Minolta AF 200 F2.8 G APO HS  reviews

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: joestealthmode   review date: January-04-13  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta Beercan 70-210 f/4
Sony 85mm f/1.4 ZA
Sony 300mm f/4.5-5.6 G SSM

price paid:

1100 USD (used)

positive:

Smaller than expected
Built-in lens hood
Fast focus
Built in 1989!

negative:

Vignette apparent from f/2.8-f/4
Back-focus issues
Chromatic Aberration wide open through f/4

comment:

I got this lens on a whim as it was one I have heard a lot about and most of the reviews are positive. I have used this lens on the A99, A77, and A900. Mounted on all three, this lens just looks like it belongs. It is smaller than I expected it to be. with the built-in hood retracted, it is only about 2 inches longer than my 85mm f/1.4 ZA fully-extended. With the hood on, it is only about an inch longer than the 85mm f/1.4 ZA with its hood on. The barrel of the 200mm lens is skinnier until it reaches the hood.

Right off the bat I could tell my copy backfocused on the A99. It was difficult to calibrate but I was able to get much closer after a -10 AF Micro Adjustment. I found I get better results on my A99 if I use DMF with this lens, and peaking cranks on when it releases focus, so I don't really see an issue with any back-focusing.

This copy has a heavy, yet pleasing vignette at f/2.8 and it is apparent through f/4 and disappears completely at f/5.6. The hood does not appear to help or hinder the vignette.

The color reproduction is nothing short of outstanding and lives up to the hype. Wide open, this lens is fairly sharp but really shines at f/4 and beyond.

This lens has CA issues wide open and through f/4 which is unrivaled by any of the lenses I have used so far in high contrast situations. Most of the time the CA is fixable using Lightroom, but the largest purple band I've experienced to date. A polarizer seems to help in the situations I experience CA in, but it may be placebo.

The focus ring is hidden with a little door on the side panel, which is different.

On the A77 the lens has a good reach and the vignette isn't as apparent at f/2.8 and clears up around f/3.5. On the A900, the lens just works. Nothing special and over the top.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: jonatanmelin   review date: March-09-12  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 70-200 2,8 APO
Tamron 70-200 2,8
Minolta 80-200 HS APO G
Zeiss 135 Sonnar
Minolta 85 1,4 GD

price paid:

700 Euro

positive:

Small, Light, SHARP, Contrast, COLOUR fast Af with limiter

negative:

Long CA @ f/2,8

comment:

Really nice little gem 8)

Small and light for it´s FL. And it really is as sharp as u could ever wish for. It equals to the Zeiss 135 1,8 in pure resolution! One drawback though, and that is the long CA thats pretty pronounced at larger apertures (2,8-4) and some loss of contrast in some situations. That´s nitpicking though, because it´s no big deal to fix it with some PP afterwards.

Have´nt tryed it with any of the dedicated TC´s, but it´s suposed to corperate pretty nice with the Minota 1,4 TC i´ve heard 8)

There´s lot of lenses out there that for sure is compareable in terms of sharpnes etc, but i cant imagine there´s lots that can compete in the same size-class! And come on, the lens is about 25 years old!!! And it really is tiny! And small and light and sharp and white and good and ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!

Maybe it could cross my mind to trade it for a Sony 70-200 if i could have one fore the same money, but i have´nt tried the Sony yet so i really cant tell if it would be worth it.... The Sony have the benefit to be a lot more flexible with shorter MFD and offcorse the zoomability...

But for now it´s the absolutely best 200mm lens i´ve tried to date! The above mentioned zoomlenses have not been nearly as sharp at 200!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: lifeispixels   review date: February-21-12  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

1200 USD used, mint

positive:

- Perfect lens. No need to adjust anything in post processing.
- sharp at f2.8. Breathtaking at f4.
- focus is very accurate, although not as speed demon as SSM but very close

negative:

- strong CA at f2.8 since it's not designed for digital
- hood does not lock when not extended in use position.
- hard to find one in mint condition without paint chips, scratches.

comment:

Absolutely the king of 200mm! When I first tried this lens, I thought it's not so sharp at f2.8 but I was wrong! My copy actually back focuses quite a lot and need -10 micro adjustment in the cameras. So check your copy carefully before concluding that it's not sharp.

The lens reaches breathtaking level when stopped down to f4. I'm always stunned when I pixel peep at f4. I can clearly see every hair and pore on the model's skin. Every imperfection is brutally shown by its extreme sharpness and contrast. Works particularly well with flash. Skin tone it delivers is amazing and I couldn't believe this is from a 20 years old lens!

CA can be strong in some situations at f2.8 but completely gone at f4. Vignette is also strong wide open.

The colors of this lens are the particular reason I chose over the CZ 135 f1.8 ZA. It's a classic Minolta style. Although the tones are not as warm as Minolta 100 f2. Both lens complement each other very well and deliver consistent results.

I paired this lens with Sony 1.4x and 2.0x APO converters and surprised how quick the lens can focus at with 1.4x. With 2.0x, it's respectfully quick for 400mm. It can hunt in some situation so using the focus limiter knob together with 2.0x is recommended. With TCs, I need to stop down a few stops and extremely pleased by the resolution it can deliver.

My copy is completely mint and no sign of wear on the white paint. I'm sure if one is not too rough, the paint's going to be fine.

Truly the greatest/ most enjoyable to use of all my Minolta AF arsenals. Followed distantly by the Minolta 100f2. I will never sell this one no matter how much offered.

See my photos with Minolta 200mm f2.8 APO G HS on my Flickr collection at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lifeispixels/collections/72157628204412995/

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Kilkry   review date: November-18-11  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Beercan (same focal length)

price paid:

700e incl. shipping

positive:

+Sharp at f/2.8
+Relatively small and portable
+Very quick AF
+Well built (minus the paint)
+Built-in fold-down hood is very practical

negative:

-Focus isn't always spot on(could be that it isn't on entirely friendly terms with my A580)
-Some purple fringing at f/2.8
-White paint is pretty and chips easily

comment:

Generally:

It looks neat, it's portable, when it focuses right* it produces sharpness at f/2.8 equal to the beercan (at 200mm) at f/8. I have found no central sharpness increase by stopping down, though purple fringing tends to go away. Besides the sharpness the bokeh is good, as is the whole general rendition.

With TCs:

With the Minolta original 1.4x tc there is no significant drop in AF speed, and image quality at f/5.6 (max f/4) is very good, but of course the bokeh is not as good as at f/2.8.
Using the original 2.0x tc the AF is, unless presented with a very contrasty target, pretty hopeless(with the A580). Still, images at 100% are better than those from the 1.4x tc upscaled to equal size.

Flare..I don't know, I usually don't mind flare so much.

*Focus speed is streets ahead of the beercan but not always accurate. It's not a consistant front- or backfocus issue and it doesn't appear to matter if the target is a bird in flight or a brick wall(gods know the beercan has little chance to track BIF). I think it isn't anything to do with this particular specimen, but rather just like Munger says about the 300 f/4 == 'Slightly faster than the Sony 70-400 but not quite as accurate' == 22 year old lens design. Plus, the previous owner is a respected dyxum member who didn't mention having any issues with it, and I seldom express my self in a positive way if I don't have to :P


Overall though, I definitely like it.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: glefebvre   review date: October-20-11  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Min 70-200 f/2.8 SSM
Min 75-300 - big bear can
CZ 135 f/1.8
Sig 170-500

price paid:

899 USD (new)

positive:

Compact, light, fast focusing, sharp

negative:

None

comment:

This is a great lens. Compact, light and fast focusing on all of the film and digital cameras that I have. Focusing is very accurate = more keeps. Very sharp lens even wide open. Stop it down to f/5.6 or f/8 and it's tack sharp. Great focus limiter which helps this lens focus even faster. Has a built in hood so you'll never loose it. Works very well with 1.4x and 2.0x Min TC and retain AF with both TC's. It has the normal "Minolta colors" which I find to be more pleasing then the colors of the CZ 135 but about the same as the Min 70-200 SSM.
This is a great complement to my Min 300 f/4 and Min 400 f/4.5 lenses.
This is a keeper, one lens I will never get part with.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: fhaizal   review date: April-10-11  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

70-300ssmG

positive:

Sharp

negative:

comment:

The best lens from Minolta

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Depth of Field   review date: March-28-11  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

Excellent sharpness.
Great minolta colors
Fast focussing on the A700
Light

negative:

comment:

Sold my sony 70-200 and bought this little baby.
Sharpness is a little better than the sony and easier to carry around all day because of the weight.
Problem is that i have do more footwork.
Have no problems with the paint, there are only a few marks on it.
Now i have try to find a 1.4 converter or the 2.0.
This one stays.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: N.Terrell   review date: January-27-11  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

300 Can

positive:

Everything

negative:

Nothing

comment:

This lens made even me the bonehead into a brilliant photographer. This is a lens unmatched by anything else I have ever used. A travesty to have sold it off, but my wedding was more important.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Apocalypse_later   review date: October-05-10  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony 70-300G
Tokina 28-80 2.8
Tamron 35-105 2.8
Sony 50 1.4
Minolta 135 2.8
Tamron 17-50 2.8
Beercan

price paid:

500€

positive:

Very good AF, great sharpness, great build. Light and small. Nice bokeh. Very good with tc 1.4x and even 2x.

negative:

You can´t buy it new and it´snt very cheap usually. Hood can´t be locked when retracted. Weak white paint. Purple fringing at 2.8 in thin objects with hard back light.

comment:

Fantastic lens, great with teleconverters, great sharpness, good bokeh, build, AF, flare control... Great.

My best lens, really a "black leg" as we say in Spain.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: dumbasadoorknob   review date: September-02-10  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony 70300G
Min 70-210/4
Min 100-400

price paid:

usd 840 used

positive:

Perfect clarity
Minolta colors
Light
Small

negative:

Poor white paint
Funny focus cover

comment:

This is a wonderful lens, and makes a really fine combination with a 1.4x TC too. It is "sharp" -- meaning it focusses perfectly, and the image has clearly defined edges -- but it also produces excellent background blur, three dimensional subjects and a soft feeling in a living subject that is tangible.

I keep opening the focus cover while holding the lens, which is annoyingly bad design. My specimen came with the really annoying flaking white paint condition -- so I carefully scraped the white paint off with a wooden spatula, and then painted the resulting grey and silver monstrosity black --and it is a far nicer lens to carry than the white one! Try it, you'll like it. The white paint issue is a build defect.

The hood is really effective, and the lens is a tidy size and weight. I'll never part with it, and enjoy every image it produces -- but I now like my "new" and black 100-400 as much. In Southern California, the slowness of the zoom is not much of a disadvantage. But still the 200/2.8 is better for really valuable pictures that one doesn't want to leave behind. And with the size of the A900 image, cropping the 200/2.8 is always an option.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Bahudda   review date: July-30-10  

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 ZA
Min - 100mm f2.0
Can - 200mm f2.8 L
Min - 35mm f2.0
Sony - 35mm f1.4 G
Sony - 50mm f1.4

positive:

Light weight, sharp, color and contrast

negative:

Didn't get one sooner

comment:

This lens takes off where the 100f2 stops. It is a true contender to the Zeiss 135f1.8. It renders an image much like the 100f2 and has the richness of color of the 35f2. It is easily as sharp as the Canon 200f2.8L. The bokeh from this lens is smooth and buttery yet richer in color than the 135ZA.

This lens has a shorter MFD than its Canon equivalent. It also handles CA better wide open. I held on to my Canon gear because of the 200L and now I can move on with no regrets due to the 200G.

If you are into prime lenses and need a clean fast and wonderful 200mm then I recommend this lens without reservations.

PS - Thanks hooni.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: vutrungphong   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:

Min 70-200G
Min 80-200G
CZ16-80
Beercan
Min 50 1,7

price paid:

775euro used

positive:

-Sharpness: super, sharp wide open. (sharper than 70-200G)
-bokeh: butter creamy
-Contrast: super
-Color saturation : super
-Weight: when you compare this with a 80-200G or 70-200G, it 's a biiigggg difference. Hand-hold is sooooo pleasing.
-Build: you know this lens would serve you, your son, and your grandson.

