Minolta introduced the G lens as their top-end lens series - including both fixed focal length and zooms. 'G' originally stood for "Gold" as in "Gold standard" and included a gold band on the barrel of the lens. Minolta's roots go back to partnerships with Leica, so the best of Minolta is truly among the best of the world.
Sony continues the G line as their top-end while Zeiss makes up Sony's "boutique" line - I suppose. So far Sony G lenses live up to the optical quality of Minolta's past Gs but some feel the build quality is not as good. On the other hand, most probably feel it is a reasonable compromise to keep costs down.
If you want top optical quality and top build quality, you'll have to look into the Zeiss lenses.
Standout G lenses include:
- 35mm f1.4 - Praised for its amazing colors and out of focus quality.
- 85mm f1.4 - The ideal portrait. One of the best in the world.
- 200mm f2.8 - Perfect 200mm performance in a small light lens.
- 300mm f2.8 & f4 / 400mm f4.5 / 600mm f4 - A collection of top end telephoto zooms. You cannot go wrong with anyone of these.
- 70-200mm f2.8 & 80-200mm f2.8 - Fantastic quality telephoto zooms that do everything right.
Sony's new Gs include
- Re-releases of Minolta Gs: 35mm f1.4 & 300mm f2.8
- 70-200mm f2.8 SSM - Maybe the best of its kind!
- 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 SSM - A little slow focusing, but top image quality.
- 70-400mm f4-5.6 SSM - At the time of writing, not yet available.