Samples: Minolta Vectis 50mm f/3.5 Macro

The four AF 50 macros are as described by Neil above, but it's worth noting that the three f2.8s are all different in something more than styling (though that does change with each model).

The 1985 version is the plain lens, thin ribbed plastic focus ring, turns while auto-focusing.

The 1993 RS (officially New) version, slightly wider rubber focus grip (turns while auto-focusing), focus limiter and control button (focus hold originally but programmable to any many functions with digital bodies).

The 2001 D Much wider focus grip, focus clutch so it does not turn during AF and ADI functionality and hence the 8-pin connector. Focus limiter and control button.

They may be optically identical (with possible coating improvements), but there are good reasons for getting the newer versions.

The Sony added no new features to the Minolta D.

There was a similar progression with the 100mm macro, though the first version already had a focus limiter so the RS is not such a step forward (just the added control button).

And here are some handheld macros taken on an A7 III yesterday

5


6


7


#5 is full sensor uncropped, #6 is full sensor with a small crop, and #7 original is cropped to APS-C and then further to achieve 64:27 (itself narrower than the 3:1 Panorama mode cropped on an APS negative).

And there's Week 50 coming too!