This lens match so well with the 1,4x and 2x dedicated converter that I forget about the 70-400G.

negative:

-Purple Fringing at F2,8 when it comes to extrem situation (black text on white background in sunny day)
-noisy, everyone hears you focusing.
- the paint fall out easily

comment:

I own this lens 2-3 years. Sold it, and then buy it again.
I do lots of wildlife photos. Tried it with Min TC 1,4x and 2x, I'm suprised with the results, especially with the 1,4x on: the quality stay the same as with out.
So with this combo I would give up the flexibility of the 70-400.

With this choice, I have actually an amazing 200G f2,8, a super 300G f4, and a so-so-ok 400 f5,6.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: riki   review date: April-12-10  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

Light compared to a 70-200 zoom
White looks pro
SHARP
great build

negative:

none

comment:

Buy it.

This is such a good lens. The focus is very fast. There is a mechanical focus limiter so you can set the focus to be between the MFD and 'x', or between 'x' and infinity, where 'x' is any distance you want to set with the silver screw next to the distance window. That's really quite useful. Its also got a focus limiter on the HS variant, not there in the non HS. Theres also a clip down cover for the focus ring. The inbuilt hood doesnt lock in the down position and this gets a lot of mention, but to be honest when the hood is retracted, its not getting used, so that really doesnt matter.

This is the type of lens thats very sharp and very usable from wide open. I use mine with a sony 2x teleconverter and the results are very good from that.

The paint does come off very easily. Since I had mine a big flake of paint came off the side and I'm very careful with it. If you are buying one, dont let paint loss discourage you, it doesnt mean it's been mishandled in any way. Even if you buy one without paint loss I can guarantee that it wont stay that way. It also look kind of retro cool.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: GramParsons   review date: March-13-10  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

L730

positive:

Sharp
Great colour
Portability

negative:

None

comment:

Outstanding IQ, with great colour, sharpness and contrast. Portable for a 200mm 2.8. It's just a great, great lens. Can't lock the hood in down position which is a bit odd but who really cares! A great example of just how good some of Minolta's G glass was.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: mambo   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:

Min 70-210 f/4,
Min 80-200 f/2.8 G apo HS

price paid:

800USD (used)

positive:

sharp,
fast,
light,
It is great value for money

negative:

the paint peels off

comment:

One of the true great lens. My copy looks like it has been dropped many times and still works fantastically. The colours are great.

I now have the difficult problem of which lens I keep in my bag.....this one or the Minolta 80-200mm f/2.8G apo HS. I think the latter wins every time.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: RHD   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:

Leica R 180 Tele-elmarit 3.4
Canon 300 F 4.0 IS L

price paid:

1110 USD

positive:

Sharp.
Romantic colors
Excellent size/image ratio

negative:

A trivial nit: the lens hood does not lock in unextended position.
AF hunts a little in low light near focus situations.

comment:

I switched from Canon 1 DS because of the Zeiss lenses, and because I learned I could remount my Leica R and Contax C/Y Zeiss lenses. I was very pleased with the remounted Leica 180. I then acquired this lens. It is, in my perception, at least equal and probably better than the Leica R, and it has autofocus and is lighter. A real bonus. The images appear to be superior to the Canon 300 F 4.0 IS L, itself no slouch but much bigger. I am curious that Sony has not issued a re-badged version

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: tomhongkong   review date: September-12-09  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

70-300G

price paid:

680 USD

positive:

Sharp, sharp, sharp

Pictures just have a special quality

Small and light

Works well with teleconverter

negative:

The paint is falling off mine, the lens hood is loose and rattles about when it's in the non extended position.

comment:

This is my first G prime and it could be addictive!

The IQ is everything people say about it.

I have been using it with a Kenko Pro 300G 1.4x T/c and cannot decide whether the results beat my 70-300G at 300mm with just a bit of stopping down (f4 reported = 5.6 effective). Sometimes it does, sometimes the 70-300G wins. AF is fine with the 1.4x

I have tried the Kenko Pro 300 DG 2x as well. There is significant softening and it really needs stopping down to f8 (f16 effective) to get acceptable IQ, but in good light it becomes a reasonable 400mm lens. AF is slow with the 2x, and sometimes doesn't get there first time.

The paint is falling off especially on the focus ring cover, but the glass and operation are fine so that should not necessarily be taken as a sign of worn out lens. Mine was cheapish as a result so I am not complaining.

At present with the Kenko 1.4x t/c combo, it is my 'grab it' lens in case anything comes by my living room window.

It's now my favorite lens. Perhaps I should have given it a 4.0 for build, but can't because I can just overlook its shortcomings because of the IQ (and somebody has treated badly for the paint to fall off so much)

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: romke   review date: September-06-09  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

cz 24-70, cz 16-35

price paid:

euro 800 (used)

positive:

very sharp, good vivid color, fast, fast AF (also with 1.4 converter)

negative:

manual focus with a lot of play

comment:

compared to SSM CZ zooms relatively small, hand held operation up to 1/30 with image stabilization, on the a900 the focus lock on the lens can be reprogrammed to close the aperture to check the depth of field, buildin sunshade is handy but can only be locked in the extracted position (not when retracted). when used with 1.4 converter (old type) fast AF and handholdable. less suitable for manual focus (play between forward/backwards and not very precise)

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: TELLIAM   review date: June-09-09  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 80-200 f 2,8
Minolta 300 f 2,8_

price paid:

800 € (used)

positive:

sharp
size (weight & dimensions)
AF speed

negative:

hood not locked in idle position

comment:

I use this lense with A700 for sport & nature life for 3 months .
Could be used at full aperture with sufficient sharpness .
Very good lens for the optical performances .
Compared to zoom 80-200, the main bonus is the possibility to use teleconverters :With TC x 1,4 and TC x 2 , it is equal to 300 , 420 and 600 mm film size; and can be used at full aperture with TC x 1,4 without loss of sharpness .
Compared to 300 f 2,8 , the main advantage is the weight and size .This lens is very small and ideal for travel.
Robust lens with metal barrel and possibility to do hand focus with smooth focus ring without clearance .
This lens can be highly recommended in despite of his price on the market.I confirm the general opinion that it is one of the best lens made by Minolta .

