While this is a beautiful lens, it's definitely not the sharpest 85mm, at least not wide open.

The smaller, lighter and cheaper 85mm f2 by Minolta is much sharper.

Agree. Actually, any of Rokkors isn't better in sharpness than later New MD lens with similar MM/F. New MD is sharper, or at least the same

Edited December 18, 20186 yr by #tf

Hello ! This is my first port in this forum ?

I would suggest you the Carl Zeiss Sonnar 85mm F2, in Rollei QBM mount. It's an excellent lens and it's virtually half the cost of the Contax/Yashica mount version. I got mine for $80. Probably not THE sharpest lens but still very good.

Another excellent choice is the Tamron SP 90mm F2.5 Macro (adaptall mount). This lens is extremely sharp and believe it or not, cheap.

Edited October 14, 20196 yr by AntonioS

for my part, in this focal length, my favorite is the Leitz Elmarit 90 mm F2.8 (German version) extra, full aperture
APS-C >>> but on my APS-C (Pentax, Nikon, SONY A6000 nex3n) I use excellent 50mm becoming bright 80mm (often Tomioka, Mamiya, Pentax, 55mm F1.4)

Edited June 11, 20223 yr by cybermees

On 3/25/2016 at 7:01 AM, goranilic said:

Hi,

 

I am needing a 85mm f2 or better lens for my A7 Before I save for a new Batis I am looking for sharpest option on "legacy" market. Would like to hear what you got and how do you like it.

 

 

My budget would be around $250.

 

 

Best,

 

Try to get samyang 85mm 1.4 sony.Its a manual lens.If you are able to work manual its a best choice.

I have used this for many shots in this video.