Originally posted by Votesh Also, my FA 85 is indeed quite sharp, but I'm not sure it would fall in the top 3 sharpest. It is, however, currently my favorite lens due to the FL and creaminess of the bokeh.
If any of the top 3 were debatable for dropping out, this one definitely isn't. Without a doubt one of the sharpest lenses, any brand, as any lens tests over the years have reported, and (most) owners will attest. I distinctly recall an extensive lens test (but I can't recall by who) done in the 90's of all currently sold MF and AF lenses and the two lenses regarded as the top 2 in sharpness were a manual focus Contax (the G series 90mm Sonnar) and the FA 85.
As far as Photodo's MTF lens tests, I belive only 2 lenses scored higher than the FA 85, another Contax (the 45mm Planar) and the other was a Canon EF 200mm f1.8.