Minolta AF 24-85mm F3.5-4.5 RS A-mount lens review by petesidewalk

petesidewalk#4122 date: Sep-22-2008
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 own this lens
compared to:	K/M 75-300 Big Beercan K/M 35-70 4 Sony 18-70 Kit Lens K/M 50 1.7 K/M 70-210 4.5-5.6 K/M 70-210 4 Beercan K/M 28 2.8 K/M 28-80xi K/M 28-135 4-4.5 K/M 35-70 3.5-4.5 Tamron 200-400 5.6 LD NEW Sigma 75-200 2.8-3.5 K/M 80-200 2.8 HS G Sigma 75-200 2.8-3.5
price paid:	125 USD
positive:	sharpness fast AF filter size fixed front element small sharp on wide great color great contrast 3.5 MTF
negative:	none to speak of
comment:	This lens is a great performer for what I use it for. Mine doesn’t wobble in any way. I don't get into situations where CA is a problem, or flare for that matter; however this lens is much better for flare than the 1st version. The colors are dreamy and the sharpness and contrast are excellent for the price. Actually from F7.1 the sharpness is matched by few zooms of any price. It is lighter than my 28-135 by a long shot and also offers great ability. It trounces the 18-70 kit lens and is well balanced on the camera. It received a 3.5 MTF rating from a well respected site, which rated the KM 28-70 G a 3.7. It has great performance for the price.