Seriously speaking... I think Minolta 85mm f1.4 G is slightly better as it is not as contrasty as Zeiss counterpart. I am not trying to defend for minolta 85mm, but I tried the lens in BH while I was in NY. It looks great for low contrast images but far too "harsh" for high contrast image.
I have been using Minolta 85mm f1.4 G for a long time, and truthfully, it is one of the most used lens (Minolta 28mm f2 is now replacing Sigma 28mm f1.8 as for 2nd most used lens). I often find the lens a little too sharp for portrait... I often add in a little "blur" on photoshop stage for portrait (to appear more realistic feel).
They are not far different, and yes, Zeiss 85 might have higher resolution... but time will tell when the higher MP DSLR from Sony is release... for now, I think the restricting factor for Minolta 85mm f1.4 G is the sensor resolution (12MP low noise Sensor will be nice). For now, on a 6MP DSLR (7D) I can't see any different between the 2 interms of quality goes.
Did test a few lenses while I was in BH, but walk out without buying any... I do feel surprise myself... even my wife was surprise!! :bsmilie:
If you already have Minolta 85mm f1.4 G, don't worry about buying the Zeiss unless u have thick wallet full of $$$.
Be happy.. keep shooting.
Hart