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Pongo   review date: June-07-09  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

L150.00 S/H

positive:

Handling
Image quality
Build quality

negative:

Nothing

comment:

My favourite lens it's just sublime to use everything about this lens is great I've had now secondhand for three months my best photgraphic buy EVER L150.00 There is a little grey button on the side of lens Does anyone know what this if for?

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Josioau   review date: May-31-09  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 100-400 f/4.5-6.7 APO zoom

price paid:

US$1,099 (used, as new)

positive:

Light, well balanced, solid build, fast focus, great optics.

negative:

Hood does not lock when retracted.

comment:

Brilliant lens. Super sharp optics, superb bokeh, very fast to focus, well built, compact, well balanced, pleasure to use. With APSC sensor, effectively 300mm, f/2.8. Great results on my Alpha 700 when used on its own, and also when coupled to the Minolta 2x APO teleconverter II, when it effectively becomes a very reasonably compact 400mm f/5.6 (equivalent 600mm f/5.6) and retains full AF capabiity. One of the best. Highly recommended to all A mount devotees.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: DonSergio   review date: February-17-09  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

- 35G
- 85G
- 100 macro
- 70-300G
- 70-200G
- bercan
- Minolta 100-300 APO
- 85za, 135za, STF

price paid:

1000$ (Like New)

positive:

+ Light weight
+ fast focusing
+ useful focus limiter
+ build quality
+ Overall image quality
+ sharpness from wide open
+ Good enouth with original TC14

negative:

- Some CA wide open
- Hood cannot be locked when retracted
- Non SSM
- no weather resistant

comment:

I think that 200G one of the best Monolta lens ever build. It's better than 35G and 85G. This lens have brilliant sharpness and bokeh from wide open. Light weight, compact, fast AF, all in one. after getting this lens and TC14 i sold beercan and 100-300 APO, such as i don't use them. 200G is true Minolta gem. AF very fast on A700, also fast with TC14. This lens usable on APS-C and FF.
I don't use Minolta G-super tele 300/4, 300/2.8, 400, 600. But only one lens that i want to get in tele is 400G i think it will be perfect combo.

Sold it because on Full Frame cameras 200mm is not very usefull for me and i personally prefer 135za as short tele primes.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: borjomi   review date: February-03-09  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 70-210/4
Minolta 100-300 APO
Minolta 75-300 II
Minolta 85G
Minolta 50/2.8 macro
Minolta 50/1.7 I

price paid:

1000 USD (used)

positive:

Outstanding image quality
Outstanding built quality
Low CA
Compact size
Fast AF
Distance limiter
Focus ring protector

negative:

Hood does not fix in transport position

comment:

Perfet lens, razor sharp even at corners with very good bokeh.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: mediman30   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:

CZ 135 1.8

price paid:

L550

positive:

Lens to perfection

negative:

none

comment:

I bought this lens used about 3 years ago and still my favourite lens in my collection. I've got the CZ 135/1.8 but there is something with this lens that I really like compared with the CZ, They said the CZ is sharper but over all, I prefer the Minolta 200mm/2.8! If Sony will make this lens again, I will buy it and probably will get 2. If you are serious of investing for a wonderful piece of glass, this is the answer! I remember the first time I tried this lens, i said to myself...Wow, these are sort of pictures I normally see in National Geographic magazines.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: BROGUEIRA   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:

Sigma 100-300 F4

price paid:

700 GBP

positive:

Sharp and with liquid colors, fast AF, works great with original Minolta TC´s

negative:

I Forgot

comment:

High resolution in a smal package, even with TC´s gives good results, my favourite lens so far.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Micholand   review date: January-31-09  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

- outstanding optical quality
- very sharp, even wide open
- marvellous bokeh
- lightweight
- fast focus
- smooth manual focus control
- limiter & focus hold
- convenient built-in hood
- solid build

negative:

- Err...can't think of any weakness

comment:

This is one of Minolta's best - if not the best - and among the sharpest 35mm optic ever produced. It is relatively small and light for 200mm, has fast focusing speed and outstanding optical performance. The IQ is simply exceptional at all apertures, colour, contrast and resolution are extremely good, bokeh is very nice and distortion is not visible at all. If you are seriously into the A-mount, then you "need" this lens!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: nitrosyl   review date: January-11-09  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

- Sony Carl Zeiss 135mm f/1.8 Sonnar T*
- Minolta 70-210mm f/4 (beercan)
- Sony 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 SSM G
- Minolta 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 APO

positive:

- Superb Image Quality
- Superb Built Quality
- Superb AF Speed
- Very sharp wide open
- Amazing Bokeh
- Light & Small
- Build-in Hood
- Ability to pair w/ a Minolta/Sony APO TC

negative:

- It's white...
- Hood cannot be locked when retracted.
- Focus ring rotates when AF.
- Only available in 2nd hand market.

comment:

This lens is truly a masterpiece produced by Minolta. Side by side all my other glasses are dwarfed by this white baby. What a shame sony doesn't make it anymore!

Image quality is simply *SUPERB* in terms of resolution, color, and bokeh. This piece of work certainly out-resolves my A200's 10MP sensor and its IQ doesn't seem to suffer a bit when shooting wide open. Combining f/2.8 with in-body SSS, you can shoot handheld with this jewel in many less than ideal lighting conditions which f/4.5 or f/5.6 simply can't handle. And thanks to the HS design, AF speed is lightening fast. I probably would have missed catching some wonderful moments, if I took a beercan instead.

All in all, it's near impossible to take bad pictures with a 200/2.8, even with my mediocre skills and an entry level DSLR camera. I can only imagine how wonderfully this lens would work with an A700 or A900.

