Minolta AF 50 F1.7 reviews

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Alphaville 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:	Minolta 3.5-5.6/28-80 (D) Sony SAL 2.8/28
price paid:	230 D-Marks
positive:	much cheaper than the 1.4/50 of Sony (Minolta) and not really worse.
negative:
comment:	I have this lens since 1999. It is my trusted low-light companion and I would not know how to criticize it for anything. Great for free-hand shots at night with my A850. Lens and I are buddies, won't hear a bad word about from me ;-)

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: EImiBen review date: March-27-13
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Nothing.
price paid:	unknown
positive:	Great build quality (will clarify below), good image, sharp, fast and of course, the opening.
negative:	can't think of one right now
comment:	This is my favourite lens. I use it extensively for my indoor black-and-white photography of bands and their audience. The good max-opening of 1.7 gives me the freedom of using the light I have at the venue to get a great moodshot every time. I can leave the flashunit at home most of the times. The lens is sturdy. Any and all complaints about plastic is just BS.. I was in France last year, trying to get some shots of an old watermill. I climbed onto the outlet-pipe of the facility and decided I wanted to change lenses. I screwed this one off, replaced it with the kitlens on my A-100 and put the 50mm in my jacket-pocket. While squatting, the lens fell out of my pocket, tumbled down the concrete pipe into the shallow part of the river. I scrambled for the lens, picked it up, and let the water drip out. Back in the appt., I took a bag of rice, put it in a bowl, put the lens in, covered it up and let it sit there for 2 days. After that, all I had to do was make sure there was no more rice in the lens, screw it on the camera and continued shooting. No damage, no watermarks, nothing. It just works.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Titticec review date: March-26-13
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	35 euro
positive:	obiettivo molto luminoso, molto rapido, ottima costruzione, colori eccezionali
negative:	il bagliore di controllo è stato trattato poco
comment:	veramente un bell'obiettivo!!i colori sono quelli storici dei minolta anni 80, è rapidissmo, compatto e ben costruito!per i primi piani è veramente ottimo! se si riesce a trovare a meno di 60 euro è un vero affare!

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 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:	Sharp Lightweight Affordable/Value Fast AF Compact
negative:	Hood is useless
comment:	Nice lens. Great for portraits. Very affordable. Good for low-light conditions.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: gugabrand review date: January-20-13
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Kit lens 18-55mm.
price paid:	€80
positive:	Really sharp and nice focus control. Solid construction and worked instantly with my SLT A57.
negative:	The 50mm at an APS-C needs some more distance due to the crop factor.
comment:	Really good lens, my first prime actually. My intention with it was to use wider apertures, see how I could get nice bokeh effects easier, besides use it inverted to macro photography. I'd like to have paid a bit less for it, like 60 euros, but for 80 was still acceptable.

sharpness: 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 35-70mm f/4 Minolta 70-210mm f/4 (beercan) Sony Zeiss 24-70mm f/2.8 Tamron 20-40mm f/2.7-3.5 Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8
price paid:	100 USD (used)
positive:	light and compact
negative:	filter diameter
comment:	Nice little lens. You can't go wrong for the price! It works great on both APSC and Full Frame. Love the build quality vs the new Sony 50mm 1.8. The metal mount is a good thing! The built in lens hood is a bit of a joke, but I still find myself pulling it out and using it.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: nilotek review date: December-10-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	minolta 24 minolta 28/2.8 minolta 50/3.5 macro minolta 35-105 old minolta beercan zeiss zm 50/2 planar
price paid:	90€
positive:	Bokeh Sharp wide open quite fast af
negative:
comment:	very useful lens for portraits, products and just everything else. i have sold my minolta 50/3.5 macro, as i dont do macros at all, and replaced it with this 50/1.7. Will maybe someday upgrade to a 50/1.4.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: seller1912 review date: December-07-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	SAM 35mm 1.8, SAM 18 55, Minolta 24 85 RS, Minolta Beercan 70 210 f4. Canon 50 1.8, Nikon 50 1.8 G,D.
price paid:	70EUR
positive:	Good Sharpness Minolta Color Good Build Good distortion control (which is normal for a 50mm)
negative:	Flare control is bad, typical for film era lens. Manual focus ring is thin and undamped.
comment:	This is one of the most impressive 50mm f1.7/1.8 lenses I've ever used. Believe me because I am a 50mm fanatic. I love the optics performance of this lens more than its Ni/Ca counterpart. This lens is sharper than Canon's, better bokeh (Seriously, 5 blades??). I think it's also sharper than Nikon's, and also with smoother bokeh, Nikon's has outline highlight. The weakpoints of this lens is Flare control, it's an old time lens so of course... Sometime ghost and haze make this lens appear to be less contrasty thus less sharper than other 50mm. And also that tiny manual ring which can only beat Canon's 50mm and Sony's 35mm...

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: taztonio review date: November-10-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony SAL-1855 Minolta 28-80 II 3.5-5.6 Sigma 28-80 3.5-5.6 Aspherical
price paid:	60 USD (ebay)
positive:	Super fast relatively cheap great color
negative:	Its not the 1.4 Its not a D lens (8 just seems better than 5)
comment:	1st of all I'm a newbie, I've only had my camera for less than a week and I'm trying out different lenses. I have tried 5 lenses so far and this one is my favorite by far. I recommend everyone to pick this one up. I'm sure the 1.4 is better I just couldn't justify spending that much on a single lens with my experience level. The case is plastic, but its a very nice build quality. I actually like the older ones better than the new ones and the Sony 1.8 (build quality wise). At 1.7 & 2.0 I had no problem taking handheld pictures in a dimly lit room with no flash. I have the Sony A55 and had no problems taking continuous pictures with Auto focus.

sharpness: 3.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: rsf3127 review date: October-18-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Rokkor 50mm 1.4 Canon 50mm 1.8 EFII Tamron 90mm macro Sony 35mm 1.8 Sony 20mm 2.8 Sony 28mm 2.8 Sony 16-105mm
price paid:	70 USD (used-mint)
positive:	Lightweight Nicely built Quick and silent AF
negative:	No so sharp WO Veiling haze Color fringe
comment:	Bought it in mint condition from a fellow dyxumer with minolta caps and filter. For me the benchmark of sharpness is the tammy macro. The benchmark for a cheap and good 50mm is the Canon. This lens never achieves the level of sharpness of the lenses above at any aperture. This lens is sharp in the center and borders when stopped down to 2.8 and improves little after that. Wide open, it shows a veiling haze and strong blue fringe. It improves when stopping down, but you can never get completely rid of it. Nice lens for portraits. Not good for low light because of the issues above described.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: fennetje review date: October-15-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	sony DT 55-200 minolta 35-105 old
price paid:	50 €
positive:	can be sharp from 1.7 DOF fast focus small value for money
negative:	flare can be bad
comment:	I was lucky to buy this lens, attached to a Minolta 5000 with a minolta skylight filter attached to it. The lens can be sharp from 1.7 ( counting eyelashes ), if you get the focus right, with the tiny DOF linked to that aperture. I also like the focussing, which in my opinion is faster than the sony 55-200 SAM & on par with the minolta 35-105 old. My favourite workhorse low light lens, ideal for candid kids portraits, combined with the burst speed & low shutter noise of the A55. highly recommended. I'm hoping to compare it with a 50 1.4 soon ( when it arrives ).

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: faceless_el review date: October-15-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	70 USD (used)
positive:	Built sharpness price (used)
negative:	Hood is just for show
comment:	great pictures come out of this little lens. even beginners can produce great shots. I highly recommend getting one for your lens collection. If you are slowly transitioning form point and shoot to DSLR/SLT then get this lens. it's a plus it Works with sony alpha mounts.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Fotoreflex review date: October-06-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
positive:
negative:
comment:	ottimo obiettivo minolta super consigliato

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Gert van den Bosch review date: September-22-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 30mm F1.4
price paid:	80€ (used)
positive:	This lens is so tiny, you can carry it around in your pockets.
negative:	Frontcap comes off easily, looks like it jumps into sharpness, noisy
comment:	It has the rich Minolta colours, it is even sharp wide open, useable in low light. Very suitable for streetphotography, because it is a tiny lens. The backgrounds are fantastic in a picture.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: tafata review date: September-12-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	- Minolta 28 F2.8 - Minolta 135 F2.8 - Minolta 35-70 F4 - Sony DT 16-50 F2.8
price paid:	50 EUR (used)
positive:	- Compact & lightweight - Very fast - Pleasant bokeh WO - Well built - Cheap
negative:	- Poor lens hood
comment:	Great lens! My first prime but everlasting one. In twelve years there's no other lens i own that compares with it in terms of sharpness, only the sony is very near to it. It's very sharp (a little bit softer WO but nothing to complain), sharper than the other lens it's compared with. It's small, lightweight and delivers high quality images. I use it also in conjunction with extension tubes for macro shots and it performs great. If you can, get one! A MUST HAVE

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Feudalac review date: September-12-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 50mm 2.8 Macro DG
price paid:	40€
positive:	Sharp, small and light, fast AF
negative:	Shallow DOF, soft at corners wide open
comment:	Must have lens! Very sharp, with accurate and fast AF, useful for low light conditions. Only problem with this lens is shallow DOF. I compared it with my Sigma 50mm 2.8 Macro DG and found that Minolta has more tiny belt of focus on f 2.8 comparing to Sigma. On the other side it cane make very nice results if you can take advantage of shallow DOF. On APS-C sensors it is not wide enough, but again, this is great piece of glass.

sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: grudyjsy review date: July-03-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	40 GBP (Used)
positive:	Quick focus Light weight Small size
negative:	Focus ring small
comment:

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: maraten review date: June-09-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	S 18-55 M 28-80 F3.5-5.6 M 35-80 F3.5-5.6 M 70-210 F4.5-5.6 Sigma 70-300
price paid:	€65 + some stuff
positive:	+Sharp! +Bokeh +Fun thin DoF +Small and lightweight +Real Minolta colors! +All metal +Fast aperture!
negative:	-CA at F1.7 -Weird hood -Small focus ring -Sometimes it misses focus.
comment:	Nice little lens. I got it along with a Dynax 300si and a 35-80 for just 65 euros! Good sharpness and DoF is amazing and fun. Ust have lens. I'll edit this as soon as get my films developed. The negatives are no dealbreakers.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Guy review date: May-31-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 50/1.4 SMC Tak 50/1.4
price paid:	90 EUR
positive:	+ excellent IQ even wide open + extremely light + good build quality + the hood is always there
negative:	- the hood is not very good - sharpness on the outer portion of the frame needs a couple of stops to improve.
comment:	I have had this lens for a very long time. The lens is extremely sharp on APS-C all over the frame. On FF it looses it's zing from the midpoint out, but the rendition of this lens is just beautiful. The bokeh is even better than the 50/1.4. I actually prefer the 50/1.7 lens over the 50/1.4 for portraits, but the 1.4 is overall better in terms of sharpness once stopped down. It's a shame that this lens is no longer produced. I would gladly pay some 250 EUR for an updated version of this lens with maybe the new SAM motor (like in the 18-135). Oh well, one can dream ;)

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: MedsRX review date: May-20-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	sony 18-55 kit lens minolta 28 2.8 minolta 70-210 3.5N
price paid:	80 USD
positive:	sharp wide open and sharper stopped down. size. price. love the colors. 1.7!
negative:	the lens hood is plain silly. maybe a little soft around the edge. range is kinda akward on aps-c
comment:	There is sooo much to love about this lens. it's size, it's sharpness, it's price, it's color. . .sigh. It has a special something to it, a bit of indescribable pixie dust. LOL it is the lens that spends the most time on my a33, that and my min 70-210 f3.5-4.5N. I realize there might be newer lenses with better coatings but for the price i can't complain. It's just plain fun. yes the lens hood is a joke but flaring really only happens in extreme situations but it does happen. CA is always a small concern with any older lens and this isn't an exception, but it hardly distracts from the awesome parts of this lens. and DOES NOT distract from the IQ and image making! It's an awesome indoor lens, great portrait lens, rad for weddings and the like. but also good for fine art and street shooting. it has a fun sort of range, it takes a little bit of getting used to. and it's not truly "normal" on an aps-c. but who cares? take some shots!!

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Acornwell123 review date: May-17-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	55.00
positive:	Very Very impressed! love this little guy. the price was perfect for my budget and wasnt expecting much for the price paid, even with the hype of this lens! wow is what i got!
negative:	None
comment:	Get one!

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	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:
price paid:	2USD (fleet market)
positive:	Wonderful portrait lens!
negative:
comment:	I will never sell this lens, even though its seldom used by me. Often I have a zoom lens mounted which is more flexible for use, for product photography or portraits this however is wonderful!

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: unclenais review date: April-28-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta AF 28-35 f3.5-f4.5 Minolta AF 100-200 f4.5 Minolta AF 70-210 f4
price paid:	20 USD
positive:	Absolutely a tack sharp lens with the magic Minolta colors. Light weight. Quick focus.
negative:	None
comment:	This lens was a local purchase that was part of a camera, 2 lenses, and case for $40. The first pictures I took with this lens were impressive for both sharpness, color, and bokeh. On my APSC camera it is an equivalent 75mm and I use it now for portrait work as well a lightweight walk around lens. This lens convinced me to look at other primes which currently I cannot afford. This lens is a keeper and I would highly recommend it's purchase. They are still available in excellent condition for under $100 on eBay and fits my criteria for lenses better than the kit lenses for $100 or less!

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: deetaili review date: April-20-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 24mm f1.8 Minolta 35-105mm f3.5-4.5 Sigma 18-200mm f3.5-6.3
price paid:	100 USD (used)
positive:	Sharpness when stopped down a bit Max. aperture Lightweight Minolta colors Solid build
negative:	Haziness at f/1.7 Useless hood Focus ring
comment:	When I take my camera with one lens attached for walkaround shots, this is the primary lens I choose. Indoors I tend to use the 24mm Sigma, the 50mm is a bit too tight on APS-C. There were some AF problems with my a230, but I think they're gone now with the a700.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: witee.w review date: April-16-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	sony 50 1.8
price paid:	113 usd
positive:	Super cheap lens nice range on aps-c good minolta color sharp enough at f 2.5 fast focus
negative:	none at this price
comment:	to be honest it is nearly the same as sony 50 f1.8 minolta produce better color. but the sony lens have 8 contact which mean that could give distance data to camera to control flash. I prefer Minolta over sony simply because of it's look, since the performance are equal. I'm looking forward to upgrade to minolta 50 1.4, but the price is double !

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: maxeythecat review date: April-04-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	50.00 USD (used)
positive:	In one word, WOW. Absolutely tack-sharp with gorgeous color wonderful bokeh and really snappy AF
negative:	None I can think of.......
comment:	My first prime lens, I bought this along with a mini beercan off of Goodwill's auction website for just 50$. Needless to say I wasn't expecting much, but once it arrived and I popped it on for a few snaps...let's just say I was left speechless. The razor sharp images even in low light, gorgeous bokeh and the beautiful color.....talk about alot of bang for the buck! Sony users, if there's any lens out there that's a must have for your collection, this is IT.

sharpness: 3.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: cessna2k review date: March-24-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sal 50f18
price paid:	0
positive:	Hood
negative:	Vignetting Soft Haze
comment:	I have had 2 of those. Very soft open, and aweful vignetting. If you shoot APS go for the new Sony, it is so much better. Furthermore, my Sony a230 can not focus the lens reliably, but even when it is focused well, it is so unsharp wide open.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: echoalexandria review date: March-17-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 50 1.4 RS Minolta 35 2 Minolta 17-35 2.8 Minolta 100 2
price paid:	25.00 CAN
positive:	Fast Sharp Very Small 3-D Images Solid Build
negative:	Nothing at all
comment:	The copy I have now is a jewel. I pain $25 in MINT condition and it quickly became my number one lens. It is tack sharp and some of my better pictures have come using this lens. The 50 1.4 RS was better in many aspects but there was no need for the double focal length. I've had a 35 2 and a 100 2 which I have both since long sold but I will never part with this. These can be found readily available in excellent condition for a great price. Its really worth it's weight in gold. Here is a link to my favorite image by far taken with the 50 1.7. http://www.flickr.com/photos/74135471@N07/6988780045/in/photostream

sharpness: 3.5 color: 4 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: scovell001 review date: March-12-12
	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 - Sigma 50-150 f.28
price paid:	£150
positive:	Cheap, easy to find Nice colours
negative:	Showing its age, compared to modern glass
comment:	The Kurt Munger review of this lens is pretty much spot on. This lens has a really beautiful colour. However, its issue's are 2 fold. Firstly, it has veiling haze at f1.7 & a slight bit of outlining on highlights which is gone at f2.2. However, the aperture blade shape starts to show up at this point onwards. The Sony 16-50 f2.8, whilst not 'drawing' quite as well at 50mm, has a more pleasing rounded shape to the bokeh, especially at f3.5. The Sigma 50-150 doesn't have quite as good colour as the Sony & Minolta lenses, and the 50mm setting is more like 55mm, however its Bokeh at f2.8-f3.5 is more pleasing than either the Sony at 50mm/3.5 or the Minolta at f2.2 and it has minimal haze at f2.8, whereas the Sony has no haze at f2.8. Its a tough call with this lens then, because the rendition of the images is great in terms of colour, but a little hazy. I personally don't like haze, and prefer the more modern lenses. That doesn't mean to say I'll ever get rid of this lens, it has its charms, from time to time.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: iforget review date: March-12-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	SAL35F18 SAL50F18 SAL55200 SAL1855 Minolta 24-85RS
price paid:	70 CAD (used)
positive:	good color pretty sharp good for portrait
negative:	CA inconsistent color with AWB
comment:	Got this lens in a bundle (with Maxxum 7000, Image MC 75-200, flash, bag and tripod) all for 70. The lady sold to me was moving and just want to get rid of it. The lens had some finger prints and some wears. But does take pretty good portraits compared to 35f1.8 which I found in some situation the pictures are too distorted for my liking. Wide open is not as sharp as 35f1.8. This lens is smaller than both the 35F1.8 and 50F1.8. I had 50F1.8 first then returned after I got 35F1.8 but still missed for portraits since it has less barrel distortion than 35F1.8. Although 55-200 is pretty good for portraits and has most pleasant color to me but it is not bright enough in some situations. The 50/1.7 is usable at 1.7 and good at 2.0. The color is better than both 50/1.8 and 35f1.8 in my opinion (warmer and more colorful). Color and image is better than 24-85 as well. As a side note the Image MC 75-200 is not too bad, pretty sharp wide open, but has distortion at long end.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: ifreedman review date: March-10-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Takumar SMC 50mm f1.4 Sony 35mm f1.8 Tamron 28-75mm f2.8
price paid:	$60 usd (used)
positive:	good sharpness & colors. Excellent prime. Cheap and easy to find.
negative:	Not my favorite lens
comment:	This is a lovely lens, great for portraits or any type of shooting where you don't need zoom. Colors are nice, quite sharp, minimal distortions. Good indoors, although it's often not wide enough on an APSC camera to use in tight spaces. Plus it's cheap. You can't find a better bargain lens for the alpha system. In my opinion, everyone should own a good, fast prime lens, and this is probably the best-bang-for-the-buck fast prime you can find as long as you find a good used copy. Having said all this, I don't use it too often. If I want to shoot with a prime, I'm more likely to use the Sony 35mm (just a bit wider, closer to normal on APSC) or to use my SMC Takumar. Shooting with a Takumar is a very tactile and pleasurable experience. This Minolta is a nice lens, but it doesn't "feel" as nice to use, although it always gives excellent results.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: kubuthor review date: March-10-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	KM 18-70 SONY 18-70 M 100-200/4,5
price paid:	80 USD (used)
positive:	- price :) - sharpness (when hits the focus) - that special "pop" in photos, which set lens does not really have
negative:	- not 100% accurate focusing, especially in middle distances - in my opinion, slower focus - becomes sharp from f2,5 onwards (well, it is somehow not that surprising)
comment:	I gave it 4 for sharpness, because it often does not hit the focus as accurate as intended. The reason is (I think) it´s slower focusing on my 5D, as well as higher aperture, but this thing can sometimes be really annoying. Otherwise, for the money paid really a gem. The output has that kind of "real photo" feeling. As the flare is often mentioned, I try to use it in a creative way, so yes, there is, but for me it is more in the plus than minus field. Colors... I like those from 100-200 a little more, but generally, the colors are fine on lcd as well as on prints.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Swan White review date: March-04-12
	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:	90 euro (used)
positive:	Build Performance 1.7 Low weight Small Exceptional value for money
negative:	Can't think of anything
comment:	Great lens to have and use frequently! For Low light, indoor, portraits, limited DOF, etc.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: topdogmex review date: February-09-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony SAL1855 Minolta 35-105 macro
price paid:	100 USD (like new)
positive:	Small and Light AF speed Luminosity Good quality Super sharp
negative:	Noisy Buit hood
comment:	This is a superb prime from old days, the color is amazing, the AF is fast and precise, just a little noisy. My copy is super sharp, but not as sharp as my KM 35-105 macro. Wide open it can produce a very good sharp image, and it gets better above f/2. If you find one get it, no doubt. I´m super happy with mine.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: a850 review date: January-23-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	35/1.4G Zeiss 16-35/2.8
price paid:	GBP 80 used
positive:	Build quality Cheap Useful Colours and bokeh
negative:	FLARE FLARE FLARE Did I say flare? Ghosts too!
comment:	I really like this lens. Build quality is indestructible, sharpness and colours are really great. But flare, ghosting and washing out the image are a big problem. You can use them artistically - low angle sun coming through trees etc can look great, but for a lot of things it's a total pain. Don't even think about having flash, bright streetlamps or the sun in your image if shooting wide open. I also find performance CONSIDERABLY better at f2 rather than f1.7, so I basically treat this as an f2 lens. At f4 it is brilliantly sharp. No complaints at all. I'm happy, and every full frame user (or even aps-c user) should own a cheap 50mm. It does the job well if you're aware of limitations.

sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: Introspect review date: January-18-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	18-55 DT minolta 35-105 beercan
price paid:	about 150 USD (used
positive:	cheap 1,7 light and small very funny
negative:	some back focus... but I'm being picky
comment:	Well, my first prime. I acquired this lens because is was a good deal and I wanted some low light lens and I thought it would be a good portrait lens. I didn't used all that much at first manly because after this I put my hands in a "beercan" and I use more the zooms. But then I had the chance to use this in a night walk by the beach and it was very funny and I'm starting to use it more and more... it works great in doors when you don't want to use flash and outside in low light... it challenges your creativity. It has a nice bokeh... I prefer the one of the beercan, but this is really nice to... a keeper...

