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Minolta AF 85mm 1:1.4 (22) |
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The Minolta AF 1.4/85 from 1987 is a classical, extended double-Gauss system with floating focusing. The rearest element, shown in green, moves in a complex non-linear way during focusing.
The AF 1.4/85mm has two precedessors with SR-bayonet, the MC/MD 1.7/85 (shown as a prototype in 1968) and the MD 2/85 (1978). All three lenses have an excellent reputation; the 1.4/85mm and the 1.7/85mm both have a slightly lower contrast wide open; the 2/85mm is said to have a high contrast right from f2 on.
INFORMATION ON HISTORY/PRECURSORS (MC/MD 85mm f1.7), BOKEH AND DETAILED COMPARISON WITH AF 100mm f2.0 WILL FOLLOW
Pictures below: 100% crops from Sony alpha 700 (12 MP) APS-C DSLR. ISO 100, tripod.
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f1.4
Wide open the lens delivers remarkable detail resolution, but the contrast is very low. Remaining spherical aberrations cause a "dreamy" look. These characteristics are similar to the Minolta lenses MC 58mm/1.4 and MC/MD 85mm/1.7.
Left image: Corner of APS-C
Right image: Center of APS-C
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f1.7
Stopping down to f1.7 visibly increases the image quality. Spherical aberrations are reduced, but there is still a "dreamy" overall imperssion.
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f2.0
The spherical aberrations are almost gone, corner resolution is very good, but center resolution is still a bit low.
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f2.8
While the corners are already very good, the center resolution has dropped (compared to f2.0) and is now similar to f1.7, but with much less spherical aberrations. Such behaviour is not uncommon for f1.4, f1.2 or f1.0 primes.
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f4.0
Corners are perfect, but the center is still a little bit soft.
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f8.0
Perfect resolution and contrast.
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