Minolta AF 100 F2.8 Macro RS  reviews

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: coreyama   review date: April-19-13  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta AF:
70-210mm F4
50mm Macro F2.8
35mm F2.0 RS

price paid:

330 USD

positive:

AF is accurate
Saturation
Color
Sharpness
Build
1:1 Working distance

negative:

AF is noisy
Focus ring too minimal

comment:

Simply the best lens I have owned. Feels very solid. The AF is not slow on the RS version with the Sony a850. The colors, saturation and sharpness are better than the much-hyped 35mm F2.0.

If you are deciding between the 50mm macro and 100mm, I own both and recommend the 100mm. They can both create a 1:1 image, but the working distance of the 100mm allows you to get really close to those scary subjects. To create a 1:1 image with the 50mm, you must be only inches away from the subject.

Something to consider if you use extension tubes: With 68mm of tubes, the 100mm can roughly achieve 2:1, but the 50mm can achieve 3:1. However, the working distance with the 100 is still reasonable, where the 50 is now shadowing / scaring away the subject.

With a flash and small soft box in standard position, lighting is perfect for 1:1 or 2:1 work. This would not be possible with the 50 because the subject is too close to the lens and well below the flash.

On a crop sensor body, this lens would only get better for macro work.

Makes a decent portrait lens too.

Well worth the $300-400.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Tezzating   review date: April-05-13  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony 30mm f/2.8 DT macro
Minolta AF 50mm f1.7

price paid:

$CA370

positive:

Versatile
Value for money
Sharp at infinity
Built to last
Circular aperture

negative:

Slow AF like all macro
Some purple fringing

comment:

If you're considering any macro and/or a prime in this range, this is the lens to own. Usable wide open, razor sharp from f4.0 onwards and sharp at infinity (something the Sony 30mm wasnt). This is now my go-to lens for portrait work as well as macro. Tele-macro working distance is especially useful when chasing bees and spiders.

As the 100mm Macro f2.8 family are optically the same from the original , RS, (D) to the current Sony version, so my comments are applicable to any of them.

The negatives are really nit-picking. Using focus limiter really speeds up AF performance & fringing is easily cured in post processing.
My only regret is not buying it sooner!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Swan White   review date: November-23-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

50 mm 1.7 with extension tubes

price paid:

250 Euro

positive:

Sharp
Working distance
Contrast
Colors
Build

negative:

Can't think of anything

comment:

Great lens, very easy to work with and beautifull results. Got a mint example for what I believe is a bargain price. Much more convenient in use than a non macro lens with tubes. I find the focusing works well, limiter and hold button are very handy. And manual focussing on the A77 is no problem! Absolutely recommended!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: StefB.   review date: December-20-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

Sharpness
Color
1:1
All !

negative:

Nothing, except some AF hunting (but it is a macro!)

comment:

A friend gives it to me few months ago.
I really like this lens.
Originally, I wanted to test macro, but I am not good for that kind of photo. So I used it for portraiture and it is so good ! The sharpness and the color are amazing

Maybe later I will try again to use it for macro.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Ophtho   review date: September-03-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

100 2.8 Macro old/beercan version

price paid:

290€

positive:

Good heavens, the sharpness!
And the colors!

negative:

Absolutely nothing.

comment:

Nothing to say about this lens that hasn't been said.
I'm only posting since I had the chance to briefly - and sadly not side by side - had the chance to compare the old and the new model. I had the old model for a few days when I got the chance to exchange it fro the new one at the same price. I didn't regret my choice.
The Focus-Hold button is useful, especially on the SLTs where it gives you the extra option to trigger depth of field preview.
The focus is faster and less of a noisy battery drainer. It feels handier too.
However, images with the old macro were a tad more "amazing" - it's hardly tangible but lies in a combination of colors and sharpness. It's minimal - I can't rule out I had better light that day.
And between absolutely amazing and a tad better in a clumsier package I found it easy to choose.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Terrysmwu   review date: April-09-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

negative:

comment:

High quality, low weight and price!

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: GrJohnso   review date: June-24-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 85mm f1.4
Minolta 80-200mm APO G
Minolta Beercan

positive:

Good sharpness at wide open.
Great sharpness one stop down and on.
Great distance for macro work.
Good color rendition.
Good bokeh... Not as good as 85mm bokeh, but still quality..

negative:

Slow AF for regular use.

comment:

Great lens... Not that hard to find on the used market.. Great macro, good portrait (some may say too sharp, but that's a nice problem to have)

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: relacci   review date: April-26-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

378USD Used

positive:

Build
Colors
Bokeh
Working distance
1:1
Sharp

negative:

Af could be faster
Noisy AF

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Josiel   review date: March-26-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 50mm macro (old)
Tamron 90 macro 172E

positive:

Working distance
Contrast
Colors
Build

negative:

Noisy AF (compared to Tamron)

comment:

I didn't make direct comparison tests, but will endorse TomekG's observations.

Sigma colors look more precise, but Minolta colors just look 'better', so to speak.

The working distance is way better than with Sigma 50mm (of course) or Tamron 90mm (surprise). That's a great advantage if you're shooting insects and/or using extension tubes and/or a TC.

Is it worth the price difference? well... compared to:
> Sigma 50mm: yes if you want to shoot insects. All macro lenses are sharp, and working distance is more important.
For coins or copy-work, 50mm may be a more reasonable option.

> Tamron 90mm: yes if you want better colors and working distance (not that Tammy is bad!). Otherwise, it depends on the price difference.

Also consider if you're going to double it for general use (50mm), portrait (90/100mm), or exclusively macro (subject?).

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: belgarath   review date: March-25-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony 50mm F2.8 Macro
Tamron 90mm F2.8 Macro

positive:

Sharpest macro lens I have used. Faster focusing compared to Tamron 90mm, which is great when there's a need to use AF.

negative:

Rare lens, almost impossible to find the RS version.

comment:

I bought the Sony 50mm macro lens first, but unsatisfied with the short focal length, I went on to buy the Tamron 90mm. Both are great lenses, but I had a deal for the Minolta 100mm RS lens and I just have to buy it to try.

Sold my Tamron 90mm immediately. Kept my 50mm for portrait shots though.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Bob Socko   review date: January-05-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tamron 70-200 f/2.8
Minolta 70-210 f/4

price paid:

350 USD (used)

positive:

Perfect image quality, true 1:1 macro ability, sharp wide open, built like a tank.

negative:

Slow focus (though this is common for macro lenses).

comment:

When I say "perfect image quality," I mean just that - perfect image quality. What you see through your viewfinder is the exact image this lens will capture. There are no soft corners, no strange colors, no distortion. This lens is built to last - my copy has a lot of cosmetic wear on the barrel, but the lens performs like it's fresh out of the box. I've heard this is one of the best lenses Minolta ever made and, after using it for the past few months, I understand why.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: TomekG   review date: December-02-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

* Sigma 50 macro old
* Tamron 90 macro

positive:

+ sharpness
+ color
+ contrast
+ distance from subject

negative:

- sharpness at f16-f32 worse than competition

comment:

This is macro lens, so I tested mainly macro capabilities.
Summarize:

BOKEH:
Good . Uniform, but visible one side outlines at ~2.8, but very slight - not bad. Choosing the background you should be more careful than in the case of typical portrait lens. I think Tamron has better bokeh.

COLOR:
Great. A bit warm "minolta color", but saturation is high.
Better than warm and flat Tamron, and better than good sigma.
Sigma was more neutral but less saturated.

And MACRO:
First - DISTANCE from front of lens (not from sensor - useless parameter) is huge - way better than Tamron 90 and ofc 50mm Sigma. Even using AF Novoflex bellows (max) with full set of rings (set of Soligor), distance from subject is about same as normal 1:1 with sigma.
So, for macro photographer most important thing is sharpness at high F-stops. It is not strong point of Minolta 100 macro. But DOF at f16 is not shallower than f22 in Sigma (here does matter huge distance from object).
So:
Sharpness (and CA):
f2.8 1.minolta(CA+) 2.sigma 3.tamron (CA++)
f11 1.minolta 2.tamron 3.sigma
f16 1.sigma 2.tamron and minolta equal
f22 1.sigma 2.tamron 3.minolta
f32* 1.tamron 2.minolta

*(sigma max is f22)

Minolta 100 macro is great macro lens.
Is one of the best lens to insect shooting (regard distance and pleasing color retention).


Sorry for different subject for Minolta, but I don't have earlier subject (1-2 year time difference between pictures - but the same body).
Other samples:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: torak   review date: November-30-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tamron SP AF 90 F2.8 Di

price paid:

500 USD (used)

positive:

Extremely sharp and nice color

negative:

None

comment:

The minolta 100mm macro is sharper than the Tamron 90. I owned the Tamron, but after borrowing my friend's minolta 100mm and did a comparison test, I sold off the Tamron. Bokeh from the minolta looks better than the Tamron as well.

No regrets about selling the Tamron for this lens

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: derekw   review date: November-27-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

320 GBP Mint

positive:

Everything

negative:

Expensive

comment:

You get what you pay for. Superb lens

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Sparkle58   review date: November-10-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

CZ 24-70
Sony 16-105 Kit lens
Sony 16mm fisheye

price paid:

489 US used

positive:

New to macro but really loving the results from this recent purchase. Bokeh is gorgeous.

negative:

None, though it wasn't cheap.

comment:

Got this from Ian Hobday off eBay. Certainly not cheap but the lens is pretty much 'as new' so I'm more than happy with the purchase. I'm still learning to drive it but have suddenly found I really enjoy getting up close and personal with my subject. Real close and personal. A worthy addition to my kit bag.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Josioau   review date: November-10-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

CZ16-80/f3.5-4.5
SAL70200G SSM

price paid:

454 USD (used, mint

positive:

Compact, light, very sharp, great image quality.

negative:

(minor)
Skinny focus ring.
Sometimes hunts a bit.

comment:

Beautiful lens to use. Gets in really close, producing razor sharp focus, amazing detail, rich colours, creamy Bokeh. As with all Macros, depth of field is greatly dictated by aperture. If the subject is moving in the breeze while using it hand held outdoors, the auto-focus sometimes judders a bit getting a fix on the target, but overall a brilliant lens that does exactly what it's designed to do, and extremely well. The fact that it has basically carried over unchanged since 1986 but for cosmetic details (and the addition of D lens capability) is a real tribute to the original design.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: bObO   review date: September-29-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

80-200mm 2,8 APO G HS, Nikkor 105 Micro 2,8 VR

positive:

Sharpness, accurecy, build quality, bokeh, colors

negative:

None!

comment:

This is one of the best lenses ever! Sharpness is amazing; lens is light and handles very well!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: bhendjol   review date: April-12-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

minolta 50/1.7

price paid:

349 USD (used)

positive:

another sharp lens.

negative:

none.

comment:

Got this baby from bh, couldn't be happier.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: KoBra64   review date: February-01-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony - AF 100 F2.8 Macro
Minolta - AF 35-70 F4

price paid:

266 euro

positive:

nice balance fitted
beautifull rich colours
creamy bokeh
sharp (as it should be)

negative:

'bonking' autofocus

comment:

Bought this lens at a bargainprice, before prices started to increase. It was my first real macrolens.
Love the magnification and it is sharp as a razor. Flare is not an issue, didn't have the hood, never missed it though. Didn't like the af, like stated it was 'bonking', could feel the power of it, wasn't smooth.
Had a lot of fun hunting down insects in my garden. Performs great as a portraitlens. Sold it due to an offer I couldn't refuse and regretted that untill the purchase of the Sony.
I do think prices are overrated at the moment (>400 euro).

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: MIKEL   review date: March-24-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

300 € aprox. USED

positive:

SHARPNESS, min. focus distance

negative:

a bit slow

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: silversurfer   review date: February-28-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tamron 90
Minolta 100 f/2
Minolta 135 f/2.8

price paid:

430 USD (used)

positive:

Nice working distance
Sharp
Colors

negative:

Build

comment:

The minolta 100mm macro can't be beat. Not even the Tamron is quite as good IMO. Macro images are extremely sharp and full of color, detail and contrast. Bokeh is good to, although not as good as the 100 F2. Focus ring could be a little bigger if you like to manually focus during macro photography (I do!). I only use this lens for macros so the low light hunting doesn't bother me because of 100% manual focusing.

Build gets a 4 because my focus ring froze completely during normal use. It doesn't get lower than 4 because I've not heard of this happening to anyone else.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: ja   review date: December-10-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

50mm macro/2.8, 100mm f/2

price paid:

370 USD (used)

positive:

sharpness, colors

negative:

slow AF, plastic build

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: teejay   review date: September-30-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

- Minolta 80-200 f2.8
-beercan
- minolta 50 f1.7

price paid:

400 E

positive:

- SHARP
- CONTRASTY
- Colors
- Bokeh

negative:

- a hint of purple fringing wide open
- focus ring good but not great (see the D version)

comment:

I haven't tried any other macro lenses but I've heard this is as good as it gets, which does not surprise me seeing the pictures i achieve with this lens. Sharp wide open, it gets better at f5.6 where the lens outresolves the current sensors. Colors are neutral but pleasant, contrast is excellent, and bokeh wonderful. Can be used as a great portrait lens, and as a general small telephoto prime. With a 2x teleconverter results are ok stopped down to f8, and you can reach 2:1 macro . Low light focus accuracy wide open is not great - this is due to the 5D/7D , this should be improved with A700.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: DANX   review date: September-29-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

500USD

positive:

light, sharp

negative:

none

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: finnt   review date: September-17-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

50/2.8 Macro (MinO)

price paid:

370 Euro (used)

positive:

Good build. Sharp.

negative:

Hunts a bit sometimes.

comment:

My favorite lens. I enjoy working with it. Feels solid and gives very sharp pictures. AF is pretty accurate, but I MF most of the time.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Maurus   review date: July-22-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Min 50mm f/2.8 Macro
Min 135/2.8

price paid:

400 € (like new)

positive:

Everything.

negative:

comment:

As beautiful a macro lens as everybody says. Sharpness, colour and contrast are just wonderful. The focus limiter helps the AF a lot if using the lens as a tele, and manual focusing is OK even with the smallish focus ring.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: SilhouPirou   review date: June-07-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Nikon, Canon macro lenses.

price paid:

275 USD Used

positive:

This is the sharpest lens I've ever used and seen results from.
Bokeh at 2.8 is really nice. When using as a long distance prime (vs macro use) results are also excellent. From cars to people to lowlight the versatility is unmatched. Great compact size, Scale ratio markings (in blue)are a nice detail. hood fits flush and tight when reversed so no edge to snag in gear bag.

negative:

None

comment:

This lens is simply elegant in it's design, build, versatility, color rendition,and sharpness. By far the Sharpest Prime lens Minolta made. Zero distortion in 1:1 or any focus ratio.


Please note: My Camera doesn't support the D/ADI series lenses so I really cannot comment on whether or not I miss that feature compared to the more recent versions of this lens.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: terrylloydsmith   review date: May-04-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tamron 90 macro

positive:

Very Sharp
Great build quality

negative:

comment:

What more can I say about this lens that has not already been said? I love it. A super nice addition to the Minolta family.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Kiklop   review date: January-25-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

100/2, 50/2.8 macro

price paid:

300 USD (used)

positive:

Resolution
Colors and contrast
Focus range limiter

negative:

Slow AF (it's a macro)
Tiny focus ring

comment:

With the 100/2 in my bag I don't use this lens a lot; only when macro capabilities are needed. Still, it it's among the sharpest lens I ever used.
Slow AF (which is kind of normal for a true macro lens) doesn't make this lens a perfect lens for most situations but it can be used as a portrait lens too. Focus limiter does a great job here.
Pleasing colors and contrast.
I wish it has at least the same focus ring as the new D version since on this one I do find it a little too tick.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: mark victor   review date: December-22-06  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

$360 new in box

positive:

Sharp... super sharp.

negative:

Hunt in low light

comment:

Bought it at a very decent price on ebay a few months ago. One of the Best Macro lenses around. Slow AF.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Cekari   review date: November-26-06  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

L285 Like new

positive:

Razorsharp
Bokeh
Colour
Faster focusing then the original
... you name it..

negative:

Easy to swithch the limiter by accident.
Hunts a lot at around 1:1 at low contrast situations as all macros seems to do

comment:

This is a top notch lens in all respects but build
Wish the focus limitter was closer at 1:1 and stiffer to move, accidently change it to wrong possition to often to be fun.
I gave only a 4 for build due to the fact that when at 1:1 or close to it the barrel can be 'tilted' by some extend (by some ligh force), and that the barrel is made of plastic.

Internal focusing would been great for this kind of lens.

Had the original and this is pretty much the same.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: gm4jjj   review date: November-11-06  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

M 50/1.7, KM28-75D/2.8

positive:

Super sharp

negative:

comment:

I am totally delighted by this lens which I bought used. Good not only for closeup work, nice bokeh.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: gsaronni   review date: July-12-06  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 100-300 APO(D)

positive:

Sharpness and colour.
Incredible bokeh.
Beatiful and with solid build
The best lens for macro work, you can be far than with 50 macro

negative:

Some colour fringing on contrasta areas

comment:

The best lens I had. Now it is sold, why?: I wanted a portrait lens and I had lots of dificulties to make macro photography. The DOF at 100mm f8 is so swallow that you need a flash or very good light to obtain good results. I was desperate with my macro attempts.

Tripod is very recommended too. Focus is OK for a macro, and when you use limiter is better. I use MF for macro.

Now I am trying to buy a 85/1.4 G, this will be a better lens for the use I wanted to give to the 100 macro

Maybe one day I will have more time and will give another chance to this lens

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: kadebo   review date: March-20-06  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

very sharp, excellent color rendition

negative:

comment:

I made many excellent macro shots on slide with this lens. Only recently I went digital and I get the same good results in combination with the 7D. I am still very glad I invested 10 years ago in an original Minolta macro lens. Qualitatively the best lens I own.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Willscary   review date: February-11-06  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

Razor sharp wide open, great color rendition, excellent build quality, no distortion or flare

negative:

comment:

This is by far the most expensive lens I own. It hunts a bit in low light, but is quick and precise when focusing in good light. Incredible optics. I use this to take portraits of family and friends as well as goofy bug and flower pictures in our back yard. It is fantastic for the macro work, but it is equally good at portraiture and general photography. Very sharp from edge to edge with great bokeh.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Larry Millican   review date: January-23-06  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

negative:

comment:

One of my favorite lenses -- always have it with me.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Sol   review date: October-25-04  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

This lens is stunning. Simply amazing clarity. Phenomenal for macro work. One of Minolta's best.

negative:

It's almost too sharp for portrait work. But personally, I love it. It isn't cheap.
I like all metal bodies, and this one is not.

comment:

This lens is as good as it gets, in it's class. Any review you find on this lens will agree. It is pricey, but it's well worth it, in my opinion.