Built with metal and big chunks of crystal clear APO glasses, 200/2.8 APO HS shows you Minolta's standard for a "G" lens. Yet it only weighs ~800 grams which makes it realistic to shoot handheld all day long. Side by side with its hood fully extended, this lens is slightly shorter than the 70-210mm/f4 (beercan) with hood on.

There are a few minor issues to complain about, after I thought long and hard enough. First it easily attracts attention as a white lens, a black one would be nice and fit better with black camera bodies. Also the hood can only be locked when it's fully extended, but not when retracted. Thirdly the focus ring rotates during AF. But this issue can almost be neglected since Minolta provided a retractable metal cover over the focus ring.

I bought this lens instead of the 70-200mm/f2.8 SSM or 80-200mm/f2.8 G APO HS simply because the prime is lighter, cheaper, and provides (arguably) better IQ. If I own one of the two zooms mentioned above, I'd be using the 200mm end mostly anyways. 200/2.8 turns out to serve me really well, don't think I'll ever sell it...

A side note: IMHO the white paint doesn't come off that easily. The ones with paints peeling off may be abused or heavily used, so try to find a clean copy if you are looking to buy one of these.

2009-05-31, Edit: Now that I have tried this lens combined with a 1.4x Minolta APO Tele Converter (Original Version) on both A200 and A700, I can testify that w/ TC there's no visible IQ degradation even wide open; I haven't detected any focus hunting either, and thanks to 1:1 gearing of the Original Minolta 1.4x TC, AF speed is NOT slowed down a bit. It is a light yet potent combo that gives you a choice between 200mm/f2.8 and 280mm/f4. Highly recommended! This lens certainly outresolves A700's 12MP censor IMHO.

2011-01-04, Edit: This baby shines even more on my A850. IMO it is more versatile on an FF dSLR (where 200mm isn't a very long FL), whereas on APS-C (200*1.5 = 300mm) you really need quite a bit more space to use this lens.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: cjlethal   review date: January-07-09  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

70-210 4.0
70-210 2.8

price paid:

350 CAD

positive:

Sharp pictures
nice bokeh

negative:

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: tobyjay   review date: December-14-08  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta AF 135mm 2.8
Beercan
Minolta AF 100mm 2

price paid:

L650

positive:

Tripod not necessary
Fast AF
Great limiter & focus hold
A1 colours, contrast from wide open
Sharp at all all aperturess

negative:

Tiny amount of CA f/2.8-4

comment:

IQ comparable to 100/2.
Only fly in the ointment is a bit of CA in very high contrast areas gone by f/4. I marked down sharpness half a point because of this.
But IQ is jawdropping regardless.
EDIT:
**The lens has just had the first thorough cleaning in its life and much of the original sharpness has been restored, much less CA after cleaning the elements, so Sharpness score upped from 4.5 to 5, equivalent to 50/3.5 or 100/2 lenses.**
This lens is a very practical proposition compared to 2.8 zooms - light, superfast, accurate, easy to handle. Yes, it loses white paint but so what?
It is very neatly designed and well built and the look, complete with High Speed graphics is very Star Wars. I love this lens, it is now a permanent part of my 35 / 100 / 200 fast prime trio.
Highly recommended and excellent value for money!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: tgx78   review date: July-31-08  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

minolta 80-200/2.8
sony 50.4
cz 16-80
beercan

price paid:

$1035

positive:

sharp sharp sharp
fast AF

negative:

hood spins around when it's not locked into extended position

comment:

whatelse can I say more about this awesome lens.. It's almost perfect lens.
Works really well even with APO II 2X teleconverter when stopped down to f/8.
sharp corner to corner and really easy to hand hold.
buy it when you see one!

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: macrophoto   review date: July-20-08  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 100 - 300 F4 EX DG
Minolta 135 2.8
Minolta 85 1.4 G RS

price paid:

600 € used

positive:

sharp
small
light
bokeh
very fast AF
accurate AF
prefect travel tele
IF constant length

negative:

AF limiter requires practice

comment:

The auto focus of this lens is fast.
If you use the focus limiter the AF speed is extremely fast when used on a A700 or A900.
At the same aperture, resolution is the same as for the Sigma 100 - 300 at 200 mm.
F2.8 is sharp but there is a difference to F4
Bokeh is better than Sigma 100 - 300

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: goldencode   review date: June-19-08  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

$1099.00

positive:

Razor Razor Sharp
beautiful bokeh
small and lightweight
crop=300/2.8 !!

negative:

none

comment:

This lens is truly in a class by itself. Razor sharp sharp sharp. Even wide open. Beautiful bokeh. And in such a beautiful little package !!
The crop factor turns this lens into a lightwight 300/2.8 which is so easy to use. Super fast autofocus on my a700.

This is my go to lens when I want killer razor sharp images.
Images from this lens stand out and are distinctive b/c they are so sharp and crisp. This was the one lens I had to have and I paid more for it used than what it sold for new !! But this lens is as close to optical perfection as you can buy and it is worth every penny.

I use it for wildlife/nature/pet photography and you can count the subject's eyelashes...be thankful you shoot A-mount to have the opportunity to use this optical perfection gem.

I also read where a respected German magazine rated this lens as one of the 10 best lenses ever made.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: ckone   review date: June-05-08  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

70-210 f/4
75-300 f/4.5-5.6 "BB"

price paid:

1350$ (new-)

positive:

Build quality
Picture quality
Weight

negative:

Paint...

comment:

Wow. Wow. Wow.
Three repeating words that lead to my total score for this gem. 5.0
The only thing to criticize if you want to criticize: The paint on the outer lens is falling of the lens with no influence... Why did they save money on the pint? Right, they put the effort in the lens - that's what's amaizing me every time when I look at these pictures. A 100% recommend if you can get one - prices rise every month... get one if you can!

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: chrissarnecky   review date: May-24-08  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 100-300 f4
Beercan
Big Beercan
Old Minolta 50 macro, f1.4

price paid:

60,000 yen/600$

positive:

sharper than a critic's tongue...lightweight...AFs like a lazer beam on my a100...Shexy shexy white finish

negative:

hard to find, most often expensive when you do find it, generates question: how hard can I depend on a lens that's over 20 years ol'

comment:

The only word that comes to me when i look at the shots that I get from this lens is "REMARKABLE!"

