Carl Zeiss 85mm 1:2.8 vs Minolta MD 85mm 1:2.0 – comparison

Published by Tony on

85mm lenses comparison – Carl Zeiss 85mm 1:2.8 Sonnar T* Contax/Yashica vs Minolta MD 85mm 1:2.0

The IQ of both lenses are well known among photographers, but there is not a good head-to-head comparison in the network (or I can’t find it). This gap should be covered.

The Carl Zeiss lens for the test was provided by Egor Nikolaev (Егор Николаев) – many thanks and greetings.

Carl Zeiss 85mm 1:2.8 Minolta MD 85mm 1:2.0
Serial: 8435525 8001103
Optical Condition: Near Mint Very Good
Mechanical Condition: Near Mint Very Good
Cosmetic Condition: Very Good Not Good

This comparison is correct only for conditions and equipment used for tests. Test results can differ if any element is changed.

Tested lenses reviews

Carl Zeiss 85mm 1:2.8 vs Minolta MD 85mm 1:2.0 – comparison – sharpness/resolution

Long-distance test description

  • Camera Sony A7II (24mpx, full frame) – RAW (ARW), tripod, A-mode, ISO 100, WB fixed, SteadyShot OFF, manual focus correction for the first two stops
  • Targets (buildings) – fixed by gravity power on distances more than 200 meters
  • ARW post-processing – Capture One, default settings, 100% crops 300×200 px

Scene preview

Test results

85mm lenses comparison - Carl Zeiss 85mm 1:2.8 Sonnar C/Y vs Minolta MD 85mm 1:2.0 - sharpness

Carl Zeiss 85mm 1:2.8 vs Minolta MD 85mm 1:2.0 – comparison – final conclusion

Minolta New-MD 85mm 1:2.0 is the winner. Two reasons:

  • Open aperture: Minolta has a little more aberrations in the center, it is the same as Carl Zeiss in the mid-position, and finally – a lot better in the corner position. In other words: Minolta gives more sharpness over the frame.
  • F 2.8: Minolta is better. Yes yes, it is expected, because Minolta has a one-stop advantage. But… it might have looked like a dishonest competition if it wasn’t for the fact that Minolta was better even at open aperture.

A little note: usually I avoid comparing lenses by prices, but here it may be acceptable – these two lenses are close to the same by modern listings on auctions, and it also makes the game enough fair.

Have a nice day!