Minolta AF 24-105mm F3.5-4.5 D A-mount lens review by MostlyHarmless

MostlyHarmless#2083 date: Mar-30-2007
sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 overall: 4	tested on: film camera: APS-C: 6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP; 16MP; 20MP; 24MP full frame: 12MP; 24MP; 36MP; 42MP; 61MP
ownership:	I used to own this lens
compared to:	MinO 28/2 KM 100/2.8D Canon 28-135 3.5-5.6 IS USM
price paid:	369.95 USD (new)
positive:	Great size and range, even with a 1.5x FOV crop Sharp for a zoom
negative:	Not much worth noting - MF with the lens is not pleasant.
comment:	An amazing little performer that gives an unusual but useful range of 36-158 on a 1.5x crop. Balanced perfectly on my 5D. Stopped down to F8 or F11, it'll give you some great results. Ultimately, I ended up selling it because I found the 28/2 spending more time on the lens mount and the 24-105 spending more time in the bag. If you're looking at this lens, also check out the 24-85/3.5-4.5 which by all accounts is just as good optically but is available for much cheaper on the used market. Also, chances are that the 18-70 kit lens (which I regrettably passed up on) may be just as good and give you a better range.