Minolta or Sigma 85mm 1.4

For some of you long time A mount gurus what are your thoughts regarding the Minolta 85mm 1.4 G version compared to the new Sigma version? The Minolta used is close to the same price as the Sigma new. How well does the Minolta focus in low light? CA, corner sharpness?

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www.gregmccary.com

My opinion the Sigma will handle CA better and the USM motor is a plus, especially if you do video or like the extra bit of speed.

I fully admit I bought the Minolta simply because of my fondness of Minolta's, knowing from my own experience the Sigma performed better on the above aspects. In terms of sharpness I'm hard pressed to tell a difference at f/2 but at 1.4 I'll give a slight edge to the Sigma.

Thanks for your in sites.

I like the minolta better than the sigma, but I did find there to be an appreciable difference in sharpness, even at F2. The sigma is ultra sharp in the middle

I am aware that at f=1.4 to f=2.2 veiling haze and longitudinal Chromatic Aberrations (LCA) - red and greenish out-of-focus halos - can be seen as an issue compared to the Sigma which has its share as well, and that the good ol' G's AF is slow and noisy. Anywhere past 2.2 the Minolta colors (I am biased here) just sing on my a900 and sharpness is on the mark while not too sharp for portraiture. Lovely combo. While my CZ 135 1.8 is better in every aspect including much faster AF, the Minolta is more 'charming' in portraiture, not as ultra analytical sharp as the CZ 135 is.

Some third sources:

Photozone Minolta 85 1.4 G on a100 I did not find an FF test for it - but consider me a happy camper!

Photozone Sigma 85 on Nikon d7000

Photozone Sigma 85 on Nikon FF

Kurt Munger testing the Sigma 85 on a700 and a900

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Cheers,
Ralf
www.ralfralph.smugmug.com

I was considering the 135mm at one point but I think that's just to much focal length for me.

I am also looking into 85mm 1.4 for taking pics of my child since the Rokinon lens I have right now doesn't have AF. So, I am curious why you are not considering the Zeiss 85 1.4. I was thinking of getting a used Zeiss since it wasn't much more than a Sigma or Minolta.

I'm of much the same opinion as Ralf ... but then there's:

The Sony 85 2.8 is superb, with a luxuriously short MFD, its just that is build and all, and it's 2.8. I think this lens is sharper than the Zeiss at 2.8. The rendering is noticeably different.