Minolta AF 135mm F2.8 A-mount lens review by damian.bradley

reviewer#780 date: May-12-2006
sharpness: 4
color: 4
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.4
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I have experience with this lens
compared to:100/2
100mm macro
100-200/4.5
70-210 f3.5-4.5
price paid:
missing
positive:- Small
- Nice Bokeh
- Lens hood
- Focus Speed
negative:- Difficult MF ring
- not perfect optically
comment:I've already said lots about this lens in the forum, and others have stated most everything worth stating.

The size of the lens is perhaps its best quality. As the last review states though, the 7D isn't exactly tiny. I'd love thos on a 5D!

I love the built in lens hood...I wish every lens had one of these, it is an underrated feature imho. MF is tough on this lens though with the recessed focus ring. Fortunately AF is very, very fast. Unfortonately it's not as 'accurate' as some. To explain: my 100/2 is slower to focus, but locks on in a single go where the 135/2.8 may hunt. I think this is because the 135 has slightly less contrast.

I did find 135mm to be a bit long for people shots, and a bit short for wildlife (hence the zoom in that range). I thought I'd like it over the 100mm length, but it turned out not to be the case. But that's just my shooting style, your mileage may vary.

It's a little bit soft wide open, does show CA around (for example) blown out highlights.

All in all, very, very highly recommended. None of my gripes are serious, and the reputation of the lens as a wicked performer are totally deserved. Pick one up if you have a chance and like the focal length...you'll like it.

rating summary

lens image
  • total reviews: 139
  • sharpness: 4.69
  • color: 4.92
  • build: 4.65
  • distortion: 4.91
  • flare control: 4.44
  • overall: 4.72
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