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

lifeispixels#9928 date: Feb-13-2012
sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 overall: 4.3	tested on: film camera: APS-C: 6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP; 16MP; 20MP; 24MP full frame: 12MP; 24MP; 36MP; 42MP; 61MP
ownership:	I own this lens
compared to:	Minolta 28-105mm f3.5-4.5 RS
price paid:	missing
positive:	Very good range on full frame, ok on APSC. f4.5 at 105mm. ADI compatible. light weight.
negative:	Plasticky body. Renders less appealing images than Minolta 28-105 version. Ok bokeh
comment:	A good choice for both APSC and full frame that covers usable range from 24mm to 105mm. However if I do not need that extra 4mm at wide end, I'd rather go out with Minolta 28-105mm f3.5-4.5 instead. While 24-105mm is sharp and has vivid colors, it tends to render the images that look dry and has less dimensions and appeal compared to Minolta 28-105mm f3.5-4.5. Also the 28-105mm has better build quality, bigger and more solid in hands despite its shorter range. The thing I like most about 24-105mm is its light weight that balances better with a light camera body like A55. In conclusion, it's a good lens and can deliver good results. No doubt about it. However there are just so many alternatives in this range, especially for APSC, that will make you question if you really this. See my photos with Minolta 24-105 and 28-105 RS on my Flickr collection at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lifeispixels/collections/72157628204412995/