Quick answer
A fast 85mm G-series portrait lens from Minolta, with screw-drive autofocus. It weighs about 560 g and takes 72mm filters.
Pros
- f/1.4
- G-series build
- 9-bladed aperture
- Smooth rendering
Cons
- Screw-drive AF
- No weather sealing
Verdict
A classic A-mount portrait lens.
About this lens
A 85mm f/1.4 fast short-telephoto prime lens, the Minolta AF 85mm f/1.4G (D) is designed for Sony A mount bodies. The focal length is a classic choice for portraits and details.
Minolta AF 85mm f/1.4G (D) specifications
- Brand
- Minolta
- Mount
- Sony A
- Focal length
- 85mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/85.0
- Lens type
- Prime
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 2000
- Optical construction
- 7 elements in 6 groups
- Aperture blades
- 9
- Autofocus motor
- screw-drive
- Minimum focus distance
- 0.85 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.13x
- Filter thread
- 72 mm
- Weight
- 560 g
- Length
- 72.5 mm
Specification source: dyxum.com
What can you shoot with the Minolta AF 85mm f/1.4G (D)?
- Portraits
- Weddings
- Shallow depth of field
Its smaller maximum aperture favours daylight shooting and keeps the lens compact.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 85mm | 23.9° | 28.6° |
| APS-C | 1.5x | 128mm | 16.1° | 19.3° |
Frequently asked questions
How does the Minolta AF 85mm f/1.4G (D) autofocus?
It uses the screw-drive motor in the camera body, so speed varies by body.
What filter size does it use?
The filter thread is 72mm, so standard 72mm polarizers and ND filters screw straight onto the front.
How close can it focus?
Minimum focus is 0.85 m, with a maximum magnification of 0.13x. That works for detail shots and small subjects, though it is not a dedicated macro unless stated.
Alternatives for Sony A from other brands
All Sony A lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
