zeiss C/Y 85 1.4

comment:

This lens is one of the reasons I switched from Canon 1 DS to A900. I used the Contax C/Y 85 on the Canon 1 DS. The Sony CZ 85 color is very accurate and the microfocus on skin tones is very special. I have also used it for a walk around lens (street, candid people shots). I prefer the combination of AF and Zeiss color to my previous favorite (LeicaR Summilux). The Leica R 80 was also a special lens that I gave up when I became unsatisfied with Leica R film bodies.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: nitrosyl   review date: November-06-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

- Minolta 85mm f/1.4 Original
- Minolta 85mm f/1.4 G
- Minolta 85mm f/1.4 G D
- Minolta 28-70mm f/2.8 G
- Minolta 50mm f/2.8 Macro RS
- Sony Carl Zeiss 24-70mm f/2.8 Vario-Sonnar T*
- Sony 100mm f/2.8 Macro
- Sony Carl Zeiss 135mm f/1.8 Sonnar T*

positive:

- Razor sharp!
- Best construction (ALL metal) I've ever seen.
- Neutral Zeiss color (good for portrait).

negative:

- A tad CA wide open.

comment:

I don't use the word "Razor Sharp" very often, but the ZA Planar T* 85/1.4 really is sharp like crazy. In terms of sharpness this thing is high up there in the same league with the ZA Sonnar T* 135/1.8 and the Minolta/Sony Macro lenses.

Against the Minolta 85/1.4 (Original, G, and G D), the ZA Planar T* 85/1.4 is sharper and more contrasty at large aperture setting (1.4-2). The Zeiss Planar T* is also better built with an all-metal construction (even the hood and focus ring are metallic). This is a lens built to last and I could only hope all lenses are built in this high caliber. The colors it produces are more neutral than traditional Minolta colors I used to see. Nonetheless I like it when shooting portraits. Having owned every version of the Minolta 85/1.4, I honestly cannot see much difference, if any, in terms of the ZA's bokeh rendition.

Its only weakness might be a bit of CA when using wide open, which seems to be a fate shared by many large aperture lenses.

It is lack of SSM and extends when focusing. But these minor points don't make much difference in daily use.

*UPDATE* Amazing performance on 24.5MP FF dSLR!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: whz   review date: October-28-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Contax Planar 85/1,4 (Film)
Tamron 2,8/70-200 (Digital)

price paid:

1170

positive:

Sharp and contrasty !

negative:

None

comment:

It is a real must for a serious amateur and professional as well.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Wordfreak   review date: October-28-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

no comparison to this lens

price paid:

1499 CDN

positive:

Sharp
Bright
Solid build
Colours
Bokeh
...need I go on?

negative:

A tad heavy (but worth its weight)

comment:

Save up and buy yourself this lens. Superb portrait lens. Worth every penny.

Awesome for shooting in low light without flash. Just a tad on the heavy side, but this is one stunning piece of glass. Most useful indoors around the f2.0 and up range. Will help you create excellent photos.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: tgx78   review date: October-19-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

28-135mm
135za 1.8
50mm 1.4
200mm 2.8
Nikon 85mm 1.8

price paid:

1300 CDN (new)

positive:

creamy bokeh
sharp wide open
no distortion
nice build
great colour

negative:

disturbing amounts of Longitudinal Chromatic Aberrations

comment:

Excellent performer all around. One of my favorite lens in Sony line up right now.

f/1.4 - 2 is totally usable and produces stunning bokeh.

Sharpness seems reach peak around f4-4.5

lighter than 135mm f1.8

great tonality with nice colour rendition.

perfect portrait lens

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: stamper   review date: October-16-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

35 F1.4 G
CZ 16-80 F35-4.5
70-300 F4.5-5.6 G SSM

price paid:

1400 USD (new)

positive:

Fantastic portrait lens

negative:

Wide. Makes it hard to put in a bag, especially with the hood on reversed.

comment:

My goal for this lens was indoor available light portraits with a good working distance, and outdoor portraits.

This is easily my best lens. Compared to the 35 F1.4 G, which is in roughly the same price range, this lens is even more solid. It has that nice metal hood and a zoom ring that feels like it's gear that came out of a ZF transmission. In terms of build quality, it's everything the CZ 16-80 is not.

