Minolta  AF 70-200 F2.8 APO G D SSM  reviews

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: tsanyi123   review date: August-25-09  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

1600 EUR

positive:

great G lens
amazing colours
fast SSM focusing
internal focusing system
filter doesn't rotate while focusing and zooming
build quality
great hood with polarizing filter window!!!
tripod collar
3 focus hold button!!!
focus range limiter

negative:

comment:

It's the best of best lens what I've ever been in my hands!!!
It's very good for nature, sports events and portraits, too.
Very expensive, but it's worth to have!!!!!!
Highly recommended!!!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: walti   review date: April-20-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

80-200 HS

price paid:

1450 EUR (mint)

positive:

Almost everything

negative:

A metal hood will be a plus

comment:

A real pro lens in all ways, price and weight included.
Stunning on A700, but does his better on film D7
It's beyond the limits of focusing capabilities of the 7D, that works better with 80-200 (IMHO)

Worths all pennies I've payed for.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: donalf   review date: January-29-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

minolta 17/35g minolta 28/75d

price paid:

1400 euros

positive:

everything

negative:

expensive

comment:

this lens is so good it really should not be compared to any other if you want to be critical it is possibly a bit slower than the 80/200g but then you could not compare the quality i do hope the more expensive sony one is as good

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: jostony   review date: September-30-07  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

75-300 f/4.5-5.6
100-300 f/4.5-5.6 Apo

positive:

Excellent build quality,
optical performance, bokeh and silent, fast accurate focusing.

negative:

My ability !

comment:

I have dreamed and longed for this lens for so long I can hardly believe my patience has been rewarded. Now that I have one I take so much pleasure just looking at it and holding it!
I reinforce every positive comment written about it and hope my ability improves to do justice to this wonderfully engineered lens.

It looks great, feels great and makes you feel happy taking pictures.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: tankm   review date: July-18-07  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 80-200 f2.8 HS

positive:

Sharp
Color
Bokeh
Quiet
3 focus-hold button
Removable tripod collar

negative:

Expensive
Not fully compatible with third party TC.
Focus speed "feel" slower than the 80-200 2.8 HS.

comment:

The AF speed seems to "feel" slightly slower than the 80-200 HS. This lens is the answer to the 80-200 HS limitation. In term of IQ, both are very close and identical.

Even though it can use Minolta TC, you can only used the latest "D" model from Minolta or the SONY to be fully compatible with this lens. It's hard to find 2nd hand Minolta "D" TC and the SONY is expensive. If you intend to use a TC with this lens, don't forget to factor in the additional cost of a NEW TC. Kenko Pro 300 1.4x TC and other 3rd party 1.4x TC although can be mounted, will cause AF hunting but it will lock focus eventually. 3rd party 2x TC when used with this lens will not be able to lock focus.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: caporip   review date: June-15-07  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

beercan Sigma 70-210 2.8

price paid:

part of package

positive:

absolutely everything. from first time i put this on the camera its class just hits out at you. my only regret is not getting one earlier.

negative:

Cost!

comment:

I can only echo whats been said about this lens already - a joy to use and results are fantastic. Im not sure how the sony version compares but if you can afford this one (or even if you cant) get it.

So far ive only tried it on relatively static subjects but will be looking to put it through its paces at Goodwood festival of speed.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Lu1970   review date: May-28-07  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

Sharpness at all aperture
Fast AF
Professional Look

negative:

Oh, yes, price and weight but....
it's really a Pro lens!

comment:

Really great lens, smooth and fast AF, perfect both in digital and in film.
Great Sharpness, in pair of my 100 macro, creamy bokeh, picture take with this lens need really small adjustment in PP.
This lens was with me in my last trip to Laos, Cambogia and Thailan...the weight is remarkable, the pictures are unbelievable. Always in my bag!
Must have!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Reto   review date: March-27-07  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 200/2.8 HS G

positive:

quiet focusing
excellent IQ

negative:

price

comment:

This is simply the benchmark zoom lens for the a-mount. If I take more then one lens with me when going somewhere, this is one of them. The only weak point in its excellent performance is that is loses some sharpness at f2.8 and f3.2. Any trace of this is gone by f4. But mind you, even below f4 it's still a better lens then most others, most of which couldn't even work at that aperture.

