Minolta AF 28 F2  reviews

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Mary90   review date: December-11-12  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 20/2,8
Minolta 24/2,8

price paid:

490

positive:

excellent sharpness and fully usable at f2

negative:

None

comment:

Very sharp, beautiful color, excellent bokeh.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Oleg   review date: November-17-12  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 35/2
Minolta 50/1,7

price paid:

550

positive:

Good sharpness, beautiful color, very compact.

negative:

not found.

comment:

I bought this lens on this forum. The lens I brought from Chicago. The owner of the lens is very good care of him. I got the lens in new condition. Minolta 28/2 - chic lens. This lens is very sharp and gives a beautiful picture. The lens is lightweight and small. Minolta 28/2 one of the best lenses I've ever seen.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Nazzy   review date: November-07-12  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 35/2
Minolta 20/2.8
Minolta 24/2.8

price paid:

470

positive:

Lightweight, small, very sharp, excellent bokeh.

negative:

None!!!

comment:

Super sharp from the F2. Great colors and super bokeh. I love this lens!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Kolyaroma   review date: November-06-12  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 35/2
Minolta 100/2
Minolta 84/1,4 GD
Minolta 17-35 G

price paid:

550

positive:

Very good lens. Wide angle, great light gathering power, excellent color, high sharpness.

negative:

There is no shortage.

comment:

This is one of the best lenses. Great color, great sharpness. Very rare, but I recommend buying this lens.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: sapkoe   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:

Minolta 50 f1.4
Minolta 28-70 f2.8 G
Minolta 20 f2.8 RS

price paid:

490

positive:

My favorite lens.

negative:

Not.

comment:

Very usable right at f/2. Very good bokeh.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: neilsam   review date: February-07-12  

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:

Great for low light. Sharp wide open

negative:

None

comment:

Hard to find but great to have in a collection. Just as important as 50mm

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: pureaxis   review date: January-19-12  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Carl Zeiss 16-80mm

price paid:

489 USD (used)

positive:

-Colors
-Sharp
-Perfect focal length for street photography on APS-C (42mm)
-Small size

negative:

-hard to remove cap with hood on
-finish prone to fingerprints

comment:

I use this lens probably 50% of the time, great walk around lens also great for indoor low light as well. One of my favorite lens.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: famatta127   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:

Minolta 24mm 2.8
Minolta 50mm 3.5 macro

price paid:

500

positive:

Color, 3D images, speed, saturation

negative:

none at all

comment:

Do not give up your search for this lens!

I love my Minolta 50mm 3.5 macro but this lens takes you to a different place. Its razor sharp at f2 and has an amazing depth of color none of my other lens have. With the ISO abilities of the Sony a33, this lens is ideal indoors. It truly lives up to its reputation. Find one and enjoy it forever. Looks like I will be selling my 24mm 2.8 f.

Look here and enjoy.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/loetzabbate/sets/72157626913302029/with/5867345720/

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: Bob Socko   review date: March-24-11  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

* Minolta 20mm f/2.8
* Sigma 20mm f/1.8
* Sigma 24mm f/1.8
* Zeiss 24mm f/2
* Sigma 30mm f/1.4
* Sony 35mm f/1.4
* Sony 50mm f/1.4

price paid:

569 USD (used)

positive:

* Sharp wide open.
* Small and light - well-balanced on entry-level bodies.
* Sturdy build common to 1st generation Minolta AF lenses.
* Minolta colors.
* Great focal length / speed for an APS-C walkaround lens.
* Not so wide as to cause a great deal of distortion.
* Common 55mm filter size.

negative:

* Coma is bad when used wide open on a full-frame DSLR.
* Vignetting is noticable when used wide open on a full-frame DSLR.
* Prices are inflated due to rarity and the small number of apples-to-apples alternatives.

comment:

I am a full-frame shooter, but I still use an APS-C camera as a backup. I wanted a fast, normal prime for my backup camera, but didn't want it to be a DT lens as it's nice to be able to swap lenses between both cameras. I've used the Sigma 2Xmm f/1.8 lenses, and though they're decent, they're nothing groundbreaking. The Zeiss 24mm f/2 is a good lens, but very expensive. So, I looked to this lens instead.

On a crop-sensor camera, it's a great lens with a natural field of vision, a reasonably fast aperture, fast focus, and good balance. Images are sharp and colors are great. On a full-frame sensor, it's a decent lens. Color, sharpness, saturation - all of that is fine. The main problems are vignetting wide open (noticable, but correctible in post) and coma (which, in the corners, is bad wide open). If you can avoid shooting into strong light sources and/or step down, it's not a problem.

This is a good lens, but don't go overboard trying to pick one up. I suppose it's a nice compromise between the Sony 35mm f/1.8 and the Zeiss 24mm f/2.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Yugus   review date: March-23-11  

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:

Small and lightweight
Sharp wide open
Bokeh is neutral
Very little CA
Fast focusing speed

negative:

Small amount of distortion (on FF)
A lot of vignetting at F2 (on FF)
Coma is pretty bad at F2

comment:

This is a very good lens to have around, its small and lightweight so its very travel friendly. This lens has gotten harder to find over the years due to the low production number they had for it. The 28mm F2 is very sharp wide open and of course even better stopped down, its corner to corner sharpness is very good as well. The bokeh can be very good but at times can be pretty harsh, but overall I quite like the bokeh this lens produces. The main issue with this lens is the massive amount of vignetting at F2 on FF cameras, though it does improve greatly at F2.8 and is pretty much gone at F4. Along with that the lens suffers from some of the worst coma I've ever seen, though again thankfully it improves greatly just by stopping down to F2.8.

Besides those two issues this lens is amazing, it is also the fastest wide angle lens Minolta ever produced. It is a great lens that you can bring anywhere since it is so small and light.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: Crum   review date: September-11-10  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

USD 300 (used)

positive:

Small & compact
Bright: f/2.0
Great wide angle on full frame
Bayonet hood

negative:

comment:

Swapped a used Minolta 100-300mm APO plus some cash at a little shop in Bangkok for this lens after reading the reviews on here. My copy is pin sharp at f/2.0 and beyond. Had some problems on my KM5D with back focusing, but this has stopped now that I have a A850. Ideal lens to use on crop sensors and a nice wide angle on full frame. Won't be letting go of this lens in a hurry.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: hooni   review date: April-06-10  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

CZ 16-35
Minolta 28-135

price paid:

550 USD (used)

positive:

Light, F2, Minolta colors vs. Sigma colors, Pretty fast focus

negative:

Flare
Rare lense

comment:

I love this lense, but it spends too much time off my 500 and I think my CZ 16-35 better suits my 850.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 3 

user: nitrosyl   review date: February-03-10  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

- Minolta 20mm f/2.8 RS
- Minolta 24mm f/2.8 RS
- Sony 35mm f/1.4 G
- Sony Carl Zeiss 24-70mm f/2.8 Vario-Sonnar T* SSM

positive:

- very sharp across the frame once stopped down a little (f/2.8 and beyond)
- small and light

negative:

- a tad soft at f/2
- not-so-great flare control
- bokeh is somewhat busy
- chromatic aberration visible at wide aperture settings in high contrast scene

comment:

I have some mixed feelings with this lens. It is a full stop faster than the best zoom covering 28mm, and delivers very sharp images, once stopped down a little, on my A700.

However its bokeh is not quite so pleasant (a common problem with WA lenses), CA and flare can be problematic sometimes.

Overall I feel a 28-70/2.8 or a 24-70/2.8 zoom lens (only one stop slower but much more flexible) would be a better solution photographically (expect to sacrifice in cost and weight though), especially when taking the high market price of 28/2 into consideration. Nonetheless it's easier to stay low-key with the prime.

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 2 

user: jerome   review date: December-06-09  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

CZ 16-35 f/2.8
Min 24-105 f/3.5-4.5

positive:

Small, light, fast, Minolta colors

negative:

Vignettes, fields curvature, coma.

comment:

Relatively typical from an entirely spherical design. At f/2.0, the lens suffers from spherical aberration ("veiling"), which can be used as a feature: it makes the light elements of the picture "glow". Very nice Minolta colors. Vignettes a lot at f/2.0 and exhibits strong field curvature. All this is not really important when using the lens for its intended use: available light and can even be used as an effect.

Main drawback: horrible coma at f/2.0.

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: ckone   review date: October-19-09  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

20 f/2.8
28 f/2.8

price paid:

300 EUR (used)

positive:

size
f-ratio

negative:

prone to flare

comment:

Compared to the f/2.8 you have two more stops which are a clear go for my fotography purpose, I take available light shots with non high ISO values. As some of you may know, I favour primes over zooms, and this is also a nice example: It's noticable, but still light with a Maxxum 9 and easy to play with; hood helps, if I have that lens outside stopping down, where I have sharp pictures; of course, the 28 f/2.8 can be sharper and is sharper than a f/2.0, but that's a fact you know and consider whilst buying that one.
It's a well solid rigid keeper with a flare issue, but if you get to know how to control it, it's a nice lens.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: hoge-fan   review date: October-03-09  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 35/2, Minolta 100/2

positive:

Sharpness, color, size, weight

negative:

A little distortion

comment:

What a little sharp lens! My copy sharp straight AT ALL FRAME from f/2, and stopping to f/2.8 only removes slight purple haze that present at f/2. I like this lens because the dimension is compact, and it's really light. There is slight barrel distortion noticeable, but I think it only visible when you shoot straight line. Very recommended.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 2 

user: youpii   review date: August-29-09  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

24/1.8 (Sigma)
35/2
50/1.4 (Sigma)

price paid:

$500

positive:

Light & small
Super sharp

negative:

Hood too small
Cap hard to reach when the hood is on
Very bad flare resistance

comment:

The sharpness is amazing for such a small lens. Borders are as sharp as the center at F/8. But flare resistance shows it was designed 20 years ago.

Edit: When selling the lens recently, the shop keeper showed me that fungus had damaged a large part of the coating on one of the inner lenses. He used a small flash light from the rear of the lens and opened the iris. The fungus was gone, but the coating on the borders was gone too. So please ignore my "flare" rating.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: tgx78   review date: January-18-09  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 28mm 2.8
Sony 50mm 1.4

price paid:

699 CDN Brand New

positive:

Sharp
Small size
Light
Minolta Build Quality

negative:

flare control not so good

comment:

Perfect lens for the indoor snap shots. Since I bought it I stopped using CZ 16-80 and 50mm 1.4 on a700. Wonderfully sharp even at F2. @f2.8 bokeh seems very smooth and attractive. Great color and contrast. I Love this lens.

sharpness: 3.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: ilipin   review date: January-15-09  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta AF 20 F2.8
Minolta AF 35-70 F4

price paid:

400USD

positive:

F2.0
Good build
Fast AF
Bokeh at 28mm

negative:

To soft at wide open, moderate sharp from F4.
Bad flare control

comment:

Interesting lens, with narrow area of use. I use it for night street shooting and indoors only.
Fast AF.
My copy very soft at F2.0, fair from F3.2-3.5, good above. Sharpens of my cheep Minolta AF 35-70 F4 at F5 and above is the same, not worser. Why it is legendary Minolta lens? May be only my copy.

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 3 

user: shinka   review date: January-10-09  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 50/1.7
Minolta 20/2.8
Minolta 135/2.8

price paid:

480 USD

positive:

Great sharpness
FOV of nearly 50mm on APS-C
Nice color
Decent bokeh

negative:

Horrible flare/ghosting

comment:

This is a really sharp lens, probably the sharpest I own. Has nice Minolta colors. I really wanted a fast prime to come close to the 50mm focal-length on APS-C. I like the extra stop of the 2.0 aperture. It's slightly soft at f/2, but to my eyes, it begins to sharpen up nicely by f/2.2 and by 2.8. I love it's small size and wonderful Minolta build quality.
It's biggest drawback, however is that it's very susceptible to flare and ghosting. It's a great lens as long as there aren't any light sources in the frame. I wonder why there are so many reviews that give it a 5 for flare, is it possible I have a bad copy that could cause this?

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: DarkScribe   review date: November-18-08  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 20/F2.8, Minolta 28/F2.8, Minolta 50/F1.4, Minolta 50/F1.7

price paid:

au$125 (1987)

positive:

Definitely one of the more satisfying lenses in my collection. Sharp at all apertures, great colour, good bokeh and an ideal prime for an APS-C camera. Small but very solidly built.

negative:

Not a one as long as you invest in a collapsible rubber lens hood. The existing hood allows flare in some circumstances.

comment:

Great lens, definitely in the "Pride of Collection" calibre. This rates as my top general purpose prime in a collection that include ALL of the original Minolta primes. It wasn't so on my film cameras, but with the crop factor on my digitals (A100/A700) it supplants the 50mm primes. Not quite as sharp as the 50/1.7 fully open, more like the 50/1.4 - needs stopping down just a little. Most lenses do, only my 50/1.7 and my 85/1.4 are exceptions.

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: silversurfer   review date: July-24-08  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 24 2.8
Minolta 35 1.4 G RS
Minolta 50 1.7
Minolta 28-70 G
Minolta 28-75 D
Minolta 28-135

price paid:

162 USD (NIB)

positive:

Very sharp
Compact
2.0!

negative:

Slight distortion
Some flare
Bokeh

comment:

I've had this lens for a while, but rarely use it because I normally don't shoot this wide. It's sharper than the primes compared to (except the 35 1.4). It's even more sharp than the zooms when compared to the wide end of those zooms. Colors are a little flat and requires a saturation bump in PP. Bokeh is not as creamy as the comparative lenses, but if shooting landscapes this doesn't matter much.

For such a small lens, the build is excellent. Very solid. The hood is a nice ornament but doesn't do much against flare. It doesn't handle distortion well. The zooms at the wide end do a better job.

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: homo07   review date: June-18-08  

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
Minolta 35/1.4 G
Minolta 28-70/2.8 G
Canon EF 28/1,8

price paid:

340 euro (new)

positive:

+superb optical quality
+optical performance at 2.0
+low distortion
+compact and lightweight

negative:

-bokeh

comment:

Finally got one new after searching some time. Really good wide-angle for reportage on film with very nice optical quality, also compared to lenses from Nikon or Canon. All-over cutting sharpness up from 2.0, no CA, on film some distortion (...hey, it´s a 28mmm) which is nearly negligible shooting digital. Colors and contrast are very good for that range - sharpness gets a 5, colors and contrast a 4.

Flare control can be a problem and then pictures get really cooked, but in most situations you wont even notice, so 4 out of 5.

Built quality is fine, never had problems with dust behind the front glas, but compared to a 28-70/2.8 G or a 35/1.4 G I just can give a 4. Also some users complain about the small focusing ring, I never had any problems with it, although I shoot most of the time with manual focusing.

All over I can higly recommend this lens, it´s a pleasure to work with and I am sorry about sony discontinued!

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: maartenr   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:

Min 50/1.4
Sigma 20-40/2.8
Min 75-300

price paid:

350 euro

positive:

Sharp even @ 2.0

negative:

comment:

Great allround lens, due to the app 50mm equivalent

Perfect lens; spends most of the time on my camera, nice hood, great sharpness, but the bokeh/colors cant make it compared to the 50/1.4, but are better then the Sigma 20-40/2.8

Some people 'complain' about the small focus ring, I dont have any problems with that; Yes it is small but I (with my thick clumsy fingers) never had a problem using it, but I only use 1 out of 10 times solely MF, more DMF and most of the times just AF

The build: this will last forever!

I was really surprised about the sharpness @ 2.0!

Perfect lens!

1)But the 50/1.4 @ half of the price was for me more value for money!
2)But IF sony comes with a FF within 10 years, I will be glad I have both!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: dekie   review date: October-23-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

35 2.0 RS

price paid:

€ 250 (unused)

positive:

Very sharp at 2.0
Compact

negative:

comment:

Sharper at f 2.0 than my 35 2.0, without flare, ghosts or pf.
Some vignetting wide open.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: RacingManiac   review date: August-15-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

AF 20 f2.8
AF 24 f2.8
AF 50 f1.7

price paid:

300 USD

positive:

+Super sharp
+usable f2.0
+Does what a 50mm does on digital
+compact and lightweight
+great value

negative:

-not wide enough for digital
-MF ring

comment:

Probably my most used lens for just about most of the situation. with 1.5x crop it became a 42mm and does what the actual 50 can't do on the digital. Indoor with people, object, activities...etc. The sharpness also makes it a good object photography lens(parts, tool, eBay items...).

Highly recommanded!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Mike Torello   review date: July-01-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta AF 24/2.8
Minolta AF 35-70/4 Macro
Minolta AF 70-210/4

price paid:

385 USD (new)

positive:

-Sharp
-Contrast
-Bokeh
-Color
-F2.0
-None CA
-Compact
-Hood

negative:

-None

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: eldonito   review date: June-14-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony AF DT 18-70 F3.5-5.6
Minolta AF 50 F1.7

price paid:

180 GBP (used)

positive:

SHARP!
Fast focus.
Great weight + size
Beautiful star-like speculars from street lights.

negative:

Flare control

comment:

Nice, very sharp prime.

The comments about flare control are correct. Couldn't shoot a row of candles, which I was really looking forward to with this lens -- flare and ghost images were all over the place. The Sony kit lens and the Cosina "plastic fantastic" 100/3.5 macro (both much cheaper lenses) tackled the same situation much better.

The combination of normal perspective, near focusing and shallow DOF make this an amazing creativity tool. Getting subject separation at 28 mm is very nice. Sometimes, oof spots have a bright outline.

I personally like the colour rendition, somehow I can always tell which shots I took with this lens.

Finally, it looks damn sexy on the A100!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Jay2x   review date: June-01-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

17-35 2.8-4.0
Sigma 50mm EX DG
50mm 1.7
Beercan
Kit

price paid:

EUR 299 (new)

positive:

corner-to-corner sharpness
little distortion
Big F2 aperture
Great build

negative:

Flare control could be better, even with hood on.
Weird bokeh.

comment:

Got it new and for relatively cheap. great lens, feels good instantly. Good weight, good looks, great colors and contrast. Like the beercan and ,although less so, the 50mm 1.7. The sharpness is unbelievable. This will be my standard lens for city and landscape (although for those I will bring the 17-35 with me too).

edit november 2012:
Years later now, sold it in favor of a 85/1.4G first and then making tot step to Pentax and then to Nikon, I am still searching for a lens that can give me the sharpness and versatility of this lens. The Nikon 35/1.8 on DX comes close, but is no cigar. I am seriously considering going back to Sony for this... Crazy, am I not?

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: The Shoeman   review date: April-14-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 35/2
Minolta 24/2.8

positive:

Very Sharp, Very Sharp, Very Sharp

negative:

Not enough of them were manufactured.

comment:

I loved this lens. I originally had this lens but I had to let it go to help get the Minolta 80-200/2.8 HS G. I am sure that the new owner was very pleased with this lens. It was great!

Update: I was fortunate enough to find another copy of this lens. It now completes the f2 lineup (28/2, 35/2, 100/2) All of which are superb lenses and super sharp.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

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 20/2.8
Minolta 35/2
Sigma 12-24 EX DG

positive:

Very sharp lens, with lots of reserve on the resolution side. Colors natural, small size/weight. Very good walk-around lens as a replacement for 50/1.4 of film days.

negative:

Bokeh could be better. Focus ring construction too small.

comment:

Overall an excellent lens, up with the best.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: MostlyHarmless   review date: March-23-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 17-35/2.8-4 D
Minolta 24-105/3.5-4.5 D
Sigma 28/1.8 APO II (on Canon body)
Canon 28-135/3.5-5.6 IS USM

price paid:

269.96 USD (new)

positive:

Sharp
Compact, 55mm filter thread
Good normal lens on an APS-C body

negative:

Bokeh? Eh.
Tiny focus ring
Discontinued!

comment:

One of my favorite lenses. I bought one NIB when B&H got some old stock back in Feb '06. At the time, I was just looking for a good normal on a crop body and had good experences with a Sigma 28/1.8 APO on a Canon DSLR. Didn't learn about this lens' near-legendary reputation until much later. Seeing how much this lens can fetch on the used market these days, I feel pretty damn lucky to have one.

Sharpness - gets a 4.5 out of 5 because it softens up wide open (although it's still plenty sharp).

Color - gets a 4 out of 5 only because I also have the 85/1.4 and this lens just isn't at that level. Still, not really an issue since colors can be dealt with in post processing.

Build - I've seen better. The Sigma 28/1.8 EX with its big fat focusing ring and textured finish for one.

Distortion - It's not perfect but it's about as close as you can get.

Flare - doesn't show up often but when it does, oh man kiss your contrast good-bye. Still, on the vast majority of shots, flare hasn't been an issue.

Some other notes: the round hood from the 100/2.8macro and 100-300/4.5-5.6 APO can be used on this lens without vignetting on a crop body. Haven't tested this on full frame though. Since the 100/2.8 macro makes a good traveling companion to this lens (both have 55mm filter threads), you can share a hood too.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Turerkan   review date: February-24-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

AF 28/2.8
DT 18-70/3.5-5.6
AF 50/1.7
AF 50/3.5 macro (update)
Sigma 50 and 90 macros

price paid:

€320

positive:

Everything about it..

negative:

- Bokeh is bad. but this is a wide lens so not a big problem.
- There is slight CA at the edges

comment:

the most consistent image quality i have ever seen. sharp at F2, stop down and it blows any other lens away... (update: ok, 50/3.5 macro is better, if that matters)
no distortion, fast focus, high contrast, feeling of 3d-ness, realistic/saturated colors and all..

unbelievably good. too bad its very rare. i wish every minolta user could have this lens..

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: d4nie   review date: February-09-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

KM 28-75/2.8

positive:

Sharp..
Nice color..
Well balanced with A100/ KM5D..

negative:

None

comment:

My first wide angle prime, now becomes my walkaround lens..
Excellent lens..

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: eyesthruthelens   review date: January-26-07  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

KM 50mm f1.4 and KM 28-70mm f2.8 G

positive:

Very sharp lens.. G-lens quality.
Color is very accurate with good contrast.

negative:

Nope

comment:

If you can find one, get it immediately.
It's fun lens to use, it's fast and sharp.. even at f2.0.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: hwaseonseo   review date: December-11-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

1735D, 2875D

price paid:

less than 250 USD n

positive:

sharp, very high picture quality, and low barrel distortion

negative:

non

comment:

This is an exellent lense and I hope sony will produce this lense as soon as possible.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: troublestylist   review date: December-08-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

28mm 2.8

price paid:

$270 (used)

positive:

Sharp, light, and bright

negative:

Hood is useless on digital

comment:

This lens makes the 28mm 2.8 a nonstarter. Every 28mm 3.5 zoom I've tried is equivalent in sharpness to the 28mm 2.8, and almost the same aperture. This lens gives you an extra stop of aperture that's USEABLE. A wonderful indoor portrait lens. Won't be sold.

My only gripe was buying the OEM hood and finding that a round 75-300mm bayonet hood works better on APS (no vignetting!)

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: dtrph   review date: December-05-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

17-35, 24F2.8, 28-70G, 50F1.7, 85F1.4

price paid:

250usd - new

positive:

SHARP - VERY SHARP! fast AF, SMALL/LIGHT, WELL BUILT,

negative:

NO NEGATIVES FOR ME - THIS LENS DELIVERS

comment:

I really enjoyed this lens, it is small but delivers bigtime. pictures are sharp wide open, razor sharp stopped down. i have no negatives on its performance. a very practical lens to put on the camera and shoot in available light. i sold mine for $500 at ebay when i needed the money.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: tmoreau   review date: November-07-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tokina 17/3.5
24/2.8
Tamron 90mm macro

price paid:

375 usd (used)

positive:

Compact, nice hood, fast, SHARP SHARP SHARP

negative:

comment:

I've been using this lens for a little while now and I find that I really like the focal length, very flexible. Being able to use it at maximum aperture with little or no visible degredation is great, this lens is every bit as sharp as the rumors! Sometimes I see the busy bokeh people talk about, but many other times it looks fantastic and smooth. Flare is well controlled, I havent seen any washout or spots but do get some reflections of lights in night scenes. Autofocus is reliable and quick, never a problem like it can be on some lenses.

This is a top lens and the centerpiece of my kit, and owning one now I can say that its a steal even at the currently inflated prices.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: damian.bradley   review date: September-22-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

- 28/2.8
- 35/2
- 35/1.4

price paid:

275usd

positive:

- sharp
- small
- colours / build

negative:

- bokeh
- focus ring

comment:

Sony definitely should have kept this rather than the 28/2.8...maybe even dropped the price point! Even though I only spent a day with it, it's a great lens.

However, I don't like the bokeh. It's very 'geometric' and circular. Personally I feel the lens works best at hyperfocal distances, for emvironmental not detail shots. I'm not much of an environmental shooter (and if I am I use my 15mm fisheye) so this lens wasn't for me. The small focus ring that is so annoying in detail shots doesn't help either.

I prefer the 35/2 or the 35/1.4 as the length is my preferred "standard" lens over the wider 28. Bokeh is better on the 35/2 as well in my experience.

It has a following for a reason...but it's not for everyone.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: kassandro   review date: August-04-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 20mm/1.8
Minolta 50mm/1.7

price paid:

299€ new

positive:

Light and sharp already wide open. Very sharp at 2.8. Excellent AF even in low light.

negative:

comment:

This is an outstanding lense and I cannot understand why it isn't produced anymore. When I got this lense, the camera showed a very strong front focus. After this was fixed by the Konica Minolta Service in Bremen the autofocus is superb even in low light.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Kiklop   review date: August-02-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

- 35/2 RS
- 28-75D
- 28-135/4-4,5
- 50/1.4

price paid:

260 USD (new)

positive:

- sharp
- light and compact
- colors

negative:

- small focus ring

comment:

Since I have 35/2 RS which I really like a lot I hesitated to get one 28/2. But since B&H was selling this lens for just 266 USD I thought it was a sin not get it.
Beautiful lens with all characteristic for which many of us love Minolta lenses; sharp, excellent color rendition with pleasing bokeh.
In a small, compact and light package there is a lot of resolving power; far more that a 6MP sensor can resolve.
On a 1.5 cropped sensor this is just a great standard lens that I wish every minoltian have in his bag.
**Full frame**
Excellent performance even on 25MP sensor. Can be used wide open.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: H20boy   review date: July-16-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

KM 24/2.8 & 28-75 D

price paid:

269 USD (new)

positive:

Very sharp at open aperture f2, and good colors, just like the 24/2.8

negative:

Doesn't get much use in my bag

comment:

Well, I really like this lens, but I don't get a whole lot of use out of it with a 24/2.8, the 50/1.4 and the 28-75 2.8 D in the bag. The only time I really consider this lens is if I know I am going to be in low light conditions (say a bar with friends) where I can get some shots without the flash, and especially when f2 is extremely usable. Colors are great also, as other users have mentioned.

Looking for more opportunities to use this, and if I happen to get more pictures with it, this review will get an update. Even though I don't use it as much as I should, I am very happy I purchased it.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: nozzle   review date: July-09-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Kit_lens, Sigma EX DG 24-70, Sigma EX 15-30

positive:

Quick and reliable AF
Picture Quality

negative:

As for now, Sony is not offering the 28 f2 anymore

comment:

The last three months, I´ve shot almost exclusively (~1000 pics) with this lens. If you see an image, you will know if its shot with the 28 F2
The conclusion is I´ll never part with it. Maybe I´m upgrading, if the bokeh on the RS version is significantly better.
If you put Minolta´s No. 0 close up filter on the lens, you get an interesting perspective of things.
If you find one get one.
This is probably the best and most versatile lens I own (others are 50 Macro,84 F1.4, 135 STF, 300 G and some Zooms)

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 3 

user: gsaronni   review date: July-07-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

28-75 f2.8
17-35 f2.8-4
24-105 f3.5-4.5

positive:

All: colour, contrast, sharpness. Small but heavy.

negative:

Hood is small, you can use 100 2.8 RS hood with perfect results
Focus ring is too narrow, better in RS version
Bokeh not perfect but very good for a WA lens

comment:

It is a must. When I use this lens, all my Canon friends are looking to it with lascivious. 28mm with f2 aperture is a rare lens.

You can use it at f2 with sharp results, but taking care of the DOF and using MF for optimal results.

My best walkaround lens, it can be used for all purpose. With a polarizer is a dream.

Did I say is SHARP?

If you can take it, Sony is not making this lens anymore.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Janvb   review date: June-29-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

35/2, 28-75/2.8

positive:

Colours, sharpness

negative:

comment:

I love opportunities to use this lens, Great colours, very sharp at 100% crops, Just came back from holiday and when comparing it to the zoom, it's the colours that make the big difference, pictures taken with this lens are just more alive, more vibrant than the 27-75 at f8. At low aperture settings a comparison is just not fair. the 35/2 is very nice too might even be better than the 28/2 at low speed, sometimes I wished I did not sell the 35/2 but I like the 28mm angle on digital better than the 35mm

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

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]

I use this lens mostly indoors, in low light conditions, for social events. It's light, and very sharp when stopped down. It's performance at f:2.8 is very good (vignetting and sharpness). The distortion is well controlled too.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: Aleq   review date: June-05-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

18-70 kit, 50/1.7, 17-35/2.8-4(D)

price paid:

350 USD (new)

positive:

- Sharpness
- handy on APS-C
- F2
- Star effect in lights in long exposures - best for Christmas tree :-)

negative:

- bokeh (not always, but often)
- flare

comment:

Perfect, a little wider basic lens (42mm on digital) which makes it very useful, universal lens. It is sufficient to take only 28 and 50 to family/social events to take astonishing shots.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: kjethoe   review date: May-05-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

28/2.8, 28-135/4-4.5

positive:

- SHARP.
- f2.0
- compact "normal lens".

negative:

- price compared to 28/2.8 if you are shorter on money than on light.

comment:

I had heard people speak very highly of this lens and decided to spring for it. As a normal-length walkaround on my 7D it does really well and for availible light/concerts I simply love it!

Few samples at the time of posting due to my 7D being in for repairs, it will change! :-)
http://kjetil.philosophi.net/gallery/lighttable.php?image=1&lens=11

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: tko72   review date: April-26-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 28mm F2.8

positive:

Very good low light performance and well controlled distortion for 28mm.

negative:

Focusing ring is a bit narrow, but this is an issue with all of this generation Maxxum/Dynax lenses...

comment:

I loved this lens for wedding work in low light. When most lenses were hunting to find focus, this little lens always hit the target perfectly. I'd do over the head shots, and rarely missed a shot. For my basic lens for walking around town, I loved this lens for it's weight (okay, heavy for a 28mm, but not for a G-series lens), it's size, and it's perspective (28mm is a perfect walk around lens). I ended up selling it and buying the 35mm F1.4G, and I wish I never did. I did this to buy a perfectly distortion free lens for shooting group shots at weddings, and I thought it could replace my 28 for indoor and low light..... but it didn't. I am planning to rebuy this lens....

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Willscary   review date: March-25-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

28mm f/2.8

price paid:

$269 USD (new)

positive:

Sharper than the 28mm f/2.8, fast AF

negative:

none

comment:

If you read my review on the f/2.8, you know that I thought very highly of it until I bought the f/2. The f/2.8 is a very good lens, especially for an average used price of $70. The lens is a bargain. The f/2 is simply better.

The f/2 is fairly sharp at f/2, but at all other aperatures it is much sharper than the corresponding aperatures on the f/2.8. This lens is outstanding on my Maxxum 7 (film). I scan the film with a Scan Elite 5400II with incredible results. The best way to describe the difference between the 2 lenses is is simply "two stops". This lens is as sharp at f/4 as its little brother is at f/8. At f/8 it exceeds the resolving power of the f/2.8 version at any aperature.

The AF speed was a very pleasant surprise. I thought that since it was larger, heavier and contained an extra element, AF would be slower than the f/2.8 lens. I was wrong. The f/2 version is noticeably quicker. It is also quieter.

My f/2.8 was an outstanding buy at $70 used and produces very good results. My f/2 was a $269 gamble (new from B&H) based on reviews by others. If I only had $100 I would buy the f/2.8 and would be pleased with the results (which are far better than most zooms at 28mm). However, the f/2 is a superior lens in every aspect. For the extra cash, the upgrade is substantial.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: ph0t0man   review date: March-15-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

17-35/2.8-4
28-75/2.8
50/1.7

positive:

Small, light, FAST, SHARP, great focal length, solid build, looks great, great package with 7D and no grip or 5D.

negative:

comment:

This lens is the perfect walk-around lens. Who needs a zoom? Seriously, I ended up with ONLY this lens on my honeymoon, and I had a blast being forced to use a single focal length. It focuses close, is ALWAYS sharp, and is a joy to use. Focus is fast and sure. When used with 7D alone, or 5D, the package is light and snappy. I only wish all lenses were such a joy to use. Get it.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: popoloni   review date: February-16-06  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

28/2.8, 50/1.7, 50/1.5, 85/1.4

positive:

- sharp
- sharp
- sharp!!

negative:

- bulkier than 50/1.7

comment:

One of the sharpiest lens for Minolta, with really nice borders! Fast Autofocus and beautiful colors. A must to have. Please have a look to my complete review on http://www.pophouse.it/minoltalenstest

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: photov   review date: December-23-05  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

Excellent color rendition. Very sharp from f/2 all the way up.
Feels very good.

negative:

small manual focus ring (a problem on most of km's prime lenses)
bit of flare in 1 out of 30 shots when shooting with flash at night.
autofocus tad bit loud.
not enough bokeh.

comment:

This lens is AWESOME. It feels very nice because of its metal body. It look beautiful and has a nice clean shine to it. The color rendition and sharpness are superb. Great for all around shots as a standard lens. Even though it has a good build, it is also light, especially when it is attached to my 5d.

However since it is not much of a telephoto, I noticed the bokeh isnt as out of focus as I wanted it to be. The other negative aspects I mentioned are not really that bad and are easy to get used to.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 3 

user: ab012   review date: November-15-05  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

KM 17-35 2.8-4
KM 28-75 2.8 D
M 35/2

positive:

Brilliantly Sharp from 2.8+
Normal viewpoint on 7D
Nice Bokeh and Colours

negative:

Flare control

comment:

Brilliant Normal lens when used on 5/7D. Small size is another plus.

Sharpenss is outstanding/amazing from f2.8! This magnificant performance is true all the way from center to corner. IMO it is probably getting close to outresolving the 6mp sensor already @ 2.8 - There is very little difference in sharpness from f2.8-f8, and is noticable sharper than the (already very nice) 28-75.

The lens has relatively higher contrast, and bokeh is quite sweet - very useful for 'street' shooting.

Now the negatives:
f2: Contray to photodo f2 sharpness is actually quite nice (provided accurately focused). BUT - quite heavy vignetting, contrast low and bokeh is not very good at all (edged highlights). Used correctly it can work well (make sure there are no OOF highlights), especially as reportage.
Only issue is flare control - flare spots occur suprisingly frequently even if the light source is not in the frame.
(BIG BUT - f2.8 all negatives dissappear, and in fact is sharpness @f2.8 is probably beyond 7D sensor!)

Flares more than expected for a prime, and AF is also easy to be thrown off when there is a bright spot (eg lamp) in the FF (not necessarily after crop) in the view.

UPDATE for 10mp. On 6mp this lens is a bit soft at f2, and super sharp on 2.8 onwards. On 10mp the behaviour is quite different. The hidden resolution power @ f2 is suddenly available! (eg newspaper tests will show aliasing all over the place even from f2...). There is now much less difference between f2 and f2.8. There IS quite a bit of contrast difference between f2.8 and f4 now. The difference in bahaviour I think is due to both the higher mp, but most significantly IMO due to the much much weaker AA filter in the a100.

ps While B&H had a clearence special (on the original version) right before KM went kaput, the normal price is actually $599 so the current price for this lens is a super steal~

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: 2manycamera   review date: November-14-05  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 35/2, 24-105/3.5-4.5, 28-135/4-4.5, Sigma 28/1.8

positive:

Build quality, wide open performance and speed of focus.

negative:

CA at F2-2.8

comment:

I've only had this lens about 3 months, but it's become my go to "normal" on my 7D when speed is essential, such as gymnastics and dance/ theatrical performance. It is the only lens I own that I have absolutely no qualms about shooting at F2 all the time. I have dancers to the edge and print 4"x!2" as my standard print size and can go larger and know the people at the end of the line will look as good as those in the middle. This is important when selling to parents and their child isn't in the middle. I really would like a zoom that could do this, but, as yet, nothing can touch this lens's performance and be this fast. This is a tool I bought to perform a particular task and it does so in a spectacular manner. It is not a general purpose lens unless you are looking for a lens to take the place of a "normal" lens for the 7D and 5D.

I've now had the lens almost 9 months and have discovered one negatve to list. This is not a flat field lens so shots taken at F2 are soft at the edges and display CA until F2.8. This is still a rearkable performer, but not perfect. The good thing about discovering this, is that I didn't sell my 35/2 as I had planned.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: dCap   review date: November-10-05  

tested on film camera:

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

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

MinAF: 20/2.8 & 24/2.8 & 35/1.4 17-35/2.8-4(D)
CanAF: 20/2.8 & 24/2.8 & 28/2.8 & 28/1.8 & 35/2
Voigtländer Ultron 35/1.7

positive:

sharpness from wide open is brilliant, small and heavy

negative:

(tiny manual focus ring, but a lot more usable than other MinAF lenses). would prefer circular aperture (the New/RS version)

comment:

Wow, it was tough to rate: all 5s

AF is quick. This is probably the easiest [original style] lens to manual focus, the ring is too small, but only just and its well placed. Manual is actually a lot of fun.

Bright and vibrant colours. And killer sharpness right from wide open. Sure f2.8-4 are more user friendly. But f2 is strong. Used as a close-up lens at f2 you can do wonders with limited depth of field.

For its size it feels really heavy and solid. Build is excellent.

bokeh is a little distracting on messy backgrounds, can ruin an image