I got it here in Japan at a "Furomono-ya", second hand store for 600$, with the full intention of selling it for a profit. But when i took it out to shoot and make sure it was in working order, I was just so amazed by the way it delivered, that I gave up any idea of selling it.

It AFs(at any f stop)(in any light) on my A100, which is a rare thing

The detail is incredible and far surpasses any of the other lenses listed as comparators...Sometimes i think the beercans, especially the big beercan comes close, but then I put the white lens on, shoot, and there is just no way, the cans can come even close to: over-all ease of use, sharpness, and over-all IQ of this ol', "why the paints done rubbed off, and its gottern all pale", white lens.

BUY IT if you need IQ...I would have given it all 5s, BUTT....and its a big BUTT... 5 to me means perfect, and even the lenses I got from the creator ain't poifect!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Entropy   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:

Tamron 90mm Macro
Minolta 70-210/4

positive:

Very Sharp
Small and Light

negative:

Integrated Hood
Loses Paint Easily

comment:

This lens is a gem - It served as my primary lens for a trip to Africa and its combination of light weight plus the 300/2.8 equivalent focal length made for some great shots. This is a lens you can use wide open without any worries about sharpness although when matched with the 2.0x APO TC you need to stop down from f/5.6 to f/8. Focus is decent with the a100 but very fast with the a700 and it is with the a700 that the lens really shines. Highly recommended.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: ricardovaste   review date: February-09-08  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

425GBP (with case)

positive:

+sharp
+small
+light
+compact
+fast af
+accurate af
+beautiful optics; bokeh, contrast, colour - all flawless

negative:

-makes your other lenses look poor in comparison
-with a TC you maybe could do with a collar to make it balanced/secure
-relatively expensive i guess, but worth every penny
-af limiter can be tricky to use quickly
-its white, it stands out, when often you dont want to

comment:

Tremendous. My first G lens; beyond my expectations, simply outstanding. I only with my skills could bring the best out of ths lens, maybe they will one day...

If you find one at a good price, dont let it go.

Its just everything I ever wanted in a lens; fast aperture, fast focus, plenty of reach, small and light. Perfect package... pocket rocket! Not a lens to be underestimated, its razor sharp wide open.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Pavel   review date: January-24-08  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

KM 300 F4 HS APO G
Sony 500 F8 Reflex
Sony 70-200 SSM G

price paid:

880€ used

positive:

Size,size,size

negative:

comment:

Small lens but big performer
It's very handy with 1.5x and2x tc

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Acksal   review date: November-26-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Beercan
Big Beercan
Min 300/4 G HS
Tokina 80-200/2.8 Pro

price paid:

1100 USD (used)

positive:

Fast AF
Sharp
Colour
Bokeh

negative:

comment:

Fast and accurate AF on both the 5D and the A100. Feels nicely balanced in the hand. Pin point sharpness allows for some aggressive cropping, especially on the A100. Colours are warm and vibrant. Beautiful soft bokeh. In all a lens that's earned the praise that it has garnered.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: ja   review date: November-21-07  

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: pschoone   review date: October-31-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

100-300/4.5-5.6

price paid:

725 € used

positive:

Sharp!! Compact for a G telelens; Use with TC; Fast focus; 2.8! Bokeh; Can be used handheld, no need to drag tripod along

negative:

Clumsy focus limiter

comment:

Always wanted a G lens, but not willing to carry a large one while backpacking. With the 1.4xTC this is the only ~300 mm G lens that fits my Lowepro backpack. Maybe I will try to get a 2xTC as well. Another advantage is also that you do not attract so much attention as with a really large G lens (looks too professional and in some places is even unsafe).
What also kept me from buying the G-lens was the price, but with the internet possibilities of today I could find a used one. “Fortunately” my 100-300 failed so I now had the justification to buy the G! And indeed it performs magnificently.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: carolya   review date: May-28-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 70-210 f4
Sony 75-300 f4.5-5.6

price paid:

1050 USD (used)

positive:

Wonderful color and sharpness
Beautiful Bokeh
Image quality, quality, quality
Fast Focus

negative:

Lens hood could be longer

comment:

This lens is easy to use hand held. It is capable of producing images of stunning quality. There is a luminescent quality to the image. I also use it with a Minolta APO 2X teleconverter--does hunt a bit with this teleconverter but still produces beautiful image quality. I don't carry it with me all the time because of size.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: badlydrawnroy   review date: May-12-07  

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)
Minolta 80-200 APO f/2.8
Minolta 300 f/4 APO HS

positive:

Stunning wide open.
Relatively small & lightweight.

negative:

Imagine this lens with SSM !

comment:

'Simply the best' to quote Tina Turner
Wide open at 2.8 nothing can match it and still out on its own up to f4.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 3 

user: DaveK   review date: May-12-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

* Minolta 300mm f/4 APO G HS
* Sigma 400mm f/5.6 APO
* Minolta 80-200mm f/2.8 APO HS
* Sony 70-200mm SSM
* Minolta 70-210mm f/4 Beercan
* Minolta 100mm f/2
* Minolta 100mm f/2.8 macro
* Minolta 135 f/2.8

price paid:

750 Euro

positive:

* Colour
* Sharpness
* Contrast
* Size (handheld)
* AF speed

negative:

* Flare
* Paint coming of very easily

comment:

Is the best lens I have for daily work. PP is hardly neccessery. I think it's awsome!
And with the 10MP of the A100, you can crop like forever! (update, same for the A700 and A850)

I dont miss the tripod mount at all! You just don't need it. I use the body tripodmount. But handheld is also very, very useable

Build is great, but the paint is coming of even when you look at it!!!!

I gave it a 4 for flare (can't give a 4,5 anymore...). It's the only negative thing I noticed... (Huh? Am I the only one? Hood is realy to short! The hood looks bigger than it is, but doesn't come all the way up to front. No dots, or rings on the photo but a sudden lack of contrast whin the sun hits the front element)

But above all, this is really, really, really(!) a must have lens for every Minoltian!!

I think it's the best lens around. Update: Just to be shure... I bought a spare...non HS... I can't without this lens. I had to have a spare... before it's too late...

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: rizwan   review date: May-11-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

sigma 75-200 f2.8,minolta 100-400 apo,minolta 75-300 4.5-5.6

price paid:

600 usd

positive:

true colour, shapness,contrast,size,fast af speed

negative:

no tripod coller,

comment:

when i uses this lens on camera body inside velvia on mountain i am extremely surprize about the quality of lens taht it produce,amzaing detail on the both film and degital.in very short word this is the pride lens of minolta user. beside minolta did not cash his product in 35mm industry.(poor marketing department)

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: jimbo   review date: April-27-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 80-200/2.8 Apo [O]
Tamron 70-210/2.8 LD

positive:

Light
Compact
Sharp
Fast
Well built

negative:

No tripod mount
Look a ponce with a white lens
Stupid sticker on the hood

comment:

I can only really echo the comments of others. I always wondered if a lens could be that much better, it warranted such a high price. Well, I bought it anyway and the answer is: yes.

Sharp wide open, none of the soft ghostly halo effect present in the zooms. Chromatic Aberrations are hardly evident. General superb all-round performance.

Personally I find the focus limiter too slow to disable. 3 seconds is too long sometimes, I'd rather a switch to flick.
I'd also rather it wasn't white, but never mind eh?

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Beakydave   review date: April-13-07  

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

positive:

Sharpness
Focus speed

negative:

None

comment:

An absolute must-have in the kit bag.
The speed and quietness of autofocus is astonishing.
Even wide open, sharpness and colour superb.

The 100-300APO is a useful alternative when space/weight a premium but otherwise my 100 2.8 macro and this lens are never far from my camera.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Mike7D   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:

Sigma 70-210 f2.8 APO
Minolta 100-300 APO

positive:

Compact, IQ, colour, quick, focus limiter

negative:

Would have liked a tripod mount but can use camera one.

comment:

Superb lens. In the space of 2 weeks it has become a "must have in the bag" lens. Never left at home. On a A100 the level of detail is stunning.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Reto   review date: March-25-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 70-200/2.8 SSM G
Sigma 70-200/2.8 EX
Minolta 300/2.8 HS G

positive:

Optically and mechanically the finest prime lens I know. And still comparatively light and well balanced.

negative:

Nothing.

comment:

It stays at home more often than it deserves. This is mostly due to the 70-200/2.8 SSM being such a superb lens. Even though its bigger and heavier, it's also more versatile as a zoom and doesn't noticeably lack in IQ against this lens, except maybe at f2.8 or f3.2. So the choice often goes against the 200/2.8.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Maffe   review date: February-07-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 200/2.8

positive:

Sharp, light, good MF-ring, good focus limiter

negative:

Nothing, except that it´s white.

comment:

I just love this lens!
It´s light, AF speed is good.
Bokeh is very good.
I personally don´t miss tripod collar, rarely have my tripod with me thanks to AS.
Can´t deside if i like this one more than my 100/2.

Same review as my 200/2.8, AF is faster on the HS model

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: d4nie   review date: February-07-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

80-200G HS

positive:

Sharp..
Beautiful color..
Light and compact for a 200mm..
Very well built..
Fast focussing..
White... yes, i love white.. :D

negative:

None

comment:

The best Minolta Lens.
I had the 200G non HS before. Sold it away to buy 80-200 HS. Regret it coz the 80-200 is heavy and most of the time i only use the 80-200 if i need the reach at 200mm.
Luckily i found the 200G HS not long after i sold away the 80-200mm.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: revdocjim   review date: January-31-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

70-210/4 beercan
75-300/4.5-5.6 big beercan

price paid:

450 USD used

positive:

Sharp, fast, good colors, flexible focus limiter

negative:

ummmm...

comment:

My first white lens; and I got it for a song! Scratched up but optically beautiful.

With this lens I am finally getting close to the tack sharp photos I often see posted by others. The AF is really accurate, and quiet compared to all my others lenses.

Wow! I am lovin it!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: xyfler   review date: January-10-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

minolta 135 f2.8
minolta 70-210 f4
minolta 300mm f4
nikon 180mm f4

positive:

focus speed
size and weight
color/tonality
natural bokeh
sharp wide open
flare control
very little CA

negative:

inbuilt hood a bit short
no tripod collar
white paint peels off very easily
reflections from the clear filter

comment:

An excellent lens. I wouldn't change much except for making the inbuilt lens hood slightly longer and including a removeable tripod collar. The natural neutral color this lens delivers is superb. I find the focal length is a lot more useful on a full frame camera than on an aps camera, mainly because you can fit more of the scene/person in the frame AND still get better bokeh. The clear filter sometimes causes reflections to appear.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: damian.bradley   review date: January-08-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

- Minolta 70-210 f3.5-4.5
- Sigma 70-200 f2.8

positive:

- Size & Weught
- Image Quality
- Focus speed
- Build Quality

negative:

- non-circular aperture? oh well.

comment:

I honestly find it hard to see fault with this lens. If you like the focal length, there is nothing better. It's a great travel lens with it's diminutive size and weight. You are free to choose aperture based on shooting conditions without worrying about sharpness...it's as good wide open as it is stopped down, and probably the sharpest lens I've ever used. Image quality is just out of this world: Bokeh is wonderful, the 9 blade aperture isn't circular but I've never had issue with that, especially when shooting wide open with this lens is so much fun.

Some dislike the hood...yes in the ideal world it could be locked in the 'down' position, but again, I have no real qualms about this. I love integrated lens hoods, this one is no exception. HS focus is blistering compared to my other lenses. Focus limiter helps here too! I don't use the focus hold button, but it's good to know it's there.

The ability to take the Minolta APO TC's should not be ignored...I use it with the 2x with very good results.

Lives up to the hype. A legend.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: infrastellar   review date: December-02-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

300/2,8 HS APO G

price paid:

700EUR

positive:

sharp, lightweight, size

negative:

comment:

Well... what to say?
this is my favorite lens. Very sharp, and the weight is perfect. All day walk around lens. Crops are possible at high quality. This is ultra fast lens. Faster than 300/2,8 HS on my 7D. The colors are beautiful together with contrast.
I had 300/2,8 HS APO G before. But this one I like more. Because it is always with me :)

Update: this is IMHO the best minolta lens. Even I dont like the way the hood is free of move, when not used. Should be great to be able to fix it somehow.

Edit: After trying this lens on the A900 body, I have to say, that this lens is exceptional, and works perfectly!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: 800si   review date: December-02-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 135mm f2.8
Minolta 70-210mm f4 'Beercan'
Tamron 70-210mm f2.8 SP LD

price paid:

$600 CDN (used)

positive:

- Everything!

negative:

- Zip, nada, zilch!

comment:

I just found a mint condition lens recently and had to pounce on it, and....Holy s**t, this is without a doubt the sharpest lens I own aside from my Leica titanium 35mm f1.4 Summilux! Wow, just wow...the 'beercan' is phenomenal, but this is on another level. My Tamron 70-210 is super sharp on my 35mm film bodies, but it has monstrous CA on the 7D. I shall have to do a direct comparison between the three.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: ph0t0man   review date: November-20-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

135/2.8
70-210/4

price paid:

$675 (used)

positive:

Small & Light(for FL and Ap)
Sharp like a tack
Bokeh, Bokeh, Bokeh
FAST AF!

negative:

Mine is in bad shape...

comment:

One of the best lenses ANYONE can own. GREAT with 1.4x (I have Kenko DG model) and 2x APO II. This thing is such a great package. IQ is only slightly degraded with TCs.
Get one, or hope Sony releases it later.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: gian   review date: September-15-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 20/1.8
Minolta 50/1.7
Minolta 28-75/2.8
Minolta 100-200/4.5

price paid:

720 EUR (used)

positive:

Everything of it.

negative:

Nothing.

comment:

I just love it :-)
Small, less than average weight, white, AF speed and accuracy, built like a tank, incorporated hood (it's impossible to get it lost!), colors, sharpness, compatible with APO TCs, easy to handhold, very nice to manual focus, useful focus hold button and focus limiter, fits in every bag. Impressive!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: ldk62   review date: September-03-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 80-200 DL IF Hyperzoom Macro

price paid:

1200 USD (demo)

positive:

-small "sexy" lens
-sharp
-well build
-bokeh

negative:

-none yet

comment:

Small enough, works well with TC (1.4x and 2x).
Compared with other lenses I have: best.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: pacorro   review date: July-20-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta: 100/2.8 soft, 50/1.7,

positive:

lightweighted
compact
very good picture quality
relatively fast autofocus

negative:

none

comment:

It's a fantastic lens, with extreme good picture quality. Sharp like a razor (by F2.8 also good, but from F4 perfect), it has a beautiful bokeh, none chromatic aberration, none spherical aberration, nice colours.
And it's really lightweighted, and really small. It's easy to handheld (for long time also).

And it's nice, like a little gem. :-)

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: nathan_68   review date: June-21-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

Sharp
Fast focus
Light
Bokeh

negative:

None

comment:

This is my best and also favourite lens.
It's a G lens, that means wonderful colour, no distortion, sharp like a razor and that magic bokeh that I've seen only with G lenses. Everything as we can expect from a lens of this class.

Also, focus is very fast and the lens is compact and light. For me these are the most outstanding features. I can handle without a tripod an extremely fast, light and compact 200/2.8. The perfect lens for candid shots.
With its APO TCx2 it becomes a perfect 400 / 5.6.
And picture quality doesn't suffer at all.

It's a pity that it's not longer in production, even under Sony re-badging. If you can have one of this jewel, don't hesitate to take it.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: hazard   review date: June-06-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tokina 200/3.5 (M42)

positive:

Sharpness, resolution, speed, contrast

negative:

comment:

Got mine used, and it had seen hevy use where some screws inside the lens were a bit loose. But after tightening everything up, it's fantastic. An absolute favourite.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Panito   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:

price paid:

400 EUR

positive:

+ Compact & easy to carry
+ Very fast AF
+ Excellent image quality

negative:

- Fragile white paint

comment:

Fast and furious : sports, action, low light condition, this lens is amzing ! The image that delivers this lens is wonderful, even wide open. It looks so beautiful. The AF is very fast, and faster with the focus limiter. Very compact, this lens is the reason why I won't buy a 70-200 f2.8 G.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: GTjake   review date: December-04-05  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 300f2.8 APO HS-G

positive:

Build quality.
Compact size.
Exceptional image quality.
Value for money.
Built-in sliding velvet lined hood.
Standard 72mm filters are easy to get.

negative:

No tripod collar.
Does not take standard Minolta filter holders from 300/400/600 APO lenses.

comment:

Simply an awesome telephoto.
Image quality does not seem to suffer when used with 1.4X APO II teleconverter.
It's small(ish) size and moderate weight make hand-held shooting all day easy.

I have used this for portraits, motorcycle track day racing and airshow photography, all hand held.
It can be slightly intimidating for portraits, but the working distance and image quality available are a worthwhile trade off in my opinion.

I have been very happy with the performance of this lens even when shooting into the sun.
Basically, this lens can deliver results far in excess of my abilities.
Defiinitely a recommended buy for Minolta fans.
Bought new from B&H (for US$699! Ha ha)

I'd like to say something less than glowing about this lens, if only not to sound so one-sided.
The only thing I can think of is, it would be nice to have a tripod collar even as an after-market item.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: kleptolux   review date: November-26-05  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigman 70-210 f/2.8

positive:

Light
Fast

negative:

none

comment:

It is one of my favorite lenses. It is extremely light and fast and can thus be handheld (not much heavier than the 100mm f2/8). It has the Minolta twist and lock retractable hood and can be focused manually with a nice ruber ring. Focus limiter makes this lens faster in AF (less travel).