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Couldn't agree more. Just returned from Portugal where I shot with my D810/Zeiss 50 Makro combo quite a bit.I haven't owned the 35/1.4, but here are a few general thoughts about Zeiss lenses, particularly the classic ones:
For sharpness alone, I wouldn't choose a manual focus Zeiss. Some of the classic ones aren't even particularly sharp across the frame until they are stopped down. The classic 85/1.4 for example, never really achieves corner sharpness. It's a portrait lens, plain and simple.
However, if you are looking for consistent colour rendering, contrast and micro contrast across the apertures, and a lens that has this impossible to define "look" that makes you stop and enjoy a photo a bit longer, the Zeiss may be the correct choice for you.
Personally, I love that "look", and my liking for the classic Zeiss lenses gets stronger the older I get. If you're chasing legends and undefinable features, this may be the lens. If you're simply looking for a 35mm with maximum sharpness, the Sigma is probably a better choice.