Minolta AF 35-70 F4 reviews

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 3 flare control: 3	user: shadowgunner review date: April-25-13
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Mino 28-85 Sony 18-70 kit Mino 35-105 RS
price paid:	30 USD
positive:	Beercan build light weight compact macro mode
negative:	hood is essential colors are neutral
comment:	I bought this lens many years ago based on its' positive ratings. It is one of my 2 least used lenses. I find that on my A300 and A700, my Min 28-85 outperforms it in all areas except weight & size. I found that barrel distortion at the short end was correctable, but more than the 28-85 or 35-105. On my copy, the colors seemed to be more neutral than the 28-85. Flares badly without a hood; get a short 49mm rubber hood and you'll be okay. I will keep this lens for use on full-frame when I eventually get there. It is a neat little lens that is about as unobtrusive as my 50 f1.7. If I shot "street" it would get more use; I don't so for now, it stays on the shelf.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 5	user: ronniegogs review date: April-10-13
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 Sony 18-55 f/3.5 to 5.6 Helios 44-2
price paid:	90 SGD (used)
positive:	Sharpness Build Quality Colors
negative:	Range on APS-C
comment:	Although its not wide enough for my APS-C Camera I love it as as a street photography lens as it compact and does not attract attention like my Tamron 17-50. Images are sharp and lens is made of metal which feels quite sturdy. The lens I have is modded to autofocus in macro mode which comes in handy as well. It gives the awesome colors minolta lenses are famous for. A great lens to have in my bag.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Kienitz review date: March-04-13
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	40 EUR (mint)
positive:	Sharp Great colors and contrast Light Cheap Build quality
negative:	A bit of flare Range on APS-C
comment:	I really like this lens and leave it on my A580 all the time. A shame that the range isn't more appropriate to APS-C cameras.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Brossardois review date: February-03-13
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 50mm F1.7 Minolta Beercan 70-210mm F4 Sony Kit Lens 18-70mm, 75-300mm
price paid:	45 CAD (used)
positive:	Very Sharp Minolta Colours Constant F4 Easy to find bargain Lost cost walk-around lens Macro Solid build
negative:	Range not wide enough for group shots on APS-C sensor Minimum focus distance
comment:	Favourite lens in my bag for its versatility and overall image quality. I use it as my walk-around lens on my A300 for both indoor and outdoor. The colours and sharpness are similar to my other two Minolta lens i.e professional beautiful IQ and a notch or two over the Sony kit lens. The constant F4 is useful in low light and creative shots; Bokeh is smooth. Macro is also usable for my purposes (switch & manual focus). Although I pointed about about its limited range, don't be afraid about the lack of wide angle range. This kind of range on APS-C is usable for portrait and small group shots or landscape, just not good for big groups in small space. Zoom in and out a bit with your feet. Bottom line is a lots of fun for the money, highly recommended.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: homeranger review date: February-03-13
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	N/A
positive:	Build Quality Affordable Value Sharp Minolta Colors Macro Small & Light
negative:	Some flare
comment:	Another great lens from Minolta. Small lens with great build quality. Decent range for a walk around lens. Perfect for street photography, flowers, landscapes, and portraits. Perfect lens for beginners to cut their teeth on. High value to low price ratio.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: jon.rodeo review date: January-15-13
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 50mm f/1.4 Minolta 50mm f/1.7 Sony Zeiss 24-70mm f/2.8 Tamron 20-40mm f/2.7-3.5 Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8
price paid:	50 USD (used)
positive:	small/compact, constant f/4, minolta colors, bang for buck
negative:	some CA wide open? noisy AF (screw drive)
comment:	Nice little lens that you can't go wrong on! If you get a chance, snatch one up. It makes for a nice light alternative to the CZ 24-70mm. I find when I'm out and about and just bringing my camera along I prefer it due to it's size and weight. Great little walk-a-round lens!

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: GeminiRx review date: December-09-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Mino 35-105 old and new Mino 50 1.7 Tamron 17-50 2.8 Tamron 70-300 usd Sony 35 1.8 Tamron 60 f2 macro Sony 18-55 Kitlens
price paid:	30 Euro
positive:	- Build quality - Sharp wide open - Its small and lite - Great walk around lens on Full Frame
negative:	- Not realy usefull on apc - Flare
comment:	I have had this lens for 2,5 years and never really used it on my A500/580. It produces really nice sharp pictures wide open and i really love the colors. But the range was just not that usefull for me on APC. Now that i have got the A99 it makes sence. I like it a lot. Its a nice small walk around lens.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: linearamp review date: October-05-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 50mm f1.7 Minolta 50mm f1.4 Minolta 28-135mm f4/4.5 minolta 100mm f2.8 macro minolta Rokkor 58mm f1.2 Sony 70-300g sigma 10-20mm f4.5 Takumar smc 50mm f1.4 carl zeiss flek 35mm f2.4 carl zeiss sonnar 135mm f3.5
price paid:	20
positive:	Sharp wide open build quality
negative:	flare but with a good hood not a problem
comment:	After reading the reviews on here regaridng this lens ,i found this lens for £20 ,best £20 ive spent on a lens. tested on my a77 ,sharp -very sharp even wide open ,build is execellent like all the other beercan type lens . flare is controlled by a good hood .Don't hestitate to buy this lens .

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: tafata review date: July-13-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta AF 50 F1.7 Minolta AF 135 F2.8 Minolta Af 28-80 F3.5-5.6 (KIT)
price paid:	120EUR (used)
positive:	- sharp - build - macro switch - colors
negative:	- range on APS-C - lens hood
comment:	I love this lens! At first, when i bought it, i leave it in my bag because i didn't find a real use for it. Then i tried another and another time until i fall in love with it. It's very sharp at any focal, it has wonderful colors and, compared to the 50mm (that is sharper a bit) it's a zoom! Ok, its range is not so wide but it helps sometimes! And, as an extra, it has the Macro switch to get closer to the subject... must have!

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: dinadan review date: June-17-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 16-50 f2.8 SSM Minolta 35mm f2 Minolta 28-135
price paid:	60 Euro
positive:	light, good build quality
negative:	not wide enough on aps-c
comment:	it is a nice lens for street photography if you don't want to carry a large zoom. my copy is sharp wide open.

sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: cicaro review date: May-15-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	-Sigma Zoom Master 35-70 F 3.5-4.5 - Sony 18-70 4.5/5-6 Kit lens - minolta af zoom 28-80 F 3.5(22)-5.6 (Silver) - Minolta AF Zoom 35-80 1:4(22)-5.6 - Minolta AF Zoom 35-80 1:4(22)-5.6 (Silver)
price paid:	Dont know
positive:	Nice metal build, sturdy. Regular use lens. fast AF
negative:	Not one of the sharpest lenses but way better than the modern sony kits
comment:	This one is mounted on a daily basis on my Sony A-350

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 2	user: Tonrow review date: May-07-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony DT 35 1.8 Sony 50 1.4 Minolta 50 1.7
price paid:	45 USD
positive:	Price Color Sharpness
negative:	Flare
comment:	Love this lens and agree with most of the positives already out there, but don't understand the negative comments on the focal length. I happen to like 35mm and 50mm on a crop sensor and this lens covers both those lengths, so I'm happy and this covers about 80% of what I would ever shoot during the day. In fact, at f5.6 and up it's hard for me to tell from looking at a photo whether it came from the 35-70 or one of the other lenses, and it's only when you blow things up and compare individual pixels that the primes start to show their superiority. Unless you're making posters you'll be quite satisfied with the results.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: mhlvos review date: May-06-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 24-70
price paid:	eur 20
positive:	Small. Very good sharpness and colors. Nice range for full frame. Inexpensive.
negative:	Some CA and only F4. Front element turns when focusing.
comment:	I bought this together with a Minolta 7000 and a 100-200 4.5 for 40 euro. Was I in for a surprise. I might just have gotten a good copy but this little lens is great. Very small but great sharpness. If you do have a full frame and can buy a nice copy don't hesitate you won't regret it.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: matts review date: May-05-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	sony 18-55 Min 35-105 Min 28-105RS Min 35-105N Many min kit lens
price paid:	$20 AU
positive:	Sharpness Colours Price build
negative:	Flare Flare Range on aps
comment:	This is the lense that made my wife understand the difference between a sony kit lens & a minolta classic. It was well sharp and had great colours. If you are able to set up a photo so you wont have a problem with flare then the beer cans are the way to go cheap and the IQ is definatly wow. My version did not have the macro hack but most macro is manual focus anyway. I think everyone needs an original minolta in there collection of A mount lenses.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: KeithW review date: April-09-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 18-70 kit lens
price paid:	NZ$52
positive:	Light well built and compact
negative:	Supplied lens hood is useless.
comment:	Fitted to APS-C is equivalent of a 50-105mm on a 35mm film camera I learned photography in the '50s, my first 35mm camera had a 50mm lens - no zoom at all! Certainly you can miss the wide angle if you are used to having it and using it but the quality of this lens over rides that

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: appletree review date: March-18-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 50mm 1.7 prime, Minolta 28-80 zoom
price paid:	29,50 €
positive:	Sharpness, colour, lightness, better range than 50mm prime ;-)
negative:	Almost no differential focus, unless in macro mode.
comment:	This lens would make no sense to me on a crop sensor camera because of the 50-100mm equivalent field of view there. In that kind of range, I'd really like decent differential focus. On full frame cameras, by today's standards 35-70 hardly counts as a zoom either. Compared to today's zooms this one is _restrictive_, make no mistake. However I bought it for my film 600si, where it nicely complements the Minolta 50mm 1.7 prime in all those situations where a prime just doesn't 'cut it' (such as framing a landscape from the top of a look-out, for example). It certainly has all the sharpness I'll ever need, plus wonderful colours, plus the flexibility in framing. Minus the bokeh. Just be aware that if you need differential focus, this lens will only provide it in macro mode... Build is just fine and AF is fast enough for most kinds of situations encountered with this type of lens. To summarize: recommendable for full frame/film, if you usually use primes and need a zoom just in case.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: Delvey review date: February-16-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 50mm f1.7 Sony 18-55 Sam
price paid:	£20
positive:	Cheap Sharp Build Quality Minolta Colours
negative:	None so far
comment:	Bought this for 20 GBP and costs me 2.50 GPB for the front and rear caps Nearly as sharp as my Minolta 50mm f1.7 at f4 when at f4

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: Rusty review date: January-10-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	All other original AF series (Beercan, 100-200/4.5, 50/1.7) Sony 18-70 Kit
price paid:	40 USD
positive:	-Compact -Light -Range on FF -SHARP !
negative:	-MFD -Macro switch -Build could be better
comment:	I really enjoy the results from this lens. It is amazingly sharp, and the range is quite versatile on FF, albeit a bit short. Perfect for landscapes, everyday shots and walking about. A real bargain for the price ! MFD is sometimes restrictive, and using the macro switch is a PITA. at 35mm (fully extended), the barrel can wobble a bit, not unlike the Sony 18-70. Flare control is nothing to write home about. The original hood is next to useless, it's better to use the hand to block out the sun (or don't shoot with the sun in your face).

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: rogloit review date: December-29-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	85 USD
positive:	Sharpness color weight
negative:	None
comment:	This has become my walk around lens for use in daylight, and i love it.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: boyzone review date: December-06-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	35-105
price paid:	100 USD (used)
positive:	- Size - Cheap - Sharp
negative:	- MFD - F4
comment:	Is sharp, is good on outdoor portrait. Most of the time I use for sunrise photography as easy to carry and reasonable weight. Sell it after bring 35-105 for longer range coverage.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: mob81 review date: November-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:	30 USD
positive:	Compact Usable range Dirt cheap!!!!!! Sharp Macro
negative:	For the price-NOTHING
comment:	This lens is really great. It's selling really cheap a d produce great quality images. I like its bokeh and it's my do it all lens. The macro is great but only manual focus in macro mode which is alright. I bought this lens with Minolta maxxum 7000 and flash for $30 plus shipping which was great as I was going to pay that amount for the lens alone!!!! If you find one cheap, go for it. It's wonderful lens. Happy shooting.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: KCG review date: November-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:	USD100
positive:	Sharp, constant F4, nice minolta colour.
negative:
comment:

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: JimmyMelbourne review date: November-26-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	40 CHF
positive:	Light Sharp Colour$ Cheap
negative:	Tricky to focus at times
comment:	A nice little lens, worth buying just to play around with. I now have 5 minolta lenses and they all exhibit the great minolta colours i have heard about but never appreciated. Long live Minolta.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Bahudda review date: November-23-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	24-70mm f2.8 ZA 35-105mm f3.5-4.5 Orig 28-75mm f2.8 Tamron 28-70mm f2.8 Tokina
price paid:	$50 USD
positive:	Small and light Well built Great Minolta color Sharper than I expected
negative:	Flare
comment:	I bought this lens on a whim and it arrived a day or so before the 35-105 original. The 35-105 got most of my attention for quite a while. I finally got around to this lens and BOY am I glad I did. It gives a clean and sharp image. I love it for everyday walk around lens (on a FF). The color is nice Minolta style but not over the top in saturation. It is quick to focus and fairly accurate when locked on. I would consider this the Yin to the 35-105's Yang. The 35-70 presents closer to the 24-70 ZA while the 35-105 presents closer to the 70-200 G SSM in terms of image rendering. In a pairing I would take the 35-70 and 135 ZA vs the 35-105 and the 200 G HS APO. I seem to always keep this lens on one of my bodies and find it to be a very reliable WYSIWYG lens. I may have been lucky with the version I have (got it from KEH) as it is sharp at every aperture along the full focal length. I paired this lens up with the 70-210 Beercan and it put the Beercan to shame in terms of sharpness, color rendition and contrast. This lens is the best buy ever - for me that is. I haven't done any portraits with it so I will have to get back to you on that score. Other than that I can whole heartedly recommend this lens and would go as far to say I find it to be the poor man's light weight 24-70 ZA (minus the color difference of course).

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: LKB review date: October-05-11
	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 Beercan Minolta 50/1.7 Sony 35/1.8 Sony 18-55/3.5-5.6 DT
price paid:	35 GBP (used)
positive:	weight good macro (for the price) works great with Hoya macro filters
negative:	range on APS-C
comment:	I bought those lenses mostly for its macro capacity, as I prefer primes in this zoom range. Those lenses are best fit with Hoya macro filters, I've seen so far. I use +2 most often (due to handheld) and results I great - sharp. It does not compare to proper macro lenses (I had a pleasure of using Minolta 100/2.8) but works way above expectations. I used it for general photography with nice sharpness and colors and good AF but APS-C rage was quite limiting here. And I prefer prime lenses for cityscape/candid photos so haven't used those enough to have any comments in this department. Hood is pretty much pointless, too small to reduce flare and while reversed it block access to focus ring. Given the current price I would recomend it as nice walk around lenses (much better than Sony 18-55) due to its weight

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 3 distortion: 3 flare control: 3	user: Jack Goldmaker review date: September-11-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 35-105 xi
price paid:	$50 with 7000
positive:	Fast lens for low light, esp. video. Has a macro button
negative:	Sticky zoom ring, dry white Minolta wear on ring. Macro is not very close.
comment:	Picked this gem up at a Goodwill type store. I had originally purchased a slower Minolta 35-70 which I bashed against some rocks when climbing in Banff. I missed the lens a lot and thought that I had found one attached to a mint 7000 in a mint leather case for 50 bucks. This is my best bargain find to date and I love it as an all around lens, it is fast at autofocus, good in low light (it was a darling kit lens when it came out and I could not afford it) and were it not for the crop factor, would be my only lens for everyday use. Now if I can only find the guy that stole the beer can from my car! (Got the car back)

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 3 distortion: 3 flare control: 3	user: Jack Goldmaker review date: September-11-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 35-105 xi
price paid:	$50 with 7000
positive:	Fast lens for low light, esp. video. Has a macro button
negative:	Sticky zoom ring, dry white Minolta wear on ring. Macro is not very close.
comment:	Picked this gem up at a Goodwill type store. I had originally purchased a slower Minolta 35-70 which I bashed against some rocks when climbing in Banff. I missed the lens a lot and thought that I had found one attached to a mint 7000 in a mint leather case for 50 bucks. This is my best bargain find to date and I love it as an all around lens, it is fast at autofocus, good in low light (it was a darling kit lens when it came out and I could not afford it) and were it not for the crop factor, would be my only lens for everyday use. Now if I can only find the guy that stole the beer can from my car!

sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: rbrucemontgomery review date: August-30-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Tamron 19-35 f/3.5-4.5; Quantaray 28-80 f/3.5-5.6; Minolta 50 mm f/1.7; Tokina 70-210 f/1.4-5.6; Tokina 35-200
price paid:	Gift
positive:	Weight, range, sharpness, color, macro, constant aperture
negative:	AF a little slow and imprecise in low or back lighting.
comment:	This is a great little lens. I had bought and sold two or three on ebay, basically passing it over for either wider angle zooms or longer zooms when I needed a zoom. When a friend gave me his old maxxum a couple of years ago with this lens, I decided to try it out again, and was pleasantly surprised. Compared to the Quantaray, and even the Tamron 19-35, it was much sharper, and has much better color rendering. I was considering purchasing the Zeiss 24-70 f 2.8 lens at the time I started reusing this. I liked it so well I upgraded my flash to the Sony HVL-F58AM, and use the combination both indoors and outdoors (for fill flash). I shoot quite a few events such as birthday parties and community events, and get rave comments on the photos, people especially commenting on the clarity and color. I'll probably bite the bullet and add the Zeiss 24-70 when my Alpha 77 ships, as I think the faster lens will work well with video. But for stills, I am very pleased with this little "mini-beercan" manufactured probably 30 years ago! It's the second most frequently attached lens on my Sony Alpha 700 (the #1 being the 135 mm f/1.8 Zeiss - incredible, but that's another lens).

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: smf review date: August-23-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 28-85 3.5-5.6 K/M 18-70 Sigma 28-80 Sakar 28-70 3.5
price paid:	$30 USD (ebay)
positive:	constant aperture sharp good build nice size macro
negative:	Odd range for APS-C
comment:	This lens is great for anything that doesn't require a wide angle or a big zoom. I really dig the sharpness through all apertures and distances. Colour seems good, but I doubt I'd notice unless it was terrible. The bokeh seems pleasing enough, neither remarkably good or bad. I haven't noticed any flare at all, even shooting towards the sun. Maybe I've just had good luck with my angles because I don't generally worry about that sort of thing. Sony A300 Update: After a few months of going through other lenses, this lens is still a favourite. I prefer the macro mode on this lens to the macro mode on the 28-85 because it's at the tele- end of things. Superior colour and sharpness compared to the kit lens. I treat this lens like a prime and use it when I've got room to get around my subject because I still find the range odd. Wide open performance is nice.

sharpness: 3.5 color: 3 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: Ratsters review date: August-22-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	CZ 16-80mm Minolta 28mm Minolta 50mm Minolta 70-210
price paid:	$75.00 USD
positive:	Cheap, solid build first generation all metal, light weight, AF is accurate enough for general subject but a tinny bit slow, f4 constant, macro option is limited but accurate enough, f8 is the sweet f-stop
negative:	Sharpness is no worst or better than kit lens, it's old and CA + Color accuracy need a lot of tender loving care in Photoshop, past f8 you must underexpose by 1 to 2 stop to get accurate reading, noisy AF and minimum 3.5 ft distant
comment:	If you work on a low budget go get it it's still cheap (Under $50 USD) but you'll get better result with the kit lens specially on CA et color rating. if you're good at Photoshop you'll correct a lot of defaults if not then stay away from this lens. Unless my copy has a problem, I notice I had to underexpose from 1 to 2 stops past f8, specially around f22. It will never replace my CZ 16-80. It fare better on my MAXXUM 9000 with film. With APS-C sensor as with my A700, I ended up with a 50-105mm lens, not great in today's standard, I would recommend this lens for student work only. Correction: I did have a problem with the diaphragm, had it fix, and now the lens is back to normal in terms of F-Stop, but all my other notes on the review stay the same.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: derekw review date: July-17-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 18-70
price paid:	31 GBP
positive:	Sharpness Colour (Photoshop not needed) Bokeh Weight ans size
negative:	Range
comment:	Sharp from f4-f22 and from 35 to 70. Great image quality. Worth its place in your bag (or pocket) as it is small and light. I have used almost all of the 'consumer' level Minolta glass and only the original 35-105 is sharper. Classic lens - use and enjoy

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: StefB. review date: May-23-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta AF 35-105mm@f3.5/4.5
price paid:	25 Euros
positive:	- Compact & light - Built - Constant F4 - cheap - Minolta colours - macro function - pretty sharp(but could be better)
negative:	- No AF in Macro mode (but could be hacked!!) - Range
comment:	Recently I bought a Minolta AF 35-105mm (same generation), and now I do not use anymore my baby-beercan. The AF, even if it could be faster, is really better than beercan or big beercan. In low light condition, the AF is hunting. Also compare to beercan, the MFD is acceptable.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: pacman1213 review date: April-13-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	28-85 3.5-4.5 50 1.7
price paid:	30 Can
positive:	Small light Macro (Hacked) great for Film Great colors on Film and contrast on B/W film Constant F4 Sharp even wide opened and tack sharp F8 up
negative:	Build small Hood (Flare problems) useless on APS-C
comment:	Now here is a weird but neat lens. It is useless on APS-C but who cares, it was not designed for that. I use it when i need a light lens to walk around with my Maxxum 9. Its almost smaller than the 50 and gives me great mobility and reach if needed. The Macro feature is great as well. The colors on Digital are ok but look great on film. I would compare it to its big brother, the 28-85 which has better Macro, better colors and better build but not as portable and heavier. (I also own the 28-85) This lens is cheap! if you see a good one, get it.

sharpness: 3.5 color: 3 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 2	user: danymoris review date: April-05-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 35mm f1.8 Sony 85mm f2.8 Pentax 35mm f2 Nikon 35mm f1.8
price paid:	100 in 1992
positive:	Size Real macro
negative:	Focal length Slow AF Corners Build quality Focus ring 0.25x macro Old optics Old Minolta colors
comment:	I can't believe the ratings people are giving this lens. This is an old lens who's time have passed. Better than the old 18-70mm kit lens? Not exactly. This was the Minolta 7000's 'kit lens'. Both are in the same league. This lens lack the wide end on crop sensor cameras. It might be sharper than kit lens when taking snapshots in auto. But stop both lenses down and the difference, if any, is minimal. Build quality, hated the tiny focus ring on this and other classic lenses. Focus ring felt like turning a plastic bottle around a broom. No granular feedback. The poorly rated 18-70mm kit lens feel more solid when manual focusing. It's also plastic, not metal like the large beer cans in the series. Unlike some modern zooms which also carry the macro designation, this does have a macro mode. But at 1:4 it's less appealing than a 1:1 life-size macro lens. It is a good lens on film. The focal range works well on FF. But corner sharpness is never it's forte. And AF is not fast. It's good enough on film, but it was never excellent. Optics and digital coatings have come a long way since then. The newer crop lenses, especially those 35mm primes, are much better as a daily/walkabout normal. So save your money and get a better, faster lens. I know some people here rave about 'Classic Minolta' colors. Wow. Have you heard of Photoshop? Get over it, this is an old lens. One that does not deserve a 4.5 rating when there are clearly newer and better lenses available.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: superdavis review date: March-07-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	CZ 16-80 Sigma 28 - 105 F2,8-4
price paid:	60 Eur (used)
positive:	- cheap - Minolta colours - macro function - sharp - lightweight
negative:	- min focuss 0,8m - zoom range on APS-C
comment:	This is very interesting and challenging lens. It sure not on my camera ofen, but the tricky APS-C range makes you work more with the details and location. If you can manage that, then sharp Minolta colours would support that. Great value for the money.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: dcad10 review date: March-06-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Tamron 28-75mm 2.8 Zeiss 16-80mm 3.5-4.5
price paid:	$20 USD
positive:	small size f4 constant macro decently sharp
negative:	my copy is prone to flaring focal length
comment:	I don't find myself using this lens very often because I will usually grab a 50mm 1.7 over this if I want to shoot in this range, however if you have a use for it, this lens provides great bang for the buck. When shooting outdoors, the old coatings in the lens become apparent as my copy will lose contrast and flare when shooting in the sun. If you find this lens for cheap, I definitely recommend it. You might not use it often, but for the price you wont have a hard time justifying the purchase.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: bobh review date: February-27-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony SAL1870 Minolta 70-210 f4 Minolta 50mm f1.4
price paid:	$45.00
positive:	Sharp Excellent color capture Fast focusing Constant f4
negative:	I have no complaints
comment:	My walk around, ready for almost anything lens. I did the standard Scotch tape hack on the macro function, close up results are very good. Great Minolta colors. It is consistenly sharp, even with my Kalimar 1.4X TC, when it becomes an 80-150 f5.6 on my Sony A200.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: maxfarphoto review date: February-25-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 28-135 f4-4,5
price paid:	€ 60,00 (mint)
positive:	Small Light Sharp Fast Range on Leica format
negative:	Range on APS-C format
comment:	This is a killer lens on A850/A900 for light travelling. I add a 50/1,7 for low light shots and I am fine. Range is not that good onto APS-C format unless you don't care about the wide angles. Small, light, fast AF and extremely sharp even wide open (at least my sample), on A850 outperforms my beloved 28-135 f4-4,5

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: Velectron review date: January-15-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	50mm F1.7 28-105mm f3.5-4.5 28mm F2.8
positive:	Very sharp lens, especially stopped down a little. Small and light to carry around. Hackable Macro AF mode
negative:	Small range
comment:	Very sharp little lens that I had foolishly underestimated in the past. Only after I saw some standard test photos of this lens and other famous Minolta lenses do I realise it's capability. It is small and light, so is easy to carry around. On APC-C, the range is about 50-105 which is just nice for portraiture.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: Dr.Gaga review date: January-06-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony DT 18-70 Minolta 70-210 Beercan
price paid:	26,50 EUR (mint)
positive:	Sharp from 35 to 70, even in macro mode Incredibly sharp from F5,6-22 Color Ok build for me, compact Macro at 70mm Fast focusing F4 at 70mm
negative:	Flare Front element rotates CA at F4-5,6 in macro mode Range on APS-C F4 at 30mm
comment:	Hello, this was my first lens after set Sony 18-70. I grabbed a bargain and bought one in a really minty condition. I am very sattisfied with this lens. It is a small, old school lens which does not pass to my Sony A200, if I look at the design :-). It is sharp at all of the ranges. Even more sharp if I stop down a little bit. At F4 is really noticeable some CA in macro mode and colour fringing which disappears during stopping down to 5,6+. It has fantastic It is a great macro lens when in use with macro tubes! In normal use there is very big flaring not only from sun but even from lamps. Just the range is little bit weird on APS-C, that's why I still use my bad 18-70 sometimes...

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: Gavno review date: January-01-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 100 - 200mm f4.5 Minolta "Beercan" Minolta 50mm f1.7 Tamron 28-70 mm f3.5-4.5 Macro
price paid:	$20.00 (used)
positive:	CHEAP!!! SHARP Light weight & small Well built
negative:	Hood inadequate size
comment:	This lens, and the 100-200 f4.5 are the "sleepers" of the Minolta AF family. I forget exactly where and when I got it, but I use it and a 100-200mm on Maxxum 7000 bodies for shooting Women's Roller Derby. I've tried it on a Konica Minolta 7D body, and hope to do so much more in the future. _______________________ EDIT... DEC 2011 I HAVE used it a good bit more now, on 7D and 5D bodies. This lens has become my primary work horse; it has served me VERY well indeed during Roller Derby season, plus during the protests at the Wisconsin state capitol. Low temperatures and rain don't faze it in the least; it always delivers for me. I'm looking for another copy of it so that I'll never be caught without one. _________________________________ IMHO... this little lens is the natural companion for a Beercan. SHARP... it's almost as good as my 50mm f 1.7, but with more versatility. Good example of the legendary "Minolta color" rendition. Compared to my Tamron 28-70 Macro; there IS no comparison! The Tamron, even stopped down, is much softer and shows considerably more distortion toward the edges. Only downside with this little gem... that hood! It's WAY too small!!! Mine is now fitted with a Cokin filter rig; no filters, but two of the snap-on hoods attached. A "must have" Minolta product for every camera bag!

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 3 flare control: 2	user: Paperinik review date: December-21-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	beercan 24-50 50 1,7
price paid:	50 euro
positive:	Sharp at 35mm, quite sharp @70mm small weight
negative:	Flare Distortion
comment:	Very good zoom for the price and sharpsness, but the distortion is annoying in portraiture.. It suffers of flare and hood is insufficient.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 5	user: mydarkstars review date: December-21-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Min 28-85mm f3.5-4.5 Min 35-105mm f3.5-4.5 Sony 18-55mm Sony 18-70mm
price paid:	£45
positive:	Build Color Sharp
negative:	Small range
comment:	My own baby beercan, love it! Good color and build. Small range is inconvenient sometimes but otherwise a fun walkaround lens.

sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 3 flare control: 3	user: blek review date: December-10-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta zoom xi 100-300 Sony AF DT 18-70 F3.5-5.6 (kit) Sony AF DT 18-55 F3.5-5.6 (kit)
price paid:	Total 750.000 IDR with other items (used)
positive:	Build Sharp! Concentric Hexagon Bokeh Minolta Colors Macro
negative:	Slow at low light but that is normal Concentric Hexagon Bokeh for them who do not like it
comment:	I bought this with some items. The previous owner let me bought his lens for 350.000 IDR ONLY if I bought its 400.000 IDR SLR. Well, it is Sharp and Incredible. When I was on a plane trip from Jakarta to Lombok, 20 minutes before landing, shoot from the window with Infinite focus and at 100% crop, I realize there is a ship with a Suzuki on board and I can still recognize its logo. As the bokeh itself, I dunno, just like it. I see many concentric hexagon bokeh before but this one is just beautiful. It may not as smooth as the beercan, but it add rough feeling on my shots. Let me compare the bokeh with sony's kit lens. Using the kit, the bokeh are small, sharp concentric circle, almost like grain. If the background is far away, its kinda looks like noise. With this lens with the same distance, the bokeh is more or less half bigger than the kit, heaxagon-like (even if the background object is a ball). And, well... The macro mode is just SUPERB, well, with only 1:4 magnification, it is clearly produce nice out of focus area, and this is a kit lens for a camera from more than 20 years ago. About the Legendary Minolta Colors, hmm... This is interesting. A few people will tell you, you can use photoshop for that. Well, let me tell you some stuffs: - Photoshop is expensive, while at the same time, they will say GIMP is not enough. :D - If you are going to edit every picture you shoot, then why bother using Alpha? I few pocket cameras, wait, even mobile phone cameras will do. Face it, you are not into photography, yet, if you do. - It is not easy to produce the artificial Minolta Colors. It is either too zombie-like, or too unrealistic. Thats why I love this blue globe. Think, shoot, then either print it out or upload it while my fellow Canonicus and Nikonian playing with their mouse.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: jlbigornia review date: November-24-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
positive:
negative:
comment:

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: jamesmd review date: November-21-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	sony 50 14, CZ 85 1,4 ,
price paid:	60€ used
positive:	size , weight , price , fast focus , macro
negative:	front cap
comment:	great small lens for a walk around and travel , very sharp , lovely colors .

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: ARkristian review date: November-09-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
positive:	Optics Cheap Color Macro Mode Constant F4 AF Construction
negative:	hood range
comment:

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: GhislainD review date: November-08-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Beercan Minolta 70-210mm @70mm Sony DT 18-70mm F3.5/5.6 (Kit lens) Sony DT 50mm F1.8 SAM
price paid:	$50 each (2 used)
positive:	Incredibly Cheap Sharp from 35 to 70mm F4 ! Macro capacity Light Metal mount
negative:	Original hood = useless Original front cap prevent taking of the hood ! Strange range on DSL-R Zoom ring a bit narrow Minimum Focus = 1m
comment:	First of all get rid of the original cap ! You can't access the hood whit the cap on it. I exchanged it with my Sony 50mm cap(also 49mm diameter) and it allows you to play with the hood. Talking about the hood, get rid of the original hood either ! It's too short but I found that another hood will make a great job to prevent flare ! Find a hood from Minolta A 100-200 F4.5, it's exactly the same diameter and clips ! [I didn't check if I get vignetting with such long hood compare to the widest part of the range] It's not always easy to adjust the zoom ring with my A700. The view finder/built in flash is bit big and the ring is close too close to the body. When you compare it to the kit lens, it's not even worth it to mention it. It does a fantastic job compare to the 18-70mm... When comparing it to the beercan, things are more complicated : @ 70mm, the beercan is better from F4 to F5.6 then the little minolta is sharper ! [I still have to compare my second copy but it's sharper than the first, so results would be even more difficult to handle for the beercan] Against the Sony DT 50mm F1.8, my best copy is sharper from F4 to F8 and then they are similar. To conclude, $50 to play with this lens ! Awesome ! I bought a A700 and I needed a spare lens to let my girlfriend play with my A200. It ended up I bought 2 of them ! Why no one's talking about it ?! Perhaps because the range is weird, I didn't have the opportunity to play with it for an "on field" review but I will soon !

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: eLCee review date: November-05-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 18-55 Tamron 28-75/2.8
price paid:	30€
positive:	build colours constant F4 compact
negative:	wired range on APS-C
comment:	Solid lens, don't use it much with the range on APS-C... Was included with some other Minolta glas. If this lens was a bit wider it would see alot more use on my cameras.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: dumbasadoorknob review date: September-23-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Min 50D and 50/1.7 Min 35/2 Beercan
price paid:	usd 40 used
positive:	Small size Reliable focus Minolta colors Fixed aperture
negative:	none to think of
comment:	I found this the perfect street lens for the A100.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: Ovas review date: August-27-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	35-70f3.5-4.5. 24-85 3.5-4.5. 35mm fix.
price paid:	55 USD
positive:	Small and lightweigth. Good quality picktures even on 24 mpx A900. Cheep and there are lots around.
negative:	Week build, do not drop this to the floor! Just simply broke down as it parted of when using it. Waisted.
comment:	This really shines on my A900, on the APS-C 7D it has not so useful range. Sharp all over and is the best alternative for a light lens to carry around.

sharpness: 3.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: DaveJonT review date: August-25-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	When I owned it, the 28-80 II
price paid:	USD79.00 (used)
positive:	Good flare control on mine, even though I never owned the hood to go along with it.
negative:	Somewhat softish, wide open. Not soft, softish.
comment:	This lens was leaps and bounds beyond my first zoom. The results wide open had an almost soft focus kind of effect to them; the image was clear, the definition was fine on the edges, it was just not enough that I would say it was "pretty sharp" wide open, if that makes sense to anyone.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: cordyc review date: July-13-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	28-85 24-70 2.8 100 2.8 mcaro
positive:	colors lightweight macro
negative:	some CA at times
comment:	For many years my only lens on the film camera. I've gotten some great images with this. Got me into doing some macro, even with it's manual only mode. If your low on funds and want to learn photography pick up this lens to replace your kit lens. You will get some great shots with this. It's nice an compact for walking around

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: skm.sa100 review date: July-07-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	18-70. 16-105. Samyang 85mm.
positive:	Sharp. Sharp!! SHARP!! Super cheap. F4. Not VERY fast but good.
negative:	Range.
comment:	This is one of the classic Minolta lenses. Sleeper of a bunch of lenses. Super sharp at F4 and 70mm. Zooms tend to have worst performance at the long end wide open, and this one really delivers at that point. Given the price of the lens (you can get a good copy for less than USD 50), I would recommend that you have one. It really delivers sharp pictures and is worth every penny. Nice warm colors. Reasonably good for portraits and outdoor shoots when you can use your feet. F4 at 70mm allows for reasonable DOF control. Kind of limited range, especially on APS and indoors. This is the reason that this lens is not popular and is darned cheap. This one of the best values in terms of bang-for-the-buck.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: wjlorimer review date: July-05-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	$40NZ (used)
positive:	Very sharp lens with great colour. Solid build and macro is a bonus.
negative:	Bokeh not the smoothest. Macro is manual focus (without the hack).
comment:	Got this lens of the internet (used) instead of the Sony kit lens, and I'm glad I did. What a great we lens for the price. It's super sharp - even wide open, and the 52-105mm focal length it equates to on my a200 is great as an all round portrait lens. But I'm even taking some superb landscapes with this gem of a lens at the 35mm end. Bokeh at the f4 75mm end isn't as smooth and creamy as you'd get from a 135mm prime - but at only $40 whose expecting it to be? Flare is reported as an issue with this lens, but I have a fairly deep rubber lens hood on mine and don't have too many problems. For the price, this is an amazing lens. I highly recommend it if the focal length suits you. I'd get another one in a flash!

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Minolta_Master review date: June-02-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 18-70mm Sony 55-200mm (where the focal lengths overlap)
price paid:	35 USD (used)
positive:	Optics Cheap Color Macro Mode Constant F4 AF Construction
negative:	None that I can think of!
comment:	I use this lens just about all the time. Perfect all around lens. The Macro Mode is great. I don't mind it not being AF. Minolta's optics are always 1st rate and this one is no exception. Typical Minolta colors. The constant F4 no matter where you put the focal length is a BIG plus. So its good in low light. Its not great. The more I use it it might become great. AF is very smooth, pretty quiet and quite fast. Very low light situations it hunts a lot. Mild low light its OK. Flare is very noticeable without a hood. With a hood its a lot better. Overall a great lens. Metal mount is always a plus in my book. I would like to see Sony make a version of this lens.

sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 3 distortion: 3 flare control: 2	user: profhankd review date: May-25-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Various Minolta, Sony, and Sigma Various M42
price paid:	22
positive:	Sharp, small, light, macro makes it versatile
negative:	Flare, low contrast, plastic build, distortion at 35mm
comment:	Although my scores for it are low, this is not a bad lens. In many ways, it is actually a better alternative to the 18-70 kit lens. However, IQ-wise, it certainly isn't in the class of the beercan... except in sharpness at f/4. On the positive side, this lens is very small and light, and the macro mode is useful. IQ is very good at f/4. This is one of the few lenses I have that resolves significantly more on a 14MP than on a 10MP, and it does it even wide open. This isn't a bad walk-around lens for APS-C, and the zoom range is even better suited to full frame... I'm sure this was a truly great kit lens for the film cameras of its day. However, this lens is built with a bit too much plastic (although it does have a metal mount). My copy came with clean glass and generally looks very good, but it has a chip in the front thread and a slow aperture. It flares VERY easily, yielding moderately low contrast if there is any backlighting. Barrel distortion is visible at 35mm, but not overpowering. Normal close focus isn't very close, while macro gets quite close but is a bit funky to use (I have not modified this lens for autofocus in macro). Overall, for a sub-$50 lens to take when space is tight, this is a winner -- but it certainly isn't awesome. Mine was exceptionally cheap, but I would recommend paying more to get one that doesn't have the condition issues mine has.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: Cool daddy review date: May-18-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 18-70 kitlens Min 50 mm F1.7 Min 28-135 Sig 18-200 Helios M44 58/F2
price paid:	25 euro
positive:	light small sharp as a nife catches all the colors of a rainbow cheap !
negative:	Flare minimal focus distance 1 mtr...
comment:	Youre Sony Alpha is not complete if you don't have this lens in youre camera bag ! I am slowly building my collection of lenses, this was my first beercan, and now i am "beercanalholic" ! After shooting about 1500 dissapointing pictures with the standard kitlens, i almost wanted to sell the Alpha because every picture had so much noise in the darker areas, but then this little beercan chanced it all!! (and now i want them all LOL)

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: N_Raged review date: April-23-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 50mm F1.7 (O) Minolta 28-85mm F3.5-4.5 (O) Minolta 35-105mm F3.5-4.5 (N) Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 Tamron 17-50mm F2.8
price paid:	$45CAD
positive:	+Great resolution potential +Classic colours +Super compact size +Macro switch! (AF hackable) +Cheap!
negative:	-Vignetting and soft corners on FF -Long MFD for this range -Only a 2x zoom -Filter size and hood too small -Bokeh circles look weird under portrait distances (like a bullseye) -OMG Flare!
comment:	A fantastic and very underrated little lens. I was surprised how sharp center resolution was. Chromatic aberations are very minimal and are easily correctable in any raw converter. There is some very minor purple fringing at f/4 but disappears at f/5.6. AF minimal focal distance is ridiculous for this range like the rest of Minolta's "Macro switch" zooms. On crop APS-C: Pretty sharp at f/4, contrast and corners are perfect at f/5.6 (across the zoom range). Vignetting not an issue. Being a small 2x normal-to-short tele zoom (52-105mm equiv), how useful this lens is depends on what you use it for. Good for streeting or a poor-man's macro/closeup lens. On film & full frame: Corner resolution is quite soft throughout and only reach perfection by f/8-11. Center performance remains consistently good. There is very abrupt vignetting at 35mm. Distortion is a bit pronounced. Focal range is a pretty practical walkaround zoom if you really want to travel lite.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: pcarmalt review date: April-01-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Tamron 28-75 F2.8 Minolta 28-135 F4-4.5 Minolta 35-105 F3.5-4.5 Old Minolta 50 F1.7 RS Sony 50 F1.4 Minolta 70-210 F4
price paid:	GBP 50
positive:	+ Very compact almost like 50/1.7 + Great colour + Quite sharp even wide open + Useful "macro" switch + Very cheap + Better MFD (1m) than 35-105 and 28-135 (1.5m)
negative:	- Bokeh is poor, not smooth
comment:	When I first got my A900, the full frame lenses I had were the 35-70/4, 50/1.7, 100 Macro and 100-300 APO. I went on a holiday in Sanya, China (tropical beach holiday) and this was my walkaround lens, it practically lived on my camera. It was very convenient to have on the camera for the whole day, as the lens is so short and lightweight. I rarely use it nowadays, but will probably keep it and sell the 35-105.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: flysheep review date: March-11-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 18-70 kit lens
price paid:	64 USD (used)
positive:	Nice colour. Pleasant bokeh. Macro mode for not so serious macro (manual focus only unless hacked).
negative:	Long minimum focus distance
comment:

sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: Ch_Igriega review date: March-04-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	€ 50
positive:	+ build + sharpness + price
negative:	- none
comment:

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: lyn review date: March-04-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	16-105mm, 55-200mm, 70-300mm,
price paid:	65 USD
positive:	Sharp, Color, Macro, bokeh, build
negative:	Not much
comment:	This is a great little lens. I bought it from a member and it is excellent. I bought it for a macro and did the hack on the switch... which works perfectly. This lens takes wonderful images and though the Macro is more of a close up than a 1:1 macro, the captures are very good and they are sharp especially with a tripod. If you get the opportunity to pick one of these up you wont regret it. It may be a short lens, but that's the way it is and if you don't like the length then you wont like the actual lens. For a lens hood I just picked up an after market plastic & rubber hood on the web.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: snajper review date: February-21-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minoltas 28-135 Beercan 100-200 50 f1.4 50 f1.7 etc
price paid:	30US mint
positive:	Very sharp Great macro capability after macro hack Inexpensive Great vivid colours very good wide open Small and light
negative:	No lens hood
comment:	Very nice lens. I paid very litle for this mint lens. I was suprised with the sharpness. Way sharper than Min 35-105N especialy wide open. Stepped down it is almost as sharp as my primes. The only lens that is marginally better is 28-135 but at 10x the cost. Must have lens for Sony owners

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: teddybear review date: February-14-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 18-70mm Minolta 35-105mm Macro
price paid:	$35
positive:	Small Sharp Color Macro Cheap Good Build
negative:	Limited range
comment:	This lens is a must have for anyone who wants an inexpensive little macro zoom lens. It is very sharp and has the true Minolta colors. It is also a very fast focusing lens that I have often used at the racetrack, (whilst standing on the pit wall).

sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: lewick review date: February-06-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	sony 17-70 kit lens sigma 90mm macro
price paid:	40 usd (used
positive:	cheap cheap cheap ($40) sharp at all aperatures and great color. minimal distortion at wide end. metal lens mount.
negative:	needs to have expanded zoom range for more versatility. macro switch is necessary for macro shooting. noticeable distortion on wide end.
comment:	this lens does take great photos. I use it on my a100 and my 700 bodies. The zoom range is narrow, which kind of cripples its use, creatively speaking. Otherwise, the colors, sharpness and presence that this lens creates works for me. Physically it's the right size and can be nicely used for street photography. this lens is not on par with the sigma 90mm macro-much sharper shots, but dose make me think i should sell the kit lens. Great lens at embarrassingly low cost. I rate it smack dab between the dedicated macro and the kit lens.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: wesleysa review date: January-24-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	kit lens directly
price paid:	$50
positive:	Very capable
negative:	flare?
comment:	I've found this to be a great lens on my a200, enjoy its macro function a great deal more than I thought I would. But as a general purpose lens as well its great, very small and light (nearly as small as my 50mm prime). I've had it 3 weeks and its only come off my camera once, it continues to suprise me, I haven't found the bokeh to be as bad as some have said. Flare is much more distinct than my other lenses though. I wish the filter ring was 55mm, but I'm sure the guys at Minolta had other things on their minds in 1985. Good things as well apparently as this is a wonderful piece of kit. At a good price don't miss out on this one.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: madecov review date: December-27-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 35-70 f3.5-4.5 Minolta 24-85 f3.5-4.5 Minolta 28-85 f3.5-4.5 Minolta 28-135 Minolta 35-105 Tamron 17-50 f2.8
price paid:	$40.00 USD
positive:	Small, solid build,Great color reproduction. Very sharp even on edges, fixed aperture value
negative:	Range on APS-C sensor, loud af. Minimum focus distance outside of macro mode is long
comment:	Small and unobtrusive. Fixed aperture is a plus. Much better build than the other 35-70 though image quality on both lenses is similar, the f4.0 version is a solid build with metal lens mount. My copy has relatively loud af but it is a bit quieter than the 3.5-4.5 version. Image sharpness is impressive even on the edges if stopped down one stop. Color reproduction is consistent with other Minolta lenses. Image quality on my copy appears to be just slightly sharper than my Minolta 28-85 & 24-85 but on par with my 35-105 (I think I have an exceptional copy). Overall if you find one for a reasonable price there's no reason not have one. I just picked up a second copy of this lens in better condition. It is really a sharp lens even in the corners. My philosophy is any lens under $50.00 (US) is worth buying and playing with. You might just be surprised, I'll even spring for a bit more if the lens has better build

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: eccles review date: December-08-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 18-70 Sony 55-200 Minolta 28-105
price paid:	L102 UK with beercan
positive:	Small but very well built. Useful "macro" function. Sharp. Good colours. Cheap.
negative:	Maximum aperture. Zoom range a bit limited on crop sensor. Sample variation?
comment:	I picked up one of these about 18 months ago and although it was in beautiful condition I wasn't overly enthusiastic about its IQ. Colours were nice but it was a little soft through the range. I sold it for a song But I bought another recently as part of an old outfit including a beercan and this one is optically much better. Although it's not G glass, it's still pleasantly sharp wide open with very nice colours and contrast. Good bokeh isn't particularly easy to achieve due to the relatively small f4 maximum aperture but OOF areas are still nice and smooth. Lacking the range of the Sony kit lens, but it also lacks a lot of the CA as well so much less correctional PP work is needed to turn out a good photo from it. One slight concern is that I encountered sample variation between the first and second copies that I got, but they're going at such cheap prices on ebay it's worth chancing a few pounds to get a good copy.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: alphahim review date: December-07-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	MAF 50 F1.7 MAF 35-105 F3.5-4.5 MAF 35-70 F3.5-4.5 MAF 28 F2.8 MAF 70-210 F4 Sigma 18-70 2.8 Tamron 17-50 2.8
price paid:	35 GBP (used)
positive:	Sharp, sharp and sharp Nice macro great colour and contrast no distortion almost like a prime fast AF no distortion
negative:	limited range flare sometime
comment:	A little old gem. After it had arrived, I had to clean it up, but now it is almost like new. I use it a lot for portraits inside. It is a bit limited in range, but one of my sharpest lenses ever.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: teodesson review date: December-07-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	18-70mm kit lens 16-80mm CZ Minolta 35-105 Old
price paid:	S$190
positive:	compact, metal build
negative:	range, not wide
comment:	Cheap and a nice upgrade for kit lens. Definitely better than kit lens, but I found range is a problem for me.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: DarkScribe review date: December-04-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 28-85 F3.5-4.5, Minolta 28-105 F3.5-4.5, Minolta 28-135 F4-4.5, Minolta 35-70 F3.5-4.5, Minolta 35-105 F3.5-4.5 (both versions)
price paid:	Kit lens on 7000
positive:	One of the most useful lenses in a digital photographer's bag. On a crop sensor it makes a really good portrait lens. It is sharp from F4 on and has good bokeh and great Minolta colour.
negative:	None as long as you add a third party (much larger and wider lens hood).
comment:	A lens that is a pleasure to use - hard to take a bad shot with it. Small, beautifully made, sharp, fast focusing and ideal for portraits on a crop body. Useful for street photography (and has a functional macro).

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: silviajdm review date: November-29-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 50 f1.7
price paid:	$56
positive:	Warm Minolta Colors Sharp @ f4 Fast Focusing
negative:	Unusual zoom range Loud focusing Small filter size
comment:	While some lenses are being repaired I decided to pick this lens up as a backup and I did make the right decision. The colors are warm and the sharpness is spot on, it may even be slightly better than my prime 50. 35mm on full frame is great! If your looking for a cheap budget lens with decent results this is one of them. Sony needs to remake this but with a bigger filter....similar to the Canon 17-40 f4L

sharpness: 3.5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: nitrosyl review date: October-25-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	- Sony 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 - Minolta 50mm f/1.7 - Minolta 70-210mm f/4 (beercan)
price paid:	package deal
positive:	- small & light - constant, usable f/4 - decent build
negative:	- limited focal length, obviously - chromatic aberration - not flare-resistant
comment:	I owned this lens for a short while and used it on my A200. It is very small and light, fits nicely in my pocket. IQ seems to be better than the Sony 18-70mm kit lens but the range is obviously its limiting factor. f/4 is usable but chromatic aberration is evident at this aperture setting, stopping down helps though. Its color & build are similar to the good old Minolta 50mm f/1.7 which I got together in a package deal.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: JeremyT review date: October-23-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	- 50mm f1.7 (orig) - KM 28-75 f/2.8
price paid:	In lot
positive:	- Costs next to nothing - Tiny - Light - Sharp
negative:	- Odd range on APS/C
comment:	I got this lens in a lot, so I can't really give it an exact price. Call it 15 USD. Going rate is $50-$70 if you buy it standalone, but with some patience you can almost surely find it even cheaper attached to a Maxxum 7000. It looks plenty sharp to me wide open, even pixel peeping. I don't see any reason to stop down for IQ on my A200, which is good since f/4 isn't all that fast. Colors match the other Minolta lenses of this era. After using it a bit more I have noticed some minor CA wide open. Not much to worry about. The compact size and cheap price really make this a winner, even though the zoom range is limited to portraiture on APS-C.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: tommyrider review date: October-06-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	cz 16-80 50/1.7 24/2.8 35-105/4-4.5 28-135/4-4.5
positive:	Constant F4 Small & compact Colors Above than average contrast Usable Macro feature Sharp wide open. FF Incredible value for the money
negative:	Minumun Focus distance. Noisy Strange range on aps-c
comment:	Beautiful little piece of glass.Nice walkaroud lens. Even its not designed for aps-c, 35-70 its very enjoyable to use .For its price it deserves atention. I really like this lens .And shurely its hard to find an AF lens in this IQ league at its price in any mount.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: tomiZG 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:	T 17-50 2.8 T 28-75 2.8 Min 35-80 4.5-5.6 Min 28-100 3.5-5.6 Min 35-105 beercan series Min 70-210 beercan herself
price paid:	37 €
positive:	- beercan colors and sharpness - small and light - macro switch - FF - cheap
negative:	- range - old, comes probably with oily blades! - old AF of course
comment:	This is a nice little beercan. Unfortunately, like the big 70-210 one it arrived with smeary blades (E-Bay!). But the blades close completely fine til f8 and this is the aperture I shoot with mostly anyway (wide open til f8). The sharpness is amazing, it's on par with my T17-50 and T28-75, around f4.5-5.6. Colors are really nice, and I guess this is the reason why the beercan generation is still adored. The range is not really great, but if you don't shoot in dark rooms and don't need shallow DOF it's an interesting alternative to do portraits for instance. Looking forward to using it on the FF I still need to buy!

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: michaelg review date: October-02-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	M50/1.7 T19-35/3.5-4.5 M24-50/4 M35-105/3.5_4.5
price paid:	US $80
positive:	Sharp Fastfocus Constant f/4 Small Light
negative:	49mm filter MFD
comment:	(Edited) sharp at f/4 & razor sharp by f/5. Very fast focus. MFD is very long but has great colour & contrast. Great for protraits.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: REVENGE review date: October-01-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	AF 50mm F2.8 Macro Sony 18-70 kitlens
price paid:	25 USD (Used)
positive:	Fairly sharp at all focal lengths Good build quality Useful macro toggle Good color rendition
negative:	Mediocre flare control Poor equivalent coverage for APS-C No AF in macro mode (hackable)
comment:	What a classic all-rounder this lens is! It's small, light, built well, produces good images, and downright cheap. The coverage area is a little limited for APS-C shots, but it's still acceptable for most situations. Macro mode is useful if you don't have or don't want to switch to a macro lens. Performing the AF hack for macro mode is highly recommended. Overall, this is probably the cheapest and most logical upgrade to your Sony kitlens. 10 MP+ Alphas are seriously limited by the wide kitlens, getting this lens will remove that limiting factor. Note: you may also be interested in getting some of the other 1980s F4 lenses. They are all, in general, very good and inexpensive lenses.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: mystainsane review date: September-23-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	35 USD
positive:	Nice small and compact. Good quality build. Pictures come out nice.
negative:	None.
comment:	This is a lense that usually stays on my camera unless I put on the beercan.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 3 flare control: 4	user: derScheuch review date: September-21-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	- 50mm f/1.7 - CZ 16-80
price paid:	40€
positive:	- sharp in center even if wide open - small - lightweight -
negative:	- not sharp in the corners on fullframe even if stopped down - near focus distance -heavy distortion at 35mm
comment:	for the price a great lense. I use it quite often as my walkaround zoom lense on my fullframe body and if you avoid the weaknesses of the lense you can make quite good pictures with it. Even wide open the center is really sharp.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: Domba review date: September-20-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 18-70 f3,5 - 5,6
price paid:	50 USD (used)
positive:	Short Metal Body Has a distance scale Sharp Minolta Colors Quick in focusing
negative:	Flare Focus in macro mode
comment:	If used wihtout lens hood flare almost all time. When switched to macro mode only manual focus Except that 2 things the lens is perfefeect for me. I mostly use it like portrait lens my A200 and i like it.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: JWG review date: September-16-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 28-80 f3.5-5.6D Sigma 28-200 f3.5-5.6 DL Macro Minolta 50mm f1.7 Minolta 35-105 f3.5-4.5 RS Minolta 70-210 f4.5-5.6
price paid:	20 GBP
positive:	Colour Sharpness Build Cost Distance Scale
negative:	Macro accessibility (not easy to focus lens manually) Occasional poor bokeh
comment:	If I had to keep only one lens it would be this one. Bought 6 months ago and it has hardly left my camera. The closest zoom to the sharpness of a prime. But it is the colour that makes this a standout lens. I can instantly recognise which shots were taken with this lens - prints have a feel that no other lens I've used can give. Tones are "beautiful". I guess it is only the focal length on APS crop that keeps the price of these down. F4 is fairly slow but a small sacrifice. If I need a low-light lens I'd use my 50mm prime. It is still fairly easy to seperate subject from background - though occasionally polygonal bokeh are distracting. I've never had any issue with flare but do generally use a simple collapsible rubber hood. I can't imagine ever buying another lens that could give as much pleasure.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: megrim review date: August-30-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta AF 28-85
price paid:	30 Euro
positive:	- Short - Metal Body - Has a distance scale - Sharp - Minolta Colors
negative:	- Limited range definitely on an APS-C sensor - Bokeh it has none!
comment:	A rather legendary lens and with reason. The short range limits it's use and on an APS-C camera the range isn't the most useful. Look beyond that and you have a sharp, well build lens giving you that special Minolta quality to your pictures. The bokeh is a bit rough as the blades aren't rounded. But you get good colors, a full range F4 fitting nice between the expensive F2,8 and the not so expensive F5,6. Good sturdy build and no troubles like creep or having that on certain points the barrel turns heavier. The filter will turn with the focusing so that limits use of polarization filters. The flare is an issue though and the cap on it doesn't helps. Hold your hand above it :)

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5	user: startowa13 review date: August-20-09
	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 16-80
price paid:	40 USD (used)
positive:	Small Sharp Macro AF after the hack Constant F stop
negative:	35-70 range
comment:	This lens is a gem! After hacking the Macro from MF to AF this lens is a great walk around lens. Light, super sharp at F8, no flare and CHEAP! It's also great on either on my A700 and Minolta 70 (Dynax 60).

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: shendra review date: August-19-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 35-105mm Minolta 28-80mm SAL 18-70mm Minolta 28-85mm
price paid:	120
positive:	light small affordable quick in focusing
negative:
comment:	I was not sure upon the lens at the beginning, then last Sunday, decided to test the lens. I am amazed with the focusing during daylight, fast and smooth, as well as the sharpness and colour saturation. I did not expect that this lens will produce such a nice picture. Overall, I am happy with the lens.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: zeroone review date: August-19-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Zeiss CZ 16-35mm, Minolta 34-50f4, Minolta 50mm f1.4, Minolta 28-85 3.5-4.5, Minolta 50 mm f3.5 macro
price paid:	110 AUS (second han
positive:	Stunning image quality at all focal lengths, very compact, really nice build quality.
negative:	Curvature distortion at the wide end
comment:	Being a professional photographer I have had a fair array of lenses and camera, this lens is a standout, it is the most underrated lens I have come across. I bought it as a walk around and it ended up earning its keep! I have tested all 9 of my Minolta lenses, with over 1600 test images covering every aspect of lens performance, this one creams all of them except the 50 mm f 3.5 macro and there is so little difference it is hardly worth mentioning. The 35-70 is a very consistent performer from sample of sample, all three that have passed through my hands have been near identical in performance aspects. it will probably upset a few but this lens actually outperforms the 50 mm f1.4, wipes the floor with the 28-85 f3.5-4.5 and actually bests the Zeiss 16-35 mm at the 35 mm setting (the Zeiss is extraordinary from 28 mm down). It should be noted that 35 mm is definitely its poorest focal length and it is substantially better at 40 mm The only downers are barrel distortion at the 35 mm setting and less than perfect flare control, (but still pretty good). By limiting the focal length to 35-70 it is obvious that optimisation was much easier. But wait there is more...the thing works a treat with +1 or 2 close up filters and its macro performance is excellent overall. It has zero CA and minimal light fall off. Frankly I use it like a 50 mm fixed with a bit of framing flexibility either side. The 70-210 beercan beats it at 70 mm due to having sharper edge definition, however this would be more than acceptable and probably preferable for portraits. (No surprise here though the 70-210 is at its sharpest between 70-105mm). What more can I say, this lens should be bring much higher prices on Ebay, it is probably better than almost all other lenses on offer in this focal length short of the Zeiss 24-70. If you own an A900 Buy a good one before the word gets out and even for APSC users it is a good choice as a standard to portrait lens which could actually be used wide open.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: nickepic review date: July-26-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 75-300 F4.5-5.6 New Sony DT 18-70 F3.5-5.6
price paid:	Free
positive:	Compact Sharp Durable Build Macro works great after doing the "hack" described below
negative:	Range on APS-C Minimum focus distance when not in macro mode
comment:	I use this lens the most even though the range on my a300. It also works great for macro shots, especially after doing the "hack" described at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/durango99/426237448/ You can look at some of my photos taken with this lens at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickepic/tags/minolta3570f4/ Also some product photos of the lens at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickepic/tags/minoltaaf3570f4/

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: czosnek112 review date: July-24-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Kitlens Tamron 55-200 f/4-5.6 Helios 44m-2 Helios 44m-6 MultiCoated
price paid:	300 PLN almost mint
positive:	Good sharpness for price. Nice colors Great bokeh Macro mode
negative:	Minimal focus distance
comment:	I bought this nice lens on allegro and I am pretty surprised by the IQ offered by this lens. It can't even be compared to Kitlens. Some people say that the range is odd on aps-c - It isn't truth - Great for macro, 3/4 portraits and streets. If you have little money, you can buy sharp lens (even razor sharp at f/8).

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: OptiX review date: July-07-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 18-70 kit Sony 18-250mm
price paid:	30 USD (used)
positive:	Sharp Images Nice color rendition Fast AF Usable Macro mode Size, Weight & Price
negative:	Range Flare
comment:	This lens rapidly replaced Sony 18-250 as the main lens on my A200. the AF is quick and accurate and the colors are amazing. My copy is sharp at f4 and razor sharp from f5.6 I hacked the macro function (http://www.dyxum.com/dforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12549) and now have AF in macro mode. Considering the price it is a good complement to 70-210/f4.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: OisinP review date: June-02-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	24-105mm
price paid:	30 GBP
positive:	Sharpness Colour Portrait range on APS-C
negative:
comment:	Really good value example of Minolta colour and sharpness. Good portrait range on APS-C size sensor.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: skyhook78 review date: May-26-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony Kit 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 Sony Kit 75-300mm f4.5-5.6 Minolta 50mm f1.7
price paid:	$A 160 (used)
positive:	Good upgrade on kit lens Colour is great Macro mode is handy
negative:	AF can be hard in low light Macro is MF Some Flare in bright light Small hood
comment:	A nice upgrade on the kit lens (except at the wide angle), the macro mode is also quite nice. Outdoor portraits have been successful with this lens (although can flare, and lens hood isn't particularly useful). Recommended as an upgrade to the 18-70mm for most use.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: RonnieJ. review date: May-24-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	KM kit lens 18-70 Minolta AF28-85
price paid:	20-30 USD
positive:	Excellent sharpness Build quality Color Inexpensive
negative:	Flare (to be expected with lens originally designed for film)
comment:	I got this lens in a grab bag of items including a Beercan, a Minolta AF 28-85 and data back for a Minolta 7(?), purchase price $110. The 35-70 has proven to be one of my favorite lenses due to it's sharpness and color. An absolutely amazing little lens in spite of it's limited range. Flare is controllable when stopped down. I highly recommend picking one up!!

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: dsoulsticec review date: May-21-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 100mm Macro F2.8 Minolta 28-135mm F4.0-4.5 XX's Crossed Minolta 135mm F2.8 Minolta 70-210mm F4.0 Minolta 50mm F1.7 Minolta 100-200mm F4.5 Minolta 35-105mm F3.5-4.5 Minolta 28-85mm F3.5-4.5 Minolta 35-70mm F4.0 Sigma 35-135mm 3.5-4.5 Minolta 100-300mm APO F4.5-5.6 Sony 18-70mm F3.5-5.6
price paid:	75 USD (used)
positive:
negative:
comment:

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Intransit review date: May-04-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	18-70 kit lens
price paid:	L40 with 7000 slr
positive:	Excellent quality Nice controlled colour Sharp & fast enough for me
negative:	Did not get one sooner!
comment:	Used on my Sony a200 this is the 1st lens that as shown what the camera is capable of. Range is good in my opinion and usefull around town as a snapping lens as you will get great high quality pictures with very little effort. CA is not apparent on my lens at any zoom setting. I did the macro auto focus hack and it works even better for close up work now. Get one, put it on the camera, Use it & you'll love it!

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: Blair7 review date: May-03-09
	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 Tamron 17-50 2.8 Minolta 35-105
price paid:	$78 w 9000 & brcan
positive:	compact, light and rugged sharpness
negative:	close focus, limited range
comment:	Nice little lens, I acquired this one with a 9000 and a Beercan. I had another that I got with my Maxxum 7 (off ebay) but I passed it on to my niece when I gave her my 7000. I will use this as a walkaround on a film camera (9000, 7000i or 7). I don't have to worry about damaging it.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Vancouver review date: April-29-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	40 CAD (like new)
positive:	light and small Sharp Cheap Strong build Easy to find Macro mode
negative:	Zoom range is sad on A300 F4 is a challenge is low light
comment:	The range is odd on non-full frame. But if you look for a decent walkaround. This is the one. At its range, it is much better than the sony 18-70 kit. It also allow you to switch to macro. I dont use macro much but it is a plus. If you can get it for less than 50-70 CAD$. Why not? I recently found a chinese version of dyxum. Their sample pictures of this lens are amezing. Check out at http://forum.xitek.com/showthread.php?threadid=349607

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: berlin steve review date: April-09-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony DT 3.5-5.6/18-70, Minolta:Beercan 70-210mm f4, 35-70mm f4, 50mm f1.7, 135mm f2.8 Minolta 28-135, Tokina 28-70 2.8 AT-X, Tokina SD 70-210
price paid:	eur 16.05 with 5000
positive:	small and handy. Nice colours/sharpness. Good price AF Macro Fix easy to do
negative:	range is limited. Bokeh
comment:	If it hadn't had been for the forum, I'd still have been happily using the Sony kit 18-70 lens blissfully unaware of other much better lenses that I now own. I may have also bought some lemons had I not taken the reviewers' advice first. This lens is good, and lightweight. It has a limited range compared with "modern zooms" but I picked this up for a song when buying a beercan on ebay, so it was basically a bit of fun for leftover "beer money" from the same seller. I don't think I'd have bought one if it were going for more money, but I have not been disappointed. I'll be putting the Minolta 5000 body and 2800 AF flash, thrown in with my EUR 16.05 investment, on Ebay soon. Nothing wrong with them, but I don't need them. I guess that really makes it cheaper than I really paid. If I was having to go out and knew I wouldn't need the wide angle range, I'd probably just leave the Minolta 35-70 on as regular lens just for the quality edge on the photos. However with the added range of 18-35 that the Minolta lacks mean that versatility wins. As a result the Sony kit lens is more often on than off, although the Minolta is really a tad nicer. The Minolta has the edge across the 35-70 range over the kit lens in terms of general picture quality. My tip... if you want to find out about what other reviewers mean by those nice typical Minolta colours, and are strapped for cash then you can pick these up for very little cash. You'll not be disappointed. Update: I can only recommend the Macro fix to get AF on those close ups. I haven't used this lens that much as I since added better lenses across the range, but the Macro AF fix opens up another reason to use (and keep) this really not bad lens.

sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: prjohn58 review date: March-09-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 18-70 kit lens Tamron 55-200 sony 100-300 f4.5-5.6
price paid:	10 GBP
positive:	A nice compact lens Macro mode
negative:	Limited range Poor light performance due to f4
comment:	I like this lens,far better than kit lens, usefull for hiking. However the range can be limiting and as its an f4 has limits in poor lighting.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Happy Hour review date: February-27-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 35-105 M 35-70 3.5-4.5 Allot of other lenses in it's range
positive:	Color Sharpness build quality
negative:	minimum focusing distance no AF when switched to macro
comment:	I think I've owned this lens since 1986, can't say anything bad about this lens except for it's large minimum focusing distance it makes it almost useless on a asp-c sensor. FF it gave me many years as my walk around lens! I would still have this on my camera the majority of the time if the MFD was shorter but the range on a cropped sensor makes it useless in spaces like a house taking snapshots of the family ect.ect. which is what I used this lens for on film! Keeping it around for when I get the A900 maybe it will be my favorite lens again.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: benedetti review date: February-26-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	50 1.7 35-70 3.5 - 4.5 35-105 24-50
price paid:	50€ mint used
positive:	replace the prime with the advantage of a small zoom. incredible quality.
negative:	none
comment:	Hardly bigger than the 50 prime. Could be anything else but it is as it is and it's almost perfect. I fell in love with it and managed to find a mint gem with case for 50€. I also have the 35-70 3.5 - 4.5, it's also excellent and can be found for 20€ but I prefer this one by far. I have a large collection of primes and zooms including G's but it is still one of my prefered lenses. I agree with those who prefer a wider range that the 35-105 is also excellent and under rated (usually almost free) and remind the curious that this lens has a fantastic smaller brother the forgotten 24-50 as good as this one but more difficult to find!

sharpness: 3 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	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:	- 24-105 - 16-80 - 50/1.4 - 18-70
positive:	+ Light weight + Good colors + cheep
negative:	- small range - CA in corners - Useless for me on APS-C - bokeh
comment:	I have small experience with this small legendary lens. It's good enougth. It's better in sharpness and colors than kit lens: 18-70. But range is too short for me. I prefer 50 mm fix (50/1.7 ~ same cost) or better 50/1.4 or great travel zoom (24-105 or 16-80\16-105). On APS-C this lens is practically useless for me. No wide range. Partrait distance ok, but bokeh is worse. Colors is nice. There are many used lens have troubles in diafragm mechanism. (tested copy have no trubles) So, it's not lens for me.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: superx2won review date: January-29-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	T17-50/2.8 M50/1.7
positive:	Sharp and light weight cheap , cheap, cheap Fast AF
negative:	1m minimum focus distance strange FOV on 1.5x crop factor dSLR.
comment:	I get this len in a packaged deal. I love this lens, this len deliver it required result in outdoor perfectly without flash. In indoor, it will only work great with external flash. for it price tag vs the quality delivered, i have no complaint on this lens. When this len stop down to f5.6, the result is marveleous. Love it.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: dca1213 review date: January-14-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 17-80 Minolta 70-210 "Beercan" Minolta 35-105 Minolta 28mm f2.8 prime
price paid:	35USD Usd
positive:	SHARP Great Colors and Contrast Light weight
negative:	Range
comment:	This little gem is one of my favorites, the IQ is always stunning, almost 3D like. I really can not find any fault with this lens other then the focal length range on my Sony A200. But it still seems to be on that body more often then others. The 35-105mm is close in sharpness but wide open in my opinion the 35-70 is better stop it down a tad and it rivals a prime. I have not seen lens flare (I use a hood) or CA with this lens. These can be had cheap on the used market and I would highly recommend this lens to any one. I have also used this lens quite often in the macro mode, tack sharp.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Ome_Joop review date: January-08-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 28-135 F4-4.5 Minolta 35-105 F3.5-4.5 Minolta 35-80 F4-5.6 II Sony 18-70mm kitlens
price paid:	30 Euro
positive:	Cheap
negative:	Lens Hood No AF Macro
comment:	Macro can be modified to AF (wich is good altough most peolpe use manual macro). It's zoom range is not it's best assets and i think my plastic 35-80 F4-5.6 II is sharper and is probably even cheaper! For some reason the screw mount for the filters is partially broken (fortunatly i can still add a filter and the useless lenshood). It's absolutly not a bad lens and it produces nice images with good color but I guess I only wanted this to have one too and not for the need of it! The mod: http://www.dyxum.com/dforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12549&PN=1

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: jdsin review date: December-23-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony DT 18-70 Sigma 70-210 APO Minolta 50mm 1.7
price paid:	L40 off ebay
positive:	Very Sharp. Light, compact. Very good build quality. Good Macro function with manual focus. Cheap
negative:	limited zoom range Fiddly lens hood.
comment:	This is a great lens every Sony Alpha owner should get their hands on one of these.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: haris72 review date: December-17-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
positive:	size,price(now),built quality,colours,sharpnes
negative:	range
comment:	I bought this lens used 18 ago years with a dynax 7000i and I still use it!I now have a dynax 7 and varius other lenses but this little fellow is still my main lens.18 years of hard use and hundreds or thousands of rolls.From the alps to sahara.I still cant believe that this little lens could be that sharp and with so nice colours.Buy a good one now.Size does not always matter.I have tried canon and nikkor lenses and they don't compare.So much distortion at their ends!My photos looked like eggs!

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: warpspasm review date: December-16-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 50mm 1.7 Minolta 35-105mm Sony 18-70mm kit Sony 50-210mm kit Tamron 24-135mm
positive:	Very sharp Beautiful bokeh Great build Constant f4 Very inexpensive
negative:	Could be wider
comment:	If it wasn't for my Minolta 35-105mm, this would probably be my favorite lens. I just love the way it feels and the pictures it produces. They are incredibly cheap and plentiful at the moment, so there is no reason not to snatch one up to give it a try. The range isn't great for an all purpose walkabout lens, but for most uses you find that it works just fine. Just use your feet to zoom out if you need to.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: Dynaton-DK review date: December-05-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta AF28-135 F4-4.5 Minolta AF24-105D F3.5-4.5 Minolta AF28-85 F3.5-4.5 Minolta AF35-105N F3.5-4.5 Sigma AF17-70 DC F2.8-4.5 Sigma AF18-200 DC F3.5-6.3
positive:	Nice "feel" in pictures Constant F4 Macro
negative:	Week construction of apartures regardless of nice build
comment:	The positive thing about this lens is that the "feel" of the pictures comes out very nice - with saturated colors and contrast that makes an impression of sharper images (even thoug this lens is a little overrated in regard to sharpness). It's not as sharp as the best Minolta lenses, but who cares - because the way the pictures come out they have a sharp "feeling". Compared to other used Minolta lenses I have found that this one seems to be more sensitive to get oily apertures over time, so be carefull when buying a sample. (However, one of my previous samples of this lens only worked fully open - and still the pictures came out very nice with an attractive "feeling".) The "beercan" design and build exterior of the lens is excellent (and deserves a 4 rating, but as I've had two with aparture problems out of a total of 4 lenses, I cannot rate this lens better than 3 in regard to build). Never the less, a great performer with "feeling". Much nicer pictures than new lenses! Should be one of the first classic Minolta lenses anyone buys as they come at cheap prices and performs very well - but check the apartures for oil before buying!

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: MidniteBlue review date: November-27-08
	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 - Sony 50/1.4 - Minolta 70-210 F4 - Tokina 19-35 - Sony SAL70300G - Sigma 70-210 APO 3.5/4.5 APO - Minolta 20/F2.8
price paid:	au$225
positive:	This is one of the consistently best performing lenses I have ever used. It is sharp at all apertures, great color, beautifully engineered. Made like a Swiss watch.
negative:	Can't give it a REALISTIC fault.
comment:	This is a lens that hardly ever fails to give an incredibly sharp picture. Even a very quick street shot with little time for framing will show every pore in the skin and every eyelash in sharp detail when pixel-peeping. It is as good as my Sony 1.4 for sharpness, just not quite as good in very low light, but more versatile with the 35-70 zoom. I just love it.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: perslucht review date: November-25-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6
price paid:	30 €
positive:	Sharpness Colours Size
negative:	Small focus ring Range on APS-C No wide angle Lens hood is a little fragile Manual focus in Macro mode
comment:	This lens is a lot sharper than the Sony DT 18-70mm. Sharpest on f/5! I use it as my standard lens on my Sony A200. I 'hacked' the macro function, now I also have AF in macro mode! http://www.dyxum.com/dforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12549

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: awa54 review date: November-15-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 18-70 "kit lens" Minolta 100-200 f4.5 Tokina 19-35 f3.5-4.5 Minolta 50 f1.7 RS Sigma 90 f2.8 macro
price paid:	$50 used
positive:	sharp perfect color rendition smooth boke just a bit bigger than a prime perfect range for portraiture on an APS sensor
negative:	somewhat long minimum focus distance limited zoom range on APS macro switch can be awkward
comment:	This lens spends a lot of time on my 5D (and now on the a700), it isn't quite wide enough to be a true all-arounder, but for distant subjects and portrait shooting it is hard to beat without resorting to primes. The tonality of images made with this lens is amazing, for a super compact zoom with macro capability this was a real bargain. Did I mention the smooooth boke transition? Everyone should have one of these! additional comments After several thousand captures, I have to say that the biggest issue I have with this lens is the fact that flare is fairly easy to get; the classic colored discs type flare can be had, but far more common is a subtle reduction in contrast rendition that may not be noticed through the viewfinder, but is apparent on the editing screen. Still a great lens, sharp and light for a zoom and has great image character!

sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: fergiet review date: November-10-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Kit 18-70mm
price paid:	L36 (used)
positive:	Small Light Macro Sharp Price
negative:	Manual focus in macro mode
comment:	My first lens ! Impressed with sharpness. Light weight and build. Cheap as chips but a very nice lens on my A200. Macro mode is handy.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: edhoku review date: November-09-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 35-70 (RS?) Tamron 28-70 Sigma 28-70 Sony 18-70
price paid:	US$100
positive:	Small and Light Metal Build is amazing and strong Sharp, sharp, sharp macro Fast AF
negative:	manual and 1/4 macro AF a bit slow for night shoot
comment:	I first used this with my 5D and is amaze by the quailty and sharpness it offer. Focus is instant and accurate for bright day condition. I always bring it for my outdoor landscape/macro shoot as it is light and small. Works just as well with my current Sony A350.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: fmajor review date: November-03-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta Rokkor Lenses (many) Minolta 50mm f1.7 Minolta 28-85mm f3.5-f4.5 Minolta 70-210mm f4 "Beercan"
price paid:	$35
positive:	Excellent color Reasonable sharpness Good contrast Excellent build quality Size
negative:	Insufficiently wide Limited Focal Range on APS-C Small Manual Focus ring Useless OEM Sunshade
comment:	EDIT: 18Nov2008 I sold this lens three months ago. It is a very good lens, but due to the limitations i noted above and a desire for a higher quality walk-around lens i couldn't, in good conscience, keep it simply for the sake of having it. I'm confident the buyer will put it to better use than me and the lens will provide them excellent results. INITIAL REVIEW: This diminuitive lens was very nice to use - sharp enough, nice bokeh, and legendary "Minolta Colors". It was very easy to carry around and a nice compliment to the f4 70-210mm Minolta Original "Beercan". All things a lens is supposed to do this one did quite well. However for me, the death-knell for this lens was its' very limited focal range - primarily due to an insufficient width on my 7D's APS-C sensor. Otherwise i may have kept it b/c it did perform quite well. My copy was not any more or less sharp than my 28-85mm f3.5-4.5. So with the extra 7mm on the wide end and additional 15mm on the tele, the 28-85mm has remained my primary walk-around lens (for the time being).

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: revdocjim review date: November-01-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Well, that's the thing... I don't have anything in this range so...
price paid:	15 USD
positive:	Price Size Build IQ Did I mention "price"
negative:	Came without a hood...
comment:	Yes, I list the range as a positive. I have a hole between my 17-50 and my 80-200 so this little guy is the perfect filler on a budget! I can't see spending all the extra money on a CZ16-80 just for the extra 30mm, especially at the cost of losing the fast max aperture. But for $15 I'll try anything and it turns out, this one is the ticket for me!

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: algernon review date: October-25-08
	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)
price paid:	64 USD (used)
positive:	Minolta colors Decent sharpness @f/4 Macro switch Small size (almost as small as 50/1.7) Price
negative:	CA A bit of "wobbling" when zoomed out @35mm Focus ring too slim
comment:	Got this lens couple of weeks ago and I'm pleased with it. By pure chance, I got a "crossed X" sample which I found to be identical with a "normal" one so, if you're not a collector, don't forge extra cash for nothing. Very good sharpness stopped down, decent @f/4. Colors are great and the bokeh is pleasing for my taste (YMMV). Build is quite good, except for the fact that it has a bit of wobbling @35mm. CA is to be expected on a 20+ years lens, especially on 12MP - with a bit of care and stopped down, it ceases to be an issue. Focal range on APS-C isn't that great, but this really depends on your style of shooting. I just love the macro switch, although the magnification is only 1:4. With a 49mm thread, a polarizer won't put a hole in your pockets :) but it's going to be a bit hard to use since the front element rotates when focusing.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: Dave2006 review date: October-14-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	L18
positive:	Build quality
negative:
comment:	A really super lens for the money, does most things well, I like it in particular for group portrait shots.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: 5thElefant review date: October-03-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	18-70 Sony kit lens 28-80 Minolta xi 28-105 Tamron
price paid:	L30
positive:	Results, Size
negative:	Limited range
comment:	It was cheap so I thought I'd try it but realistically never use it as 35-70 isn't that useful. It turns out 35-70 is pretty handy and this lens refuses to take bad photos. It hasn't come off the camera since I got it. EDIT: the infatuation didn't last long and it was sold when I moved to full frame. Now I have a Nex I bought another. It's a great size for the Nex and I'm infatuated again.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: Smiffy review date: September-27-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	18-70 kit Sigma 17-70 f2.8 DC MACRO Minolta 50mm f1.7
positive:	Lightweight Sharp Fast Sharp Did I mention sharp?
negative:	Limited range
comment:	This wasn't a lens I was actively looking for, but it was bundled with a beercan I have recently purchased. Thought I would just give it a try and fired off a few shots, just a few snaps of the family indoors. WOW!! The sharpness has blown me away...easily on a par with my new Sigma 17-70 (which gets rave reviews itself) if not slightly better. Haven't had a chance to use the macro function yet, but my initial impressions are very positive. As others have mentioned, the range is a little limiting but I can see this lens spending a lot of time on my A200. For the same price as a few beers, I have got myself one awesome little lens. Recommended piece of glass, if you can live with the limited focal range.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Derek review date: September-12-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 35-70 f3.5-4.5
price paid:	L10 (with Min. 7000)
positive:	Sharp Colour Build
negative:	Nothing
comment:	Super lens for the price. Get one if you can. Don't be put off by the limited zoom range.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Glyn R review date: August-12-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 24mm f 2.8 Minolta 50mm f 1.7 Sigma 10-20mm EX DG
positive:	Very neat and quick to focus the build quality is excellent Macro focusing is quite easy.
negative:	Only manual focus in macro
comment:	I bought this a cheaper way of getting a medium view on APS-C. It is a very good lens I am surprised the price remains so low compared with other short zooms. I can't help comparing it with my 24mm f 2.8 which is an oustanding lens if I didn't own this lens I would have given it 5 for build quality.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: wahgongzai review date: August-11-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 18-70 Minolta 28-85
positive:	Sharp cheap fast AF build (really tough like tank)
negative:	Not true macro
comment:	I love this lens so much that I own 4 copies of it. Very compact,light but very tough (solid construction). AF is instant under good daylight condition. F4 for me is ok, try F8 or smaller and be amaze with the sharpness for this lens.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Joseph review date: July-06-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	KM 18-70 KM 28-75 Beercan
price paid:	about $100 USD
positive:	Compact, great build, macro capability, sharp, bokeh, colors
negative:	Nothing that I have
comment:	Like the other reviewers here, I really like this lens. It's become a favorite, especially for macro. It's light and compact, decent range, very sharp with great colors. Lots of them at a good price. I recommend it. I gave high ratings for distortion and flare control, but I'm not really sure about those, as I haven't "tested" them, nor have I experienced any problem.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 5	user: LECHER review date: July-05-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	35-80 Min NS
price paid:	30 USD (used)
positive:	Light weight Heavy Sharp Soft Bokeh Colors
negative:	Not today
comment:	Freeking excellent little Bugger. Has always been a go-to lens in a party situation. Portrait lens quality for such a little guy. I love to stop down to 8 and take ocean animal shots and the Macro is not that bad for a 1:4 veiw. Very cheap to get ahold of these days and there seems to be alot of them, as it was a kit lens for the Maxxum 7000's. The way you use it will designate how much sharpness you will have and how much softness you can add. I have found this little BeerPony to be a very forgiving addition to my lens lineup and do take advantage of the control it allows you to make. Get one soon......

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: bosteve review date: June-14-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Only type like this i have
price paid:	40 USD used, ebay
positive:	Fast and light!
negative:	none
comment:	This is a great flexible lens. I am amazed at how my Sony Alpha works with speed on it. Very convenient lens. Examples of my pics using are at my site.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: KonicaA3 review date: May-27-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Kit lens (18-70) Sigma (18-125)
price paid:	$40 USD (used)
positive:	Build Quality Light Weight Fixed minimum f stop Sharpness Price
negative:	Limited range Macro will not AF only MF with confirm
comment:	I have the crossed XX version, but doubt that it matters, except to collectors. This is a super walk around lens that is quite sharp and has those splendid Maxxum colors. The front element turns when focusing so using a CPL is a challenge. A worthy addition to anyone's arsenal.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: petesidewalk review date: May-13-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	K/M 75-300 Big Beercan K/M 35-70 4 Sony 18-70 Kit Lens K/M 50 1.7 K/M 70-210 4.5-5.6 K/M 70-210 4 Beercan K/M 28 2.8 K/M 28-80xi K/M 28-135 4-4.5 K/M 35-70 3.5-4.5 Tamron 200-400 5.6 LD NEW Sigma 75-200 2.8-3.5 K/M 80-200 2.8 HS G Sigma 75-200 2.8-3.5
price paid:	14.00(used)
positive:	Sharpness Build Bokeh Macro Light Compact
negative:	range
comment:	Little beercan. Good portrait lens, sharp wide open, sharper stopped down. Pretty quick AF. Mathmatically covers the ideal range for portraiture of a sensor in the A100 (~55.6mm). I like it's ability to reproduce color much better than the washed out 18-70 Sony included with my camera. Great lens. It is a little prone to flare, it was a steall, though.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: lomitamike review date: April-27-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	kit lens 28-75D 70-210/4
price paid:	US $40
positive:	About as sharp as a zoom can get. Small, Minolta colors, cheap.
negative:	flare, limited range.
comment:	If your a fan of the 70-210 f4 then you should be a fan of this lens. It just continues from 70 down to 35mm. All the qualities of the beercan are inherent in this lens. It's size makes me feel like I've got a prime on and with it's very limited range it makes you take nearly the same approach as shooting with a prime. No it's not quite as sharp as a 35, 50, or 85 prime but for a inexpensive, small, light lens it's hard to beat it's price to quality ratio.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: al tent review date: April-26-08
	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
price paid:	$60USD
positive:	Boken. Especally with the Macro.
negative:	Nothing. I come back to this lens time and time again.
comment:	I, on the other hand, like the parameters of this lens. The 50...105 is where I shoot a lot of the time. I really like the boken and sharpness on the macro. I can get within 12 inches, sometimes 10, and the colors I am getting are really good. Manual focusing is fun! I am using this as my walkaround. I like small zoom lengths they are zoom primes. I still use the 50/1.7 for low light and studio portraits, but there is something about this lens that keeps it on my camera. 10/16/08 I'm way down the road with this lens now. The boken on this jewel makes me love photography all over again every time I look at the immages. Not too many lenses can make me say that. I take this lens around to former sites and shoot it all again! There is a lens for a time in every persons life. Good fortune to you!

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: karchon review date: April-23-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 28-85mm f3.5-4.5 Minolta 35-105mm f4 Sony DT 18-70mm Minolta 50mm f1.7
price paid:	32 USD (mint-)
positive:	-Super Sharp when stopped down -beautiful colors -Bokeh
negative:	-Like everyone said, range : /
comment:	This lens, I rarely used. I have labeled it as a Macro only lens for some product shots. (But i also have my 50mm so it gets even less play time). Its a great lens and have no qualms with it as far as IQ goes, but the range is impractical. Its a nice lightweight lens. I will definitely keep it as it is a prime example of a quality lens. Sharpness really comes through at f6.3 through the entire range. Its not as sharp as the 35-105 but a little sharper than the 28-85. I'm beginning to think my copy of the 28-85 isn't a good one. :( This lens is great and feel its under rated (but still impractical).

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Wedge review date: April-21-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	18-70mm sony dt 200-400 Tamron 5.6 50mm 1.7 minolta
price paid:	100 Aud
positive:	Constant F4 Sharp! Built like a BrickS@#t house Cheap! Much better images than my kit 18-70 dt Has those great minolta colors!
negative:	35-70 range not the best on my a100
comment:	Recently this has been the Lens which i have kept on my Camera while flying and it has produced some great shots which are in the forum. the 35-70 range is a bit hard to use at times but for the price and the quality of both images and the actual product i cant complain!

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Oleg_K. review date: February-25-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	KIT 18-70\3.5-5.6 Tamron 17-50\2.8 Minolta 50\1.7 beercan
price paid:	$54 incl. shipping
positive:	size constant f4 minolta style colours contrast
negative:	inconvenient 35-70mm :( slow (f4)
comment:	good sharp lens but incovenient range on crop

sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: Somebody review date: February-11-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	50/1.7 18-70 kit Beercan
price paid:	Part of a package
positive:	Build Sharpness Bokeh Macro switch (it's fun!)
negative:	Range on APS-C CA on bright things
comment:	I really like this one at the moment so I better rate it before I have sold it and been spoiled by better things in a different price range. Basically it's super sharp, even at f4. You really can count the hairs on things. Sharpness is easily on par with its bigger brother the beercan and often seems close or the same as 50/1.7. Colors are nice, the classical Minolta colors I guess. But sometimes they do seem to get a certain tint that's not quite there and on bright things CA can be obvious. Still, it looks good overall. But for the price an excellent walkaround for someone who wants to ease into the classical Minolta glass. And yeah, I like the 'macro' switch - pretty handy for product shots.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: D-Schap review date: December-24-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	SONY 50mm f/1.4 Minolta 50mm f/1.4 TAMRON 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II TAMRON 17-50mm f/2.8 Di-II
price paid:	$75
positive:	Acts like 52-105mm on an APS-C sensor
negative:	Scale isn't quite accurate ... compared to fixed length PRIMES
comment:	This lens was my "grab and go" for film and digital until I got the 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 and the 17-50mm f/2.8 (digital-only). It currently sits with the film camera systems ... and was a terrific small lens for the better part of seven years. While not as modern, it can hold its own with a good, sharp image. If you can't pop for the current round of lenses, this is a great filler until you can. The MACRO feature is a definite plus, when its all you have with you. When it indicates 50mm on its marked range scale, it actually is around 45mm, so while not as extreme as the 18-250mm can be, focal length accuracy is not its strong point.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: Minolta Head review date: December-18-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 17-35mm (D) Minolta 28-70 (D) Minolta 50mm 1.7 Tamron 24-135mm Minolta 28-105mm Minolta 28-135mm Minolta 100-200mm Minolta 75-300mm
price paid:	L17.00 (Used)
positive:	Light Sharp Nice Bokeh Compact
negative:	Awkward Hood Filter Rotates Macro in Manual Not a great focal range
comment:	Dinky lightweight lens that is a joy to use, has typical Minolta colour/bokeh and is nice and sharp. The 49mm filter size means filters and fittings are less expensive to buy. Well worth the L17.00 I paid for it..

sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: Jeroen review date: November-16-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	24-85 F3.5-4.5 28-135 F4-4.5 24 F2.8 Sigma 70-300 Apo Macro
price paid:	45 euro
positive:	cheap sharp compact
negative:	zoom range
comment:	Can make good pictures. Great (light) travel lens. Sold it because range was to short for me.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	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:	CZ16-80, 24/2.8, 28-85/3.5-4.5, 35-80/4-5.6, 35-105/3.5-4.5
price paid:	?? (kit lens 7000)
positive:	Very sharp; Compact
negative:	Small zoom range
comment:	This was the kit lens I got with my Minolta 7000 in the mid eighties. What a performance for a kit lens! I now list as drawback its limited zoom range, only 2x, but that is probably why it was so sharp and had such great colours. I don’t have it anymore. Camera and lens got stolen from my home. I still mremember the lens when I look at the large posters in my house, shot in 1989 in Thailand, and razor sharp.

sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: Yaouank review date: October-26-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	135 f2.8 24-85 f3.5-4.5 RS 50 f1.7 RS 28-75 f2.8 24 f2.8
price paid:	0 (given)
positive:	Sharpness Build Macro switch Compact Bokeh
negative:	Flare Zoom range Slow AF
comment:	This lens was given to me when I bought my first minolta camera 3 years ago (I know I am young!) I soon have bought 24-85 zoom, as well as 50 and 135 primes... I was surprised with the quality of this lens, being sharper than the 24-85. The bokeh is nice also. Very good old Minolta build. Very useful macro switch. Sold 50€ last week...

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: erix review date: October-16-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	kit 18-70 28-85/3.5-4.5 24-85/3.5-4.5 70-210/4 tamron 28-200 XR
price paid:	50$ (used)
positive:	Sharp wide open minolta colors bokeh built like beercan, but doesn't look like a tank :)
negative:	Range
comment:	Little brother of beercan. Used it a lot on film, but range is too limiting on APS. Keeping it for full frame Sony :) Good sharpness, can be used wide open without noticable degradation in IQ. Good contrast, classic colors. Similar to 28-85/3.5-4.5 but sharper at wide apertures. Small and light - same size as 28/2.8 Good 1/4 macro at 70mm. Sharpest zoom in my collection.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: finnt review date: September-17-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	35-70/3,5-4,5
price paid:	40 Euro (used)
positive:	Very nice colors. OK build. Sharp
negative:	Manual "Macro" mode
comment:	I like the colors on this one. The focal range is not very useful on APS-C.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: yellowballoon review date: September-03-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	28-80 xi zoom f4-5.6 70-210 f4 beercan
positive:	Oh so well built. Very Light. Nice Macro mode. F4 throughout the range is a plus. Brilliant optics.
negative:	Manual focus ring is too small.
comment:

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: ricardovaste review date: September-01-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	minolta 28-80 minolta 24-105 minolta 50mm f/1.7 rokkor 50mm f/1.7
price paid:	30 GBP
positive:	Very compact Light Small 49mm filters Great bokeh Old minolta colours :) Very Sharp 1:4 maco reproduction
negative:	Awful minimum focusing distance in AF or at 35mm Rotating front element Slow AF Small manual focus ring Range not great Contrast not as high as you'd want Flare can be hard to avoid
comment:	I bought this lens to replace the kit lens that came with my dynax5. It was a worthy replacement, despite taking time to convince me of its quality. It is far better than the kit lens in my opinion. Its bokeh is like a prime - excellent. It is very compact, and matches up excellently with the dynax5. Some call it a slow 50mm lens, because its that sharp. I can only comment on that to a certain extent though... I've had a photos printed at 12"x8" from this lens shot at f/8 that are razor sharp. Recorded on a good slide film. I've never had the need to go over that enlargement, but i believe it could go beyond that and still keep quite sharp. But at 12"x8" and f/8 - you cant get better in terms of sharpness and bokeh is very good here also. But in terms of detail, an image needs to have good contrast, as well as sharpness. This is where the lens is let down. Apparently there is a plastic element that doesnt take the minolta coating as well as the glass elements in the lens, which causes a lower contrast, and also is responsible for the flare issue (which isnt massive, but can often be present). Of course, this isnt a problem if you develope and have scanned at hi. res., where you can alter the contrast on PS. But i dont, so my lens is now not in use and will soon be sold. Its good if you want a compact zoom to carry around but want little comprimise in IQ. But for me, there were lenses out there that could meet or exceed its IQ and have a far greater range - ie; the 24-105mm. But this lens is still in its own league. The results are quite remarkable really, considering its a simple 5 element zoom. The only 35-70mm 5 element zoom ever made. You can make you own conclusions from my review, but i would still recomment this lens to anyone, film or digial user :).

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: Dinostrich review date: July-26-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	24-105 3.5/4.5 D 28-80 3.5/5.6 D 70-210 4 beercan 75-300 4.5-5.6 D
price paid:	L19
positive:	Good old fashioned build Minolta colour quality All round good lens Constant f4
negative:	Limited range Bit slow
comment:	This is a good quality lens with all the usual Minolta attributes. The macro function ( manual operation ) is an interesting add on but at 1:4 somewhat limited. The real question with this lens is "what is it for" ? It has limited range as a zoom - not wide @ 35 and not really portrait @ 70 ( ignoring the digi cr@p factor ). By using a 50mm 1.4/1.7 and zooming with your feet you get a lot of improvements. At the price they are you do get "value for money" if it is what you want.

sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	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 28/2.0 Minolta AF 70-210/4
price paid:	3500 RUR used
positive:	- Picture at whole - Bokeh - Sharp - Macro - Contrast
negative:	- HiSharp, bokeh and macro from F11 - 1m minimum AF distance
comment:	This lens is good for portrait and landscape both, but needs a stop down, so I have some problems with motion and AF misses. The prime for walkaround with 52-105mm on Digital.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: killerdude review date: May-17-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	- Sony DT 18-70mm F/3,5-5,6
price paid:	29 EUR (used)
positive:	- AF-speed - Sharpness - F/4 throughout zoomrange - Macro-option
negative:	- Very small focusring, virtually unusable when the lenshood is fixed backwards on the lens. - Don't like the lens-cap
comment:	I bought the lens via Internet. This is my first Minolta-lens. The lens is still in very good shape: fast AF, good and smooth zoom(r)ing, no scratches etc. Compared to my Sony Alpha 100's kit-lens, the picture-quality is very good, sharper and somewhat nicer color-saturation than the kit-lens. I don't like the lens-cap, Sony's lenscaps are a bit more userfriendly. The only real downside is that the lens has no wide-picture-capability on an APS-C-camera (otherwise this lens would be my standard-lens). But hey, at 29 euro no-one should be complaining.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: gvknight review date: May-08-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	L14
positive:	cheap small great sharpness, macro mode
negative:	odd range on digital
comment:	an absolute star of a lens, use it with some MF extension tubes for a superb macro set up or on my 700si as perfect walkabout. Makes a nice short telephoto on 5d 50-105 approx

sharpness: 4.5 color: 3 build: 3 distortion: 3 flare control: 3	user: sooner review date: April-29-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	M 18-70, M 28-85, M 35-105, M 50- f/1.7, Sigma 28-200
positive:	Excellent resolution at f/8 across the field of view. Great size. Nice macro.
negative:	Its limited range - but, probably adequate for 70% of my photos.
comment:	I have tested this lens, and those listed above, using the Koren, 2003, (5mm) test charts to determine the resolution based on MTF-50. The following information is based on results from two of the sine-wave, test, strips; one horizontal near the center of the frame, and the other, diagonal, very close to the corner of the frame. The tests were made with a KM5D, hand held, image stabilization “on”, ISO 100, in bright sunlight so that the shutter speed was quick enough to satisfy the reciprocal of the focal length criterion. Results: (focal length/f-stop/lines per inch on an 8” x 12” print at center/ditto-at corner). (70/8/139/92), (70/4.0/103/59), (35/8/170/59), (35/4.0/165/78) My understanding of photo resolution quality is: >150 lpi=excellent, >110 lpi=very good, >80 lpi=good. I believe the corner results represent a pretty severe test since the test strip extended radially, and the region of interest was very near the corner. More details on this and other lenses can be found at: http://www.geocities.com/royanddee/lens_test_results_mtf50.htm

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Mauricio 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:
price paid:	L15 (used)
positive:	Sharp Constant f stop Compact Value for money
negative:
comment:	A solid well constructed lens. It's good to use immediately after newer KM/Sony optics - to appreciate its' handling and above all the results - sharpness and good colour rendition. No software needed to tweak the colour. It is quick focussing too. The Macro mode (CU rather than Macro) is very useable for frame filling flower shots. Fantastic for the price. Have it with you always, in your gadget bag or the glove box.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: jvc2000 review date: March-18-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 24-85 F3.5-4.5 Minolta 50 F1.7
price paid:	40 USD (old)
positive:	Sharp Very compact size Macro mode Very Cheap
negative:	Odd Zoom Range for DSLR 1:4 Macro magnification
comment:	Actually i am quite satisfied with the lens because of its price, sharpness, macro mode, compact size. I have hacked the lens, so that AF is still available in Macro mode.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: wojtekk review date: February-25-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Does not need comparison, as I am completely happy with it :)
price paid:	40 Euro (Used)
positive:	- fantastic quality considering price - very good build quality - size - constant aperture
negative:	- the hood, or more precisely: the problems with removing the cap when hood is on. - useless "macro" :)
comment:	This lens is a legend; cheap as hell, yet very sharp and contrasty even while wide opened. Gets very sharp around f8. I love it; I know that the range on digital (my 5D) is weird, but I use it a lot for everything - from reportage to portraits. It's a must-have in any KM owner bag. :) Second-hand market is full of it; get one and use it. You won't be disappointed.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: nigelbrooks review date: January-27-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	L15 (used)
positive:	Sharp Legendary build quality Useful Macro
negative:	That 'clippy' lens hood
comment:	I wasn't expecting too much for L15 / $29 but was very pleasantly surprised. This is a 'little lump' of a lens. Heavy due to all-metal construction and buid quality, at least on mine, is of 'legendary' Minolta standard. Could make a good 'fair light' portraiture lens. Useful Macro down to 300mm (12 ins.). A good 'F4 all the way' complement to my beercan and bigcan.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: Innox review date: January-01-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	50/1.7 70-210/4 18-70
positive:	Cheap Good Colors Good build Macro mode
negative:	Bad range Prone to flare
comment:	This lense is pretty similar to to the 18-70 in performance, but if I was to choose one, I'd choose the 18-70, it performs a little bit better, and has a MUCH better range. It's sharp enough, the macro mode is nice, although only MF, but that's not really a problem.

sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: CKsam review date: December-22-06
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 28-85mm Minolta 28-135mm Minolta 50mm, f1.7 Minolta 28mm, f2.8
price paid:	Part of a bundle
positive:	Sharp with good colour rendition Very compact Nice revsible hood
negative:	Flare (esp dark objects on light backgrounds).
comment:	I have always been extremely happy with this lens. There's something satisfying about getting nice results with such a discrete lens. The zoom range is perfect on a film body for general photography and I've never felt it too restrictive. Perhaps not the best range for digital, but that's a matter of personal choice, I guess. I own a couple of the more respected zooms covering this range, including then 28-135mm, but this is the one I always return to. On a recent trip to Ireland I took this and the 28mm f2.8 and couldn't tell which photo's were taken with which lens (up to focal length differences). Sharpness is very good and typical old Minolta colours. If you can make the focal length work for you then I'd reccomend this lens without question. An overlooked lens!

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: ematsuda review date: November-25-06
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	KM 28-75mm 2.8 KM 18-70mm kit lens
price paid:	40 USD (used)
positive:	compact sharp build price fast AF macro option wide open performance
negative:	range nothing else
comment:	This is one amazing performer for its price. It's not as fast as the 28-75mm but every bit as sharp stopped down to f5.6 or so and good to very good wide open. That's saying a lot since I consider the 28-75 very sharp. The only downfall to this lens is the range. 35mm on the wide end is too much for digital but usable on my 600si. It's very lightweight and will be included in my lightweight combo together with my Minolta 100-200mm for digital as well as for all film. Very happy with it as mine was used but in mint condition. It blows the kit lens out of the water but the 28-75mm still remains as my walkabout lens on my 7D.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Vader review date: September-29-06
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	kit 18-70 70-210/4 24-85/3.5-4.5 24-50/4
positive:	Very sharp size well built constant aperture
negative:	fully extended at wide angle (that is a minor quibble) wide end is too long on digtal macro function is usable, but wierd. not a true macro
comment:	If this lens went down to 24 it would never come off my camera. It absolutely blew me away after I had been using my kit lens for the first month or so. I now have the 24-50/4, which I use most of the time (due to its nice quality and wider fov), but it still is a compromise in image quality compared to the 35-70/4. I consider this lens to be a perfect compliment to the 70-210/4 (and it gives up nothing in quality), but its wide end end is just too long on digital. As far as IQ goes, this one is very impressive, especially for what you can get one of these for.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: polossatik review date: September-06-06
	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 f4 Tamron 28-200 f3.8-5.6 XR Di minolta 28-100 f3.5 6.5 (D)
positive:	Good sharpness (seams like some or sharper then others) , nice range for indoor sport shooting on a digital. I find the macro very good. constant f value, so you can work with the zoom in low light situations without worrying about shutter and aperture. damn cheap. LOT better then kit lens and even my tamron zoom
negative:	Not the fasted (f4). AF hunts easely indoor. focus ring to small to be usefull for MF seams to have some flare and purper fringing issues when not stepped down.
comment:	Got this in a deal with a 9000 body and a beercan for 100 euro, was only interested in the beercan in fact, so anything else was just a bonus. But i putted this little one on anyway, just to see. Wow. Amased! Oke, it's not a 2.8 or so, but this is really a rather decent lens, and certainly because they are not sought after and cheap! But until i get a faster one, this is now my standard lens :) edit: seen it was stolen, it's not my standard anymore

sharpness: 3 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 3 flare control: 2	user: Tsja review date: May-31-06
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	KM 50mm 1.7 KM 28-75 2.8 KM 17-35 2.8-4 Minolta 70-210 4 Olympus OM 28 3.5 Olympus OM 35 2.8 Olympus OM 50 1.8
positive:	Cheap Constant aperture
negative:	Not an attractive range on a DSLR Just 2x Zoomratio Get's beaten by the kitlens Close focusing distance of 1 meter Bad macromode
comment:	It lacks sharpness, a usefull purpose or any attractive point... :( Got it in a package deal with a 7000 and a 70-210 f4. For you DSLR get the kitlens, it's better... Or a 50 1.7 if your into portraiture... Or save a little for a 28-75 2.8... Just don't buy this lense with money ;)

sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: trondeh review date: October-29-05
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	18-70mm kit-lens and 50mm/f1.7
positive:	Inexpensive and surprisingly sharp from f5.6 to f11. Good colors!
negative:	Soft on f4 and some purple fringing seen on f4.
comment:	A really good lens for the price. Much sharper at 70mm than the kit-lens from f5.6 to f11. On f8 almost as sharp as the 50mm/f1.7. Good colors.

sharpness: 3.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: brettania review date: October-08-05
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	KM 28-75 f2.8 D
positive:	A good but not great lens that now sits in no-mans land in terms of focal length range but actually covers portraiture quite well.
negative:	Nothing specific, other than it is now showing its age.
comment:	A cheap second-hand starter lens for those who can't afford anything else. In this category would not disappoint. Remember that 35 with the crop factor gives an effective 50mm.

sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: ilyxa review date: October-07-05
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Konica Minolta - AF 35-70 / 3.5-4.5
positive:	Cheap, good for it's price
negative:	Old, slow
comment:

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: GormGrymme review date: July-17-05
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
positive:	still works like a charm after 17 years in service (I think that qualifies it as durable) good portrait range on 7d small and lightweight
negative:	old -> low resale/trade-in value
comment:	This lens may not have all the optimizations for digital (coatings, (D)-chip, etc.) but it still does its job well after so many years of service.

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Summary ratings

sharpness: 4.52

color: 4.78

build: 4.53

distortion: 4.39

flare control: 3.83

overall: 4.41

total reviews: 162

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Minolta - AF 35-70 F3.5-4.5