I wish there was a constant f2.8/full frame zoom in the 20ish-60/70ish range with the same image quality as this lens... I'm truly hoping for the upcoming Zeiss/Sony 24-70/2.8 for this.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: mark victor   review date: March-19-07  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

80-200 HS G
70-210/4

price paid:

$1000 ( Like New)

positive:

AF: Very fast, Precise, No hunt at all, extremely quiet.

Best Bokeh you can get, well build, nice flare control, Sharp Sharp Sharp thru out the range at wide open (F2.8). Minolta Badged and very practical min focus distance. It accept the APO TC while the older version does not.

negative:

Expensive and almost no way to find a second hand copy.
Focus speed may be slower than the 80-200 G HS version

comment:

Best beast you can find in this range. I had the 80-200 G and the beercan. I actually found the SSM focus speed is slower than the 80-200 G HS version. Image quality and bokeh are top notch. Very quiet and no hunt most of the time. I am so happy that I got mine for around $1000 dollars. Get one if you can.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: micahtd   review date: February-19-07  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Nothing compares

price paid:

1500 USD (new)

positive:

The best lens I own. Fantastic photo quality, sharpness, color, contrast, bokeh. Everything is top notch. Extremely fast focusing.

negative:

A little heavy, but to be expected for this type of lens. Expensive $$$

comment:

This is a phenominal lens, I can't say enough possitive things about it. The DMF control is very convenient if the lens starts hunting for focus, the focus limiter is also a nice feature. The best part is the ssm focusing, it is almost silent and fast.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: urra   review date: October-01-06  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

Sharp, fast, silent, bokeh

negative:

Not so far

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: khalid   review date: September-19-06  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 75-300
Tamron 28-75/2.8

positive:

Color quality, fast focus
Bokesh

negative:

Heavy

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Cekari   review date: May-21-06  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

M AF 70-210 / 4
M AF 85 / 1.4 APO G D
M AF 100 / 2.8 Macro

price paid:

$2,980 new sweden

positive:

Sharp (even beats most primes)
AF speed
Silent AF
Bokeh
Color
Removable tripod collar

negative:

Heavy, not for a dayly wakaround.
Price, but it's worth every cent

comment:

Absolutly the best lens I have ever had and probably will have.
Very sharp at 2.8 and after that almost nothing beats it, (22) and 32 not very good tho but on what long zooms are they?

Even with the M 2x APO (D) converter it's very sharp steped down 1 step and at 2 steps it's back to almost razor sharp even tho AF performance degreads some with it on, not he actual speed but kind of hit and miss at 200mm and real f at 5.6.
Wish i could get my hands on the 1.4 version too.

With a 24-70 (or wider) lens and this lens, the 2x converter and a set of extension tubes you are good to go from wideangle to 400(600)mm down to serius macro (yes, this great lens do very great at even closer distances than it's 1.2m which isn't bad itself).
Se test here: http://www.dyxum.com/dforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4071

If you fail with this lens it's either you or the camera as the lens is perfect ... period :)

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: agetan   review date: March-30-06  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

80-200 f2.8 APO G HS, 85mm f1.4 G.

positive:

Sharp Sharp Sharp, Colour is very neutral, removable tripod collar.

negative:

Long waiting list

comment:

Having using 80-200 f2.8 APO G HS for last 3 years, I am very please with the result. I was a bit reluctant at start to buy this lens because I wasn't think that the improvement will be great.

I was wrong in some sense. The AF is much responsive and the lens is for some reason easier to use. It is dead silent. I don't think it has faster AF, but very responsive and lock in focus better than previous version.

I love every aspect of this lens... recently, I went out and tested this lens on an event. Here is the link to the images took with this lens.. http://www.pbase.com/hartanto_tan/mardi_gras_06

The image quality is really stunning with very lovely bokeh.

The fact that it change the min focus distance from 1.8m to 1.2m is great!!

The lens hood is great with the opening which you can use your polariser.

Just my opinion.