Sharpness is very good, even wide open and with a very thin DOF. I find it just a bit easier to focus at the same aperture than the 35, even with the subject taking the same portion of the frame. Stopping down still helps of course. The color rendering is fantastic and the bokeh is very smooth. No surprise, since that is the design goal of the lens.

The lens focuses plenty fast for my purposes, but then I'm not using it for sports photography or tracking moving objects. I tend to use a zoom in those cases. So the lens may benefit from SSM, but it wouldn't really matter much to me.

I haven't had any flare issues, but use the hood most of the time and don't typically shoot in very sunny conditions with this lens.

Like the 35, it's a bit of a special purpose lens but the results can be very convincing.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: youpii   review date: August-29-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

50/1.4 (Sigma)
135/1.8ZA

price paid:

$1080

positive:

Very sharp
Nice bokeh
AF lock button

negative:

AF decent but not fast
Extends when focussing
Strong CA
Only one AF lock button

comment:

Excellent portrait lens. Background is magically soft. AF lock button is very convenient but we need a 2nd one for vertical photos.
AF should be improved: make it internal focus & SSM.
CA are too strong wide open.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Shade   review date: August-26-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Nikon 85/1.4 AF-D.
Canon 85/1.2L.
Nikon 85/1.8 AF-D.
Sony 50/1.4.
Sigma 50/1.4.

price paid:

1500 USD (new)

positive:

Extremely sharp, even wide open.
Great colour reproduction.
Bokeh is just to-die-for.
Robust build.
Simple and elegant design.
Supplied hood is very sturdy and nice.
Focus hold button on lens.
Fast AF Focus.
Great for low light portraits!

negative:

Barrel extends when focusing.
Hood is attached to the end of the barrel instead of body.
No weather seals.
Heavy.
Not SSM yet.
There's a very small play in mount.
Quite noisy AF.
Not 77mm thread (I own alot of 77 filters).

comment:

It's a very great lens I'm sure of that. I'm an addict when it comes to a fixed prime, especially for portraiture work. I do alot of indoors and outdoors shots, so range matters to me.

I often work in 35mm and 85mm range, but I believe the 85mm gives a better result in working distance, dof, and many more. I only use 35mm when I have limited space, or working in very low light situations where I do ambient lighting shots.

It's very sharp wide open, great bokeh, and whats more is, the colours are so beautiful that everyone who took a picture that I shot was awed by it. Mind you I'm not a great photographer, but taking pictures with this lens is simply stunning and a joy.

If you're looking for a flexible indoor-outdoor portrait solution, you won't go wrong with this lens.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: ce-kooistra   review date: August-13-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

70-200 SSM
16-80 CZ

price paid:

1200 Euro (new)

positive:

Build
Sharpness

negative:

CA
Noisy

comment:

Sharpness is amazing, even wide open. Very useful for low light (concert) photography, delivers great colors and bokeh. Also used it for close-ups during a wedding, and showed some pictures during a slide show later in the evening, everybody was stunned by sharpness, colors and bokeh (including me). It is noisy though, and sometimes i have some issues focusing. If wide open, sometime CA appears (and can be quite a lot). Absolutely no problems with CA when stopped down (F2 is ok).

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: gipipa   review date: August-07-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

negative:

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Ricardo   review date: July-27-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

- Sony 50/1.4
- Sony 16-80CZ
- Sony 70-300G
- Tamron 90/2.8

price paid:

900 euros

positive:

- amazing bokeh with lovely colors,
- sharp enough even wide open
- build quality: all metal

negative:

- Price, even if it's reasonable compared to a 2nd hand Minolta
- relatively noisy

comment:

Compared to Sony 50/1.4, center sharpness is good, contrast is much better wide open but colors and bokeh are really amazing. Of course this lens is mainly used wide open for portraits but even stopped down for landscapes, the colors are wonderful. This lens really shines in low light and gives a special touch to your pictures.