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: boyzone review date: January-18-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	120 USD (used)
positive:	- Cheap - F1.7 - Build quality
negative:	- Soft at 1.7
comment:	Soft at 1.7 and need to step down until 2.2 for good sharpness. Trade it as low usage.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: donniefitz2 review date: January-08-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	70.00
positive:	- fast - sharpness - bokeh
negative:	- little flare at times - soft wide open
comment:	This is my first Minolta lens and it couldn't be better. I read that it's a classic and all of the hype about this lens is true. I have a cross x copy. It is true that it's soft wide open, but the center is very sharp. I typically use it as the f/2.8 sweet spot for really sharp photos with great DOF. Highly recommended.

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:	USD 100
positive:	Sharp, nice bokeh and minolta colour.
negative:
comment:

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:	USD 100
positive:	Sharp, nice bokeh and minolta colour.
negative:
comment:

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 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:	Sigma 50 1.4 HSM$ Minolta 50 2.8 Macro
price paid:	90 CHF
positive:	Sharp Light Cheap Colour
negative:	None really
comment:	I just bought this to compare to the sigma 1.4 and I have to say in low light there is little difference between the 2. The sigma is probably sharper for portraits but you cannot beat minolta colours.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: shamblesuk review date: November-25-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	GBP80
positive:	Solidly built Stylish Quick
negative:	Prone to flare Lens hood more of an afterthought Colour little light
comment:	I do like this lens, great for portraits. Fast to focus. Downside is that it seems prone to flare and the inbuilt hood is flimsy and you need to remember to deploy each time. Colour is a little on the light side. The f1.7 gives much more control but you have to take care as close images need to be precisely focussed. The lens does not suffer amateur usage. The rest is pretty much well known, a great lens to have for quick snaps.

sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: sonicx review date: November-25-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma EX 2,8 105mm Macro
price paid:	used 100 EUR
positive:	- quick AF - fast (F 1.7) - at a camera with crop factor an ideal portarit lens - sharp
negative:	color is a little to low
comment:	It is one of my fav. lenses. It is fast, quick, light, and super sharp. I just love it. And in combination with a crop (APS-C) camera it is a wonderful portrail-lens.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: profhankd review date: October-29-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	The RS version, M42 SMC Takumar 50mm f/1.4 M42 SMC Takumar 55mm f/1.8 Sony 18-70mm kit lens etc.
price paid:	30 (used)
positive:	Sharp, fast, quick focus, versatile 50mm
negative:	Slight softness at edges wide open
comment:	Most 50-58mm primes are optically great, and this is no exception. In general, I've noticed the f/1.4 lenses often have more character (i.e., issues like halos) than the slower ones, and this lens definitely has the freedom from artifacts seen in many of the better slower lenses. It is a very no-nonsense lens with a classic Minolta look to its images; it reminds me of the 50mm f/1.7 Rokkors on my SRT101 & XK. There is slight softness at the edges wide open, which gets better stopping down; no other optical issues. Still ok on 24MP. Bokeh are nothing special, but neither are they bad. With 1.5X crop APS-C, this is even more versatile than it was on film; for example, this is great for photos of kids. Build quality is very good for an AF lens, easily outclassing the kit lens. I also have the RS version, and I think the RS focus ring feels a little nicer, but both are quite usable. The metal mount is still a perfectly tight yet smooth fit on this old lens. In summary, it is very hard to see any IQ difference between this and my RS version. This was pleasantly cheaper. :-)

sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: onsplekkie review date: October-23-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Tamron 18-200mm Sigma 10-20mm
price paid:	100 euro secondhand
positive:	very sharp cheap secondhand
negative:
comment:	If I want sharp images with nice flare I use this baby! It gives the feeling I am in control of the result of every picture. Colour is cold(er) compaired to my other lenses. I use this lens on 15% of all my photos taken.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Berean review date: October-13-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 17-70mm DC Minolta 24-85mm
price paid:	25 GBP (second hand)
positive:	Sharpness, Minolta colour, build, price
negative:	Can't think of any!
comment:	What a wonderful lens! My favourite of all I own. A brilliant walkabout lens on a film camera, a fantastic portrait lens on my a700. Very sharp throughout, even at f/1.7. I can't fault this beauty, if you manage to find one for less than 100 GBP I would definitely encourage you to buy it!

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	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 35-70/4 Sony 35/1.8 DT Minolta 20/2.8 Zeiss 135/1.8
price paid:	70 BP (used)
positive:	focus sharpness price
negative:	bokeh
comment:	One of my favorite lenses, especially for portraits and low light conditions. Until very recent I preferred it over 35/1.8 - I felt that AF was more precise. AF has problem with low light conditions (I believe this to be standard). Its light, colors and sharpness is great, only problem is the bokeh. its not smooth and when used as low light indoor lenses, I don't like the way out-of-focus light are rendered. 35/1.8 seems to be more sharp wide open but this difference disappear by 2.5. Update: I ran a small indoor photo session with 50/1.7 and Zeiss 135/1.8 on A55 - its focus its less precise and slower then Zeiss, but acceptable - I tend to shoot 3f/s so loosing 1-2 frames is not a problem. Zeiss colors is way better (bokeh was difficult to assess due to framing). Sharpness was not in the Zeiss league. Still, it is not a bad lens, especially given the price.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Skoropada review date: September-15-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 18-70 Kit lens Sigma 18-250
price paid:	60 usd
positive:	- Sharpness - Small size - Large aperture
negative:	I have to mention that the used copy I have of this lens had issues with the aperture blades sticking, but that's probably just a maintenance issue.
comment:

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: jovoorthan review date: August-05-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	minolta 28 2.8 minolta 50 1.7 rs
price paid:	100 euros (used)
positive:	Really sharp from 2.2, 2.5-infinity. Excellent colours allround performance is superb
negative:	af is sometimes a bit slow the focus distance is not that great. Flare is annoying sometimes
comment:

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: turtlepwr281 review date: July-30-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 35 f/1.8 SAM
price paid:	98 USD
positive:	Cheap Build Quality Optical Quality Focal Length Availability Large Aperture
negative:	None
comment:	The Minolta 50mm f/1.7 is a "classic" everyone should own. I got this lens for less than $100 on Ebay. My copy is sharp, built like a tank and produces gorgeous colors with lots of "pop" on my A580. Autofocusing is the relatively quick, loud Minolta screw drive. Manual focusing is great and perfectly dampened. Shooting with this lens is a great experience. It screams build quality. This will certainly be my outdoor walk-around lens, and my girlfriend and I fight over who gets to use this all the time. If you're on the fence about it, just hop over to your favorite used lens dealer and get one, you won't regret it.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: shidairyproduct review date: July-30-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	50mm f/2.8 macro
price paid:	$150 (used)
positive:	Sharp, great colors, compact, light, great build, very fast, negligent distortion, quick AF.
negative:
comment:	Not including my kit lens, this was my first purchase. This thing is so sharp, it's almost as sharp as the 50mm f/2.8 macro. Even on my a580, IF I need an extra bit of low light capability, this lens finds its way on my camera. The only slight disadvantage is its relatively higher minimal focus distance (compared to the 50/2.8 macro.) Other than that, it's very light and small, but that's no way to judge its build. The picture and bokeh are extremely beautiful. Basically, this one sets the standard for other primes to follow. Unless you have the 50mm f/1.4, you have no excuse for not having it. It doesn't cost as much nowadays as much as I paid for it in 2008.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: derekw review date: July-27-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 24mm f2.8 Sigma 50mm f2.8 macro
price paid:	62 GBP (used)
positive:	Very sharp above f4 Superb colours Lightweight and portable
negative:	Sharpness falls below F4 but still usable
comment:	Super little lens, well worth its place in everyones kit. Everything else has already been said.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Tudor review date: July-27-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	3 copies of this lens
price paid:	70-80 EUR
positive:	There is little chance that you will ever find a bad copy (optically) of this model
negative:	Bought one with oily aperture blades
comment:

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: noel.a.terrell review date: July-26-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	50 1.4 RS 28 2.8 35 f2 17-35 2.8-4 28-135 4-4.5
price paid:	25. can
positive:	Sharp Low light capabilities Fast AF Small Solid build Its a Minolta prime
negative:	There is nothing negative to say about this lens.
comment:	This lens rocks to say the least. 95% of my shots are taken with this lens. So much sharper than any lens i have compared it to (with exception to the 50 1.4) For the price of this lens it should be in every ones bag unless you can afford the high end glass. A true Minolta performer and a must have for anyone looking for an inexpensive prime.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: KS56 review date: July-25-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
positive:	Sharp Fast Well built Light
negative:	Old technology
comment:	This is another lens carried over from the old Minolta film camera days. Even though I rarely use it on my Sony A77 these days, it still produces nice sharp low light images when the need calls for it. Ideal for street shooting and when i want to travel light. It is also great for portraiture with its effective focal length of 75mm on my Sony A77.

sharpness: 3 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: livinginparadise review date: July-11-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	60 Australian(used)
positive:	Cheap Sharp centre Fast Good portrait lens on APS
negative:	Edges soft - only moderately improve stopping down
comment:

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: jamesmd review date: July-10-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	sony 50 1.4
price paid:	50 EU ( used )
positive:	sharp , fast , small
negative:
comment:

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: Skidog2k3 review date: July-06-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	99 USD (used)
positive:	1.7 Build quality cheap on ebay
negative:	Hood is useless
comment:	This is my first prime lens. I purchased this on Ebay because I wanted a portrait lens that I didn't have to break my bank on. So far I am very happy with the lens in this capacity. 50mm... 75 on APS-C, so you don't have to be uncomfortably close to your subject. I haven't used it out and about, so I will add when I've played with it a little more.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: sonya300 review date: June-15-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	100.00
positive:	Sharp Fabulous colours build lightweight
negative:	nothing
comment:	Super sharp, and fab colours. a must have.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: trongkien review date: June-06-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 50mm f1.4 Sony 50mm f1.4
price paid:	80 USD (used)
positive:	color light compact
negative:	not sharp at wide open
comment:	This lens is great for its price. It's great for portrait as well.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: MikeRG review date: May-10-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	M35-105 M24-85 M28-135 T90 M75-300
price paid:	95 GBP (used)
positive:	Sharp F1.7
negative:	None Maybe the hood for it's comedy value
comment:	Picked up an excellent copy from eBay - seem to be increasing in price all the time, given the bang per buck performance I am not surprised. Wonderfully sharp, nice bokeh, Minolta colours and it's sharp. Did I mention the sharpness? Even wide open at f1.7 if you nail the depth of field you can count every eyelash. I am loving the performance on my A580, works amazingly well with the A580's advanced live view features.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: slantyyz review date: April-16-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	28/2.8 24/2.8 18-55 kit
price paid:	150 CAD
positive:	Nice colour Good sharpness stopped down Fairly quick focus Nifty integrated hood (albeit not that useful)
negative:	You might want a hood outdoors Nothing that annoys me
comment:	Easily my favorite (and default) lens, although I plan on supplementing my lens collection with the 50/1.4 at some point. Bought it before Sony's 50/1.8 came out, so I probably overpaid a little for it, but I have gotten my $ worth from all the use it has received.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5	user: mob81 review date: April-01-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	100
positive:	Compact, great color, pretty sharp, and affordable
negative:	Focus ring moves while auto focusing
comment:	My first minolta lens, it's great in film and digital. Bokeh is ok but not great. I love it in 35mm cameras. Also my favorite focal length in full frame. It's pretty sharp wide open "or sharp enough for most subjects" and stop it down to f4 or smaller and it's very sharp on my negatives and a700. I didn't find it flares often! Though I expected to flare a lot based on previous reviews! Regards, Mohammed

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: olegoo review date: March-29-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Beercan Sony Kit 18 -55 Exakta 28 - 105 2.8 Praktika 50 1.8
price paid:	80 €
positive:	Light Fast Cheap Good sharpness
negative:	none
comment:	I just wannna say that I love this Lens so much. It's sharp, it has Minolta colour. That's all what I need for a Portrait Lens.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: sonolta review date: March-14-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	about 100 Euros
positive:
negative:
comment:	This lens has amazing sharpness and contrast, the pictures come out so 'deep'. Very nice portrait lens on APS-C, bokeh is beautiful. Solidly built but light, not that expensive either. In low light situations the extreme contrast might be a problem, dark parts in the picture become even darker. But on a bright sunny day this one has a very stunning performance!

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: incatatus 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:	Tamron 28-75 f2.8 Sony 18-70 kit lens
price paid:	£60 fleabay
positive:	Low light performance Size Build
negative:	Flimsy appearing built in hood
comment:	Absolute gem of a little lens, and has really surprised me on FF, gets used more than my walkaround lens. Particularly good for capturing candle light and gives lovely diffuse effect when photographing backlit subjects. Bit soft wide open, but otherwise performs excellently. I may upgrade to the 1.4 Sigma or Sony, but not in any hurry to.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: svendf review date: February-07-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	94 Euro(used mint)
positive:	Light Fast Cheap Good sharpness
negative:	Too long on APS-C MFD a bit too long for my taste
comment:	Just as I bought the Minolta 135mm 2.8 to try it I bought this one too to try it out. For the price it's a very good lens but I didn't fall in love with it and didn't directly see use for it so I sold it again.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: farfisa review date: January-31-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony SAL 50/1.4
price paid:	100 CAD (used)
positive:	Small, light, cheap, FF coverage, nice colour, sharpness and pop!
negative:	straight aperture blades make for more geometric bokeh
comment:	This was my first Minolta lens, and although I recently sold it, I really enjoyed using it. The colours really pop, and the sharpness at f/2.8 is astounding for a lens that's so cheap! AF is fast and was very accurate. I knocked off a point for flare control, but a few shots I took where there was flare looked really nice anyway. My only negative against it was the straight aperture blades, but sometimes that look works too. I got a Sony 50/1.4 instead and though it has nicer bokeh in my opinion, it's not as much of a bargain!

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: sungeunbae review date: January-31-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	- Sony 1855 SAM - Minolta 35-105 3.5-4.5 - Minolta 24-105 - Sony 55-200
price paid:	100 USB
positive:	- Sharp in low light - Excellent portrait lens
negative:	- Slightly too long range on APS camera
comment:	- Absolutely amazing image quality - Cheap and light Excellent low-light, portrait lens. Relatively easy to find a good second-hand copy.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: thomas_g review date: January-27-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	18-55 Sony Kit Lens
price paid:	100 CAD
positive:	Excellent close ups, great in low light/indoor use, vivid colours, razor sharp (even wide open)
negative:	None, love this lens!
comment:	Excellent portrait lens, great value if you can find one in good condition. DOF gives great bokeh. You will be pleased all around with this little lens!

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: N.Terrell review date: January-27-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	25 Can
positive:	Everything
negative:	Nothing at all
comment:	This lens quickly became my favorite all around lens. Really the first prime I have ever stuck with. Tack sharp, very fast zoom and pinpoint accurate focusing has given me the results I had only dreampt of before. My copy is MINT I bought it from an old Minolta dealer hardly ever used. If you cant get a 50 1.4 for whatever reason this is the one to get.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: ACMCRaindog review date: January-21-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	35-70 f/4 35-105 N 18-70 f/3.5-5.6
price paid:	100
positive:	Fast Sharp Durable Colorful Small Size Nice Bokeh Usable on Full Frame (for future compatibility)
negative:	Dubious hood design (at least the RS version locks into place and a bit too short to be usable) DOF at 1.7 can be shallow when close to a subject Autofocus can hunt a bit (on an a350/a550) in dim light at close distances (around 3'-4')
comment:	As one of the first things an a-mount user should pick up, this lens is a winner. Its affordable (almost as much as adding $$$ for a kit lens), sharp as heck, light, fast, makes great pictures at night under tungsten/halogen lighting without using the flash. I don't use this lens much during the daytime when slower apertures and versatile zooming is preferred but when you use it, you can practically stop time at the shutter speeds it can offer. At the price you buy this lens, it would be considered money extremely well spent.

sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5	user: evertonp review date: January-21-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 35-70 Minolta 70-210 Sony SAL1855
price paid:	200 USD (used)
positive:	+ Sharpness + Size + Weight + f/1.7 + Beautiful bokeh
negative:	- build quality
comment:	This was my first prime lens. Very sharp, light and small. Beautiful bokeh. Mine was manufactured in 1980's and it looks brand new. Great for portraits.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: wiel_sam review date: January-12-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	50 mm f1,8
price paid:	100 USD (Used)
positive:	- Great Bokeh - Full Frame
negative:	- Flare
comment:	Great Lens

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: RedDrake review date: December-28-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	110 EUR
positive:	+ sharp from F1.7 + small + light + perfect portrait on APS-C
negative:	- flare
comment:	I have a crossed XX version of this lens, and it's a GEM! It's completely sharp even at F1.7 and I regularly use it to make head&shoulder portraits wide open in daylight. It has no veiling haze and the DOF is just sufficient to make the face completely in focus. The hood is a joke but I've learnt to use my hand properly to avoid heavy flaring. My best lens so far, and I guess I'll never sell this as long as A-Mount will exist.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: mydarkstars review date: December-02-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	50 GBP
positive:	Sharp, build quality
negative:	None
comment:	Come across three of these ubiquitous lenses so far. Lovely performers. The APS-C crop factor makes it slightly too telephoto for practical everyday use but you just need to bear that in mind when shooting.

sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: babya review date: November-13-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	None
price paid:	1 (second hand)
positive:	Built in hood fast-f1.7 aperture
negative:	None
comment:	This lens is a great 50mm prime lens-being f1.7 it's a fast lens and is perfect for low-light shots.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: Reddevil 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:	- Sigma 17-70 F2.8-4.5 DC - Minolta AF DT 18-70 F3.5-5.6
price paid:	€ 100 (used)
positive:	- DOF - Good handling - Makes you more creative - Good build
negative:	- sun cap is worthless
comment:	This is my first prime lens and I like it a lot. Great to work with it and it makes you more creative with photography.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 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:
price paid:	80-90USD
positive:	build colour sharp
negative:	"lens hood"
comment:	Excellent lens, hard not to buy this for the price. Fairly sharp wide open, even sharper stoped down.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: sagiluck review date: October-28-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 50mm F1.8
price paid:	SGD 100
positive:	Colors ! need not use vivid mode anymore Price ! cheaper than DT 50mm
negative:	AF is noisy MFD is slightly higher than sony Silly hood
comment:	Sold off my Sony 50mm in anticipation for upcoming 35mm f1.8 but turns out its overpriced (its SGD 369) and results are not any better than Sony 50mm. Chanced upon this lens in local Buy and Sell. This is my first Minolta lens and really love it ! Looking forward to take decent portrait with it.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: ARkristian review date: October-24-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	v.good portrait lens!
positive:	sharp! color! build! price! popular!
negative:	funny hood
comment:

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: ibarradigital review date: October-15-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	70
positive:	all
negative:	nothing
comment:	perfect....

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: last125eagle review date: October-13-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 50mm f1.4 Sigma 24mm f1.8 sigma 24mm f2.4 Minolta 28mm f2.8
price paid:	$85
positive:	light small pretty fast cheap
negative:	nothing really
comment:	It is a great starter lens. Easy to find, cheap to buy. It is a great lens to learn the camera on. The lens is a small bit narrow at times on a smaller sensor. Still for when you are doing more normal distance portrait and landscapes that are far away then lens is lovely. Great walk around lens due to its size and weight.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: devilzero review date: September-29-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	All The Lenses I have used
price paid:	450HKD(Used)
positive:	- Nice Colour - Cheap price - Easy to find a second hand in market - Light Size
negative:	None
comment:	Really nice colour.

sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: grose review date: September-20-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 35-70 3.5-4.5 Sony kit lens
price paid:	60 USD
positive:	Small, all metal lens. Tack sharp photos. Great for low-light conditions. Fast when you need it. Inexpensive.
negative:	None noted so far.
comment:	Great little lens that I picked up for shooting photos in low light conditions. I use the camera/lens for business, and sometimes I need stop-action speed in low light conditions. This lens can do that, and does it well. Photos that I've taken so far have been sharp, with good old Minolta colors. I picked this lens up for a great price, still in the original box and in near perfect condition. I'm excited to see what else this little lens can do for me.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: SerbianAdonis review date: September-20-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	£90
positive:	Excellent Little lens. Fine sharpness, contrast & color. Very fast, sturdy and reliable. Lovely Bokeh, Minolta colors & fast in focusing. Excellent for portraits, landscapes & general purpose lens.
negative:	Not flexible as other lenses which give you more focal range to cover.
comment:	So far I am very happy owner of 4 Minolta lenses, all from 1985 and all are in excellent condition. This one is little gem among the other telephoto lenses like Beercan, Minolta 75-300 & Minolta 28mm F2.8.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: tim spivey review date: September-17-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	18-70 Kit lens 28-200 Tamron 100/2.8 Minolta
price paid:	50.00
positive:	Light weight, built like a tank(except for that strange little hood), great in low light.
negative:	Strange little hood.
comment:	This has become one of my favorite lenses. This was not the first lense I purchased but it should of been. It is great in low light. It sometimes hunts on my A200 but not my A550. A little soft at 1.7 but otherwise beautiful photos. A must have for any "A" mount owner.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: ciupo35 review date: September-17-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 50/1.8 SAM (APS-C)
price paid:	150 USD (used)
positive:	cheap, small, low-light, feels solid, FF coverage, good bokeh
negative:	unavailable new, soapy at f1.7 and in the corners on FF, vignetting fully open, poor flare control
comment:	On APS-C, 50/1.8 SAM is better choice. On FF, MAF 50/1.7 can be used as 'budget low-light lens'. If you want to use 50 mm lens on FF very often, I think the Sigma 50/1.4 is best (but more expensive) alternative.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: jychook review date: September-01-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 50mm F1.8
price paid:	USD $110
positive:	- Cheap - Sharp - nice colour - compact - solid metal built
negative:	- a bit soft when wide open
comment:	A very compact and handy lens but a bit soft when it is wide open (F1.7). Very good for potrait when used on APS-C (equivalent 75mm). Nothing to complain for the price I paid. I am very satisfied with this lens.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: dumbasadoorknob review date: September-01-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 50/1.4D
price paid:	uad 95 used
positive:	Handy Size Minolta Colors Inexpensive yet fast
negative:	Not "D" of course
comment:	What's a pocket for? This lens is the prefect go anywhere backup lens because it's so compact -- and reliable. Fiddly little built-in lens hood does actually moderate flare a little -- if you remember that it's there. I particularly enjoyed this lens on my A100, since they match in small size, and the 75mm result is good for portraits. On the A900, there is so much extra pixel power that the images from this lens can easily be cropped and still produce crisp and elegant results.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: jarnoshen 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:	Sony DT 18-55 SAM Minolta 35-70/3.5-4.5 Nikon 50/1.8 (on Nikon D80)
price paid:	104EUR/900CNY used
positive:	Extremely vivid color. Excellent value-return based on its price. Very sharp at F2.2 and smaller. Good flare control.
negative:	Hesitating auto-focus at wide open when backlighting. A little sharp-less at F1.7
comment:	I just bought this lens from a member in a photography club. The price in China seems a little higher than in USA (according others' review). But it can still be categorized as cheap lens. When I really shot with this lens, I was shocked by its vivid (in fact extremely saturated) color first. It's only a cheap lens, but its color is so impressive. Before, I used Lr to add saturation when I shot with 35-70/3.5-4.5. Now I found the direct output is enough vivid in most time and sometimes I even use Lr to REDUCE some saturation. Regarding build quality, it's enough good and strong also with fully metal. Regarding sharpness, it's definitely sharper than Nikon and Canon's 50/1.8, at F2.2 and above. F1.7 is usable but not so sharp as its F2.2. Now I usually use F2.2 at shotting. It's flare control is much better than 35-70/3.5-4.5. It's remarkable as an old film lens. As for negative, an NG filter seems a must in outdoor shotting since my A-500 has ISO200 only. And it's auto-focus is not so good especially at wide open and backlighting. As a conclusion, this shall be one of the best-valued cheap Minolta lens.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: glass-hoper 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:	Helios 58mm Also own a bunch of other Alpha lenses but not close to the purpose of this lens
price paid:	100ish used
positive:	small sharp great light gathering
negative:	not really for the price paid - to be picky, silly hood, not tack sharp in the borders at 1.7, and some flare in the sun. A little more annoying the focus ring is narrow and takes a while to get used to in manual
comment:	Great little bugger, probably best lens for the money in the Alpha mount seconded only by the 100-200/4.5. Solid, great quality, reliable every time with no frills. Not such a big deal if it gets broken or stolen. Love it on film in tandem with Fuji Superia 400 (shot at least 15-20 rolls during this last year). Also makes a good close range portrait on APS but the FOW is obviously not as convenient. Would love to give it a spin on FF (digital) but that is not in the cards for now.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	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:	Contax 50f1.7, said to be one of the best 50mm's ever. I wasn't impressed by mine. I don't own it anymore either. 50mm M-Hexanon, which is the only 50 that has satisfied me more than this Minolta 50.
price paid:	USD50.00
positive:	Price. Size. Weight. Results.
negative:	Nothing at all.
comment:	My first Maxxum AF lens. It is an excellent lens, and along with the 28f2.8, one of the greatest deals in all of cameradom. I have nothing bad to say about this lens. I still look at some of the pictures I took back when I started photography. It is the results from this lens, that kept my interest. This lens is the reason I still photograph almost 9 years later.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: dleo6446 review date: August-12-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	$70
positive:	lightweight excellent portrait lens low light lens inexpensive but doesn't give up quality in image Great color nice Bokeh
negative:	I can only use one of them
comment:	What can anyone say other than it is an excellent inexpensive lens for portraits and low light situations. I found it to be one of those "have to have" lenses and getting quality results for less money. Minolta had their act together on the design and production of this lens.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: vaughaag review date: August-02-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Min 28mm f2.8 CZ 16-80 Beercan Min 17-35 2.8/4
price paid:	89 GBP
positive:	Nice build and size. Sharp at 1.7 Smooth focus. Buttery looking Bokeh. Great Colours.
negative:	CA When used in studio
comment:	Brilliant portrait lens on APS-C. Nice and sharp at 1.7 on my A200, a little soft around the edges at 1.7 on my 9000AF. Great colours, bokeh, build and feel.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: kozmo review date: July-01-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	$90
positive:	sharp af speed bokeh good value
negative:	useless hood
comment:	My copy is great around f2. Not as sharp wide open. Great value and very easy to find one. Hard to say anything new on this one. If you want an indoor low light lens cheap this is it. If you get a new Alpha camera this makes a nice non kit lens to pick up and experiment with DOF.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: cny3123 review date: June-30-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Nikon 50mm f/1.8
price paid:	80 USD
positive:	Pretty sharp, lightweight and fairly fast at f/1.7
negative:	For the money, nothing
comment:	For the money you really can't complain about this lens. It is pretty sharp and has a fairly fast aperture.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: PEM review date: June-28-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	100 EUR
positive:	Small Sharp, with nice bokeh above f/2
negative:	Quite soft, with circular bokeh below f/2
comment:

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: VH5150 review date: June-22-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	28 f/2.8, Beercan, 135 f/2.8 Tamron 17-50, Tamron 55-200 28-135 f/4-4.5
price paid:	$69
positive:	Sharp!! Fast!! f/1.7, Colors!! cheap
negative:	I sold it!! 50mm
comment:	Love this lens and sold to get a bad copy of the 28-135, which had great colors but just could not get a sharp image like I could with the 50mm 1.7. Fast great in low light. Sharp images and the color was very much to my liking. I am looking for another one.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: Amaceira review date: June-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 kitlens - Tamron 17-50mm F2.8
price paid:	100USD used @ Brazil
positive:	- Built like a tank! - Great Minolta Colors! - Lovely portraits - Quick focus - Focus scale - Good sharpness at F1.7 - Razor sharp at F2.8 - Lightsaber sharp at F4 - It's a Full Frame lens!!!
negative:	- Useless hood
comment:	My favorite lens. Fast, sharp, and cheap. I think this is a must have for any Sony Alpha user!!! A lens you can always have in your bag (or pocket). Lovely portraits... set to F1.7 and get close to your subject: you focus on your subject eyes and eyelashes... the ears will be out of focus...! GREAT!!! I use it with my A350 (APS-C)... but it will fit just as nice on a Full Frame!

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: misterdsdan review date: June-07-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 18-70 Minolta 100-300 APO
price paid:	70 GBP
positive:	Small and light Build quality Cheap Sharp >2.2 Quick AF
negative:	None found
comment:	Excellent lens for indoors/low light and quality of colours makes it a great all-rounder. Typically my default lens unless I've decided to specifically shoot wide angle or telephoto. I've found it needs to be stopped down to 2.2 to be very sharp, usable at 1.7 though for most.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: Paulandcaz review date: June-05-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony A200 Minolta 7000AF Minolta 70-210mm F4.0 Minolta 50mm F1.7 Minolta 28-85mm F3.5-4.5 Sigma 75-300 F4.5-5.6 APO Sony 18-70mm F3.5-5.6 Sony HVL-F42AM
price paid:	£80
positive:	Good in low light Light/Small Well Engineered Good Value Great bokeh Minolta colors Fairly common
negative:	Hood pretty useless This one a bit tight on mount
comment:	Fantastic price to quality ratio. Great bokeh. Fast enough for most situations. Really sharp, amazing portraits. My first prime (at least for 30 years!) would recommend to all Alpha owners looking for first lens after kit.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: paso144 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:	50 F/1.4 24 F/2.8 28 F/2.8
price paid:	50 euro
positive:	Very heavy and compact build. Cheap. F/1.7 Very sharp > F/2.8
negative:	Soft wide open. Useless hood. Oily blades at early versions.
comment:	The must have prime for starting your photographic career together with the beercan. Quite soft wide open but really sharp stopped down 1 stop (however you buy this for it's full open capacities, hence the 4 on sharpness). Next to this off course the build quality and charisma of the beercan series. Had an early version which I cleaned myself but the oil came back after about a year.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: benibe review date: May-24-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	SAL 18-70, 35-105
price paid:	96 USD (Used)
positive:	Light, compact, fast focus
negative:	builtin tiny hood
comment:	Great lens i ever used. perfect bokeh for this price then other lens

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 2	user: Cool daddy review date: May-12-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony kit lens 18-70 35-70 beercan Sigma 18-200 min 28 min 28-135 min 70-210
price paid:	125 euro
positive:	F 1.7 D.O.F colors colors colors
negative:	Filter size is a bit small... Built in "hood" is a useless!
comment:	I did a photoshoot with it, I brought many lenses but this was the one I used all the time, it is much better then my 28-135 (overhyped lens!) If you can find one for around 75 to 125 euro , i say go for it! (and buy a universal rubber hood for 5 euro/dollar)

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: Royale w/cheese review date: May-11-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	18-70 kit 28mm 2.8 135 2.8 70-210 Beercan 28-200 Tamron
price paid:	50 USD
positive:	A prime for everybody. It is hard to NOT find this lens. Build Price Availablilty
negative:	Not ADI Long on APS-C Hood, of course. Usually comes with a rear cap in the form of a useless film body:)
comment:	I love this lens, if only because I was told to:) Every system says get a fast 50, so this was what I first ended up with after my A100. It is great, it showed me the value of a prime and the difference in apertures for lowlight. A little too long sometimes, so let your feet do the composing. I have had three of them in the last 4 months (as of May 2010), mostly because of buying package deals that have them included, and they have more than paid for themselves. Me being a new DSLR user, there is not much I can say about this lens that has not been already said here and quite possibly better, but it is a great lens.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Alphaholik review date: May-08-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	All The Lenses I have used
price paid:	110 USD NEW
positive:	SHARP Colours (It's a Minolta) Build
negative:	NONE
comment:	Best Portrait lens I have used. I have a 2:1 Converter that came with the Plastic Fantastic 100MM Macro lens (Vivitar) and it fits on this lens perfectly... and OMG!!! It turns this lens into a Macro lens that floated down from heaven,,, Simply Superb Detailed Captures with a Minimum Focus Distance of less than 6"!!! Imagine That ;~)

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: gillbod review date: May-04-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	sigma 30/1.4 minolta 85/1.4
price paid:	90 EUR
positive:	price wide-aperture
negative:	harsh bokeh unless stopped down
comment:	this is a no brainer of a lens to buy if you want to do available light photography on the cheap. but, i rarely use it. the bokeh can be a bit harsh at 1.7, being a bit hard edged. stopped down to about 2.8 or just less, it's a very good performer.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: LeeOsenton review date: April-28-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 28mm f/2.8
price paid:	20 USD(Used)
positive:	Fast focusing and very nice bokeh. The large aperture provides excellent subject isolation.
negative:	None
comment:	I found my copy in a dusty old box at a pawn shop. I already had one, but the focusing ring was a bit sticky. Since this one was so cheap, I took a chance. It cleaned up nicely and is a much better lens than my original. It is very small and light, well-built, and a pleasure to use. Sharpest at f/4, but usable at all stops. Forget the built-in lens hood, it doesn't help anything. If you are on a budget, this should be your first lens addition. No other lens in my limited collection has improved my photography skills like this little charm. I hear there are much better primes, but they are likely more than $20!

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: esmall review date: April-16-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	60
positive:	Sharp, light, DOF, fast AF
negative:	None
comment:	I've had this lens for close to a year and this is my favorite lens. It stays on my camera most of the time. Allows so much creativity with the shallow DOF and great Bokeh. A must have!!!!!

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: M$$MO review date: March-26-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	80 eur (used)
positive:	Sharpness, bokeh, colours, af very fast.
negative:	a little bit of flare.
comment:	great lens, well build and very fast AF

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: dagrahph review date: March-25-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	L50
positive:	A superb lens in every way.A+++
negative:	None
comment:	I`ve been trying to buy one for ages but ebay prices are out of control. The one I bought is a minter and is certainly the best "standard"lens I`ve ever owned.It zips into focus in all conditions I`ve tested it in.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: warriors.photo review date: March-12-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	50 f/1.8 SAM
positive:	Small, easy to pack, great bokeh, bargain priced.
negative:	none
comment:	This was a great lens when I got it. It focused well, and has great bokeh. I liked it until I tested the Sony 50 f/1.8 SAM. I like that lens so much more. The good this about this lens is that it is easy to find and bargain priced usually.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: hrstrat57 review date: March-06-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 28 2.8, 35-105, 28-85, 100-200
price paid:	$50 USD
positive:	Colors, brilliant results!
negative:	umm....none!
comment:	If you have an Alpha mount camera and don't own one of these...well, what can I say...get one. I bought mine new with 9000 Maxxum kit and I have been blown away by the results on both A 200 and A 700....just fantastic. I actually just bought another one for $50 from a local repair shop to give to my daughter for her A 200 I just gave her . 75mm on C is just great for candid family shots....I have absolutely nailed my standard poodle :) with this lens indoors both in natural light and tweaking the white balance. 20+ years and I still love this little guy! This thing and the A 700 are a match made in heaven!!!! The control over depth of field is stunning and I have gotten great results up to ISO 1250. The avail of 20+ year old glass of this quality is what made me go Sony vs. Canikon. I have recently picked up 2 more of these via the LCS and all 3 copies are brilliant!!!

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: yannick review date: February-26-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	100$ (used)
positive:	Small Sharp
negative:	Hood
comment:	There is nothing more to say, I wantet a lens with big aperture, and did not want to spend lot of money. Great DOF control, good portrait focal lenght on APS-C there is actually no lens hood, even if ther is a "thing" built in, it does not even cover the UV-filter. Fell in love with "Primes" so now i want a 20, 35 and 85... (when I'm not student anymore)

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: fleptoeter review date: February-19-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	sony 18-70 minolta 28-85 sony 75-300
price paid:	99eur
positive:	Sharp! The hood makes me laugh ;-) nice portrait lens good colors fast AF
negative:	useless hood (except for the laugh) flare
comment:	It's my sharpest lens. good af. i really like this little lens. But I wonder what the purpose of the hood is, I think it was a minolta joke ;-)

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Terpret review date: February-18-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	60 USD
positive:	Nice Bokeh Very Sharp Sturdy Build
negative:
comment:	Fantastic shallow depth of field lens. Produces creamy bokeh and exquisitely sharp photos. It is quickly becoming my favorite.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: MRI review date: February-11-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	M 24/2.8 M 28/2.8 M 24-85/3.5 M 50/2.8 macro
positive:	Very sharp small light
negative:	Lens hood
comment:	Got this lens with my 8000i back in the 80's. It shots really sharp clear images, on film or digital. On my a700 it works great as a portrait lens.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: Shootist review date: January-15-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	I think I've owned ALL (then perhaps sold some) of the Minolta Consumer lenses by now! PENTAX 50mm 1.4 SMC 50mm
price paid:	$25 USD Incl Ship!
positive:	Sharp Nice Bokeh Color Cheap and available!
negative:	For the price - nothing
comment:	If memory serves this was the 1st prime lens I purchased for my A350 last summer; when I bought the perhaps 40 Minolta lenses that I went through as I built my collection last spring and summer (2009) And what a fun build is WAS! As many of you now know; Minolta consumer lenses are WAY undervalued and if you’re like me – you never really lose any money buying them. I sold 90% of the ones I bought for more money…. Then I bought 4 more of them over my quest to find the sharpest copy that I could. Some of them came with cameras. Average price was about $50 I guess. The first one that I bought for $25 nearly made it but the final one I bought (inadvertently found inside a bag that I procured - bonus!) beat that copy out and I sold it for the going rate...cool stuff. But I'm glad I got out of the "business" Anyway, I can't say anything here that hasn't already been said in 263 reviews?! Wow! Congrats 1.7! I'll just add that for the money you get a great prime. I must admit the 1.4 50mm Minolta was one of the few that I never did buy...BUT - I did buy a few Pentax manual primes and hooked them up to my A350 with an adaptor (which spoofs Alphas into IS, metering, etc....) and I can say it was nearly as sharp as my Pentax SMC 1.4 50mm Prime – a lens which I should mention looks like a piece of art it’s so gorgeous…sorry A-mount guys – most old Pentaxes are HOT! It was clearly NOT as sharp as my 1.4 PENTAX but it DID autofocus and thus actually in practical use it outshot the PENTAX because it was ready, focused, and easy to snap on/off. A must have. The standard by which to judge the other Minolta Prime Lenses… -Shootist

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: sargedesign review date: January-07-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 50mm 1.8 Sony 18-55mm
price paid:	25 USD
positive:	Minolta Colors Fast AF Smooth AF/MF Built-in hood (better than no hood?) SOLID construction Awesome bokeh Cheap
negative:	49mm thread Not much other than that
comment:	I actually bought the Sony 50mm 1.8 for $150 and loved it. The next day I found this Minolta lens for $25 used at my local camera store and it took me all of 1 day to decide to return the Sony. The Minolta colors are amazing, and the build quality is second to none. Having a built in lens hood is better than no hood, but it's really not the best. Overall, this lens is awesome. Don't hesitate to grab one if you see it. I don't see how paying $200-300 more for a f1.4 lens could be worth the money. It's sharp enough by f2, and not bad at 1.7. Don't let anyone tell you it's a beginner lens, I know folks who are pro's that have used this lens for years and it's one of their favorites. ATTN: People who are complaining about the APS-C crop, whats your deal? If its too long, get a shorter lens. A 50mm is a 50mm. All 50's will be 75 on a crop sensor.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: touareg review date: January-05-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 100mm f2.8 Sony 28mm f2.8
price paid:	75$ (used)
positive:	Very good in low light conditions and sharpness is a real plus.
negative:	Hood, what hood ?
comment:	I heard a lot about this lens and when I came across a clean copy I just couldn't resist. At a price like that who would have ?

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: lowcost4dslr review date: January-03-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	tamron 17-50 2.8 helios 44-2 (M42 manual focus) Minolta 35-105 old KM 18-70 (kit)
price paid:	100€
positive:	very Sharp nice colors (minolta) fast AF
negative:	oily iris very frequent
comment:	I owned 2 copy of this prime. The image quality was excellent. It is sharper at 50 mm f2.8 than the tamron 17-50 on high contrast scenes thanks to a better CA management. But the differences IMO was not sufficient to keep this lens while having the tamron 17-50 on the bag. So I sold my 2 copy of M 50 1.7 Be aware that oily iris are frequent on this prime. (One had to be reparaided before being sold) It was over priced one year ago before the commercial launch of the 50 1.8 SAM. Now prices are decent for such a good lens. I also compared it the the helios 44-2 (58mm f2.0) and the cheap and old M42 mf lens is better than the minolta : slightly sharper at f2.0 and nicer bokeh. It as a reason more to sell the minolta

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: REVENGE review date: December-18-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Original 35-70mm f4 Original 50mm f2.8 Macro 28-135mm f4-4.5 Sony 18-70mm Kitlens
price paid:	58 used with 3000i
positive:	Cheap - Dirt Cheap Fast Fast AF Built in hood Great sharpness Classic Minolta color
negative:	Average flare control Watch out for that coma Various possible build defects
comment:	If you're on a budget, then this lens and its RS variants are HIGHLY recommended as a first upgrade to whatever kitlens you got. Market price is around $70 - $100. Beware of the condition of used copies though, oily aperture blades are a fairly common problem. +Vastly useful with a rather large aperture - gets you great sunset / night shots at ISO 400 or lower. +50mm focal length is useful even on APS-C. +Sharpness is good wide open, sweet spot is at f4-f11.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: mambo review date: December-16-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	beercan kit lens min 200mm HS apo G min 50mm macro
price paid:	110 USD
positive:	cheap cheerful great colours
negative:	the hood is a joke flare
comment:	I am delighted that I bought this delightful little lens.

sharpness: 3.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 1	user: derekw review date: December-15-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 50 f3-5 Macro
price paid:	85 GBP used
positive:	Sharp above f4 Colour Weight
negative:	Soft until f4 Built-in hood
comment:	Great lens stopped down. Very soft at f1.7

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: Bydand review date: November-26-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	18-70 Sony 35-70 f4 Minolta 70-210 f4 beercan 80-200 Minolta Xi
price paid:	10 USD
positive:	Built like a tank, Minolta Color, quite nice low-light,
negative:	None
comment:	Very nice lens. I had been wanting a different one for a few years and when this deal came along how could I pass it up. Brand new lens the guy had used a couple of times then put away with his camera for years in the closet. $10 for this and another $10 for a new 70-210 still in the wrapping. Outstanding color, fast in lower light settings. MUCH better than the Sony kit lens. I have shot this on a Maxxum 5000, 7000, and 8000i as well as my Sony a-200. Flawless photos no matter the body used.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: OiD review date: November-24-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta AF 28 F2.8 Minolta MD Rokkor 50mm F1.4 Chinon 50mm F1.7 Chinon Multicoated 55m F1.7
price paid:	35€ Second Hand
positive:	Nice Small Light Fast Quick focus Focus scale Sharp
negative:	Lens hood is small
comment:	A real bargain. Lovely Bokeh, good focus, reasonably sharp wide open and extremely sharp stopped down.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: hans review date: November-11-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	150 euro
positive:
negative:
comment:	super

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: relacci review date: November-11-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 18-70 DT
price paid:	125 USD (Used)
positive:	Sharp Good AF Great colours F 1.7!
negative:
comment:

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: snajper review date: November-06-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 90mm Macro Minolta 35-105N Cosina 28-210 Sony SAL18-70 Sony SAL55-200
price paid:	150USD
positive:	Very sharp above F4 Good colour Very small and light
negative:	very little negative to be said about it: Lens hood useless at F1.7 it is very soft.(F2 and above is ok)
comment:	My first non-kit lens. Despite having 6 more lenses this one is used 80% of the time. I managed to get MINT copy of Ebay in US. Paid a bit more but at least it is as new. A must have for any sony/minolta owner.

sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Stevedb review date: October-29-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
positive:	Great portrait focal lenght
negative:
comment:	I love this lens. I loved it more on my a100 than my a700 but i think I have a small back focus issue on the a700 with this lens. Quite soft wide open but really sharp stopped down a bit.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 5	user: Alex 007 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:	Nikkor 1,8 50mm Made in China, plastic case positive good results.
price paid:	35 USD
positive:	Extremely Sharper, fast focusing speed, Just "ON SPOT" focusing with my Sony a900 body. well built, metal gear focusing. Made in Japan!.
negative:	NOT usable built in lens hood!
comment:	Extremely happier to get one here where i live Israel! Highly recommended, FF "Normal" view lens, works marvelous with my Sony a900 body at "Slow' speed setting (For guard the focusing gear from damage!). Got a used Minolta AC 35 UV MC filter + a rubber lens hood (With the rubber added NO flare at all)! Tight in focus; mine is the US/Canada imported "Maxxum," brand name. Was very lucky that obtained boxed in a "Super Mint" conditions; latest serial number...with more MC coating added...(Lightly green cast internally reflections!). Folks...I'm extremely happier to own this lens!

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: harbinger review date: October-19-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Beercan 50mm 1.4 135mm 1.8 kit lens
price paid:	$120
positive:	- Bokeh - Warm colors - Sturdy built - lightweight
negative:	- built in hood does not help with flare - f1.7 soft and we can see the corners of the blades when hit by donut lights
comment:	Truly a poor man's 50mm 1.4. Make professional looking portaits without being bankrupt. Got a good copy from the forums and grabbed it immediately. Portraits at F2, F2.8 for 2 people and F3.5 for group shots of 4. Amazing colors and sharpness even on ISO 1600 on my a200. This thing you can bash around and not feel guilty because of the built. Bring it with you where your 50mm 1.4 cannot. With this lens, you don't have to step too far away from your subject to get a good portrait shot unlike the Beercan. Acceptable macro function but I have yet to use one macro lens to really really compare it.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: anice review date: October-07-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	present
positive:	cheap simple to use quick focus nice bokeh, colour and contrast
negative:	lenshood
comment:	optimal f4, a lens you can always have in your bag.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: vadang review date: October-07-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	-Minolta 24-105 D -Sony 18-70 kit lens -Sigma 18-50 EX Macro
price paid:	$25.00 USD
positive:	-Great build -Great colors -Light weight -Fast -Cheap
negative:	-None
comment:	My favorite lens. Fast, sharp, and cheap. I think this is a must have for any Sony Alpha user.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: p_man review date: September-30-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	75 usd used
positive:	Great for low light. lovely portraits inexpensive
negative:	stupid lens hood 49 mm filter (not really) soft in corners (OK for portraits)
comment:	I bought this from my local camera shop. It came with a minolta film body (that works), a bag, a minolta hot-shoe flash (that doesn't fit the sonys) and even the manuals. This has become the first lens I reach for when I take out the camera. Even my wife (who hates to have her picture taken) lets me photograph her with this one. I'm suddenly a better photographer. I'll just have to get a step up ring to use my 55mm filters.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: denada review date: September-30-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	sony 18-55, Minolta 35-70, Minolta 100-200
price paid:	gift
positive:	Sharp, nice colors, the price and just about every thing...
negative:	not mutch
comment:	Really good for portraits. I use it to almost anything that does not need telezoom ... It works great for shooting indoors with the built-in flash

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: jakubh70 review date: September-28-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	SAL 16105, SAL 1870, Tamron 18-250, M42s Helios 2/58, Yashinon 1,7/50
positive:	Fast, sharp, little 50mm. Must have for indoor and low light shooting.
negative:	Colors and bokeh could be better, useless built in hood
comment:	Just great system lens, must have when you need AF, but for portrait, architecture or flower shooting I like much better old M42 lenses which give warmer color, better bokeh or can be sharp as knife wide open. Both Sony kit zooms as well as Tamron ultrazoom used to give warmer, more colourful pictures in same conditions, but if you use RAW it doesn't matter.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: alpha300 review date: September-17-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	18-70 kit
price paid:	110.00 GBP
positive:	Sharp so sharp your prick yourself ;-) Bokeh and colours.
negative:	Crappy hood.
comment:	Great portrait lens, great for indoors in low light Very sharp indeed.Silly hood have brought a decent one.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: dca1213 review date: September-15-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 50mm f2.8 Macro Minolta 35-70mm f4
price paid:	100 USD
positive:	Light Sharp Good Construction Fast MFD
negative:	Hood is not so good.
comment:	This is a very nice prime lens, fairly sharp wide open but very sharp when stopped down even to f2.8. Not as sharp as the Sigma but as expected better DOF then the macro. Faster then the 35-70mm but not noticably sharper. It really only beats the 35-70 in speed and MFD in non-macro mode. Very fast and quiet focus on my a200. I have not experienced the flare others have noted. All things considered it's a great lens to have in your arsenal for indoor existing light and close work. Highly recommended.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: stan_pustylnik review date: September-04-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Tamron 90mm f/2.8, Sigma 50mm f/2.8 macro
price paid:	Used $50
positive:	well built, sharp detail, nice color, fast, compact, inexpensive
negative:	Bokeh is so-so, flare
comment:	I own 2 of these inexpensive primes, picked them both from consigment stores. Lens is very sharp, produces pleasing natural colors, very handy at low light indoor situations. Built like a tank. Bokeh is average, flares a bit at tough lighting conditions. Still, a keeper.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: michaelg 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:	Tokina 19-35 M35-105 Beercan M135/2.8 Sigma 105Macro M28-85 Vivitar Series1 105/2.5 Sony 75-300
price paid:	150 USD(used)
positive:	Fast Sharp Colour Size
negative:	Not Sharp wide open
comment:	Very handy, fast, sharp 50mm. Sharp from f/2.2 onwards. It would be nice if the price had stayed lower but still good value. My wife & I use it a lot foe portraits & inside photography. If you havent got the 1.4 it is worth getting.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: billions review date: August-23-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 18-70 f/3.5-5.6 SAL (kitlens) KM 35-70 f/4 (mini beercan)
price paid:	€74 (used)
positive:	Small, cheap, fast and sharp. Somehow the images look really good.
negative:	Doesn't always work too well with the onboard flash of my a350
comment:	There is just something about the images produced with this lens. It might be subjective, but I really like this lens. It has almost no distortion, which is something that bothered meon the kitlens at both ends of the focal range. It is fast, which is really nice because you get to shoot without flash. I'm just wondering whther I should invest in a 50mm f/1.4, because I really appreciate the speed of this lens. It is also very nice for close-up portraits at f/1.7. If you focus on the subjects eyes and frame in their face (scalp if necessary) you get very sharp eyes and around the chin and cheeks, towards the ears you can already see the image "dissolve" into the background. This makes images look very dreamy. I recommend this lens to everybody and I will be keeping mine (unless I get a f/1.4 =))

sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: maxfarphoto review date: August-18-09
	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
price paid:	90 CAD (2nd hand)
positive:	Light Sharp Fast
negative:	Flare control Lens hood
comment:	It is my favourite lens at concerts as it is sharp enough even wide open and very good closed to f2-2,2 Maybe a little expensive for a '80s lens.....

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Churst review date: August-16-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta AF 28 f2.8 Sony 18-70 f3.5-5.6
price paid:	100 GBP (used)
positive:	Solid Build Good Colours Really sharp at around f7.1 to f9
negative:	Can be a little soft wide open Rubbish pull out hood
comment:	Really a very nice lens for the money. Has been my go-to lens for low-light event photography and portraiture.

sharpness: 3.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: gipipa review date: August-07-09
	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 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Coopscoop review date: August-04-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	110 USD
positive:	Fast. Takes nice portraits. Nice bokeh.
negative:	Soft at times. Long focal length creates difficulties (on APS C)
comment:	First addition to my A300 and I love this lens. Has been fantastic for taking pictures of people. Nice bokeh. Works well in low light situations.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: Romeo333 review date: July-10-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	∑24/1,8 M28/2,8 M50/1,4 O S50/2,8 85/1,4D
price paid:	$50, Free, Free (3x)
positive:	-Small -Sharp -Great low light -Great Bokeh -Great walk around
negative:	-Flare -Built in-Lens hood clever yet doesnt do much -
comment:	An excellent little lens that SHOULD BE IN YOUR CAMERA BAG!! if not this one then the M1,4 O,N or the Sony1,4. Its really sharp and responsive in low light! Due to its versatility I use it when i do Weddings more than the 85/1,4 because this glass is fast!! Really cheap and way better than the plastic wanabe that Sony has introduced. This Glass can be use on your film and digital bodies. Its not too wide and not too long, its just right. There's a reason this one was included with most bodies. Of course its not perfect it has its faults yet for the price and built its a winner in my book. The lens hood sucks but you can always buy screw on hoods.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: Sublimity review date: July-06-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	150 CDN
positive:	Sharp when stopped down to F 2.8. With good colours.
negative:	Hazing and fringing when used wide open.
comment:

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: XB99 review date: July-02-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	MINOLTA 28 70mm F2,8 G
price paid:	in Honk Kong 50€ use
positive:	Sharpness Weight Price
negative:	None,only not prestigious
comment:	The standard who don't take some place in the bag,not expensive,invisible on a 700,why must be sold? More sharp than my 28 70mm

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: smallmartin review date: June-29-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 18-70
price paid:	100€
positive:	Aperture Bokeh Colors Portrait Lens equivalent 75mm
negative:	equivalent 75mm hood?? :)
comment:	My favourite lens... It's a pity that it is a fixed lense... I can't remember how may times i thought "ah sh*** i can't see every thing. Do I change my lens? Erf no I will stick the pictures later with autopano..." APS-C DSLR transformed it in a fabulous portrait lens and aperture is ideal to take photo inside. A must have !!!

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: jmmmerwill review date: June-27-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony AF 18-70 Tamron AF 90 2.8 Macro Minolta AF 28-105/3.5-4.5 Minolta AF 28-80/3.5-5.6 D
price paid:	55 EUR (used)
positive:	very sharp cheap bokeh full frame fast colour
negative:	hood small focus ring
comment:	Bought this lens to use on my Minolta Dynax film SLR. I rarely used it. I really like it on my Alpha 100/700 for portraits and to experiment with depth of field. I could recommend it without a doubt!

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: JeremyT review date: June-27-09
	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 Tamron 28-105mm F2.8 Minolta AF 28-75 F2.8 D
price paid:	85 USD (used)
positive:	Cheap Fast Sharp Light
negative:	Silly hood 75mm equivalent on APS-C
comment:	No notable barrel distortion or CA. It can flare, but generally only in extreme conditions (though not helped any by its gimmicky retracting hood). Colors are "classic Minolta," which people seem to like. Build is solid. It's metal and plastic, and it feels good. Focus ring is smooth but tiny, making manual focus a bit cumbersome. It's soft at f1.7, but it's very usable. By f/2.8 it's as sharp as can be, probably out-resolving my A200 sensor. Incidentally this lens works very well on extension tubes for macro work. I thought about buying a real macro lens, but now I find that I have no need. This was the first lens I bought when expanding beyond the kit lens on my A200, and it was a good purchase. Highly recommended to all new Alpha owners looking to complement the kit lens!

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: aplmike review date: June-13-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Maxxum 35-70 f/4, 28-80 Xi, 35-105 old-style
price paid:	? bought with M7K
positive:	Sharp, fast, light. Nice short-tele for APS-C.
negative:	None
comment:	Sharper than the zooms esp in f/3.5 to 5.6 range. Less CA than 28-80Xi. Indispensable in late afternoon/early evening and (before antishake) on dim/cloudy days. Fine on full frame (film), and on my a350. Bought as kit lens with Maxxum 7000 in 1986, no trouble ever.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 5	user: mg.alpha review date: May-27-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	SAl 18-70
price paid:	20 USD (Used)
positive:	Fast Full Frame Cheap Lightweight
negative:
comment:	I love this lens. Great for indoor portraits. Bokeh is great. Some of my best shots are with this lens.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: F-man review date: May-27-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	SAL 18-70
price paid:	150 USD
positive:	Great Bokeh Cheap for prime lens Internal Hood
negative:	None so far
comment:	Great Lens. Just bought it last month. Perfect for Portrait. Post some Pic in the Forum sample images.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: soken review date: May-27-09
	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 75-300
price paid:	200 SGD(used)
positive:	Cheap, Big aperture, great color. sharp enough for me.
negative:	slow af at low light
comment:	My first usable lens on my a200, compact and good quality, one of my favorable lens, will upgrade into KM50 F1.4, but will still keep this lens.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 5	user: dynaxer 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:	24-105mm f3.5-4.5 28-75mm f2.8
price paid:	L50
positive:	Compact, Lightweight, Fast AF, lovely clear & bright, Low light.
negative:	Noisy AF
comment:	I have had this lens since my Minolta 7000i and it still gets plenty of use on my A700. The 75mm length on the APS-c is just right for me. It goes with me everywhere. My lens is so sharp when the picture is composed properly, and the colours are wonderful. In some ways beats all my modern lenses I have A lens you must all own

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:	140 USD (used)
positive:
negative:
comment:

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: skyhook78 review date: May-20-09
	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 35-70mm f4
price paid:	AUS$150 (used)
positive:	Good portrait lens excellent in low light Sharp, particulatly greater than f4 Very affordable Good upgrade on kit lens
negative:	fixed focal length is less flexible than zoom
comment:	Probably my favourite lens, excellent for indoor portraits with available window light. As a beginner, this has been an excellent investment. The fixed focal length makes you think about composition and lets me think about things like DOF. If you're a beginner I'd recommend scouring the buy/sell forums or ebay for one if you can!

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 1 flare control: 4	user: flyfish review date: May-10-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	100 USD
positive:
negative:
comment:	I got the lens from a local Alpha owner yesterday after reading all the great reviews. I have the 50 2.8 as well & will do some comparisons soon. Overall, from what i shot today, i agree with everyone else, it's a must have lens!

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Botbijltje review date: May-09-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 28-85 Minolta 24-50 Minolta 50mm 1.7
price paid:	125 EURO
positive:	Color Sharp Build Good portret lens
negative:	None
comment:	With all the great review's on dyxum and the forum i bought this lens. And till this day i'm very very happy with it. Sharp and good color's my kids look super on the pc screen :-)

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Milan33m review date: May-07-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	MAF 100/2,8 Macro, MAF 70-210/4 Beercan, MAF 28-105/3,5-5,6, MAF 100-300/4,5-5,6
price paid:	80 EUR (used)
positive:	good sharpnes, 1,7 aperture, takes great people portraits indoor, no need to use flash in indoor photography low light, nice bokeh
negative:
comment:	Great lens, well built, takes great portraits in low low indoor photography, quite often used, not very expensive in comparison to its brother 50/1,4. Worth its price for me.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: alphaPDX review date: May-07-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 35-105N Sony 18-70 Tamron 18-250
price paid:	$90 US (used)
positive:	price, sharpness, color
negative:	Soft at f/1.7-2.0
comment:	Traded some electronic gear plus $40 cash for this. Worth the $100 asking price easily. A classic lens that's still useful on aps-c cameras. Some shots just can't happen without it.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: andyxx 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:	50mm f1.4
price paid:	120 USD (used)
positive:	Affordable Bokeh
negative:	Build in lens hood Very soft at wide open
comment:	Cheap and affordable. Sharp after F4 onwards. Although soft at f1.7, but it create blur effect to the picture. Must get it if don't have much budget.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Penphoe 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:	18-70 kit Minolta 24-105mm Tamron 17-35mm
price paid:	$100 USD
positive:	Cheap Small Light did I mention cheap?
negative:	None, other than they get snapped up pretty quickly!
comment:	Great lens to start shooting with!

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: johnboy 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:	L40.00
positive:	Perfect portrait lens on a cropped sensor Great colours and general image quality
negative:	Non at the moment.
comment:	What a great lens, I was expecting a lot after reading all the previous comments and I wasnt diapointed. Makes for a very nice portrait lens on my A200. Ive so far used it mainly indoors for photos of the kids, I find images to be sharp, colourful and have great bokeh. Best of all I picked up my mint lens for only L40!!

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: ag.elf review date: April-20-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	65 cad(used)
positive:	Every thing. Almost. Bokeh is from another world.
negative:	\|People think this is not best lens because is small and cheap.
comment:	For this money, it is quite a steal.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: joel22484 review date: April-19-09
	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 Minolta 70-210 BC Minolta 70-210 (non BC) Minolta 75-300 Minolta 35-70 Sigma 17-70
price paid:	25 USD - 80 USD
positive:	Good in low light Small Well Built Cheap Nice bokeh Nice colors Easy to find
negative:	Min. focusing distance
comment:	I have bought a few of these (which is why my price paid varies). The first one I found was $25 at a pawn shop. It was 2 days after I bought my Sony a200 and read that this was a great lens to get. Well, I made the purchase and have loved it ever since. I've tried 3 different ones and they all produce the same results. Nice crisp, clean shots. It's great to have a cheap fast lens to get pictures of my little boy in available light. I've never had any focusing issues. The colors turn out great. I use it mostly at 1.7 or 2.0 and most of the time, the sharpness is good to me. After all, you get a 1.7 lens to use in low light. Compared to the Sigma 17-70, I couldn't pick a winner. They are 2 completely different lenses. If I need a low light lens, I'd pick the 50. Otherwise I pick the Sigma (because of the zoom ability). If you can get this lens for around $100, then it's well worth it.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: xfreepdx review date: April-12-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony Kit 18-70 3.5-5.6, Minolta Tank/Beercan 70-210 4 Minolta 75-300 4.5-5.6 D
price paid:	100 USD
positive:	Great at what it's supposed to do! Sharp at f2.2+ Cheap! Easy to get great shots with! Durable. !! Easy star effects with small apertures at night scenes (with caveats)!
negative:	Glare at night scenes. Slightly soft below f2.2. Hood's a joke. Focus ring is a bit thin. Bokeh can "swirl"
comment:	This lens is absolutely great at what it's supposed to do. The portraits that it produces (when used properly) makes many admire an amateur's photography easily. This is the lens that you want to upgrade to after your kit. I went the wrong way and thought I needed to cover the telephoto range before even knowing about this lens. What you don't know might not hurt you, but it will cost you. It's fixed zoom forces one to tinker with their creativeness in the field. The wide aperture makes low light shooting much more bearable without flash (perfect with a bounce flash!). The aperture flexibility creates great Depth of Field options for the shooter. However, the caveats in this lens include: Night scene point glare(s). Shooting street lamps from a distance created lights in the sky from the bounce glare. The Bokeh/soft backgrounds can be "swirly" as a reviewer on his own site described. This mostly happens with a normally lit subject with many bright background lights. Imagine shooting a subject at sunset, with the warm sunlight on the subject and bright sunlight on rose bushes behind or light through a tree as a background. The bokeh can give you vertigo at times. Other than that, this lens has so much value, you would be a fool not to pick one up for a reasonable price. This lens' positives as explained by everyone else in this forum by far outweigh the cons. Pick a good one up for under $100 USD and you won't be disappointed.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	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:	Minolta Beercan AF 70-210 1:4 Minolta AF 35-70 1:4 Minota AF 50 1:1.7 Sony (Kit) AF DT 18-70 F3.5-5.6
price paid:	eur 93 with 5000
positive:	sharp subject and creamy dreamy backgrounds are a peach to do with this lens
negative:	You'll never have any cash if you keeping buying all the good lenses.
comment:	If it hadn't had been for the forum, I'd still have been happily using my Sony 18-70 kit lens 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. My wife can also blame all you reviewers for talking me into spending the housekeeping on all these older Minolta lenses... This lens has great Bokeh, and works well in low light. I guess it should with 1:1.7, but I have no experience of anything better than this, and it knocks spots off my other lenses in low light. This is basically a must have for portrait. However I played around with some close ups of tiny lizards in my garden. When zooming in on ACDSee I could really see how sharp this lens is over the optical zoom of the not so good Sony kit lens. You can almost feel the textures captured by your photo. As far as portraits go, you will not be disappointed. Even close backgrounds melt away with ease on this. If the Beercan was Minolta's Shakespearean sonnet to the world, this little baby has got to be 17 syllables of Haiku perfection packaged into a short black cylinder with AF stamped on the side. This might not be a flexible lens comparing with my others, but it has to be the crowning jewel in my collection. You'll not regret anything when you use it in its element, except perhaps of having had to pawn granny's wedding ring to get the cash needed before the bargain got away... Tip... if money is no object, just buy one at any price. If money is an object, scan Ebay for poorly described camera sets that happen to have this prime as a lens. This proved to me to have saved up to 50 Euro on some of the prices, and I'll be putting the Minolta 5000 body back on Ebay to get a little more of that cash back. Finally, a huge thanks to all who contributed to the lens reviews. I bought all my Minolta lenses as a result of the advice and tips picked up by reading this great web site. Having found another 2 Sony Alpha users at my workplace, they are now also avidly scanning such reviews to upgrade their kit.

sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: Grayman review date: April-07-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	L100
positive:	Great Bokeh Price Use in low light
negative:	Have found odd problems with sharpness-probably me though! In-built lens hood
comment:	I am quite new to photography so I don't feel competent to give too much of a technical review. I have found some of my images are a bit soft, but that is probably down to my incompetance.

sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: arussell53 review date: April-06-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	A300 Kit lens
price paid:	75 US (used)
positive:	Cheap Great Results
negative:	None, really.
comment:	I am happy I followed the advice from this site and picked one of these up. I had to scout craigslist for the better part of a month, but finally found one for 75 bucks. (when you see it come up for sale, pounce on it) I am a novice photographer so I can't say anything more technical than what has already been said, I just wanted to say that I am VERY pleased with the results of this lens on my a300. * I put in all 4s on the ratings, I don't really know much about lenses yet, so don't pay attention to that.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: scary_perry review date: April-02-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	28mm 2.8 100-200mm 4.5 SAL1870
price paid:	cheap
positive:	So fast compared to the kit lens Sharp Good portrait lens - poor man's 85mm 1.4?
negative:	None.
comment:	For the money, how can anyone complain? I was lucky enough to get two in a bundle of Minolta lens goodness. I'll keep them both. This is the first lens every Alpha 100/200/300/350 owner should buy.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Wally79 review date: March-29-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	both kit lens 18-70 75-300
price paid:	70.00 USD (used)
positive:	fast focus excellent low light w/ 1.7 small
negative:	it was used
comment:	I just bought this lens off ebay. It works wonders with my A200 and I can now take candid family photos without blinding them or making them "pose" for indoor shots. I love it!

sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: Jack review date: March-28-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	L12-50
positive:	Small Good value Sharp Handy to have in case
negative:
comment:	I got this by default really, i got a Minolta 7000 with this on at a second hand market for L12-50. So it was a must have really. I am quite impressed with its low light capabilities but i think it will be used for the odd indoor party or portrait work only.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Lime review date: March-26-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 100 macro , Sony 24-105, Sony 70-300g , beercan 70-210,
price paid:	85 USD
positive:	Small , Sharp , Fast focus
negative:	Hood is pretty much useless
comment:	Great lens, I use it for portraits and when i need a fast lens for availble light

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Gancherov review date: March-19-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 35-105/3.5-4.5 Minolta 70-210/4 Tamron 90/2.8 Sony 18-70 kit
positive:	Small Lightweight Minimum focus distance Great for portraits on APS-C
negative:
comment:	Great lightweight walk around lens if you can deal with the fixed focal length. Also a very good cheap low light solution. Whenever I feel like taking a smaller camera package I remove my VG and just take this lens on an A700.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: vangio review date: March-12-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	AF 17-35mm 2,8-4 (D) AF 24mm 2,8 AF 28-75mm 2,8 (D) AF 28-85mm 3,5-4,5 AF 28-135mm 4-4,5 AF 35-105mm 3,5-4,5 AF 50mm 1,7 AF 70-210mm 4 AF 75-300mm 4,5-5,6 1st Tamron AF 11-18 4,5-5,6 Beroflex 400mm 6,3 1st
price paid:	50 € (used)
positive:	very sharp size weight
negative:	build-in hood
comment:	There is nothing more to say than this is a very good standard prime. Maybe the f1,4 is a little bit more brillant, but my copy was bad and I've sold it. Now I use the 1,7 and I didn't regret. In my opinion the differences are very, very smallish. On APS-C it is a good portrait lens but for general use it is a little bit to long. You should know what kind of motives you can expect on your walk... The build-in hood is a joke and I use a modified petal hood from the Dimage A1 so flare isn't a theme.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: andyb review date: March-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 kit
price paid:	L100
positive:	sharpness Brokeh colours speed focusing Low light performance
negative:	nothing much so far.
comment:	I'm a newbie and only comparing it to the kit lens but this is a real eye opener. The images I have got with this have been superb, even opened right up it is sharp and colours are great. Our house is an old dimly lit barn but I can snap away and get quality images with no flash no problem. If you don;t own one of these then I can heartily recommend you get one.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: smoljan review date: March-08-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 35-70mm f/3.5-4.5 Minolta 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5 Minolta 50mm f/2.8 macro M42 normal prime lenses
price paid:	80 USD (mint)
positive:	colour contrast sharp fast compact inexpensive
negative:	none
comment:	In my opinion, this lens is an excellent autofocus normal prime lens. It can compete with German, Russian and Japanese manual focus normal prime lenses. Nice colours, contrast, sharpness, maximum aperture f/1.7, small and light. With this lens you get more than you pay for.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: xinyang review date: March-02-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	104(2nd hand)
positive:	sharp nice color
negative:	flare is pronouced
comment:

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: eugenephoto review date: February-25-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 28 2.8 Sony DT 18-70 3.5-5.6
price paid:	100.00
positive:	Excellent Sharpness Quick Auto Focus Color
negative:	Lens Flare Lens Hood
comment:	Excellent Lens. A definite must buy for the alpha user. The lens hood is useless for controlling the lens flare, but otherwise it's a wonderful lens.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: pitoy review date: February-23-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	SAL1870 kit lens
price paid:	110 USD (used)
positive:	very fast, sharp, small, light, nice bokeh, cheap
negative:	noisy AF, prone to flare, useless hood, hunts in low light
comment:	Very good for street photography, low light, and portrait.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: perese review date: February-22-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Cosina 19-35/3.5-4.5 Minolta 70-300/4.5-5.6 Sony 18-70/3.5-5.6 Minolta 28-135/4-4.5 Sigma 70-300/4-5.6 APO II Macro
price paid:	~80 EUR Used
positive:	Very sharp, fast (both AF and apertude), small and low weight.
negative:	Built in hood, not enought when very sunny.
comment:	This is my prime, that I use when I'm indoors or have no good light. Use it sometimes for portraits. I do like it and will be a keeper for a long time.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: surfsup review date: February-12-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	L150GBP
positive:	Small, very fast, light and extremely sharp when used properly. Excellent color like all quality Minolta glass
negative:	Nothing bad to say about it!
comment:	This is one excellent little lens - I really like it. It's small, fast and has fantastic sharpness when stopped down a little. Good for low light and DOF. Works very well on my A100, gives a little bit of zoom - great for portraits. I have the collectible crossed-X version (occasionally come up on eBay) - I'll be holding onto it for when I can afford a full-frame Alpha!

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: brian33 review date: February-09-09
	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 - 16-80cz
price paid:	150 euros
positive:	- Cheap - Light-weight - Very pleasing images under the right conditions.
negative:	- Unpleasing images under the wrong conditions.
comment:	I was initially very disappointed in this lens because chromatic aberration can be somewhat of a bear to work around and wide open it's not incredibly sharp. Then I stopped obsessing over detail and started shooting with it and yes, I like this lens. I do generally like its color - that "minolta color" - but you know what? I like the color on the cz16-80 a bit more. In fact I often find myself wanting to make my 50mm/1.7 shots black and white. In a word, under the right conditions it makes beautiful pictures but I sort of regret not having gotten the Sony 50/1.4 or even the Sigma 50/1.4. The novice in me doesn't like to have to shoot around a lens's limitations. A word on price: I paid 150 euros on ebay and subsequently saw it in used camera stores for 139. Apparently in the US you can get a better deal on it than here in France.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Spacelord review date: January-30-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Every midrange zoome i've tried.
price paid:	600 dkr (app. 100 $)
positive:	Small, very fast, cheap and extremely sharp used poperly. Excellent bokeh like all quality Minolta.
negative:	You have to look at ebay and other 2hand places to find gold like this. The current Sony 1,4 is high priced and a cheap alternative doesn't excists.
comment:	This is the "standart" lens for your everyday shots of your friends, family etc. and also an excellent weapon for the serious stuff. Forget about expensive, heavy 2,8 midrange zooms and buy one of these instead. It's very small and lightweight. A better build quality would make it bigger, heavier and more inconvenient´. Some say that it's soft before f/2,8 or f/4 which is not really true. It may not be razorsharp, but how can anything be that @ 1,7 - f/2, 50mm on a 1,5 crop? DOF is extremely small. Concentrate and you can get very decent results. I've been thinking an upgrade to the 50 1,4 but hey: why should I? I get excellent results with this one. If it ain't broke... Can't say anything about flare. Never had any problems or tried to make it flare, so....?

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: Vancouver review date: January-22-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	24 2.8
price paid:	40 CAD (Maxxum 5000)
positive:	excellent bokeh good color light cheap
negative:	Too narrow even for a small group of people. Changing the lens is bothersome.
comment:	Great and fun lens every Minolta or sony owner should own at least one

sharpness: 3.5 color: 4 build: 2 distortion: 4 flare control: 2	user: springtide review date: January-20-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Tam 17-50 (A700) CZ85 (A700 & A900) Tam 28-75 (A900)
price paid:	150
positive:	- Cheap - Pretty sharp on A700 from about f2 (although much better from f4) around the centre. - Colours very good for the money.
negative:	- Cheaply built (although compares to the Canon/Nikon equivs) - Not that sharp wide open (but fine for the price) - Very poor on FF (A900) even when stopped down a little (too much resolution falloff once you leave the centre)
comment:	Overall a great value lens for the money on APS-C. Prone to flare. Doesn't work so well on FF - the Sony or the Sigma 50mm f1.4 are obviously better options.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Bub-a review date: January-09-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 35-105 f3.5-4.5 Minolta 35-70 f4 Minolta 18-70 kit Sony 18-70 kit
price paid:	75 USD (used)
positive:	Sharp Bokeh Good in low light
negative:	Hood
comment:	I've had this one a while now. It's the prime everyone should have (unless you have the 1.4). Mine is an early crossed xx version. I've used it on my 5D and my a300 and it is great on both. Now I keep it permanently attached to my 5D. I use it mainly indoors in low light and couldn't be happier.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: algernon 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:
price paid:	100$ (bundle, used)
positive:	Colors IQ Build Price
negative:	Corners a bit soft wide open Weird hood :)
comment:	Nice little bugger, can be found on ebay for less than 100$, alone or bundled with the Maxxum 5000 film body. Wide open, it's acceptably sharp on center and soft in the corners, but being more like a portrait lens on APS-C, that isn't necessarily a nuisance. Very sharp stepped down a bit (f/2.5 or so). Colors are, well, what we're used to see from a '85 Minolta and the build is good, with a recessed front element. The integrated hood looks pretty useless and prone to jamming, oh well, guess it's better than nothing :). The RS (restyled) version has a better focus ring (a bit larger and with rubber on it) but optically, I believe it to be pretty much the same. All this being said, I would definitely recommend it; you get more than you pay for.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: nitrosyl 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 50mm f/2.8 Macro RS - Minolta 28-70mm f/2.8 G - Sony Carl Zeiss 24-70mm f/2.8 Vario-Sonnar T*
positive:	- Relatively cheap - Light weight - Center quite sharp at f/1.7 - Recessed front element (which practically requires no protective filters)
negative:	- Only available on used market
comment:	Considering the low cost, light weight, and excellent performance, this is a must have for every Minolta/Sony user. It's quite cheap comparing with its cousins (Minolta/Sony f/1.4). The light weight and small size make it a very portable walk-around lens. The build is solid although nothing to rave about. Flare can be a problem sometimes, so don't shoot directly into the sun! The center is quite sharp at f/1.7 although the border appears to be a bit soft. But one is unlikely to care the sharpness of borders anyway, especially when shooting wide open (most likely for low light portrait). Stopping down to f/2.2-2.8 improves the border sharpness. Color and bokeh are typically Minolta-ish, simply great! Overall an excellent lens for portrait or low light situation without the use of a flash. Highly recommended!

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: cjlethal 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:	50 1.4 minolta 50 1.4 sony
price paid:	50 CAD
positive:	very good lens for the price sharp good under low light
negative:	nothing bad to say, the 1.4 is slightly nicer
comment:

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Ome_Joop review date: January-05-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 50 1.7 Minolta 24-50 4
price paid:	80 Euro
positive:	Sharp Fast Light Cheap Build Good for portraits
negative:	Lens hood?
comment:	Bought them (50 1.7 and 28 2.8) without knowing there was a built in lens hood (discovered it by accident) but i don't really use it....although be careful for flare! It's a simple good/fast/light/alround lens altough on APSc sized camera's a bit big but still very usable on my A100 indoor shooting my sons (without being afraid they'll damage it). Not too expensive but a very sharp prime (beginners prime!!)

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: jonase review date: January-04-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 18-70
price paid:	100
positive:	Great deal Sharp Fast
negative:	Useless hood It being a prime obviously limits the range
comment:	Great lens that allows you to be creative with the DOF. Great for portraits and low-light work!

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: spada review date: December-09-08
	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 Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6
price paid:	$81 USD (used)
positive:	Good bokeh Good portrait lens Fast enough for indoor low ISO shooting, and even faster when ISO is bumped
negative:	Focusing with A900 hunts indoors sometimes Colors seem a little flat, and I had to bump the contrast on the camera up a notch.
comment:	It's a great overall lens for someone learning photography like I am. It teaches you a lot about focusing correctly, and controlling the DOF. This lens can keep a pretty shallow depth of field even when stopped down to f5 or smaller. Definitely different than the kit lens at 50mm. I have been having a lot of fun with the lens, and can't wait to take some outdoor photos when the weather gets better here in Michigan I have now taken a few shots with the A850 and this lens, and WOW, it really comes to life in terms of sharpness and details captured. My numbers have been revised now that I have used this with the A700 and A850. I have no desire for a 50/1.4 lens at this time. The perfect tradeoff between bokeh and sharpness is at f/2.2, if you want it to be VERY sharp, then stopping down to f/2.8 will get you that.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Winwalloe review date: December-09-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 50/1.4 Sony 18-70/3.5-5.6
price paid:	99 USD used
positive:	Small and light Cheap Quite sharp
negative:	Not sharp wide open Sony doesn't make one?
comment:	My first prime lens, purchased in North America in spring 2007. Same size than the 50/1.4 but a bit lighter since there's less glass. A good portrait and low light lens, though it's too "tele" on APS-C for me. I still think such a cheap and small lens is to be own by anybody, especially beginners. It's indeed an excellent way to fully use the potential of a dSLR in terms of DOF control, sharpness over kit lenses etc. Also I don't find it really sharp when shooting at infinity.

sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: Dipsausje review date: November-28-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 135STF Tamron 90/2.8 Macro Sony 18-70 Sony 70-200/2.8G Sigma 12-24
price paid:	120EUR (second hand)
positive:	size & weight colours well build quick AF
negative:	useless lens hood could have been sharper
comment:	Very useful little lens. Compact and light enough to carry around in your pocket, this makes it an ideal lens for when you want to travel light or shoot somewhat discrete.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 2	user: borjomi review date: November-12-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 50/2.8 macro Minolta Rokkor MD 50/1.7 Minolta 85/1.4G Sony 35/1.4G
price paid:	60 EUR
positive:	Sharp Compact Internal hood Good for manual focus Cheap
negative:	Strong problems with flare. Slow AF
comment:	Good for film (but manual Rokkor was much better). I had change it to 50/2.8 macro.

sharpness: 4 color: 4 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:	L50
positive:	Cheap
negative:
comment:	I have no experience of other companies lenses. I use this lens for low light work and 'head' shots and for this purpose it has served me well. Its built very well and gives nice colours.

sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: TallPaul 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:	KM 18-70 Kit Lens Minolta 28-75/2.8 Sony 70-200/2.8G
price paid:	60 GBP (used)
positive:	Cheap entry to primes. Low light photography without flash. Distance scale.
negative:	Some bad examples around, don't buy without seeing.
comment:	With this being review 180 not sure I can say anything that's not already been said. Nice portrait lens, bit soft at maximum aperture but this gives a flattering effect to portraits. Excellent in low light, combined with higher ISO on a camera that handles high ISO ok (like the Dynax 5D) you can get stunning shots without flash. Don't worry about the strange filter size, the front element is so recessed you do not need to worry about a protective filter.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Dynaton-DK review date: October-10-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta AF50 F1.7 (Minolta AF18-70 F3.5-5.6) Minolta AF24-85 F3.5-4.5 Minolta AF35-70 F3.5-4.5 Minolta AF35-70 F4 Macro Minolta AF35-105 F3.5-4.5 (Minolta AF28-80 F3.5-5.6) Sigma AF17-70 F2.8-4 Sigma AF18-200 F3.5-6.3 Sigma AF28-105 F3.8-5.6 Cosina AF28-105 F2.8-3.8
price paid:	300 DKK (Used)
positive:	Very fast AF. Sharp.
negative:	Crop factor on APS-C.
comment:	A very sharp lens that superseed many modern lenses - and this gives thoughts to consider: This lens was originally a "low-cost" kit lens, but today where we tend to have forgotten the old days of prime lenses in favour of zoom lenses, these older standard prime lenses has become much greater alternatives than they probably were considered when originally build... Simply because present days zoom's does not allow as much light to pass and are mostly not as sharp creating a renesance for standard primes when "rediscovered" for their qualities. Only limitation is the crop factor at APS-C, but as already said by many: A superb lens for portraits and low light.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: 5thElefant review date: October-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 F4
price paid:	$100
positive:	Low light performance Bokeh
negative:
comment:	Great for portraits and low light use.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Steve Carter review date: October-05-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 18-70mm
price paid:	L60
positive:	Inexpensive Lovely bokeh Compact
negative:	Small focus ring ineffective retractable hood
comment:	I bought this lens because I wanted something fast to use in low light without needing a flash. It makes a great portrait lens, has the best bokeh of any of my several lenses and basically just takes beautiful photos time and time again. The manual focus ring is very small and positioned right at the end of the lens, making it rather fiddly to use - but this is a minor niggle, since unless the light's really poor, I don't need to manual focus anyway! Without a doubt, my favourite lens. They're regularly listed on Ebay, generally selling for L50-L70 and represent a real bargain.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: tobyjay review date: September-30-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	50mm f/1.4 Sony 50mm f/1.4 Pentax Takumar (M42)
price paid:	L85
positive:	Cheap and plentiful Compact Sharp at f/2 or so Good length for conventional portraits
negative:	Min focus distance Old coatings Inconsistent AF
comment:	Plenty sharp enough from about f/2 Sometimes the AF misses the mark - usually backfocuses wide open This is not a macro lens Good indoors but beware flare and double check your white balance. Sony 1.4 version seems brighter if a little cooler in colour. I got a XX version which had seen a lot of action. There are plenty to choose from so you may as well hold out for a mint condition one. Hood a bit daft and 49mm filter might not suit you. Very good value for a dedicated portrait lens on a cropped sensor and the wide open softness can be useful and the bokeh is good

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: Rusty review date: September-23-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Tamron 17-50/2.8 SMC Takumar 50/1.4 (M42)
price paid:	100$ /40$ CDN (used)
positive:	Amazing Optics Amazing Bokeh Price Fast AF
negative:	Useless Hood
comment:	Incredible price:quality ratio. Gives the best, smooth bokeh, at least for the price. Easy to find and inexpensive. An absolute MUST for anyone with an Alpha-mount. Compact, fast, sharp...

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: wolfy review date: September-18-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 105mm macro Zeiss 85mm F1.4
positive:	Value for money Fast focus great colour
negative:	Not at its best wide open
comment:	Overall not as sharp as the Sigma or Zeiss, but for the money you should own one of these. I would give flare 4.5. Got mine with a camera, but I will always keep one of these handy. Its also great at concerts! A bit softer toward the edges, especially wide open, but this seems to help with portraits and where bokeh is important.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: superx2won review date: September-16-08
	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 M50/2.8 Beercan
price paid:	70 USD (Used)
positive:	Light weight Big aperture cheap sharp
negative:	none
comment:	Cheap 50mm big aperture len. with the 1.5x crop factor, this make the len perfect for portrait (~75mm). The big aperture make this len good for indoor. This len is not as sharp as the macro len, but no comment on it sharpness vs the price. I have try 4 copy of 50mm/1.7 len. First 3 copy , i can't get a good picture out of it. I got a good copy at the fourth copy.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: ferretracer review date: September-13-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	tamron 17-50, kit lens
positive:	I like the small size (though it looks like a pimple on my a700) and solid feel of this lens. The color and sharpness are also very good.
negative:	I have had some flares, but not a whole lot.
comment:	This lens is excellent. This size and focal length are very nice for me for portraits. The speed, for me, is also very good for the price. This lens is a must have if you shoot family or friends indoors. No price is listed as it came with 2 other lenses, camera and flash.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: hooj review date: September-02-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	sigma 17-70
price paid:	80.00 CAD
positive:	crsip sharp vibrant small
negative:	none as of yet
comment:	bought this lens and...forgot about it for awhile when i had my a100, until i put it on my a700. very impressed with how sharp it is especially when used for portraits. now considering other minolta primes, 20, 24 and the 28mm

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: nabreu review date: August-25-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 75-300 Minolta 138 2.8 Minolta 28-135 SONY 18-70 Tamron 24-135
price paid:	35 €
positive:	Very sharp (espeacilly stoped down) Very good low light performance. Price.
negative:	Hood
comment:	After hearing sow much about this lens i started searching for one. Got lucky and found one in good state and very cheap. It´s a good lens but it is my opinion that it´s getting overpriced. It´s not worth the prices i´ve been seeing on Ebay lattely. Still a very good performer and if you find one for less than 90€ buy it.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Ekan 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:	AF: Tokina AT-X 28-70/2.8 Tamron SP AF 17-50/2.8 M42: SMC Takumar 50/1.4 Mamiya/Sekor 55/1.4 & 1.8 Yashica Yashinon-DX 50/1.7 Schneider-Kreuznach Xenar 50/2.8 (Edixa)
price paid:	740 SEK (used)
positive:	Nice gradation in contrast. Beautifull colours.
negative:	Corner sharpness - might be an even bigger issue on fullframe.
comment:	I have the old crossed-x version which features a metall interior and good quality plastic outer barrel. It feels solid and the manual focus is almost as smooth as an old M42-lens. AF is fast and quiet, but I guess it should be even faster considering the type of lens. Colours are beautifully saturated rather than neutral and contrast is pleasing from f2.8 onward - not excessive but rather "old school" optimized for nice gradation. Bokeh is highly subjective, in this case - smooth, no aperture shapes, slight bright line, no double line. Green bokeh CAs. There's that glowing/romantic effect fully open, gone by f2.2 - at that setting center sharpness is already good but the corners doesn't catch up until f5.6 on APS-C. Flare is present but doesn't ruin pictures. It is better than the zooms - the Tamron has it beat on sharpness but the bokeh is not very nice according to my taste (distracting double line issue). Also, the pumped up contrast produces harsh gradation (also a matter of taste). The Tokina has big issues with flare that affects sharpness and contrast. The Schneider-Kreuznach is the only prime in this comparison that is softer than the Minolta. The colors of the Yashinon-DX is a bit dull and the Mamiya 55/1.4 has problems with flare that affects sharpness. The rich, saturated colours and the overall pleasing result (plus the convenience of AF and automatic aperture) makes the Minolta 50/1.7 a keeper. All the other 50s has their specific use. The SMC Tak is always in my bag. Conclusion: "You can't go wrong with a 50". The Minolta AF 50/1.7 might not be the best 50 ever made, but, as others have stated - it is a great addition to the bag.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: setteri review date: August-04-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 18- 70mm kit lens Minolta 70 - 210mm zoom
price paid:	GBP 46
positive:	Sharp Great build quality
negative:	None so far.
comment:	Bought this lens for L46 from ebay, much sharper than the kit lens and my old zoom. Build quality very good. I think if you can get one for L50 or so, it must be worth it.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: turpentine review date: August-02-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	100 USD (used mint)
positive:	great size great color great bokeh ood for indoors/ low light
negative:	could probably be smaller, has that front hood area that isn't needed. the hood part that can be pulled out seems cheap and more of a joke than a hood.
comment:	Haven't had this lens too long but so far I have really enjoyed it. Bought it with a maxxum 7000 and it was totally worth the money.

sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: Smiffy review date: July-31-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	18-70mm kit lens
price paid:	L50.00 (used)
positive:	Sharp, sharp, sharp!!
negative:
comment:	I've only just got this lens so it's not really a review as such, just "first impressions".... WOW!! I can't believe how much better than the kit lens this is. Have only taken a few trial shots with it so far, but immediately impressed with the sharp crisp images I've achieved. I'd heard this was a "must have" so the chance came up to get one E-bay, mint condition, unusually listed with a "buy it now" price, so I bought it now! Will review again once I've explored it a little more.

sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: samwak review date: July-31-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	50
positive:	Cheap as chips Great value for money Light and compact Decent bokeh, sharpness and colour
negative:
comment:	This lens is fantastic value for money, especially if you're starting out. F1.7 means it's one of the cheapest minolta lens out there for low light photography. In the APS-C format, the wide aperature also makes it suitable for potrait and nice bokeh. It is definitely the best lens in its price range.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: sarapata1 review date: July-30-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Min 18-70mm Min 28-70mm G Tamron 17-50
price paid:	L45
positive:	F1.7 relativly cheap small/light pleasant colours nice bokeh
negative:	not as sharp as expected, mainly below F4.0
comment:

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: godsakes review date: July-25-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	tam 17-50, minolta 50mm f1.4
price paid:	L60
positive:	Sharp great colours f1.7 cheap
negative:	green CA a little soft below f2 sample variation
comment:	Cheap and cheerful way to get a fast prime, great for portraits and arty shots where you want to play with the thin DOF. It's a little soft below f2. CA is generally well controlled but there is some green CA at f1.7-2 The more expensive f1.4 version of this lens is sharper between f1.7-4 with better control of green CA. The main problem of this lens is the sample variation, there are loads of samples which are poor above f2.8 but assuming you've got a decent sample then it's a bargain. If you're worried about the sample variation consider the sony 50mm SAM, the image quality is a little better with less sample variation but the build and AF speed isn't quite as good as this.

sharpness: 3.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: augustofretes review date: July-03-08
	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 (kit lens) -Minolta 70-210mm F/3.5-5.6 -Minolta 24mm F/2.8 -CZ 16-80mm F/3.5-4.5 -Nikkor 50mm F/1.8 -Canon 50mm F/1.8
price paid:	67
positive:	-Fast F/1.7 -Good bokeh below 2.2 -Decent sharpness at 2.8, good above it, even excellent at F/8. -Decent build quality. -CHEAP
negative:	-Not sharp below F/2.8 -Lacks contrast and sharpness at F/1.7 -Range not so useful in a cropped camera. -Poor minimum focus distance, this results in a extremely poor macro performance.
comment:	This lens has a good quality for 63 bucks, but it's definitively overrated, for a 50mm prime it's just decent. At F/1.7 the bokeh it's quite nice, but lacks sharpness and contrast, the center is decent, but the corners are extremely poor. At F/2.8 (stopped down) it gets better, the center quality is very high but the corners are just decent, probably a little poor. At F/5.6 the result it's good, with a excellent center performance and decent borders. At F/8 it delivers excellent results, it probably outresolves my Sony A200. However, the 75mm equivalent range it's quite boring, it isn't large enough for being tele, not so good for portrait shots (but it's decent) and lacks the wide feeling from the far more versatile 50mm at film or FF cameras, tough I wouldn't hold my breath for using it with FF cameras, because it's more likely to be soft there. The build quality is good, but the built in hood is pitiful and funny XD, the focus ring is sometimes uncomfortable, but I don't have big hands. A decent performer, worst than the Canon and Nikon equivalents I tested with some friends, but far cheaper, overall, a good deal.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: drumsavant review date: July-03-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	110 USD
positive:	-Sharp -Bokeh -Colour -Build
negative:	-Flare -Hood
comment:	Its a great classic Minolta prime lens - nothing else to say!

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Edinator review date: July-03-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 28mm F2.8 Minolta 20-75 F2.8
price paid:	$90 CAD (used)
positive:	Nice build Sharpness Bokeh Cheap when bought used
negative:	49mm filter thread Focusing could take long
comment:	This is a great lense and i haven't bumped into any flare in my pictures. I don't usually use it in strong daylight anyways. The bokeh is great and the price is unbeatable. The built in hood is useless and flimsy.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: wross review date: June-24-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	AF50/1.7RS AF50/1.4 AF100/2 Tam 17-50/2.8
price paid:	50 USD (used)
positive:	TOP value for the price Very sharp Excellent colors Very fast Light weight Simple, sturdy construction
negative:	Quality of these older lenses can vary greatly from one to the next. Could be very slightly faster and sharper, for 10x the price.
comment:	Dollar for dollar, this is one of the best values on the used market. The price for individual lenses is up over $125 US these days, but it is still easy to pick this lens up as part of a used 7000 or 5000 package for half that price. For the money you get a lens that is very fast, very sharp, and provides classic Minolta colors. In comparison shots against the 50/1.7RS, I found little if any difference in performance. In comparing to the 50/1.4, I found that the 1.4 was VERY VERY slightly sharper in the f/2.8-f/11 range. Wide open the 1.4 was actually slightly softer than the 1.7. The only two lenses I've owned that produced meaningfully sharper shots are the 100/2 and the 200/2.8. For the money, I think the 50/1.7 is a 'must have'. Caveat emptor! The condition of these lenses varies widely, and it's impossible to judge the performance based on outward appearance. Be prepared to buy two, compare them, keep the better and sell the other. Be prepared to possibly have to do this more than once. Rest assured that it will be worth it in the long run.

sharpness: 4 color: 3 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: mrggt review date: June-17-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	50mm minolta macro f3.5
positive:	small and compact, fast aperture,price
negative:	colours very flat,flare,lens hood
comment:	this lens is quite good for the money but my copy has very muted colours and the hood is just silly

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: mountainhunter review date: June-08-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	It's my first prime, so...
price paid:	100€ Used
positive:	Incredibly sharp, Fast Focus, Lightweigt
negative:	Haven't found any yet
comment:	This has become my favourite lens very fast. I love how fast it is, both where light and AF are concerned. And the sharpness is amazing. Off topic, I was amazed how primes make you approach photography a whole different way from zoom lenses

sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: dr_obrien review date: June-07-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 18-70mm kit Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 XR DI Sony 16-105mm f3.5-5.6
price paid:	75 USD used
positive:	Sharp F1.7 Great for the price
negative:	Built in hood is lame. Not an ADI lens.
comment:	Probably the sharpest lens dollar for dollar. Prices are really starting to rise on these. Get one now! Excellent results f4 - f11. Very good f2.8 - f4. Somewhat poor contrast f1.7-2.0

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 2	user: perese review date: June-06-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	SAL 18-70 Minolta 70-300
price paid:	1000 SEK (preused)
positive:	Sharp, light waight, quick AF.
negative:	Gives flair and is very sensitive for flair (no hood is mounted)
comment:	Overall a good lense, and gives you great colors. Look out for flares in sun light.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: petesidewalk review date: June-05-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	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:	40.00USD
positive:	sharp cheap light fast
negative:	lens hood
comment:	It has razor sharpness stopped down. It's colors are beautiful and it is very light and small. The lens hood needs help and the flaring is not a problem as I use it inside almost exclusively. Must have for the price.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: stwg34 review date: May-31-08
	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) Minolta 70-210 (Beercan) Minolta 75-300 Sigma 28-70 Minolta 35-70
price paid:	100 €
positive:	Sharpness Build quality Colors are great Bokeh
negative:	Haven't found anything
comment:	This is my very first prime lens,and it immediately blew me away. It is a great lens for portrait shooting, even under very low light conditions. I really love this one, for me its a keeper.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Glyn R review date: May-30-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 18-70 Sigma 10-20 Sigma 70-300 APO
price paid:	60 GBP (used)
positive:	Small, easy to carry. Focusing fast and accurate. Very low DOF possible. Inexpensive.
negative:	Built in lens hood is not very easy to use.
comment:	I like this lens it has a nice feel and the images are sharp everywhere. I have not seen any CA at all. On A350 it is a bit long for everyday use but not out of the question. The sliding lens hood is a bit small if you want to to fit a UV filter. It has inspired me to get another Minolta lens which is on its way. The small DOF at f1.7 can be a real issue when you are used to f3.5 max. You have to learn to use it to your advantage.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: LECHER review date: May-28-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta AF 28mm f/2.8 Minolta AF 135mm f/2.8
price paid:	25.00 USD (used)
positive:	Tried and true Nuff Said!!!
negative:	This is my second 50mm f/1.7
comment:	Just picked up this lens today with the other primes up top. I got these 3 lenses and a Beercan for $125.00. Glad to say I pulled off over 200 pictures with these lenses today and I am very happy. Shot about half in RAW and the other half in JPG, just to see what kind of color and noise I would get. The 28 was good but the 50 and 135 was better. This 50mm was as clean as my first one, which I have had for 20 years. The Beercan was damaged so I didn't get to shoot it today. I will do that tomorrow as I just took it apart and fixed the forward barrel problem. Thank you, Pete Ganzel, for the great info on the Beer Baby. Didn't have any issues with Flare or viginetting or CA. IQ was off the wall. Whoo Hoo!!! Minolta colors were all there.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: peaches review date: May-20-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	found at dad's
positive:	sharp! fast AF color no CA (yet)
negative:	none yet (though I don't have a hood but that's a personal problem)
comment:	I am trying not to spend too much time with this lens because I need to work a whole lot more with the 75-300 (which I think I'm having a problem with because the 350 isn't full-frame...I need to remember the limitations). That said, this lens is amazing, digital or no. At 1.7 the focus is ok, but 2.8 on down almost every shot is perfect. I am amazed at how sharp this lens is. It defines prime, in my opinion...it may well be the King of Primes :o) Color is great, too, and I haven't seen any CA or flare. I'm pretty sure the CA is non-existent and since I don't have a hood, perhaps flare won't be a problem, either. I'll revise that as I play more. In most pics so far, I describe the bokeh as dreamy, but my eye seems to be drawn more to the sharpness (I can't get over it) where it should be and the amazing colors. The colors on this lens are incredibly vivid, and I haven't touched anything up in CS3, nor have I needed to. It's not too shabby as a pseudo-macro, either, at which point the bokeh really works for me. This is one lens I don't think anyone should be without. I love it so much I'm afraid to use it too much and neglect all the others. I'd probably pay whatever I had to if I needed to replace it (though I might see if I could get the 50 f/1.4 macro, first, assuming all things were equal or better). I'd give it all 5's but I'm afraid the flare will surface right after I do. I'll come back and edit (and post some pics as soon as I stop taking so many) that when the verdict is in. I can't say enough how happy I am to have found this site and a new use for some pretty good old stuff!

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: N_Raged review date: May-08-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 Minolta 35-105 f/3.5-4.5 (N) Minolta 50mm f/1.4 (O)
price paid:	$90 USD (used)
positive:	+cheap +great build +sharp at mid apertures +colour +fast AF
negative:	-hood doesn't stay in place -omg flare! -no circular aperture -lack of sharpness and contrast at large apertures -very busy bokeh
comment:	This lens is a real trooper, a must have for everyone who shoots Minolta/Alpha. It is very sharp at f/2.8 onwards. Typical Minolta colours. This is my main walk-around film lens and makes a nice portrait lens on a 1.5x crop body. I might consider upgrading to the Sony 50mm f/1.4 someday. When in conditions where flare is expected, this lens gets it really bad - the entire frame loses contrast. The front element is already recessed but it'd be nice to have a larger hood. Bokeh is hit or miss; very busy wide open but it smooths out by f/2.4. Pink fringing and veiling can be an issue wide open. Update: I upgraded to the Minolta 50mm f/1.4 and I love it even more. I grew tired of the 50/1.7's lack of image quality at apertures larger than f/2.8.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: madecov review date: May-02-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 50mm f2.8 macro Tamron 17-50 f2.8
price paid:	$35.00-$50.00 USED
positive:	Small, light, great color, small filter size, fast focus
negative:	Built in hood is useless, get a collapsing rubber hood and leave it on
comment:	First Prime I have gotten for the SONY A-200. I love this lens. Focus is fast, color is great, bokeh is amazing, For the price these trade at everyone needs one. Edit I've had around 8 copies of this lens in the last year. I just aquired another and I think this one is the sharpest ever. It is also an older crossed XX version. The color reproduction is incredible. I think I'm going to have to play with lens a lot more. Image quality is really astounding stopped down just 1-1 1/2 stops. I still think that everyone should have one if they find it at a reasonable price.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 2	user: carldan review date: April-29-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	sigma 18-50 f/2.8 EX DC MACRO
price paid:	130 beg
positive:	realy sharp from f/2.2 small light whight perfect for portrait
negative:	flares in direct sunlight
comment:	perfest lens when it´s comes too sharpnes

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Massai review date: April-24-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 18-70 F3.5-5.6 Minolta 70-210 F4 Tamron 17-50 F2.8
price paid:	150 USD (like new)
positive:	Sharp - from F2 Bokeh Small, handy
negative:	Contrast - could be better, but still good Not very fast focusing
comment:	I like this lens... Very usefull indoors, with 1.7 usually can work without flash. For a long time i used it as a pattern of sharpness, untill i had possibilty to test some better ones. I find photos a bit dark, but with some postprocessing they are really nice.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	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 35-70mm f4
price paid:	88 USD (vg+)
positive:	Lives up to what others have said: -Sharp -Great Colors and Contrast -Nice build/light -Built in sliding hood
negative:
comment:	I bought two copies and am keeping the 1st Gen XX vs. the non-xx. They both hold their same sharpness, but I like the crossed X's (dumb reason). The coating on the XX isn't as nice as the ones after it though. Its not deep and rich, and seems a bit light, but I am not worried because it has a hood. This lens is rising in price and is a keeper/classic. You should get one while you can, if you don't have one yet. Perhaps a subtle drawback for me is the crop factor. Though it gets close to the famed 85mm, I'm more comfortable with something more wide. But that has little to do with the lens and its superb quality. Update 7/7/09: I had a 50mm 1.7 RS and used it extensively for several months before i acquired the 50 1.4. To me, the contrast of the 1.4 was better but the difference in sharpness was negligible without serious pixel peeping.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: lattiboy review date: April-13-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	28-85mm Minolta 17-85mm Sony (kit lens)
price paid:	$58 (used)
positive:	1) So sharp it can cut diamonds. 2) Amazing bokeh (especially in manual mode) 3) Tiny, compact, takes up no space in bag. 4) Cheap!
negative:	1) flare is a bother 2) tiny DOF can make for a lot of "almost perfect" shots. 3) More like 85mm on a dSLR (not always a negative). 4) Poor min. focus distance.
comment:	I just love this lens. Only had it for about 3 days not, but I am already just blown away. Great portraits, macros, night shooting. Get it. I paid less than $60 used on ebay.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: whitecat review date: April-06-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
positive:	Very sharp from f4 Light, inexpensive Nice bokeh
negative:	Bit soft at f2.8 and f1.7
comment:	I really like this lens. So light and so sharp! Best when stopped to f4 or smaller, however, f2.8 is good too. I would recommend this lens.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: gnatsum review date: March-31-08
	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 70-210 f4 (beercan)
price paid:	85 CAD (used)
positive:	Sharpness at f2.8+ AF speed Build quality Bokeh
negative:	Sharpness below f2.8
comment:	I bought this just for kicks wasn't really sure what I was doing, but I had read good reviews of this lens here. Positives: Amazing sharpness at f2.8 and above, but lacking when you go below f2.5-ish (sony provides f2.5 and film body provides f2.4) it starts to lack more than I like. I bought a wide aperture lens for a reason, no point if I can't use those apertures. As long as you stay away from f1.7 you're fine actually, f2 is quite usable, and the bokeh at f2 makes up for the lack of sharpness. Bokeh (out of focus areas) is very nice, though you see the need for a circular aperture above f2.8. at f2 the bokeh is great and will not let you down. Colours are Excellent, I don't know really what people mean by "Minolta colours" But I have a feeling I might know. It's very rich, however there is one problem that I don't think it deserves a 4 for the rating but I should mention it. THIS IS A COLD LENS. I have to keep some warming on the whitebalance at all times if I'm not shooting raw. Auto focus speed is very good, I've never really used a good lens so I don't have much to compare it to, save one canon 100mm macro with USM that I used was very fast, this is good enough. Distortion: cannot notice anything. Flare: This lens will flare if you point it at a bright light source, but I don't think I've seen flare otherwise. Build: I would never worry about how I handle this lens so that says it all. I would say buy this lens if you want a taste of what good optics is really about, I haven't used the f1.4 ever, but I know if I had the money I would replace this lens because I can't use it below f2.8 as much as I'd like. Also, It's not really that fun on a digital body, I've got it on my film and it's really a good field of view. On digital it's not wide enough and not close enough.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: pulsar review date: March-18-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 18-50/2.8D DC EX Sony 17-80/3.5-5.6D
price paid:	25 USD (used)
positive:	Sharp stepped down Small & light Bright Price Fast focusing Minolta colour
negative:	Flare Soft wide open Not so useful lens hood Thin focus ring
comment:	My copy had a couple of issues: oily iris and uneven focus ring friction. After addressing those issue, the lens is working wonderfully. I don't have other primes to compare, but I did test at 50mm with other lenses. @f/1.7 - Lens is very soft. Center is OK. Gives dreamy effect which I like. No other lenses I own open this wide. @f/2.8 - Lens is sharp but not as sharp as Sigma. @f/5.6 - Lens is very sharp. Tie with Sigma. Sharper than Sony at the same aperture. Sony is sharp but not sharper at f/8. Only issue with this lens is flare, so avoid strong light source in the frame. Other than that, it is a wonderful lens to own.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: Calistoga Guy review date: March-17-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Zeiss 16-80 Minolta 28 135mm
price paid:	90
positive:	light, fast, usually sharp, focus is on the fast side
negative:	great indoors, but if space is tight, its a pain
comment:	Usually sharp, still my favorite portrait lens, and great for low light. I tend not to open it up beyond f2.8. I only open up further if I'm trying to avoid ISO above 3200 on my Alpha A700. DOF gets thin and focus can be hit or miss, or just too soft if you open up more. I like to take pics at night and this prime is not good at all for night shots with any strong lights in the pics. I get huge blue globs of light in various locations when I do shoot this way, with softer lights, it's usually ok. With the Zeiss I once owned you could hardly get it to flare. For night shots my 28 135mm isn't great, but it's better than this. Focus is usually accurate and fast on my A700, and it's very good with the focus points outside the center ones. Pleasing color and contrast, but nothing I would rave about. My old zeiss still had better color and contrast. It was also sharper than this prime WHEN and if I could get a sharp pic from a bad copy. Every alpha owner should own a fast prime for low light pics, for shots of music at a club, weddings, indoor sports and general indoor if you have the room to take a few steps back. If the 1.4 prime is too rich for you, pick this up, it runs about a bill at this writing and it's worth twice that when the lights are low.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: cruzerpics review date: March-13-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Tamron 18-200 Di Kit 17-80
price paid:	$180 new in 1985
positive:	+ Sharp frame from f2 up + 75mm on aps-c perfect for head shots and close ups + compact/light but solid build quality
negative:	- 75mm on aps-c not good for group shots indoors or in tight places. - Manual focus ring is to small (that's why a I gave it 4 build rating)
comment:	The 50 was the only lens mounted on my 20year+ Minolta 7000 and it has taken many memorable shots and has continued to do so on my KM5D. It's well documented on Dyxum the many positive and few negatives there are about owning this lens so I'll try not to repeat what's been already said. I would like to contribute a few tips for using this lens for street, portrait and even macro situations that I picked up over the years. B/W STREET This is my favorite use for this lens especially at night or indoors since it is fast and small size makes it more discrete than a zoom Settings on KM5D - BW, f1.7-f8, iso 800-3200, +1 contrast, release priority, continuous adv If I have time to compose I'll set it to Spot AF but general leave it to Wide AF so I can literally "shoot from the hip" if I want to be discrete or high or low POV's PORTRAIT Since it's 75mm on my KM5D it does good job softening backgrounds and its sharper and I like the flesh tones better than my zooms. I like setting the camera to overexpose slightly and f2-f4 for shallow DOF to smooth out skin imperfections since I mostly shoot friends/family and not pro models with perfect skin and make-up. Just focus lock on their best eye and recompose. They will thank you for making them look beautiful! POOR MAN's Macro I occasionally like to shot macro's but not enough to justify the investment into a true tele macro such as the 100 f2.8 so I make do nicely with the following set-up since it's well known that 50 is very sharp when stopped down. I can get as close as 10cm-12cm from my subject with very good details. It will cost less than $50 if purchased on ebay 49-62mm step up adapter and 62mm center pinch Hama lens cap (I keep this on my 50 at all times, the cap is more secure and minimizes the chance of stripping the 49mm threads during frequent filter changes) 62mm HOYA HMC 3 lens close up set - diopters +1, +2, +4 Why 62mm? You can stack several of these on top of each other to get up to +7 diopter without getting vignetting and 62mm is the same size on Tamron zoom. Enjoy this wonderful lens and I hope this review was use full!

sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Asiir review date: March-01-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	- Sony 18-70 f/3.5-5.6 DT - Beercan (Min 70-210 f/4)
price paid:	85 USD (used)
positive:	- Fast - Cheap - Lightweight and compact - Great image quality - Fast AF
negative:	- 50mm is a bit too long on cropped sensor - Useless hood
comment:	After owning this lens for a year, I've rediscovered how valuable and wonderful it is, particularly for indoor pictures with or without flash. It can also do good macro work. The pictures out of this lens blow away the 18-70 kit lens. Plus, this lens is so small that it is easy to toss in the bag and always have available (different from, say, the beercan!). Get it and you won't be disappointed. I use mine often for self-given photography assignments. Not worrying about zoom setting helps me to think about other aspects of the photograph: angle, perspective, depth of field, shutter speed, etc. Now if only Sony would come out with a similarly-priced 35mm/1.7 or 2.0. This would fill a great hole in the prime lens lineup for cropped sensors.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: cwtbone review date: February-20-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	kit lens, beercan,Sigma 70-300 APO, tokina 35-200 3.5-5.6
price paid:	$85
positive:	sharp, great for low light, good colors,light
negative:	a little long for digital
comment:	I love this lens. It is by far the sharpest in my bag.I pull it out and use my feet to zoom when I want to take a picture I want to print in a larger size. I just wish I owned a zoom this good.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: fute77 review date: February-19-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	18-70 KM Kit Minolta 70-210 beercan
price paid:	75€
positive:	ligth, bright and reactive a very nice price
negative:	manual map very small
comment:	I am very happy of this lens. For the Price I paid I could not have made a better buy Extremly good for pictures of babies (newborn) and picture with no flash inside on A700 the focusing time becomes more than acceptable it is now a better solution

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: dreamlandd review date: February-16-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	28-75 tamron.
price paid:	53 usd with m7000
positive:	sharpness, color, fast AF, built-in lenshood, build.
negative:	bulky focus ring, non circular aperture
comment:	if you can't buy 50mm 1,4, than this is a must have one. most i use this lens for portrets.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: steunix review date: February-08-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	80€ used
positive:	- Sharp - Bright
negative:	- Shallow focus ring
comment:	Personally I love this lens. It's sharp, and I pretty much like colors and bokeh. When I mount it, I often feel that I don't need much more than this 50mm. I find it perfectly usable up to f2.8, while when used at widest apertures it gets obviously softer and a bit more prone to focus errors (on my a700 at least).

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: martinbroes review date: January-29-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	- M 28-85/3.5-4.5 - M 28-75/2.8 D - M 24-105/3.5-4.5 D - M 35/2
price paid:	95 NLG/40 EUR
positive:	- sharp - small - light weight - well build
negative:	- focus ring
comment:	Bought it second hand in the early ninetees to have a light weight walk around lens, but always kept it in the bag preferring the 28-85 on my 7000i. It got a second life thanks to the A100's crop factor. For me it's an excellent portrait lens now. It's my favourite in low light indoors (together with the 35/2). It's sharp, performs well with AF and MF. Sharpness at its best from F2.8 but if necessary even acceptable wide open! My only critiscim is the small focus ring. But: if you own more older Minolta lenses, like I do, you get used to that.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: ovlov review date: January-27-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 70-210 f4.5-5.6 Sigma 75-300 f4-5.6 Minolta 35-70 f4 Sigma 28-70 f3.5-4.5 UC Sony 18-70
price paid:	NA
positive:	Sharp Good color Fast focuser Sturdy build quality Produces nice photos
negative:	Lens hood focus ring
comment:	I bought this with a bundle of Minolta camera hardware and was pleasantly surprised. This is a great little lens. Highly recommended.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: TimSchuler review date: January-26-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 50mm F2.8 Macro
price paid:	60€
positive:	- very light - very sharp
negative:	- bulky focus ring
comment:	Very great prime lens which is small and light. The only issue is that the focus ring is a little bit bulky.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: dimbel review date: January-22-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	SAL1870 Minolta AF 28-80 F4-5.6 Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro
price paid:	68 EUR (used)
positive:	Sharpness Fast AF
negative:	Built-in lenshood
comment:	I bought the lens used and it turned out that the lenshood had become slightly oval. This in its turn affected the focusing. Corrected it by applying gentle pressure to get the lenshood round again. I like the lens a lot and for that price, I should have bought one years ago.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: Arkku review date: January-13-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	A dozen or so popular M42 mount 50mm primes.
price paid:	80 USD (used)
positive:	- Affordable AF prime - Pretty sharp, especially in the centre - Nice bokeh
negative:	- Focusing ring way too small - Plastic body - Filter threads rotate when focusing - Prone to flare (built-in hood helps a bit)
comment:	A nifty little lens, quite essential for a Minolta AF -mount collection (unless one decides to go for the much less affordable f/1.4 version). Compared to similarly priced manual focus primes, not as fast or as good, but has no major weaknesses either (other than the plastic build). And it has AF.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Kaishi review date: December-31-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 18-70 DT (Alpha Kit Lens) Minolta 28-80 (Maxxum 5 Kit Lens) Sony 75-300 (Pseudo-kit telephoto zoom)
price paid:	82 USD (good condt.)
positive:	The sharpness and color are worlds above that of the kit lenses (any of them). Bokeh is beautiful.
negative:	Internal Lens Hood is small and worthless.
comment:	The best photos I have taken have been with this lens. If you don't own one of these yet, do yourself the favor and get one. Ebay is a great place to start.

sharpness: 3.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: Marcin review date: December-25-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	60 EURO
positive:	-cheap -fast&light -efficient and quick AF -simple and sturdy construction
negative:	-smudgy at F1.7 (but if you close it to F4 everything is OK) -poor flare control
comment:

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: hfielder review date: December-04-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 28 - 80 II Minolta 75 - 300 f/3.5 -5.6 Minolta 24 f/2.8
price paid:	GBP60
positive:	Good colours Good resolution good Bokeh
negative:	None compared with my other lenses
comment:	I bought this lens on ebay in order to provide my Alpha 700 with better quality glass than my other three lenses (listed above). In a one day outing I was so impressed by the improvement that I had seven shots blown up to A3 which are currently waiting to be framed. My Alpha 700 is in the post and I look forward to blowing some shots from that up to a similar size to compare.

sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Profu review date: December-04-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	60$ (Used)
positive:	Small size. f/1,7 Good for portraits. Very nice bokeh wide open.
negative:	Noisy AF. My item has bokeh and color transmision problems.
comment:	I boght this lens used because it's too hard to find one here in Moldova. For downgrade of my item is that an aperture blade was changed. It's position is not so good, and at f/4 - 16 it's not circular :(. But I get used to how to avoid this. I do use it for portraits wide apertures, and for Landscape I don't need the bokeh :). The color transmision is a little bit diferent from my 28mm lens. I don't like sometimes the transmition of colors in landscape photography and if in the photo there are too many elements. This is not seen however on BW film :). But I think it's because it was disasembled. I hope I will buy a new Sony 50mm f/1.4 to replace it. Overal seems to be a very good lens for portraits.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: Webguyyy review date: December-04-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	16-105 Sony 18-70 Sony
price paid:	75 cdn new
positive:	Small, compact, cheap and fast. Cheap 49mm filter size. Well made.
negative:	Lens hood retracts into lens.
comment:	Cheapest fast Minolta prime lens. It's small, lightweight, and compact. Have had this lens since my first Minolta film camera, and refuse to let it go. With digital cameras with a C size sensor, it's even better since it's equal to a 75mm at 1.7 (35mm equivalent). It's always had a high reputation as a sharp lens that rivals the far more expensive 50mm 1.4 Minolta. This lens is the best value for the money. Best to ignore the built-in retracting Minolta lens and use a $10 rubber one. Has great value on either film or digital slr's, because of it's quality and speed.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: anthony6870hifi review date: November-30-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	70-210f4 18-70kit 75-300kit
price paid:	100
positive:	good colour sharp fast
negative:	bit soft wide open
comment:	well built. cheap. good for indoors & fast re: aperature. beautiful color and bokeh. good portrait length. recommended lense

sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: MarBu review date: November-29-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	61 € (used)
positive:	-Sharpness -Focusing speed -Price -Aperture
negative:	-Plastic hood
comment:	Nice lens for portraits, easy to take with you due to the small size. Wide open it tends to misfocus a bit now and then. Besided that a perfect lens for low-light situations.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Henk review date: November-18-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	KM 35-105/3.5-4.5 KM 35-70/4
price paid:	€90 (used)
positive:	Very sharp Beutiful colors Fast on my 7D Great portrait lens
negative:	plastic lenshood
comment:	In the old MD days I owned a 85/1.4. Traded it in for some zoom lenses and a new body and always regretted that. Now on my 7D this 50/1.7 brings back the joy of the old 85. Should be the first lens to use in non-macro and non-tele circumstances.

sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: supeter review date: October-22-07
	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 beercan
price paid:	50 GBP (used)
positive:	Sharp, small, light.
negative:	none
comment:	Indeed very sharp. At f1.7 is soft but I think it's not a weakness.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: C_N_RED_AGAIN review date: October-17-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
positive:	Fairly sharp, 1.7
negative:	Hood is worthless, manual focus ring is small.
comment:	I have had this lens for a couple years now and never really used it until recently. I shoot about twelve weddings a year and found a situation where i really needed to blur out a distracting background and 50mm was the perfect focal distance for the subject at hand. Took about twenty shots with the lens set at 2.2. It wasn't until I reviewed the shots a few days later that I realized how great this lens was. Normally for close up work I use the 28-75 2.8 minolta, and the famous 100 for portrait work. The shots with the 50 set at 2.2 were absolutely perfect and were truly loved by the bride. In short this lens is considerably cheaper than the other two and although limited because it is a prime, in the right situation in can excell. Buy it especially for how cheap it is.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: C_N_RED_AGAIN review date: October-17-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
positive:	Fairly sharp, 1.7
negative:	Hood is worthless, manual focus ring is small.
comment:	I have had this lens for a couple years now and never really used it until recently. I shoot about twelve weddings a year and found a situation where i really needed to blur out a distracting background and 50mm was the perfect focal distance for the subject at hand. Took about twenty shots with the lens set at 2.2. It wasn't until I reviewed the shots a few days later that I realized how great this lens was. Normally for close up work I use the 28-75 2.8 minolta, and the famous 100 for portrait work. The shots with the 50 set at 2.2 were absolutely perfect and were truly loved by the bride. In short this lens is considerably cheaper than the other two and although limited because it is a prime, in the right situation in can excell. Buy it especially for how cheap it is.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: kankushok review date: October-15-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 18-70 Sigma 400mm APO Tokina 400mm
price paid:	51 USD
positive:	Small fast AF cheap decently sharp
negative:	small focus ring easy to miss
comment:	Great lens, good value for the price. It's very sharp especially stopped down.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: sofakingon review date: September-29-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Tamron 28-200
price paid:	100USD (used)
positive:	Everything! No complaints here.
negative:	Nothing I can think of - Primes can be trickier to work with then zooms sometimes...
comment:	This lens is an amazing portrait lens! It works great in low light, and the colors and speed are amazing on an A700.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: alvse review date: September-18-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	US$100 (ebay)
positive:	Sharp Cheap Bokeh Fast
negative:	Very small manual focus ring, though still usable.
comment:	I love this lens, so far, it has clocked up more hours on my camera than any other lens.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: laguire 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:
price paid:	50 usd (used)
positive:
negative:
comment:

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: ricardovaste review date: August-21-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	28-80 f/4.5-5.6 35-70 f/4 24-105 f/3.5-4.5 50 f/1.5 rokkor
price paid:	45GBP
positive:	Bokeh 'Old Minolta Colours' Fast Focus Light Compact Bright viewfinder Built in hood Small 49mm filters
negative:	55mm filter are more 'standard' (may contrast with rest of your lens line up) Soft wide open Critical focus
comment:	This lens is one that you should try at least once. Especially for the price. You will not find a better AF price~quality in the A-Mount. Very sharp from f/2.3 onwards Very usuable sharpness at f/1.7+ (though contrast not as high) Incredible resolution/sharpness at f/8-/f11 Still great at f/16 Bokeh is really nice on my sample at wide apertures Though the blades do show randomly, sometimes... ... on backlit situations, iv found. Very fast focusing on my Dynax7 or any other modern camera. Flare control is very good. But not perfect flare control when shooting into the sun. But what can you expect!? Post processing can get rid of this anyway. Filters are cheap at 49mm Pleasing balance of contrast/colour That you find with the old rokkor lenses And the old AF lenses like this one. (beercan shows this also). Its size/weight/speed makes it an ideal 'carry around' kit with a dynax5. Okay, for street photography. The viewfinder is always bright at f/1.7. But manual focus can become quite difficult with such little depth of field & on a focusing screen such as the standard one on the dyanx7, which isnt optimised for manual focusing. You can buy a different focusing screen i believe, which greatly helps. Though, this really isnt an issue with this lens, seeing that the auto-focusing is so fast/accurate anyway. A great lens all round.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: paulofessel review date: August-16-07
	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 Rokkor PG
price paid:	50 USD (ebay)
positive:	- Inexpensive - f:1.7 does wonders on low light - Can be used to simulate the venerable 85mm f:1.4 on digital
negative:	- Bokeh is not as good as the 85mm (only 7 non-circular blades) - "Foggy" images up to f:2.2 - Minolta's MC Rokkor PG 50mm f:1.4 bokeh has better bokeh
comment:	This is the champion of lens in terms of low-light, cost-benefit photography. It already excelled on my film Maxxums (got to make 1/10s hand held pictures with it on film!), and continues to be the only lens I have for real low light, hand held photography. And as I've bought it when Minolta lenses were on the bargain bin, I've got mine for US$ 50. The only problem I see on it it's the foggy images I get when using it wide open. However, after f:2.2 it gets fine. Its bokeh is not that good, but what would you expect from a lens I've got this price? Even today, it's a lens that every Alpha user should get, at least once.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: digitaldel review date: August-10-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	18-70 F3.5-5.6 35-70 F4
price paid:	given to me
positive:	- Aperature F1.7 - Fast obviously - Sharp, Sharp, Sharp
negative:	- None really for an 80's lens
comment:	Inherited this lens from an Uncle along with 9000 and 7000 camera bodies. With my limited knowledge at the time I thought this looked and sounded with the specs quite good. It's only when I started using in on the A100 I really realised how good. Sharp when stopped down a little, lovely Minolta colours, great in low light. It's size and weight is lovely on the A100. With all Prime lenses its going to have its limits due to the focal range but hey use it and explore what results you can get with it. You won't be dissapointed!! Only whine is the silly little sun shield that extends from the front. It just seem a bit naff and cheap to be put on a well built, lovely lens.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: nateshow review date: July-29-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	SAL 75-300 SAL 18-70
price paid:	66 USD
positive:	Bokeh Size Low Light Fits snug on Alpha Feels sturdy
negative:	None yet
comment:	Bought on ebay. My first non Sony lens and I am super pleased with it. Nice DOF. Also my first prime! Fun lens.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Oleg_K. review date: July-24-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	kit 18-70 beercan 70-210
price paid:	$ 125 (3200 RUR)
positive:	[XX] version ! Sharpness Bokeh Soft-effect at f1.7 in some situations Built Size\weight Price
negative:	A bit blurry wide open Not zoom ;) Funny hood
comment:	It's a must have prime lense if you're not an owner of 50\1.4! On crop it can be used as chep portrait lense. Wide open, hi ISO and AS-on allow you forget about flash even at night!

sharpness: 3.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Martijn85 review date: July-20-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Canon 50f/1.8 Nikon 50f/1.8
price paid:	€60
positive:	f/1,7 soft but useable (great with AS) Center sharp from f/2.5 Quick AF in low-light Colours are nice
negative:	Borders not so sharp even when you stop down I hate the small MF ring
comment:	Not the sharpest 50 around. For pure sharpness buy something else (a good fast zoom). It is small and fun to use in low light (with or without flash) Edit: After testing some more I found my 50 f/1.7 shows some backfocus. At ranges <60cm focus is more or less correct (from f/2.2 target is on focus). All above backfocus increases at 1,5m backfocus is 60mm! Also the infinity in the lens is way past infinity. But at least I fount out f/1.7 is not as soft as I thought. Also I think a fast 1x-5x zoom or a 30mm f/1.4 will suit me better.

sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: twb119 review date: July-18-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	24-70 sig 90mm Tamron Kit lens
price paid:	?? see below
positive:	Small, Full frame
negative:	none
comment:	Got this lens about 16-18 years ago don’t remember the price nice well made prime, good for Portraits on digital camera

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Dinostrich review date: July-17-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	28mm f2.8 100mm f2.8 macro 400mm f5.6
price paid:	L16
positive:	Compact & very portable Minolta quality results Value for money
negative:	Another silly hood
comment:	50mm was the original "standard" lens and all the main manufacturers produced one and to a large extent were judged on this lens, so they made every effort to get them right - Minolta made the effort and got it right ! This lens is so light and compact that it can be fitted in with whatever you take out at the time and it will meet those extreme demands one sometimes comes across. OK the lens hood is a bit feeble but really it is not much of a problem. This is just one very, very good lens in the Minolta tradition. Get one if you can. ( Price paid was a snip and for a second one - yes good enough to have two just in case.) ( Have tried out the 1.4 version and really cannot see any material difference - certainly not enough to justify the price differential as far as I am concerned.)

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: adriann review date: July-09-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Canon 1.8 II
price paid:	€85
positive:	Good standard prime.
negative:	Haven't found any yet.
comment:	A good standard prime.

sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: kapuxino review date: June-28-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 18-70 Lens Kit Minolta AF 35-70 1:3.5(22)-4.5
price paid:	70EUR (used)
positive:	Small Great Color Sharp Bokeh Cheap
negative:	Focus could be faster No circular aperture
comment:	A must have. Excelent for portraits.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: As Hope Dies review date: June-25-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 105mm EX DG macro Sony 18-70 F3.5-5.6 Minolta 70-210 F4 Sigma 10-20
price paid:	100USD used
positive:	+captures a lot of detail even at F2.5 +built in hood +good build quality for it's price
negative:	-focus is not that fast
comment:	Much better than Canons 50mm F1.8. This lens won't fall apart after a year of use even though it has a plastic housing. If you get a good deal for this lens don't hesitate.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: gvknight review date: June-22-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	almost free with a c
positive:	small light fast
negative:
comment:	small, sharp, fast. as usual mf ring is small and easy to move but it gives lovely images

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: ermingut review date: June-12-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 18-70mm F3.5-5.6 Minolta 35-105 F3.5-4.5
price paid:	80 EUR
positive:	sharp, good price, great in low light
negative:	lens hood
comment:	This lens allow me some great shots. I think this is also great portrait lens (1.5 crop). Great control over DOF. Wide open a little soft but I didn't test it enough to say this for sure. Tricky (shallow) DOF make right focusing harder. I even use MF in so dimm conditions that AF didn't work. Result was great ( http://www.istockphoto.com/file_closeup.php?id=3486259) A must have!

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: cgl88 review date: June-05-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 Minolta 28-80mm xi Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8
price paid:	60
positive:	Incredible 'Bokeh', High-speed lens especially in low light, indoor photography without flash
negative:	Prone to damage through natural use i.e.Sticky aperture blades
comment:	Sony should open up its manufacturing to build this lens again. There is nothing in the market these days for a lens that is so fast, sharp, and a great performer in many tough low-light situations. The quality of the image I would imagine is as good as the sony 50mm fixed focal length lens. One big negative is that the lens is prone to damage. There are many do-it-yourself guides out there for fixing such things as a dirty internal lens and a sticky aperture. Note that 50mm on the Sony a100 results in 75mm. This makes fitting your subject in your frame difficult. Therefore the lens may have limited use: portraits, macro, close-ups @ f/1.7. As such, the 'bokeh' achievable by this lens is uniquely breathtaking.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: KJPhoto review date: May-23-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	5D Kit Lens, Sigma 28-200
price paid:	$40 USD
positive:	Great Bokeh, very sharp at F8 and smaller
negative:	Lens hood is all but useless
comment:	This lens is fantastic for low light, portrait photography, and weddings. The lens hood is very strange and doesn't do much of anything. Fairly fast AF although I wish it were faster. I definitely recommend this lens to anyone looking for a good all around portrait lens.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: eddyizm review date: May-23-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	sigma 90mm/2.8 macro sony kit 18-70
price paid:	90 USD (used)
positive:	sharp, cheap, colors, bokeh, small and light/compact wide ap
negative:	it doesn't zoom? lol
comment:	my first lens purchased after my alpha kit and as soon as I put it on, the pictures just blew me away. the sharpness is fantastic, the bokeh is from a drug induced dream. lets me take lovely shots wide open and they are still relatively sharp. At the price, this is a must have lens for any A-mount user.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Johnyp review date: May-21-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	90 USD new
positive:	Light, small, sharp stopped down
negative:	Noticeably small wide open. Plastic (RS).
comment:	There is not much to say about these - they are great for their low weight, low light ability, size, and decent sharpness. And all of this at around $90! Not too "normal" on the digital, but not bad for candids around house.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: Daryn review date: May-16-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
positive:	Very Sharp Great Colours
negative:	Very small manual focus ring, though still usable.
comment:	What can I say that hasn't been said! This lens should be considered a 'must have'. Very impressed with sharpness and colour in photographs. Was using the a100 kit lens to photograph flowers, and was always disappointed with the results. This lens however - perfect! Haven't tested in bright light, so unsure on the flare control, so ignore this rating

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: hellboy79 review date: May-11-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	45 USD(used)
positive:	good for dof and low light indoor portrait
negative:	-focusing ring too small
comment:	love it.. good for portrait

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: chenology 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:	Tamron 28-75mm 2.8
price paid:	$55 USD (used)
positive:	sharp! 75mm with 1.5x :) filter does not rotate
negative:	75mm with 1.5x :/ loud focusing?
comment:	This is by far the sharpest lens I own. It does help in the fact that it's a prime lens. I was blown away by the detail it captures. m'azing piece of glass~

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: banzen review date: May-04-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	KM 18-70 kit lens Tamron 28-75 D
price paid:	50
positive:	large aperture sharpness price fast focusing
negative:	sharpness at edge non circular aperture
comment:	This lens is a great welcome to my lens lineup. With this lens, I am able to shoot at home at night without using any flash. Its fast focusing helps to track moving objects. It also takes great picture of flowers since it has a nice bokeh. The only drawback is it doesn't have a circular aperture so the bokeh is not as nice as it can be. Overall, it is a versatile lens and for its price, everyone should have one.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	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:	KM 18-70, M 28-85, M 35-70, M 35-105, Sigma 28-200
positive:	Very good sharpness. Nice and small. Depth of field and low light capability.
negative:	Fixed focus, at an awkward focal length for the digital format. Edge sharpness could be better.
comment:	I have tested this, and the lenses listed, using the Koren, 2003, (5mm) test charts to determine the resolution based on the MTF-50 criterion. 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). (50/8/168/90), (50/4.0/204/97), (50/2.8/189/86), (50/17/104/47). My understanding of photo resolution quality is: >150 lpi=excellent, >110 lpi=very good, >80 lpi=good. http://www.geocities.com/royanddee/lens_test_results_mtf50.htm

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: madcat207 review date: April-24-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony Kit Lens Tamron 28-300 XR LD IF Minolta 28-135 4-4.5
price paid:	$40 (XX), $50 (reg)
positive:	Compact Light Fast Cheap
negative:	Some samples can have poorer build quality (see comments). Can be too small for some people to hold comfortably.
comment:	First off, I want to say i have two of these lenses. One is the early crossed XX design, and one is a later, but still original edition. Despite being technically the same, the two lenses are actually different. However, i will discuss that in a second. Both lenses do share the same optics, which are needless to say, beautiful. This lens can take some great shots, even in low light.Even better, is that this lens can be had for so cheap (perfect examples can be had on fleabay for less than $100). There is no reason why this lens is not in every photographer's bag. However, as i mentioned, there are build differences between lenses, depending on age. My XX version is near first production, having a serial of 1,XXX,XXX (the later model is 16,XXX,XXX). On the original model, the focus helicoid (the part that moves forward and back) is machined metal - this gives the focus an incredibly smooth feel. On the later version however, they made this helicoid out of plastic, and it shows in the feeling of the zoom; it feels cheap compared to the XX. If i had never felt the plastic version, I would have given a 5 for build. Regardless, there is no reason for not having this lens (be it an original, RS, or Sony). If you can, get the earliest version you can find, since it may be better built.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: The Shoeman review date: April-14-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 35/2 Minolta 85/1.4
price paid:	40.00 USD (used)
positive:	Sharp, compact, fast, consistant quality.
negative:	Almost too small. Not as nice as some of my other lenes so not much use lately.
comment:	Nice lens. Very common and everyone either has one or should get one. They are cheap and very sharp. For the money you will spend on this lens, it will be a great investment.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 3	user: danieljansson review date: April-14-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
positive:	sharpness bokeh very light and small fast
negative:	tiny focus ring
comment:	I love this lens and use it for most of my indoor shooting. It is very fast but a tad soft wide open. When I crank it up to f/4 - f/5 it shows what it's capable of regarding sharpness. The bokeh is very nice and pleasing to look at. It's pretty sensitive to flares I have noticed, specially when having candles lit the scene. Also the tiny focus ring bothers me from time to time when I can't seem to find it. Hence 3 on build rating. Overall an excellent lens that I will always have in my bag.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: DavidB review date: April-07-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	20 f2.8 24 f2.8 28-135 f4/4.5 100 f2.8 macro
price paid:	?-With 9000
positive:	Sharp, fast lens. Very economical. Low distortion. Maybe more useful as a digital portrait/low light lens.
negative:	I haven't really used this lens that much, as I shoot a lot of macro and landscape. The 50 view, being close to the human eye perspective with film, looks rather ordinary.
comment:	There are so many reviews here of this lens that I feel kind of redundant adding one, but I wanted to finish off the reviews of all the lenses I currently own, and this is one of them. Prime lenses supplied with 35mm cameras are almost universally good and economical due to the lack of engineering challenge and the economies of scale which make them so affordable.

sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: eldonito review date: April-03-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta AF 28 F2 Minolta AF 70-210 F4 (beercan) Sigma EX DG 85 F1.4 HSM Cosina 100 F3.5 macro Nikon 50/1.8 AF D
price paid:	60 GBP (used)
positive:	Wide aperture Compact Fast focus Lightweight
negative:	Soft/hazy wide open Harsh bokeh Impractical focus ring
comment:	My first lens after the kit, its low-light capabilities were very impressing and used it all the time indoors. However, its shortcomings became obvious when I started comparing it with other lenses (some of them much more expensive): Soft at 1.7, but noticeable improvement from f/2.2 onward. Super-sharp by F/4. The bokeh can be harsh, with bright highlights around out-of-focus discs. After replacing it with the 28/2 for indoors and the Cosina 100/3.5 & Sigma 85/1.4 for portraits, it has lost much of its use to me.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: AlexDynax review date: March-29-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Tokina AF 2,6-2,8/28-70 AT-X PRO + others
price paid:	80 USD
positive:	excellent lens
negative:
comment:	excellent lens for portraits, because with my Maxxum7D it becomes 75mm and that's great for portraits, with open use. Alex

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: alex66 review date: March-24-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	18-70minolta(kit) 28-70 f2.6/2.8 tokina 28-200 sigma 18-55 canon 50 1.8 canon
price paid:	L30 used
positive:	Small light cheep 49mm filter. fairly sharp
negative:
comment:	This lens makes a great portrait lens however I found I was using the Tokina 28-70 a lot more due to its greater versatility, but due to getting another cam have been using it more combined with a 24mm on a D100. It is sharp enough for me and works well on a 5d. However the Canon 50mm does to me seem a better lens (but my copy was stolen) For the price its a massive bargain.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Stueyman review date: March-22-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony Kit Lens, 70-210 f4.5 - 5.6
price paid:	10 GBP
positive:	SOOOOOO CHEAP! Sharp, good build, colours, bokeh, 1.7
negative:	None so far
comment:	Love this little gem! Got it for a steal at my local camera shop (half price sale), still getting used to the really shall dof on the bigger apertures. Buy one - you wont regret it!

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: fmajor review date: March-21-07
	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 AF 70-210mm F4 Minolta AF 35-70mm F4 Minolta AF 28-85mm F3.5-4.5
price paid:	35 USD Like new
positive:	- Sharp - Excellent bokeh - "Fast" aperture - Excellent build quality - CHEAP! CHEAP! CHEAP! - Great focal length on APS-C sensor
negative:	- Small manual focus ring - Hood design
comment:	EDIT: 18Nov2008 - Though my evaluation of it stands, i sold this lens about 3 months ago. I really wanted wide-angle capability and this lens, while a great performer, wasn't what i needed. I also want the flexibility of a greater focal range from a high quality zoom which ultimately would make this lens redundant. INITIAL REVIEW: I have had this lens for over a year and simply don't use it enough. Everytime i do use it, i say to myself, "WOW, this lens is SO good! Why don't i use it more often?". Also, the colors (both "in focus" and bokeh) are truly outstanding. This is legendary Minolta quality and the primary reason why i stick with Minolta lenses (and possibly the Minolta/Sony A-mount camera line) - unrivaled color rendition, contrasty and sharp. On my Minolta(konica) Maxxum 7D, the focal length becomes 75mm and is very nice for portraiture. Focusing with this lens is both fast and accurate - especially in natural light conditions. There are lenses that are truly superb - "professional grade", but that level of quality usually comes with a steep price tag - and justifiably so. Though this lens isn't quite up to "professional grade" standards (f1.4 and faster), it's a great performer nonetheless.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: lazycat review date: March-20-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	- KM 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 - KM 28-75 f2.8 - KM 17-35 f2.8-4
price paid:	70 Euro (used in good condition)
positive:	- Fast AF - Sharpness - Bokeh
negative:	- Small MF Ring - 75mm in 1.5x Sensor :((
comment:	A Perfect Lens for everyone who wants to learn the Basic of Photography, specially about DOF and Image Quality.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: stickbreitling review date: March-19-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 28-80/3.5-5.6 Sigma 17-70/2.8-4.5
price paid:	50GBP
positive:	Cheap! Excellent low light performance Light Sharp with nice bokeh
negative:	Integrated lens hood is a waste Lens cap keeps flying off, when I brush past something
comment:	An excellent lens for those who consider the 50/1.4 too expensive. Bokeh is very nice and pictures are very sharp. I use this for low light photography. It makes great one/two person portraits in darkly lit restaurants. Partnered with a wide prime (e.g. the 20mm or 24mm), the two provide a very high quality walkabout set without breaking the bank or your back! A worthy addition to anyone's lens collection. Only consider the 50/1.4 if your photography demands that extra stop and you have the extra cash, otherwise this is a perfect substitute.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: yariv review date: March-17-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 28-135 f/4-4.5
price paid:	35 USD (Used) In Mint Condition
positive:	Sharp ,Lightweight, Fast AF bright, Cheap, colors, bokeh Solid Build, DOF, f/1.7
negative:	May get "Sticky" Aperture blades
comment:	I like this lens so much - I bought it twice ... First Copy I bought had a "Sticky" Aperture blades - Check carefully Before you buy a used Lens. You can test Aperture Operations with the DOF button. The Lens is Very Sharp. Small and Lightweight - But Yet, Solid Build. Fast AF even in bad lighting environments (f/1.7) This is a MUST HAVE LENS for all KN and SONY

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Wakaluba review date: March-07-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	all or nothing
price paid:	forgotten
positive:	High quality
negative:	none
comment:	it' a very fine lens!

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: nikola_konsulov review date: March-07-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 24-135mm f2.8-4.5 Aspherical IF
positive:	The lens is Bright. AF is fast. Sharp from f2.8 onward. It is substantial in its build.
negative:	The lens hood isn't the best, but it does work nonetheless if you don't use a filter being that the front element is recessed quite a bit from the front edge of the lens.
comment:	This lens definitely delivers if you ask me. Fast auto focus, bright aperture and excellent build. The lens is sharp to be sure. Though, it is soft wide open at f1.7, but still quite usable. The corners are soft until 2.8 when the frame starts to even out. From f4 and onward softness at the corners and edges are not an issue. Though, I prefer zooms for their versatility; this lens can perform and hold its own. Best used from f2.8. Shrapness rating of 4.5 given for the range starting at f2.8. Otherwise, I would have the give the lens a sharpness rating of 4 due to the poor corner and edge perfromance at wider apertures.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: Looleylaylow review date: February-23-07
	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
price paid:	$89 USD (used)
positive:	- Stunning IQ - Gorgeous color - Fast and bright
negative:	None
comment:	This lens should be in every Minolta/Sony lineup. First use after using pretty much anything else (and particularly after using the kit lens) is breathtaking. This lens is sharp at all apertures, but 1.7 takes some getting used to (and a subject on a pretty narrow plane) as the DOF is quite dramatic, making focusing a challenge. The only downside to this lens is the potential for flare, particularly as you'll be tempted to use it to shoot candle-lit stuff (and rightly so). The built-in lens hood isn't particularly helpful. This lens can make you second guess using shooting with any other normal or short-telephoto lens.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: bracket review date: February-19-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	50/2.8 Macro RS
price paid:	approx 60 EUR
positive:	sharp, bright, light, small
negative:	built-in hood not very usable
comment:	Bought in a kit with Minolta 7000 AF and 100-200/4.5 for a total of 120 EUR. So paid around 60 EUR for this lens. It is usable wide open and becoming sharp from a f/2 being very sharp at f/2.4. With the crop factor it is an awesome portrait lens. Great for shooting indoor portraits with available light and outdoors it is good for it's smooth out of focus backgrounds. Outdoors it could be replaced by the 50/2.8, but for low light/indoor it can't be beaten. If you don't have it, get it. For the price you will nowhere else get as much lens...

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: nemethp review date: February-17-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	KM 18-70 kit lens KM 28-100 d
price paid:	65 usd (used)
positive:	Great DOF, Built like a tank, love the sharpness
negative:	The hood is pretty worthless, and I have issues with the AF under low light. It has a tendancy to pick the wrong item.
comment:	This is the first prime lens that I purchased and I was a little worried that the 75mm (after the 1.5X) would be a little too much zoom but it has been working out perfect. Love the speed and for the price you can't go wrong with this lens.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: 3rd time lucky review date: February-09-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	28-80 kit lens Tokina AT-X AF Pro 17 f3.5 Minolta 35 f2 Phoenix 100 f3.5 Minolta 75-300
price paid:	70 USD (used)
positive:	Small. Lightweight. Sharp. Fast AF.
negative:	Manual focus ring too small. Built in hood might as well not be there.
comment:	My most used lens, great for taking portraits of the kids. I use a collapsible rubber hood to avoid flare, this makes the small manual focus ring even harder to find but then I use AF 99% of the time anyway. A must have lens, especially at the price.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 5	user: Maffe review date: February-07-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Takumar 50/1.4 50/2.8D 28-70G
positive:	Light, small, fast AF
negative:	Silly hood. Prone to get "Sticky" Aperture blades
comment:	Little soft wide open. Fast AF Light, easy to fit in any bag. This old style 50/1.7 is prone to get "Sticky" Aperture blades, so check this before you buy one.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: hotwire review date: February-07-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	60 CAD (used)
positive:	Cheap! Why are you still reading this?
negative:	Focus ring on MinO lenses tends to suck
comment:	Unless you have a 50/1.4 already, you should have this lens in your kit. It can be had for cheap used! I mean it, if you don't have this lens in your kit by the time you finish reading this sentence, you need help.

sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: jvc2000 review date: February-04-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	M24-85 F3.5-4.5 old 18-70 F3.5-5.6 DT M100-200 F4.5
price paid:	100 USD (used)
positive:	Lightweight, Very sharp, good colour, not expensive, built in hood (although some people do not like it)
negative:	Look plastic.
comment:	This is my only Minolta prime lens and i love it because it is very light, fast focus, good colour, sharp and very cheap.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: roman review date: February-03-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 24-105mm
price paid:	70 USD (used)
positive:	- sharpness - colors
negative:	bokeh
comment:	Really fantastic lens for portraits! Fantastic quality and very cheap, a must lens for every one. Just would like to get better bokeh, it's little harsh, especially when you have something like grass on your background.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Xusqui review date: February-03-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	99€ (2nd hand)
positive:	Lightweigh, Portrait, sharpness, Lightness
negative:	Hood? Which hood? ;)
comment:	Incredible lens!!!!! The best one I owe. Great for portrait.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: g.r.f. review date: February-01-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 24-60 EX DG Beercan
price paid:	25€
positive:	Sharp Light
negative:	strange hood
comment:	Love this lens, it's my only prime and has a little fungus in but but this doesn't show on the pictures. it's very sharp and everone should have one !

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: nathan_68 review date: January-26-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 28-300 Tamron 70-300
price paid:	80 € (used)
positive:	- sharpness - very light and compact - colours
negative:	- a little bit soft wide open
comment:	It's the perfect standard lens for almost everyday situation. I shoot both digital and film and results are always very good / excellent. I like the colours, that kind of special effect that pops the subject out of the picture. Sharpness is a little bit soft wide open, but for that price, what do you want more? And from f/4 it's very very sharp. I gave 5 for flare because in all my shots I have never seen this defect - maybe I haven't challenged enough the lens, but so far it's perfect, both indoor and outdoor shooting.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: chubbyislander review date: January-26-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	71USD (used)
positive:	Very sharp and clear in low light situations. Very good portraits.
negative:	Wished the barrel is little longer
comment:	My very first Minolta prime for my 7D (previously 5D). This one really got me hooked primes. It's a little bit out of proportion when used on a 7D: big body, short lens. But it's manageable... As I said after looking at the shots taken with this lens of my friend's wife portrait during their wedding... GOD BLESS PRIMES... please have a look at the portrait i am proud of..great model great lens http://www.flickr.com/photos/chubbyislander/302610774/in/set-72157594385468327/

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: Silver surfer review date: January-07-07
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	sigma 28-80mm asf Minolta 35-70mm kitlens
price paid:	75usd
positive:	bokeh sharpness colour contrast
negative:	some minor nibbles
comment:	Sometimes you come across a lense, that fills in most of your needs. For me, this is one of those lenses. The Minolta 50mm f1.7 most of the time is my lens on the camera to shoot the subject. Portret, family, street, it suits my artistic needs most of the time, although it is just a fixed focal. And for a fixed focal it is so great! Most of my precious photo's are shot with the Minolta 50mm f1.7 lens! You can play with the great bokeh and sharpness. Also In low light situations, like inside or outside the house, the lens performes very, very well with f1.7 through f3.2. The colour rendition is of the hook, because it is near neutral! In raw mode you can play with post processing unlimited. A month after the purhase I bought a rubber sun hood for the lens. A must have, because the built in sun hood is really no sun hood to rely on. Sometimes I put my fingers around the a1 filter, instead of the focus ring, when trying to focus with the fingers. Why, because the focus ring is a very small ring. The focus ring could therefore be more presentable, like being bigger and larger. Overall the lens is sharp, whether at f1.7, f5.6, f11, it really doesn't matter. It is a real performance lens and it will be kept close when going on photo shoot, because it keeps going on to surprise me positively on and on every time!

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	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 RS KM 18-70
positive:	Sharp! Fast. Small. Cheap. Integrated round hood.
negative:	Integrated round hood.
comment:	A lens everyone should have! It's got everything. The integrated hood isn't of very much use, it's very small, I tried it with the 70-210/4-hood and it gave no apparent vignetting (On APS-C). The good thing is you always have the hood with you.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: terrylloydsmith review date: December-27-06
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	19 USD LN
positive:	Very Sharp Nice colors
negative:	Small focus Ring
comment:	This is a wonderful lens. Performance can't be faulted in any way but I wish the focus ring were larger. Made very nicely with quality materials. Get one.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: dr34mc4st3r review date: December-26-06
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	- KM 18-70
price paid:	120 SGD (used)
positive:	- best bang for your buck - sharpness is great - AF is quick
negative:	- a bit long on digital cameras
comment:	every minolta dslr/slr user should have one of these. period. the perfect portrait lens for me

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: almassengale review date: December-26-06
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 30mm f 1.4, Sigma 105 mm f 2.8
price paid:	70.00 (Used)
positive:	Fast AF, great color, great details, great low light performance, tack sharp, and CHEAP!
negative:	Small manual focusing ring, some issues with flare.
comment:	I've had this lens for a few months for my Sony A100 but only started to use it over the Christmas holidays. I wish i'd used it earlier. Awesome lens. Great color, superfast AF, great performance in indoor low light conditions, nice pictures even wide-open, and great bokeh. The only real issue with it is the small focusing ring. Not a pleasure at all to manually focus which is a shame with this sort of lens especially compared to something like my Sigma 30mm f 1.4 which has a much bigger and better damped ring. Still that is just nitpicking. I couldn't possibly ask for better optical performance considering I picked it up for $70 on Ebay.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: mark victor review date: December-22-06
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	$ 50 USD
positive:	Sharp/ very fast/ very very nice color/ super fast Auto focus/ extremely cheap
negative:	none
comment:	I know 1.4 is a little nicer but this one has faster AF speed and much smaller price tag. Pick up one from ebay or ;ocal store whenever you can. Mine is the XX version.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 3 build: 4 distortion: 3 flare control: 5	user: Aresee 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:	KM 18-70 Sigma 28-200 Sigma 24-135
price paid:	$45
positive:	Sharp prime lens Lightweight, small size Good for low light
negative:	Does not always work well with flash DOF must be considered carefully
comment:	It is a great addition to every digital user. It is one of the sharpest of my lenses. I would say this is a must have lens.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: mipr review date: December-08-06
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	kit lens, beercan, 24-105/3.5-4.5
price paid:	255 PLN (used)
positive:	Fast, sharp, great for portraits (on APSC).
negative:	75mm on APSC
comment:	A must-have for all a-mount-ians. I took some great portraits with it.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: georgiaboy review date: December-05-06
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	35-70 f4 18-70 kit 35-105 f4.5 70-210 f4 Tamron 90 sp macro 50 1.7RS Tamron 75-300 LD Tamron 28-200 XR II
price paid:	139 usd new 1986
positive:	Beautiful lens when used on both film and digital. Have used it extensively for 20 years. You will have a hard time beating it with any lens at any price. Super clarity, fast AF, good balance on 5D and A100, I simply love this old puppy. Same feel as beercan, basically same era.
negative:	Slighty noisy AF action. Some flare, get a good collapsable hood.
comment:	If you have the 50 1.4 you might ignore this review. If you don't then go right now to Ebay before they get really stupid with the price and get one while it's still about 50-60 usd. Hurry!! Do it now, you will not regret the purchase of a beautiful portriat lens on you Sonolta DSLR.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Logan review date: November-22-06
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 50mm f:2.8 Macro
price paid:	75€ on ebay (used)
positive:	Sharpened fast focus so light
negative:	manual focus is difficult lens hood isn't the best!
comment:	I love it because is fast and light, and f:1.7 is fantastic. Anyway, since i have Sigma 50mm f:2.8 Macro, i use Minolta 50mm f:1.7 few times because the sigma is better and much usuful (but it's heavy!!!), for me ;)

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: tnagy review date: November-20-06
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Pentacon auto 50/1.8 kit lens 18-70
price paid:	100USD
positive:	Fast, sharp, very sharp from 2.8
negative:
comment:	Very good deal, nice bokeh, sharp and fast standard lens, a must have. Wide open a bit soft, ideal for portraits.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 3	user: VainHedonism review date: November-13-06
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	kit lens, KM 28-75 2.8
price paid:	80 USD used
positive:	light cheap sharp when stopped down very good lowlight capabilities
negative:	near useless built in hood some ghosting when used with a UV filter and strong backlighting elements
comment:	perfect for portraiture and low light shooting. really indispensible considering the price and size. slightly soft wide open which makes for nice portraits, sharpens up nicely when stopped down.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: dogears review date: October-18-06
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 100-200/4.5 Minolta 70-210/4 'beercan'
price paid:	~50
positive:	Sharp Cheap f/1.7 - is there when you need it =)
negative:	None
comment:	I've been using this lens to shoot my kids and my dogs and its really sharp (stoppeddown) and the colors are very nice. Great for portrait shots as well. Normally, shots from this lens are great straight from the cam - much like the beercan and 100-200/4.5. Last night, I found it a perfect match with the 5D in extreme situation (basketball court with poor lighting :P ). I was forced to use ISO setting 3200 while shooting our basketball tournament.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Petko review date: October-18-06
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50/1.8
price paid:	$80 (used)
positive:
negative:
comment:	This is a very good lens. Well built and sharp enough with the typical warm colors of a minolta glass. It doesn't outperform though the literally superb Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50/1.8 that I use with an m42 adapter on my KM 7D.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: DaveK review date: October-13-06
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	18 - 70 Kit Sony 28 F2.8 70 - 200 F4 (Beercan) 75 - 300 F4.5 - 5.6 Sigma 90 2.8 Macro
price paid:	110 Euro
positive:	Sharp, Sharp, Sharp Great Minolta colours Nice Bokeh
negative:	can't think of one, perhaps the price (but it's worth it)
comment:	It's an 20 years (!) old lens, but I love it! On the Alpha 100 it's a great lens. Very sharp, very solid and rather cheap (compared to a new one). It's travels with me all the time. I think this lens is 'a must have'! If you don't have one, get one (soon, before it's too late...)! Not hard to find on Ebay, but the prices are gettin' up.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: mudslinger review date: October-04-06
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	KM 50/1.4 (Original) KM 24-105 (D) @ 50mm
price paid:	$75 (used)
positive:	- Sharp sharp sharp! - Nice bokeh - Great color - Price!
negative:	- Nothing
comment:	I LOVE this little prime! Perfect for portrait work, providing nice sharpness, color and great bokeh. Because there is such a high supply of these lenses available, the price isn't effected that much by the demand. I also have the KM 50/1.4; however, I did not notice a big enough difference to warrant the higher price of the KM 50/1.4. The 50/1.7 easily outperforms the 24-105 @ 50mm. This is one lense that I will never sale. LOVE IT!

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: jeep review date: September-26-06
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Canon 50mm compact macro
price paid:	L45(new)
positive:	Good performance
negative:	At the price none really
comment:	I've had this lens some time and used it on a 7000i, 9xi, Sony A100, A900, I can't really fault it for the £40.00 I paid when it was new.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Watty review date: September-26-06
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	28-105xi, Sigma 35-80, 35-200xi
price paid:	L41 sterling (s/h)
positive:	A great lens, why can't they all be like this?
negative:	A bit long with the A100
comment:	I've become a slave to the zoom lens, which is a shame because this is a cracking performer. Sadly, unless I'm taking statics it gets left in the camera bag as most of my action work is relatively close up.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Kolbe review date: September-19-06
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	kit lense 18-70
price paid:	70€ Used
positive:	A fantastic lens, sharp sharp and sharp, and well build
negative:	If I should mention anything negativ, it can only be the tiny manual focus ring, and maybe the lack of lense hood, the build in is not always ok
comment:	This is my reference lense, if you don't have one, get it

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: TheBeej review date: September-19-06
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP: