However, there are also a few weaknesses. The Zeiss lens shows a somewhat "dreamy" contrast characteristic at f/1.4. Whether this is a bug or a feature is a matter of application - portrait photographers will like it whereas still-life photographers probably won’t. Typical for ultra-large aperture lenses there's also some degree of bokeh fringing at large apertures. Due to the large front element the T* 85mm f/1.4 isn't quite as resistant against flare as its (Zeiss) cousins but certainly not worse than comparable lenses.

The build quality is also exceptionally high and a reminiscent of times when plastics were not the dominant form of mechanical design. Some users may complain about the lack of AF and it is indeed difficult to focus this lens manually without a split-image screen. However, the focus confirmation is available in the viewfinder and in critical scenes Live-View can give you the needed guidance. That said, it remains a bit of an anachronism these days.

Optical Quality:
Field Quality:	(Portrait Photograohy)
Mechanical Quality:
Price/Performance:
	What does this mean ?