Negatives points: noisy compared to CZ16-80 or 50/1.4

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 3 

user: Stef.   review date: May-04-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

CZ 135mm f1.8
Sony 50mm f1.4
Minolta 50mm f1.7
Sony 135STF
Sony 70-200G f2.8
CZ 24-70mm f2.8
and many others

price paid:

1400 Euro

positive:

Sharp
built like a tank

negative:

CA- loads(!)when used wide open or when used with flash (!)

comment:

The sharpenss of this lens is outstanding but frankly I was shocked when I shot a wet crab on the beach with the lens wide open. It had tons(!) of purple and green CA around all the little water droplets on the crab. Took me ages to clone them out! Also the other day I shot a portrait with flash with the lens wide open. The catch lights in the subject's eyes were surrounded by a massive purple ca. So far I have very mixed feelings about this lens and would say in tricky lighting situations one has to be very careful with highlights.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: thePiRaTE!!   review date: March-31-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Most closely to:
Zeiss 85/1.4 Planar ZK
Zeiss 75/1.5 Biotar
Voigtlander 90/3.5 Lanthar

price paid:

1350CAD+tax

positive:

-It exists - a modern version of a truely classic lens design
-IQ - doesn't get much better in the world
-Oof rendering - great bokeh
-Improved close focus performance over original designs

negative:

-New build lacks a few things from classic manual designs, I miss:
damped helical focusing, aperture ring, gentle diffusion around point of focus under f2.
-Though closer focusing is improved over earlier designs, its still modest.

comment:

This was the first lens I knew I would buy when coming to the A900. It summed-up a lot of my interests and was a big part of my decision to come to Sony. I believe Sony were wise to bring such a classic in a modern AF package for DSLRs in time for the launch of the first FF body.

The pedigree of Zeiss is well advertised. Generation upon generation, they continue to yeild high end designs that compete at the top of their respective markets and I don't see anything to change that with the ZA, except that its now in the AF world after years of working the smooth damped fields of manual helicals. Fwiw, I miss the helical. The MF facilities of the ZA Planar barely hold a candle to those of the earlier designs and for those who appreciate to work with that feel, it is sadly gone from this incarnation. The MF here is 'dry' with a material buffer between the barrel and optic tube to soften the turn. The AF shaft can be felt while turning and there is a small amount of play when changing directions. That said, with its rebirth in the AF world, the Planar has a new lease in a modern world. AF performance seems quick enough and certainly is very accurate on my A900, no issues to speak of there.

Also differing from the original is a character performance trait I noted and used. Under f2, the ZK Planar (for instance) created a gentle diffusion of contrasted lines surrounding the perfect plane of focus lending a 'dreamy' quality to its rendering. The new optic formula of the ZA seems not to have this trait. While focusing on a more apparent, cleaner plane of focus under f2 is now noteably easier with the ZA, it is of a different, more literal character. I'll have to shoot more to see where this Planar sits in my heart. Its a different creature to be sure.

One thing that has never changed is the outright IQ of this design. From wide open (and more apparently so on the ZA), this lens can deliver stunning sharpness. Combined with its extreme aperture and focal range, one can easily seperate larger (human-sized +) subjects from their surroundings or create dynamic bokeh effects. Being an AF short tele and at its level of light gathering and performance, this lens is also well suited for shooting tamed creatures in any light, from pets in yards to a zoo.

Rounding off other performance traits; subject magnification is slightly improved over earler versions (around 1:7 vs 1:10), this is welcomed. Distortion is apparently slightly higher than earlier variants, though still not to field relevant numbers. CAs appear consistant with older versions and are noteable wide open. I personally have always found this to add a feel to an image with this lens, granting it a somewhat 'vintage' look.

Bottomline, if you can stomach the entry fee, this lens will not disappoint from a performance stand-point, but if you are an afficianado of the manual Planars, you will note the differences.

Kelly.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: SerdarA   review date: March-31-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 HSM
Tamron 180mm f/3.5 Macro
Sony 70-400mm f/4-5.6

price paid:

1000 USD (new)

positive:

Amazing bokeh, sharp wide open, and built like a tank.

negative:

Not internal focusing

comment:

Compared to the Sigma 50mm f/1.4, it is sharper but the AF is slower. Still, I do not need fast AF for what I use this lens for.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: silversurfer   review date: March-24-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 85 1.4 G D

positive:

Build

negative:

Price
No real IQ improvement over Minolta 85 G D

comment:

Nice lens, but I was not all that impressed when compared to the Minolta version. Images were just slightly sharper, bokeh not as good, good colors but a little flat compared to the Minolta. Maybe it shines on a full frame.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: TallPaul   review date: March-06-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony 70-200G
Minolta 50/1.7
Minolta 28-75/2.8

price paid:

650 GBP

positive:

Fantastic picture quality, nice focal length on full frame, good portrait length on APS-C. All metal construction.

negative:

Heavy. Hood is very wide so does not fit into lens pouches that are fine for the lens. Expensive in the sense that its a large cost to have sitting around when travelling.

comment:

The quality of this lens is excellent both in terms of construction and performance. The lens is very expensive, but I think the performance is such that post purchase you do not regret the cost. The only downsides is that its quite heavy for a standard prime, and the large glass front element may make you nervous and fit a protective filter (as it did for me). I could not resist at the closing down price at A J Purdy.

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: DonSergio   review date: March-05-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

- 135za
- 135 stf
- 85 G RS
- 100 macro

price paid:

1100 USD (like new)

positive:

+ The best portrait lens i 've used.
+ Usable on FF and APS-C.
+ Good sharpness for girl shooting
+ bokeh, which i persanally prefer to all other lens

negative:

- Extends on focusing
- Non SSM
- AF is not very fast
- no weather sealing
- lot of CA
- sharpness may be better

comment:

I bought this lens, when i already have 85G (very good price for my locations) and in my compare Zeiss will be some better than G. 85 za more contrast and sharper wide open, IMHO some fatser focusing and have some better bokeh. Of course 85za have a noticable CA, but i haven't seen them in portraits. In compare 135za: 85za more usable on APS-C and more portable. Build quality is good. For portraits on A700 i prefer this lens to 135 (STF and ZA).
I always have this gem in my bag.

Negative: CA and sharpness are some better in 135za, 85za have no SSM, and 85za is not internal focusing lens (200G and 135za is all internal).

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Eoin   review date: February-20-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

CZ 135 1.8
CZ 24-70
CZ 16-35
Canon EF 85L
Leica

price paid:

740 Stg (new)

positive:

Very fast medium length portrait lens
Lovely colour and bokeh
Sharpness and contrast well balanced without being overpowering.
Reasonable price compared to 2nd hand Minolta 85

negative:

Lots of CA and lateral CA wide open, perhaps even sensor bloom
Sloppy play in focus ring
Needs +4 in micro AF adjustment, My only lens that needs any adjustment.

comment:

I'm just loving my introduction into the Sony / Zeiss world. However this lens has not impressed as much as the other Zeiss offerings. Prone to plenty of CA in various lighting conditions, one needs to expose for the highlights to keep it at bay at wide apertures.

Not to take away from the otherwise excellent performance, it's taking me a little time to warm to this lens where as the CZ 135 was love at first exposure.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: roweraay   review date: January-27-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Canon 85mm f/1.2 Ver.1
Sony 70-300G
Carl Zeiss 24-70 f/2.8 SSM

price paid:

1350 USD (New)

positive:

Excellent performance, right from wide open, even of FF
Excellent build quality
Excellent Bokeh

negative:

Extends when focusing
Not SSM

comment:

The lens is absolutely fabulous and is sharp from wide open. For portraits, this is an absolute must in the kitty.

I debated between the CZ85 and the CZ135mm for a while and purchased the 85mm prior to my A900 purchase. If buying today, I would spring for the equally excellent CZ135mm for usage on the A900, since the FOV is roughly the same as the 85mm on the A700. Having said that, I do find the 85mm FL to be perfect for portraits on the A900 too, just that in this case, it is full-body portraits, rather than head-and-shoulders. Perfect for that purpose.

I am not a big fan of lenses that extends while focusing, which is a negative against this lens. The lens also does not have SSM focusing, which is a definite negative against the lens. Other than these 2 issues, I am very happy with the lens and it earns a serious place in my lens collection.

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: kassi   review date: January-26-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

none

price paid:

1350 usd

positive:

nice colors!

negative:

little aberration in high contrast areas at fully open

comment:

Got this lens for 3 weeks now. Was actually looking for shorter focus, but after trying this one I probably stay with it.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: beppe61   review date: January-24-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony 100mm f2.8 macro, Minolta 28-135mm

price paid:

900 euro (new)

positive:

Very sharp at all apertures, great colors, great bokeh, nice colors, fast autofocus on my A900, great build quality

negative:

None!

comment:

I think this lens is one of the 2 greatest glasses ever build! I love it!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: kjamison   review date: January-20-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony 100mm 2.8 Macro
Sony CZ 16-80mm
Sony 70-300mm G SSM

price paid:

1200 usd

positive:

This lens is phenomenal. It is incredibly sharp and the af is plenty fast on my A700. The colors produced are beautiful and the bokeh is awesome. The build quality is outstanding... it really is built like a tank.

negative:

CA is pretty bad in extreme conditions.

comment:

After handling the CZ 135mm at a local camera shop, I was almost sold on buying it. The problem is 135mm is almost useless for me on an APS senor (200mm). Because of this, I decided to check out the 85mm. I could not find one within driving distance so I purchased it sight unseen. I wrestled with buying this lens because of the price, but I am now glad I pulled the trigger. Oftentimes in life you get what you pay for, and that is absolutely true of this lens. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: ab012   review date: January-02-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 85GD
Sony 70-200 G

positive:

Sharp at all apertures
Great bokeh
Excellent Build

negative:

Hood attaches to extension section

comment:

A brilliant lens, usable at every aperture.

On FF there is some light falloff wide open which disappears quickly with just minor stopping down.

Resolution across the frame is excellent, and higher on the Zeiss then the Minolta at the wide (1.4, and to lesser extend 2) apertures.

Bokeh is great and as good as the Minolta (which is great news as the Minolta is known to be fantastic). My heart wanted to say that the Minolta is better but I just couldnt find any significant differences.

Very tiny colour differences.

Build is generally very fantastic. It does mean that it (with hood reversed) takes more space in the bag though!. The only thing i dont like is the fact that the hood is attached to the extending section at the front of the lens. This is standard but I dont like the thought of having to pull on the extending component every time the hood is taken off or put on.

It now almost lives on the a900[:)]

One more comment re the comparison vs the Minolta - IMO current market values are relatively fair - one pays a bit more ($$, and size) for the Zeiss and gets higher wide open resolution and build. Other features are quite similar between the Minolta and Zeiss (i.e. both brilliant[:)])

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: bluto   review date: December-30-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

CZ 16-80
Minolta 100/2

price paid:

USD 1299 (new)

positive:

Bokeh
Build quality
Sharpness
Color
Fast (enough) AF on A700

negative:

Nope. Nada. Zilch.

comment:

Worth every penny and then some. Built like the proverbial tank, but it balances well on the A700. This lens delivers every single time I put it on the camera.

Great bokeh and amazing colors. It is as sharp as it should be at F1.4, stop down to F2 and it can´t get better.

Buy one if you can. Start saving if you can´t.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: manxtt12   review date: December-24-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony 50mm F1.4
Sony Zeiss 135mm F1.8

price paid:

1299 USD (new)

positive:

- All Metal Build
- Shallow DOF
- Great Color and Contrast
- Very Sharp
- Excellent with A900

negative:

- Bokeh is good but ZA135mm F1.8 better
- Price

comment:

This is an excellent low light lens. Image quality was excellent, and the build was top quality. It is especially attractive with that blue ZEISS logo around the side barrel. :)

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: jbtwin   review date: November-22-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 50 1.7
Minolta 24-105
Tamron 17-50 2.8

price paid:

1250.00 USD

positive:

Sharp, fast built like a tank. Great control of depth of field. Fast focus at least on A-700.

negative:

Heavy but expected

comment:

I just received this lens from B&H and I was up all night playing with it. The color accuracy is great as well as the sharpness. In fact it was so good I ordered the 35G to go with it.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: blessed   review date: November-02-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony SAL 135mm/F1.8

price paid:

1299 USD

positive:

It really is as good as the reviews say. Simply amazing on the A900.

negative:

Slower autofocus on the A900

comment:

This is quickly becoming my favorite low light lens on the A900. Shots taken of the children sleeping, illuminated only by their night lights are astounding.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: musicol   review date: October-09-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

All

negative:

None

comment:

Wonderfuf lens, perfect for portraits, marvellous bokeh, in two words: A Jewel!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: willybol   review date: September-18-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Konica Minolta AF 85 F1.4 G D

positive:

- Sharp even wide open!
- Build quality excellent!
- Auto clutch mechanism!

negative:

- No SSM
- Hood comes off to easy in my case
- Shooting high contrast wide open results in some purple fringing

comment:

I used to have the Konica Minolta AF 85 F1.4 G D which usually gave me purple fringing trouble even when stopped down. The Carl Zeiss is definitly sharper than my previous minolta 85 and the bokeh just as beautifull!
An absolute masterpiece! Would love to use it on a full frame!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: wolfy   review date: September-18-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

50mm 1.7
Sigma 105mm macro

price paid:

2000 AU (new)

positive:

Fast
Well built
Nice bokeh

negative:

If I could I would say 4.5 for flare, not perfect, but with hood problem goes away.

comment:

Overall the sharpness is excellent and compares well to the Sigma macro and is overall better than the 50mm1.7 (which looses sharpness closer to edges). Colour, contrast and bokeh are all excellent.

This lens can see so well in dark areas and is fantastic at concerts where I use it with the 50mmF1.7.

This is a keeper, cant see myself ever selling it!!!

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: samwak   review date: July-01-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

~1000 USD (new)

positive:

Sharp. Yummy bokeh.

negative:

Slow focus, a little on the heavy side

comment:

This has to be my favourite lens in Sony's line up. I use this lens mainly for potraits and fashion shoots. Great for posed pictures. Certainly not an action/lifestyle portrait shoot as I find the focus a little slow. All in all, simply an incredible lens. I find my potrait shots with them just come up looking beautiful.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: startowa13   review date: May-15-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

CZ 16-80
Tamron 90 macro
Sony 70-200 G

price paid:

1,350 USD (new)

positive:

* build quality
* IQ quality
* great colors
* pretty sharp

negative:

Minimum distance could be little bit better.

comment:

This is a perfect lens for portraits, I do think it will be much better on the upcoming FF A900 camera. I sometimes have preference to use my Sony 70-200 while shooting the portraits... it's just little heavy after a while.
The 85 have all the qualities which can explain the price, build, IQ, sharpness, fast focusing and colors. Great lens to have but not a lens that would be on you camera all the time.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: springtide   review date: April-19-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

KM 50mm f/1.7
Sigma 105 Macro
CZ 16-80

price paid:

775 UKP

positive:

I really don't want to give this lens all 5's but can't think of any reason not too.

- Built like a tank

- Colours are amazing,

- Sharpness, even at f/1.4 looking at 1:1 its impressive.

negative:

- Cost
- No SSM, but AF still fast
- AF loud

A very minor issue. AF is pretty loud, but reminds you how big a chunk of metal it is. :)

comment:

I had big hopes for this lens, and it had more than matched my expectations.

The biggest thing I noticed was the colours, which was unexpected. I was expecting great sharpness, but not colours.

It might not be my most used lens, but it will be my fav.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: mausne   review date: March-18-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

minolta 50mm/1.4, minolta 24-105D

price paid:

1300 USD new

positive:

great colors, fast, well built

negative:

none

comment:

It's a great lens and it looks sharp with the
A700. It was a good investment, the picture quality is wonderful.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: nemofin   review date: March-15-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Nikkor 70-200/2.8VR
Nikkor 12-24/4
Nikkor 17-55/2.8
Nikkor 50/1.4D
Nikkor 85/1.4D

price paid:

1350e

positive:

Amazing build quality. Very sharp from center to edge and also at large apertures. Great colors and contrast and nice bokeh.

negative:

No SSM, but AF is still pretty fast.. so this is very minor issue. :)

comment:

Definetly one of the best lens that I have own. Iam a dual system user now, so I own Nikon gear and Sony gear. I have own also 85/1.4D Nikkor and even though the Nikkor is great performer I prefer this Zeiss over it. This 85 Zeiss could be one heck of a performer on future FF Sony. Highly recommended!

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: tomslot   review date: March-14-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 30/1.4
Sony 50/1.4
CZ 135/1.8
CZ 16-80

price paid:

4200 MYR (new)

positive:

Despite the flaws mentioned below this lens pretty much delivers on the Sony Alpha slogan "you can start calling your snapshot album a portfolio"

negative:

- pretty bad CA when wide open
- very loud AF, much slower to lock than 135/1.8

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: OG   review date: March-04-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

1330 Euro (new)

positive:

Colors
Sharpness
Amazing Bokeh performance
Handling
ZEISS art!

negative:

Price (put this is relative, i would pay 2000 Euro for this beauty to)
Heavy (this is also relative, i like it)

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: samsonlo   review date: February-21-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

1100 USD (new)

positive:

Beautiful color, creamy bokeh, Top build quaility, very sharp detail

negative:

Price

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 3 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: aarif   review date: February-21-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

1300

positive:

very sharp even at 1.4 faster then the CZ 135

negative:

colors

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Kwozzie   review date: February-20-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

$1890 NZD (new)

positive:

Build
Balance
Sharpness
Colour balance
Sex appeal

negative:

rubber focus ring (see below)

comment:

I bought this lens just prior to Xmas and have shot a couple of hundered images since then. The sharpness of this lens is brilliant wide open and gets better from F2 onwards. I experianced a (very) minor amount of CA wide open on high contrast edges but nothing from F2 onwards.

Focus speed is fast and although the lens is heavey, thanks to full metal jacket, it's well balanced on my A100 and I have no issues with it.

And Man, at 72mm filter dia and the chunky square design, does that lens look sexy on the camera or what!!

The colours are very neutral and true to life which I found a bit odd to begin with but now shots taken with most of my other lenses look slighly over-saturated.

I thouroughly reccommend this lens, I hunted around and got mine at a very good price via a reputable dealer on ebay who I have used many times and highley reccommend (Innoi Digital). Sony sell this locally (New Zealand) for $2500.00 NZD

My only gripe and it's a very minor gripe at that, is the rubber focus ring that collects dust very easily, but I'm in the habit of giving it a quick brush before storing the lens in the leather padded bag that came with the kit.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: recnahne   review date: December-27-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

1.7/50, 1.4/35

positive:

Build quality, optical performance, usable wide open

negative:

Focussing not so easy

comment:

Compared with this heavy piece of glass and metal, all my other lenses somehow feal "cheap"... the build quality is on top level. It's great fun working with this lens in either lighting situation. The optical performance is descent (as can be expected), and stopping down only increases DOF, but almost not the resolution (at least when working with a 6MP sensor). The only drawback is the fact that MF requires a lot of patience and accuracy, which is probably true for all 1.4/85 lenses. The D7D AF system had some problems with this lens. However, I believe that adjusting the AF sensors should fix this issue, as other users had no problems with this combination. Of course, there are no focussing issues with the A700.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: AndrewJD   review date: December-21-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

130,000 Yen (new)

positive:

* Built like a tank
* Superb sharpness

negative:

* Focusing a little slow
* Minimum focusing distance

comment:

I have almost nothing but good words for this lens. The build quality is very impressive, and it's nice to have everything in good, solid metal. Even the lens hood that came with it is metal, and lined on the inside with felt to cut reflection.

Performance is superb. The colours, contrast and sharpness are of such a level that you can instantly see the difference between anything but a sharp prime on a similar shot. I have heard that the boke is a tradeoff for sharpness when compared with the Minolta 85 1.4 G, but I think this is almost negligible unless you need very specific results.

As a downside, I have found the biggest problem with this lens is the long minimum focusing distance of about 80cm. It has prevented me from using it indoors on several occassions in favour of a 50mm, and isn't good for small product photography. To be honest, I think this lens is just crying out for a full-frame camera - on film it is just perfect.

Also, one thing I have found out is that during the winter, the outside of the lens casing tends to be very cold and may need some extra care to prevent any moisture buildup. Being the expensive piece of equipment that it is, however, this shouldn't really be a problem as I'm sure people will be taking good care of it in any case.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: ihlbcn   review date: November-30-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

100mm Minolta 2.8 Macro
16-80 CZ
50mm f1.4 Sony
85mm f1.4G Minolta
24-70 f2.8 Sony Zeiss

price paid:

1500

positive:

Sharpness.
Autofocus.
Bokeq.
Color and contrast.
Build is superb.

negative:

Chromatic aberations on extreme contrast areas.

comment:

This lens is the best I have tried in years... is superb in everything except few CA on extreme contrast areas, in any case nothing to be worried about, in PP you can remove those CA. The lens has more sharpness than the Minolta G equivalent. At 1.4 it is really sharp but it's a good aperture to take portraits, it is sharp enougth wide open but not as much as the Macro wide open, therefore I save time doing PP removing extreme detail.

Well, just an update after testing it on the A700 and on the new A900... on A700 remains similar with better AF in comparison to A100... but... on A900 this lens is amazing!!! AF improved helps a lot and the focal length return to the traditional field of view for portraits... it's a fantastic lens on the new camera.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Old Pirate   review date: November-29-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

1.7 50 MM Minolta
2.8 100 MM Macro Sony
CZ 16-80

price paid:

1299 US

positive:

fast
sharp
great contrast and bokeh

negative:

Not cheap

comment:

I wanted a very sharp and very fast portrait lens that was sharp wide open. All prior reviewers tended to confirm that this lens was just that.

I am very pleased. It is as sharp as my 100 Macro or 50 1.7 at any f stop while operating wide open.

I still have a lot of learning to do with how to control the narrow DOF at open f stops, but that narrow DOF and nice bokeh are what make this lens special in addition to the sharpness, bokeh, and contrast. Recent professional reviews say it rivals the legendary 85 1.4 Minolta G special edition for bokeh. I don't know about that, but it seems good to me.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: PBnbaByJ   review date: November-20-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

1299 USD (new)

positive:

Fast focusing
creamy bokeh
true to life colors
razer sharp

negative:

heavy
price

comment:

This lens out performs all of my expectations! It focuses quickly in low light, although the 7D does not do it justice. Mounted on the A700, there is no hunting at all in low light. The auto clutch disengages the focusing ring in AF, which is important considering the weight of this lens, so you'll most likely be balancing the camera by the lens with your left hand. I do wish that the hood had a filter window, similar to the 70200ssm, so you could adjust a polarizer.

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: paulobro   review date: May-27-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 70-200/2.8 EX DG

positive:

Superbly built, oozes quality.
Optically almost perfect.

negative:

Chromatic aberrations.
Expensive.

comment:

Built by hand to flawless finishing and top mechanical quality, the Planar design offers awesome image quality; very sharp with most excellent contrast and lovely bokeh. The T* coating performs very well and flare control is very good. AF is very fast and precise, except of course in very low light/contrast situations.

An almost perfect lens, marred only by some noticeable chromatic aberrations on extreme contrast interfaces. But then, easily fixable on edition...

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Grapdaddy   review date: March-02-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony 50mm 1.4

price paid:

1299.99 USD (new)

positive:

Beautiful lens and images.
Solid build.

negative:

Expensive

comment:

This review is of the Sony/Zeiss 85mm Telephoto lens. I’m sure you are familiar with the specs so let’s talk about the lens. First off it is such a beautiful lens to look at, and it looks so huge mounted on the A100 DSLR. The glass has a greenish/rainbow kind of tint to it, I presume it’s the Zeiss coating which makes the contrast of your images spring to life. The images are very sharp. The auto focus speed is not as fast as the 50mm 1.4 but fast enough to get the job done. Its definitely a portrait lens so don’t even think about getting more than maybe 2 or 3 people in a photo and 3 may be pushing it. But don’t be discouraged you can always back up a few feet or more from your subjects. Be mindful when using standard on camera flash that any shadows created by the flash will be magnified by the powerful contrast this lens creates. I purchased the lens to get professional quality images from my A100 and I am very satisfied with it.