Minolta AF 17-35mm F2.8-4 D A-mount lens review by ERH

ERH#8679 date: Feb-20-2011
sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 overall: 4.7	tested on: film camera: APS-C: 6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP; 16MP; 20MP; 24MP full frame: 12MP; 24MP; 36MP; 42MP; 61MP
ownership:	I have experience with this lens
compared to:	SAL 20/2.8 SAL 24/2 SAL 35/1.4G Tamron 28-75/2.8 Tamron 24-135/3.5-5.6
price paid:	400 USD
positive:	Very wide on Full Frame Good sharpness stopped down Colors Light weight
negative:	Distortions (but what lens at 17mm don`t have it?) Vignetting at 17mm Sharpness wideopen
comment:	Bought it for my A850. Used it not so often, liked it in travellings (in Alps it gives breathtaking photos). Liked it lightweightness, colors (really saturated), but to have really sharp corners you need to stop it down to f/7.1...9 (further - diffraction). But if you print not bigger than A4 photos - the sharpness seems to be enough from f/5.6. I sold this lens, when bought Sony 20/2.8, 24/2 and 35/1.4G.