Here is more detail photos of the lens...
http://www.pbase.com/hartanto_tan/minolta_70200_ssm

*just for courtesy, please let me know if you are using or keeping any photos from my gallery for your own use. Happy to let you use it, but please kindly let me know.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: purenrg17   review date: March-13-06  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

80-200G

positive:

silent focus. Sharpness on 2.8, Awesome circular bokeh, Clearness of the image. Great out focusing.

negative:

Quite Heavy, Pricy tag.

comment:

I have tried several G series and so far this is my very best buy in my Minolta History. I had 80-200G but it was little soft on 2.8 and can not compare to this one. As what I learned, 70-200G 2.8 SSM used a little different lense construction which they brought the lens design concepts from the Minolta 85 1.4G Limited Version. (only 700 units manufactured and the price tag is at US3000)

Very sharp! Very quiet, Very clear. Also, I confirmed with some Minolta Experts that this one is dust & weather proof.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: catlady   review date: March-05-06  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

7-210 f4

positive:

sharp
fast (max aperture and focus)
beautiful bokeh
no CA I can see
superb engineering

negative:

heavy

comment:

I bought this to replace the 70-210 which though really good just isn't quite fast enough. This G lens is the best bit of glassware I have ever seen; the price you pay is the weight of it. Thank the stars for AS! Also, it definitely has a learning curve (and I'm still learning).
I originally marked it down slightly for flare control. Now I've tried using the hood properly :-) my error.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: H_K_F   review date: January-02-06  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Tamron 70-200 f2.8 LD.
I bought this lens before the SSM was released. In term of sharpness, Tamron may appear a touch sharper on edge; colorwise just pale in comparsion... not enough color information in highlight area, mid-tone too red to give a "rosy" cheek: very "artificial". Slow focusing and eat up battaries. Sold it right the way after the release of SSM.

positive:

Very sharp lens with creamy background.
Silent and fast focusing.
Best lens in this class.

negative:

Expensive.

comment:

Simply the best, works well with a 1.4x(D).

The more I work with this lens, the better I like it.

Color rendition of this lens is slightly different from 85 f1.4G & 300 f2.8G; it seems creamier and the other 2 feel a little punchier. May give a false sense of softness; the details are indeed very sharp even at f2.8.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: celltech161   review date: December-27-05  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

You must own to appreciate this lens. Awesome sharpness, bokeh.

negative:

Lens hood is a must - or else Aunt Flare pays you a visit.

comment:

My sample seems a dash soft at f2.8, but snaps back into top-notch sharpness at f4. The shapness and bokeh of this lens is tops, second only to the 85mm f1.4G(D).

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: brettania   review date: October-30-05  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sigma 70-200 APO EX
Minolta 70-210 f4
Minolta 85 f1.4
Minolta 100 macro

price paid:

NZ$3550 (new)

positive:

Superb sharpness and build -- like the 85G at its best apertures
Quietness of a/f action
Wide open performance
Great bokeh

negative:

On the heavy side
You have to watch DOF at closer distances
Needs the hood for flare control which makes it long

comment:

Overall, it is just a brilliant lens. I used to say that the 100 macro was the last lens I would do without, but despite the 70-200s weight and length I now believe it to be the best of all my lenses.
I do not have a lens that requires so little processing work to get top quality reproduction.
Needs the hood for good flare control (but most lenses do).
I have recently used it with a Sony 2x tcon, and/or with tubes and thus increased its versatility without compromising too much of its best qualities.
-- Updated 1.05.07

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Pepos   review date: October-26-05  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta AF 100 F2.8 Macro(D)
Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar 24-70mm F2,8 SSM
Sony AF 50 F1.4(D)

positive:

Sharpnes,bokeh

negative:

price

comment:

Here is more detail photos of the lens:
http://www.pepos.foto24.cz/Zoologicke_zahrady/Jihlava/index.htm

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Jovi   review date: October-11-05  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

Sharpnes,color fidelity

negative:

weight, price

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: aarif   review date: October-11-05  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

Sharp very Fast quiet beautiful silky bokeh

negative:

weight size and (price)

comment:

Negative: I dont want to use any of my other lenses.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: jurci   review date: August-14-05  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

Very nive out-of-focus boukeh
Ultra razor sharp
quiet and fast and accurate AF

negative:

Weight

comment: