Minolta AF 100 F2.8 Macro  reviews

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: onsplekkie   review date: December-03-12  

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
sigma 10-20
Tamron 17-50 2.8
Minolta 35-105 3.5-4.5
Minolta 70-210 3.5-4.5

price paid:

200 euro

positive:

COLOURS!
IQ

negative:

rattling AF

comment:

Had a looooooong thought about getting this lens. In the end I found one I could afford and bought it. Never looked back! Not the walk around lens, although when used as such it makes you think in a different perspective before you snap the picture.

My copy has a rattling AF, but works 100%. Lets see how far we get......

(edit 18-2-13) the autofocus completely locked-up, the lens is impossible to use, even in MF)
Now looking for a Tamron 90 Macro.......... (-;

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: asiafish   review date: November-28-12  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

85mm F1.4, 70-210 Beercan

positive:

Build, working distance, sharpness, Minolta colors

negative:

Non-circular aperture

comment:

This is, by far, the sharpest lens I own. The Minolta 85mm F1.4 comes very close from F4, but the 100 macro is simply sharp everywhere, and its flat field of focus keeps more of your subject in focus when wide open.

I have no complaints at all about this lens, it is an absolute delight on my A77, with adequate focus speed (it is a macro, after all), excellent build and a size and weight that really compliments the A77 and makes for an outstanding general use, as well as macro lens.

As much as I love my 85mm F1.4, if I could only keep one prime lens (my Sony 16-50MM would be my one and only lens), it would be the 100 macro.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: hg102   review date: November-09-12  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

50mm f:2.8, 50mm f:2.8 RS, 50mm f:3.5.

price paid:

251 USD used

positive:

I purchase mine used. After cleaning it up, I realized what a great lens this is. I will sell my 3 50mm macros.

negative:

comment:

I like being able to have more distance between the lens and the susbject. I will sell acouple of my 50mm macros.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Asiri   review date: November-05-12  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Most other lenses from the "Beer-can" era.

price paid:

280 AUD (Used)

positive:

Excellent value for money. Beautiful smooth bokeh. Very sharp in all apertures. Excellent for low-light photograpy on a budget.

negative:

As can be expected from a lens of this stature - focus hunt.

comment:

Excellent value for money. Beautiful and pleasing smooth bokeh. Very sharp in all apertures. Excellent for low-light photography on a budget. I have used this lens in quite dim lighting with quite good results, however, the "focus hunting" can be frustrating at times.

I have no complaints though, since I paid just a fraction of any other lens of this caliber.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: linearamp   review date: June-27-12  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

75

positive:

The sharpest lens i have in my bag

negative:

only negative is the lens cap.
needs a centre pinch cap.no big deal, readily availbable

comment:

Picked this lens up for £75 gbp .Bargain.
Absolute legend of a lens. Sharp! how sharp? very.Even wide open at f2.8 my copy is sharp
Colours are typical of Minolta (beercan) type lens.
The Bokeh is amazing .

some people say that the focusing is slow ,i havent noticed this as yet on my sony a700,but there again this is a macro lens , like many have said in the past, macro is best used in manual focus mode.

The only fault is the lens cap.Really needs a centre pinch one so the hood can be removed easily ,but like i say no big deal.

All in all a fantstic lens ,if you have the chance to buy one ,go for it .you won't be dissapointed

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Ratsters   review date: February-12-12  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

490.00 USD

positive:

The sharpest lens I have

negative:

Focus tend to travel a bit; old techno I guess

comment:

One of the best lens I have, older techno, but still, in studio for table top work it's hard to beat. One draw back is focus, tends to crawl a bit on extreme macro range.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Serg(vrn)   review date: January-21-12  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

negative:

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: boyzone   review date: January-18-12  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tamron SP90

price paid:

400 USD (used)

positive:

- Sharp on F2.8
- Minolta color
- Creamy bokeh

negative:

comment:

Is my lovely lens, I use to macro and portrait.
creamy bokeh and rich of minolta color.
Is one of my collection lens, will keep it forever ... :)

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: br127   review date: September-16-11  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

270 EUR

positive:

+ sharp
+ bokeh
+ build like a tank
+ almost everything else

negative:

- slow AF (no show-stopper)

comment:

I just love this lens. More than 20 years old, it still amazes me with almost every picture. If you are into macro photography, this is what you want to get. Maybe the AF is a bit faster in the newer versions, but hey... it's a macro lens! Very highly recommended!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Skoropada   review date: September-15-11  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony 18-70 kit lens
Sigma 18-250

price paid:

600 USD

positive:

- Sharpness
- Luminosity
- Build

negative:

- Slow AF (I know, it's a macro lens)

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: claesse   review date: July-07-11  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

450 USD

positive:

+ Sharp
+ Good build quality
+ colors and contrast
+ Focus limiter

negative:

- AF hunting

comment:

Great lens for general macro use and it
produces great detail photos. The colors are outstanding.
Highly recommended.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: tmihai   review date: June-24-11  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

70-210 f4
18-70 kit lens

price paid:

425$ (used)

positive:

very sharp and very solid build
very little chromatic aberration almost non existing
very good bokeh

negative:

it extends when focusing but not much else

comment:

A very fun lens to use. Focus is decent with the focus limiter I even managed to do some action shots. Very sturdy well build lens with extreme sharpness from f4 upwards. It also turned out as a very good lens for portraits having an amazing bokeh at f2.8. Also minimum focusing distance is quite decent and can do some photos of insects without scaring them away.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: fute77   review date: June-16-11  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tokina 100/2.8 Macro

price paid:

320

positive:

1/1
charp
build quality

negative:

very small focus ring

comment:

This lens allowed me to make a lot more interesting pictures than my previous Tokina

Quality of the image is 2 level above

I really enjoy my lens

I recommend it

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: ImgI   review date: June-16-11  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony 18-250 f3.5-6.3
Sony 50 f1.8

price paid:

423 USD (used mint)

positive:

Very sharp
Great bokeh
Focus limiter
Build quality

negative:

None

comment:

Gotta get used to lens hood / lens cap / focus ring design as it is kinda puzzling at first since you cannot use them all as the lens hood is in the way but once you've figured that one out, you're good to go and capture light with a very good lens.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: livinginparadise   review date: June-11-11  

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:

375 $Austalian Used

positive:

Brilliant Lens - sharp well built very nice colour and bokeh non rotating front element

negative:

AF doesn't work well close up

comment:

Brilliant lens - well built, great IQ.
Difficult to imagine a macro that's much better

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: trongkien   review date: June-07-11  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minnolta 85mm f1.4
Minolta 50mm f1.4
Sony 50mm f1.4
Minolta 50mm f1.7
Tamron 17-50mm f2.8
Sony 17-70mm (kit lens)

positive:

- color
- sharp
- bokeh
- well built

negative:

- very slow focuse
- very noisy (is it because of its age?)

comment:

Some members say it's good for portrait. I don't think so. It's very slow focus. And color for portrait photography is just weird. It does its work - macro photography.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: rtuss   review date: May-09-11  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

340 USD

positive:

Sharp!
Easy to MF
Focus limiter
Bokeh is beautiful

negative:

Just like the beercan the focus ring is inaccessible with the hood backwards.
Lens cap

comment:

I dont know what Minolta was thinking when they designed with lens caps or the position of the focu ring. I always end up replacing the lens caps with center pinch third party caps and the lens hoods with screw on rubber ones.

These are just minor things that bug me for some reason however like I said it is a simple fix that cost about $15 per lens.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: derekw   review date: May-08-11  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 50 mm f2.8 macro

price paid:

219 GBP

positive:

SHARP !!!
Minolta colour
Good
Focus Limiter
Build
Inexpensive for the quality

negative:

None

comment:

The ratings say it all

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: mstaben   review date: November-19-10  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

200 USD (used)

positive:

Sharp.
Natural Color.
Focal Length.
Fast for Macro.
Magnification 1:1.
AF works at Macro Scale

negative:

Noisy.

comment:

This macro lens is great for macro photography and is a beautiful lens when its finish is unblemished. I love the build. Macro lenses when using high magnification usually require manual focusing - this lens is geared just right to permit AF at near 1:1 magnification by screw-drive on both my A100 and A700 bodies. I sold mine because I didn't find myself doing much macro - there's just too many people who care more than I about the macro world - I'll just look at their pictures!

The IQ can't be beat, really. That's what makes this lens worth buying.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Yugus   review date: November-03-10  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

$400 CAD (Used)

positive:

Very sharp
Has a focus limiter
Bokeh is very smooth
Very little distortion
Longer working distance compared to 50mm macro

negative:

CA wide open
AF is slow (to be expected for macros though focus limiter helps)

comment:

I much prefer this lens to the 50mm F2.8 macro mainly for the longer working distance. This is an issue people might have with their 50mm macro lenses, that is the main plus side of having the 100mm F2.8 macro lens. You do not need to be as as close to the subject to get it in focus at 1:1. There is a little distortion (pincushion) though it most likely will not be noticeable unless you shoot along straight lines. And again like the 50mm F2.8 macro this can work as a dual purpose lens, for both macro and portrait, and it works better as a portrait lens due to the longer focal length and the help of the focus limiter. That way the lens will not have to cycle through the whole focal plane and only half.

This is a very good lens for anyone that would like to pursue marco photography as it provides the much needed longer working distance as apposed to the 50mm F2.8 marco as small insects are often skittish when you get to close to them.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: al tent   review date: September-30-10  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 35-70 f4 macro

price paid:

350 usd (used) prime

positive:

Just about everything.

negative:

Does spend some valuable time hunting for focus in low light. But then it comes through.

comment:

B&H had a batch of these a few years back, new and in the box, for a ridiculously low price. I was too naive and too broke to jump on the deal. So a few years later I spent what is to me a small fortune to get my hands on one, still from B&H.
The incredible color jumps out at you the first. The boken is exquisite. Then the detail of the focus image will stun and amaze. Sure, it hunts around in low light, but it will lock in. Heck, I shoot the 35-70 manually so I shoot the 100 manually and there is no fuss. Now I love the 35-70 and it has never been far from the camera, it too has great boken and I love its detail, (I have two copies). But this lens, oh my, so sharp, such incredable detail. This was the last lens I had on my list (that I could afford). Now I want the 100mm soft. I am thrilled and it has not left my camera since it came.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: tim spivey   review date: September-17-10  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

90mm Sigma macro

price paid:

400 US (Used)

positive:

Solid, Amazingly Sharp, great boken.

negative:

I keep bumping the focus limit switch. Kinda slow on the focus, but to be expected on a macro lens.

comment:

owned this lens a few days, but it is amazing. This thing is built like a tank. The macro shots are super sharp. It's a little expensive but well worth it. Before I use a Sigma for my macro shots, but never again. Gave the Sigma to my son. All my macro from now on will be with this lens.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: dumbasadoorknob   review date: September-06-10  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Min 50Macro RS
Min 100 Soft Focus

price paid:

usd 318 used

positive:

Minolta colors
Very high detail resolution

negative:

Too slow for butterflies

comment:

I bought and used the 50/2.8 Macro before I bought this -- but I don't think I've used the 50 since. This is a perfect lens for spiders and lizards, grasshoppers and caterpillars -- things in the garden that essentially stay put for a minute or two.

I really like the color on this lens, which appears particularly deeply Minolta.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: leung0323   review date: July-24-10  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

380 USD

positive:

negative:

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Pappy   review date: July-19-10  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Min 28-85 mini-beercan
Min 70-210 beercan

price paid:

270 USD (clean used)

positive:

I can find nothing to fault with this lens, save for possibly the small manual focus ring, as others have already commented.

negative:

Nothing!

comment:

If you know how to use such a lens properly, you will find this one incredible. I've used it for only available outdoor light macro, and had no problems with flare at all, while not even using a hood. The color using Velvia was very saturated, like the beercan. My example is mechanically perfect, pretty amazing for an old lens. For me, the main benefit is the sharpness--fantastic detail emerges, really useful for cropping images, which I do frequently.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: PHCorrigan   review date: April-01-10  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Quantaray (Sigma) 50mm f2.8 macro
Minolta 35-105mm f3.5-4.5
Minolta 70-210 F4 (Beercan)
Minolta 75-300mm f4.5-5.6 (Big Beercan)
Minolta 75-300mm f4.5-5.6 (New)
Sony 18-200mm f3.5-6.3

price paid:

300 USD (used)

positive:

Very sharp

negative:

Heavy by today's standards
Does not have circular aperture blades

comment:

I just got this lens and I love it! Using it hand-held is a bit different from using my 50mm macro so I know it will take some time to get used to it, but so far I have no complaints.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: mccrisler   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:

price paid:

$300

positive:

Excellent Sharpness
Good flare control even without hood
Great build quality

negative:

Focus hunting

comment:

An excellent macro lens with good working distance, excellent sharpness, and very good build quality.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: AlphaMan   review date: February-24-10  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 135/2.8
Tamron 90/2.8
Minolta 50/2.8

price paid:

L135 (used)

positive:

VERY sharp
solid construction
1:1 macro

negative:

Heavy by modern standards
AF a little slow (perfectly usable)

comment:

I bought this lens because it was at a good price, thinking that I could sell it (without a loss) if I didn't like it. I had a Tamron 90 macro at the time and when I compared the two, I thought the Minolta was sharper (so the Tamron was sold).

It hunts a bit when using the AF for macro but probably not much different to the Tamron. Manual focus is usually better for macro anyway.

It also doubles up as a very sharp portrait lens. My copy is pin sharp wide open (count every eyelash), so it's a young persons portrait lens and needs a softar for the older or vain amongst us!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: eccles   review date: November-28-09  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 200mm HS G
Sony 70-400mm G
Sigma 105 EX macro

price paid:

L325 UK

positive:

Very sharp
Build quality
Nice bokeh

negative:

Slow AF
No focus lock button
Small focus ring

comment:

Compared to a previously owned Sigma 105 EX macro this lens is not significantly sharper on my A700. There may be a smidgin of extra micro detail with the Minolta but it is close. This is hardly surprising since both macro lenses are probably capable of equalling or outresolving the A700 sensor. But where the Sigma images were rather clinical looking with slightly lack-lustre colours, images with this lens have a 3D quality that is difficult to quantify. Out and out resolution just outperforms the Sony 70-400 zoom, which is a testament to Sony's prowess with the zoom being so close, and is too close to call when compared to the superb (and expensive!) Minolta 200mm.

When used for macro, AF is usually quite effective and accurate, although like most macro lenses, a little slow due to the long focussing range. The focus limiter helps here, and it can be set to go from 1:1 to 1:3.5 or from 1:4 to infinity. Focussing is quite noisy but no more so than other series 1 lenses.

Build quality, which is ultimately why I sold the Sigma, is superb with the Minolta, as is the case with most of the series 1 AF lenses. It appears to be constructed largely of metal, having a reassuring weight, although it only weighs 10g more than the RS and Sony versions.

The supplied lens cap is a bit of a nuisance as it has to be removed to turn the hood around from its reversed position. I swapped it for the centre-pinch design cap from my Sony kit lens as I hardly ever use the hood for that.

The 100mm Macro lends itself to extension tubes, still giving good results when focussed closer than designed. While Steady-Shot works fine for semi-macro subjects, as you get closer to, and beyond, 1:1 it becomes less apparently effective. This is because camera shake can be compensated by the sensor shift but small variations in focus cannot.

The lens serves as a very useful general purpose 100mm prime, although the AF speed can sometimes be a bit of a nuisance. Bokeh isn't quite up to beercan smoothness but considering the aperture leaves are not circular it is still pretty good. As a macro lens it is as good as anything else out there, with Steady-Shot at a fraction of the cost of image-stabilised Canikon equivalents. With a focal length that enables the bug hunter to get in amongst the undergrowth and shoot spectacular photos it is a cracking lens.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Bahudda   review date: November-19-09  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Zeiss 135mm f1.8, Minolta 85mm f1.4 (original)

positive:

Sharp, sharp and great for portraits

negative:

Slow focusing at times

comment:

This lens did nothing but rest in my bag until I got the A850 and I decided to try it out on some portrasit work. I was so amazed at how good it was that I am having trouble taking it off my camera. The detail is so good that I have problems distinguishing from my 135mm f1.8 ZA. Its micro contrast is not quite up there with the Zeiss or the Minolta 85mm f1.4 but it is so close that you really have to look hard. In color it has the Minolta warmth and that is the major distinction. The bokeh is just wonderful.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Costas   review date: October-01-09  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Min 24/2.8
Min 35-105
Min 100-300
Sony 18-250
Sony 70-400G

price paid:

870 AUD (new)

positive:

Very Sharp
Excellent choice for macro work

negative:

Small focus ring
CA can be problematic

comment:

I purchased this lens new back when the Minolta 7000i was released!
Great 'Old School' Minolta metal build quality - only drawback is that it makes it heavier than the current Sony equivalent.
Very Sharp - as most other reviewers have noticed.
Not a big fan of the small focus ring which can be a bit of a pain as I use manual focus for macro work.
I have found that CA is problematic when using this lens for non macro work in high contrast scenarios.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: cwtbone   review date: September-15-09  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

beercan,

price paid:

$200 used

positive:

Sharp with great colors and contrast

negative:

You need to work hard to get good shots.

comment:

This is a great lens but you really need to spend some time with it to get the best shots. The focus area is tiny. Any body movement or hand shake will mess you up big time. I shoot hand held 99% of the time and there has been a learning curve that has included how I grip the camera. When you get things in proper focus the results are amazing.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: dsoulsticec   review date: May-21-09  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 28-135mm F4.0-4.5 XX's Crossed
Minolta 135mm F2.8
Minolta 70-210mm F4.0
Minolta 50mm F1.7
Minolta 100-200mm F4.5
Minolta 35-105mm F3.5-4.5
Minolta 28-85mm F3.5-4.5
Minolta 35-70mm F4.0
Sigma 35-135mm 3.5-4.5
Minolta 100-300mm APO F4.5-5.6
Sony 18-70mm F3.5-5.6

price paid:

600 USD (used)

positive:

negative:

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Milan33m   review date: May-07-09  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

MAF 70-210/4 Beercan, MAF 28-105/3,5-5,6, MAF 100-300/4,5-5,6 MAF 50/1,7

price paid:

300 EUR (used)

positive:

Very good sharpness specially on macro pictures. Metal built body and bayonett mount.

negative:

A bit heavy weight, small front wheel rotates when keep lens in a hand, a bit noisy in full AF mode

comment:

One of my great lenses, old fashioned steel made, a bit heavy, but takes fabulous pictures! Worth its price for me!
New Sony made (plastic?) one costs here ca.900 USD!

Very good sharpness specially on macro pictures (i.e.: flowers, fleas, architecture details, people faces). Very good for taking pictures in less light rooms, enable me not to use flash in a room when kids don't like flash

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: RuneDK   review date: April-20-09  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 50mm f/1.4
Minolta 28-135mm
Minolta 70-210 f/4

price paid:

299 EUR

positive:

Sharpness
Focus Distance
DOF control
Large aperture
Color, Bokeh

negative:

Barrel extends very far
Manual focus is not straightforward

comment:

This lens is a real gem. Even though the popularity of the Sony DSLR system has driven Minolta lens prices up, this lens is still way cheaper than the new Sony 100mm Macro (which I haven't tried).

The lens is amazingly sharp and actually easy to work with once you get used to it. In terms of macro capability it easily outperforms all those zoom lenses with their 1:4 macro.

The focus limiter is really handy if you shoot still objects.

If you are into macro work, this is a must-have lens imo.
Way cheaper than the new Sony and you get one of the sharpest lenses from the Minolta lineup.

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: DonSergio   review date: January-29-09  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

- Sony 100 Macro
- 85za
- 135za
- Minolta 100 F2
- Voigtlander 125 F2.5
- Minolta 200 F4 G
- and other primes

price paid:

350$ (used)

positive:

+ Sharp
+ Good build quality
+ colors and contrast

negative:

- very very slow AF.
- Not comfort AF ring
- extends on focusing
- non SSM
- no weather resistant
- bokeh

comment:

This is awesome lens for nature. Colors on CCD sensor on A100 are vivid and fantastic! Only minus is very slow AF, but it is not big problem for macro shooting. Sony 100/2.8 Macro faster focusing and have AF limiter on lens.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Ome_Joop   review date: January-04-09  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Nothing, never owned any real Macro lens before

price paid:

395 Euro

positive:

Sharp
Heavy Metal
Good build

negative:

What a price!
Thin type focus ring (old style)

comment:

My first (and only) real macro lens used zooms and other primes to do that before.
I went for the old type because all my other minolta lenses are the old first AF ones so this one really fits in.
Easily the sharpest lens I own.
AF is slow but workable (altough it hunts at times) but who needs AF with a macro anyway?
Hood is good but i rather would have had a pinch type fit.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Wayne   review date: May-05-08  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 50mm macro
Vivitar 100mm plastic fantastic macro

price paid:

400 usd

positive:

Very sharp
Excellent contrast
Fast focus
Traditional Minolta colors

negative:

Rather costly
Too sharp for some portraits
Hard to find

comment:

Great lens for general macro use. It is far better than the newer models in construction and build. The color is traditional Minolta and flare and distortion are well controlled. The focusing is fast for a macro, and this is a good general purpose lens suitable for indoor use too (f2.8). This is one lens I keep in my bag when out hiking as I find it to provide enough distance between the camera and the subject.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: ricardovaste   review date: March-20-08  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

+Very Sharp
+Great colours
+Great contras
+Great bokeh, especially for a macro lens
+Great build

negative:

-thin focus ring
-with my sample, ive had problems with the focus shaft catching and causing stiffness, but easily repaired.

comment:

I've had this lens for many years now and I am ever so greatful to have used it. It never fails to amaze me, the quality that it can produce. It is just a shame that it is currently limited by my A100 sensor. This lens deserves more.

The detail and sharpness that this lens can rendor is outstanding. If you are into macro and have a chance to purchase this lens, or a different model, dont turn it down. You wont regret it.

I have changed my line up quite a bit over the years. This lens and the 50mm are the only lenses that I have never sold and will never consider selling. You live with this lens and it will see you through, a true performer in ever sense.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: veevee   review date: December-12-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

- very sharp
- soid metal construction, built like a tank

negative:

slow AF, if there is not enough light

comment:

Got it, when prices was relatively low.

I like macro and this lens is also wery helpful in my job.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: bender21   review date: December-04-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

$350 (Used)

positive:

Terrific IQ
Very sharp,
Nice bokeh,
Brilliant colors.

negative:

Near-Useless AF, IMO
Small MF ring
Lens extension for macro doesn't seem very sturdy..

comment:

Terrific IQ from this lens.. I could not say anything bad about the photos it is capable of. The deal breaker for me was the fact that it hunted horrible, and not just in low-ish light. It was better with the focus limiter, but then it was still quite slow. Without the limiter, it is nigh unbearable. I, as nearly everyone else, used it by manually focussing, however, the ring is way too small, and I didn't feel comfortable enough using it. I am very close to buying the RS version for the improvements, with the same fantastic IQ.. but I am still getting some samples from the 100/2 with extension tubes, and see how that compares to a dedicated macro.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: MarBu   review date: November-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:

250 € used

positive:

-Incredibly sharp
-Overall build very sturdy (metal)
-Nice bokeh and colours

negative:

-My focus limiter is a bit loose now, it sometimes accidentally gets limited
-focus ring is a bit small
-AF not very fast, but that's no big deal as I use MF most of the time

comment:

I always carry this lens with me. I initally picked it up because it was priced attractive, but after using the lens a few times I got addicted to macro-photography.
I find the focus length (on crop-factor) a bit too long for portraits, but besides that it's a beautiful lens.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: karotka   review date: July-17-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

MIN 50/1.4,
SIG 180/2.8 macro 1:2

price paid:

300 € used

positive:

my basic prime lens

negative:

comment:

Rarely leaves my D5D body. Colours, contrast, sharpness and softness are perfect ballanced. Excellent boceh. This lens has ability to learn to see and to be prepared because of its slow AF. It takes stunning portraits of flowers. Great for macro of course. I use it in music concerts in manual mode also. I wish MIN had 100-200/2.8 1:1 macro.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Dinostrich   review date: July-17-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

28mm f2.8
50mm f1.7
400mm f5.6

price paid:

L125

positive:

Sharp
Great OOF rendition
Solid
Focus limiter

negative:

Can hunt a bit

comment:

About as good as it gets. So sharp it is acidic. Great OOF ( OK bokeh if you must ) and colour. Minolta at their best.

Not only used for macro but generally and for portraits but do let the sitter know that this will show them "warts and all".

Can hunt a bit but for macro work MF is the better way anyway and the focus limiter cuts down on all the tooing and froing. Previously had the 50mm version but the extra length makes this a less obtrusive lens.

Mine went off the rails recently and had to be repaired but seeing as it will be good for at least another 20 years I have not knocked the build quality.

Did I say it is sharp !

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: pnaciona   review date: June-09-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

135mm f/2.8

price paid:

350 USD (used)

positive:

solidly built
extremely sharp

negative:

slow focusing
tiny focusing collar

comment:

This old lens is amazingly sharp. It's heavy but the weight doesn't really bother me. I would like to say that it produces beautiful, crisp colors but it's really hard to say whether those are due to this lens or the KM 7D. I've never been disappointed with the colors produces by this camera and all of my Minolta prime lenses. The only thing that bothers me with this lens is the focusing--slow and tends to hunt a lot with the 7D. But that's really no big deal as I always manual focus when shooting macros. When shooting non-macro stuff, remember to enable to focus limiter as it will help speed locking focus a bit.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: DaveK   review date: May-17-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

* Sigma 90mm 2.8 Macro (sold)
* Minolta 50mm 2.8 Macro
* Minolta 200mm 2.8 HS APO G
* Minolta 100mm 2.0
* Minolta 135mm 2.8

price paid:

330 Euro

positive:

* Sharp
* colour
* bokeh
* build

negative:

* slow AF
* small Focusring

comment:

I had to buy this lens. I used the Sigma, but als a Minoltian I'd like to own the real stuff. I sold the Sigma recently.

Macro: I like this lens better than the Sigma for contrast and colours. It's slow AF makes it using the MF more. Once you're used to the small focus ring, it's to be done very well.
Use it much more often than the 50mm 2.8 macro for its working distance. I tend on selling that one. I own the 50mm 1.4 and the 50mm 1.7 as well.

Portrait: I think, this one is a little sharper than the other Minolta lenses I use (shown above; not sharper than the 200mm!). Again, slower AF. But thats all. It's the first prime I bought half a year ago, but I use it a lot since then.

I love it.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Dixon042   review date: April-17-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

28-135 macro
70-21 f/4
135 f/2.8
85mm f/1.4g

price paid:

$650.00

positive:

Sharp!!!!!!!!
Superb Minolta color
Focus limit knob
looks like it belongs on my alpha

negative:

Low light focus hunt.focus limit big help
Rare

comment:

Superb macro lens.Also great for general walk around.It is always with me.Love this lens.Outdoor is more useful to reach subject.Indoor 50mm is preferred.I consider this a g Quality lens after comparing to all my other lenses. Also a bargain at $500.00 in mint condition.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: DavidB   review date: March-26-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

50 1.7
200 2.8 APO
28-135 zoom

price paid:

Forget

positive:

I love this lens; it is my most used Maxxum. Have had it for about 20 years and it works flawlessly. Very sharp, nice colour, solid metal build.

negative:

Focussing ring is small, but easy to get used to. AF is slow, but for the subject matter I am often going for with this lens, I manual focus. Not circular aperture.

comment:

This is an exceptionally veratile lens that I have used for thousands of images. I once dropped it on a concrete floor, and it "bent". Minolta repaired good as new.

Good viewing distance for insects, hard-to-approach subjects.

I have made some of my best selling images with this macro.

Non-circular aperture can cause distracting flare highlights in backlit images.

Examples can be found on my blog at: http://web.mac.com/davidbannister

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Tukki   review date: March-16-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

A100 kit lens (SAL1780)

price paid:

around $400 (used)

positive:

Incredibly sharp!
Nice bokeh.
Well built.

negative:

The focusing ring is a bit small really - however it is possible to get used to that.

comment:

Comparing with the kit lens I own this is a complete marvel! Real joy to use for both portraits and macro. Just luv this piece of glass/metal.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Okapi   review date: February-19-07  

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
50mm. macro 3,5

price paid:

150sfr(used, a barga

positive:

The best lens when you need a precise macro from everything, better than the 50mm.macro as I've used together for sharpness.

negative:

? even the price new actually '

comment:

Despite the difficulty for having the right point as sharp as you can with the Sony again a Minolta 7000 in the visor, the best macro lens I've used.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: BrownJenkin   review date: February-05-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

AF 18-70 DT
Sony 50 f1.4

price paid:

400 eur (used)

positive:

Absolutely sharp
Metallic build
nice position for MF ring

negative:

AF in low light and on 1:1 zoom

comment:

Editing my review after months of usage. I used this lens both as a macro lens and also as a portrait lens in some situations. Still having some problems with AF in low light. The AF hunts a lot, sometimes it's quite annoying. Switching to MF is the better solution.

This is the only scratch on a wonderful lens. Colors, sharpness, are amazing. Build is really heavy, but robust. One of my most favourite minolta glass.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Dumont   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:

Minolta 135/2.8 Original, 85/1.4 GD, Sigma 50/2.8 Macro

price paid:

325 USD (used)

positive:

Sharp, sharp, sharp, sharp, sharp, sharp, sharp! Excellent bokeh.

negative:

AF hunts even in broad daylight but mostly when switching from a very close subject to a much further away subject.

comment:

I always wondered what was all the hype about this macro and now can see. Very sharp and when it isn't (I think my camera is set to neutral sharpness) images accept sharpening in CS2 very well. I had a Sigma 50mm/2.8 macro which I liked very much but this blows it away. I can't wait til spring to really give a nice workout on flowers and insects.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: samuel_k   review date: December-18-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Min 100/2.8 RS
Tamron 90/2.8
Sigma 105/2.8

price paid:

450 USD (used)

positive:

Sharpness
Bokeh
Color rendition
Build quality
Focus range limiter

negative:

MF ring somewhat small

comment:

I have no choice but to give this lens an overall 5. This lens is bizarrely sharp and delivers a fantastic bokeh as well as neutral, well-balanced colors. Also, it's built like a tank with lots of metal. The barrel has a shiny jet black finish which looks very cool. This lens is definately on a par with the G lenses.

However, there are two downsides. First and foremost, the AF is very slow (as with all 1:1 macros). Fortunately, there's a focus range limiter which comes in handy for portrait work. Secondly, the MF ring is not even a centimetre in width. However, the placement at the very end of the lens makes it easy to find.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Sorppa   review date: November-25-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tamron SP 90/2.5 Macro with Adaptall-2 mount (which is a manual focus lens, I have used it on the 5D as well as on film).

price paid:

430 EUR (used)

positive:

Very good lens. Very high optical quality and good build. Solid and heavy. Sharp wide open. Very nice bokeh.

negative:

Small focusing ring, which makes it hard to focus manually. (The RS version has a much larger and better focus ring). Slow AF. Hunts surprisingly often for such a fast lens.

comment:

This is my favorite lens all categories. It is very good for both macro and allround work, and has excellent optical quality and build.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: molasses   review date: November-12-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

- 50/1.4
- beercan
- Tokina 28-70/2.6-2.8
(bit of apples and pears here!)

price paid:

200GBP

positive:

- sharp
- build quality
- classic

negative:

- slow AF
- you could argue it would be nicer to have the the D version (but I'd find little use for this)

comment:

Currently my favourite, and sharpest lens.

It's been my first opportunity to really start shooting macro and this feels a great lens to be doing it with.

If you can work round the AF this lens also produces some stunning non-macro shots, it captures masses of detail.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: barri   review date: October-17-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tokina 2.6-2.8/28-70
Sony 1.4/50

price paid:

680 Euro (new)

positive:

super sharp lens
metal construction
focus limiter
no back/front focussing issues

negative:

no major issues, but focus ring could be larger and I would love an internal focusing construction.
focus is slow.

comment:

probably one of the best lenses out there and surely the sharpest in my lineup. Highly recommended.
If you can afford it, I would also consider the newer versions of this lens from KM and Sony due to their larger focusing ring.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: pedrocr   review date: October-11-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

100-300 APO
70-210 f/4

positive:

- Ultra-sharp
- Well built
- Great bokeh

negative:

- Could use a wider focus ring like some of the other versions
- Focus slowly although the focus lock helps

comment:

This is just a fantastic lens. Very sharp wide open. Great for macros (naturally) and portraits.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: rjmccutchan   review date: September-18-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

250

positive:

Very sharp
Sturdy Build
Focus limit switch

negative:

Slow AF in low light, but it is not designed to be mechanically fast.

comment:

This is a great piece of glass that I use for portrait and wedding work. I like equipment to be built sturdy, and this lens is just that. It does hunt while focusing at times, especially in low light, but, it is designed for macro work where focusing is done by way of rails where the entire camera is moved, thus making focusing a non-issue for macro. I can deal with the slow focus in trade of build and image quality. Ultimately, image quality is my main concern, and this lens is very capable of delivering stunning quality. It just takes a little patience while doing wedding work. But for portrait work, it is not a problem at all.

Macro work in a no brainer: This lens is simply awesome for macro.

Another nice feature on this lens is the focus limit switch. You can limit the focus for distant subjects, or switch to full focus for macro. If you limit the focus, it does not have to hunt through the entire focus range.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: oliphoto   review date: June-08-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

negative:

comment:

[Note: Performance judged on usage with a full frame camera]

The optical performance of this lens at f:4 and above is excellent. The AF is slow, and the focusing ring is ridiculously small.
I use it for macro of course (it is really fun to use then), portraits (not as fun because of slow AF), and landscapes (traditional as well as high res stitched pictures).

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Cekari   review date: May-20-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

Sharp

negative:

AF hunts a lot at the closest range sometimes (lens or cameras fault?)

comment:

This is a top notch lens in all respects but build (bought 1990 2nd hand)
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).
Don't know if those problems are for newer lenses as well.
Internal focusing would been great for this kind of lens.

Got myself a newer RS and very much the same as above.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Mark_k   review date: April-15-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

300

positive:

Sharpness and colour

negative:

Slow and chunky focusing, weight

comment:

Almost some piece of glass I will rather not carry in my day backpack but I do. Wish I could exchange it for a D version for better focusing and lighter weight. I also wish an SSM version will be available as proven in other systems.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Bob S.   review date: April-03-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 105mm

positive:

Sharp as hell and built like a tank! No other 1:1 macro lens can compare to the original Minolta version (IMO).

negative:

None

comment:

I love shooting close-ups - either in the garden in the studio. This lens just flat-out performs! Can become long-ish on DSLR in the studio when shooting tabletop items, but I've learned to compensate because the sharpness of this lens brings out every detail like no other.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: mikeman   review date: March-13-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

negative:

comment:

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: hitormiss   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:

70-210 f4

positive:

bought for $245 used, 1:1 macro capability

negative:

purple fringing

comment:

Great to have a 1:1 macro again. A little disappointed with purple fringing(tree branches against snow). This is a pretty tough test on a lens however. I can't say that any of my Minolta glass could have done any better( have no G lenses though :>(

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: damian.bradley   review date: February-02-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

135mm f2.8
70-210 f3.5-4.5

price paid:

300 usd

positive:

- sharp
- fast and accurate af (with limiter engaged)
- great....macro!
- bright

negative:

- heavy
- 100mm is good for macro, not my cup of tea for general purpose

comment:

I haven't really put this one through it's paces, but I can give you my first impressions. Furtunately lots has already been said about this lens. It is super-sharp. The AF is fast and VERY accurate. The working distance for macro shooting is great. Colour, bokeh is very nice. I have zero problems with the size of the manual focus ring.

The lens is relatively heavy, but lots of glass and a solid build quality is a good thing. I personally don't love the 100mm length on the 7D crop for casual shooting, I chose the 135 f2.8 over this one for the extra focal length and smaller size. It's hard to fault with the maco though...it does what it is supposed to do, and it does it amazingly well. If you want any of a 100mm, macro, or the sharpest lens you can shove on your camera, get this lens.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: brettania   review date: October-07-05  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tamron 90 SP MkII 172
Signa 105 macro
Sigma 180 f5.6 macro
Min 50 f2.8 macro

price paid:

220 NZD (2nd hand)

positive:

Excellent sharpness, neutral with colours, this lens does all you want from a macro.

negative:

A very tiny question mark over the bokeh when compared to the 70-200 SSM.

comment:

If I had to reduce to one lens, I think this would be it, despite the hunting that it sometimes does when you change from a "far" subject to a "near" one. Sharp throughout the aperture range. Makes macro "fun" and good focal length with digital.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Chris GB   review date: March-19-05  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

Very sharp, quick focussing for type, nice build quality

negative:

None

comment:

The lens is very sharp across the whole aperture range (the edges of in focus objects occupy just 2 pixels width in the bayer grid, so the 7D could not utilise any more sharpness). Colour is accurate and free of cast.

An excellent lens.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: agetan   review date: November-21-04  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 100mm f2.8 D

positive:

Image Quality
Price on 2nd hand market
Build quality

negative:

small focusing ring

comment:

I have used this lens for about 1 years and very impress with the quality of the image. I simply love it.

My main concern is the focusing ring is quite small so it is harder for me to focus, bear in mind I manual focus 100% when doing macro work.

See my other review on the newer Minolta 100mm f2.8 D