Minolta AF 28-105mm F3.5-4.5 A-mount lens reviews

reviews found: 46    1 2 >>
reviewer#45571 date: Aug-23-2020
sharpness: 5
color: 4
build: 5
distortion: 4
flare control: 4
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 own this lens
compared to:Minolta AF 35-105 mm
Sony Zeiss 16-80mm
price paid:50 €
positive:I tested this old lens on my Sony 7II while on vacation and was very positively surprised. Especially about the sharpness.
negative:The mechanics are a bit too stiff.
comment:For the low price, this lens is an extremely good alternative. And as long as the optics are okay and the mechanics work, I will probably continue to use this lens. In terms of optical quality, I couldn't find any notable difference to the Zeiss reference lens. So: For little money you get a lot of performance and quality with this lens.
reviewer#44472 date: Mar-5-2020
sharpness: 4
color: 4
build: 4
distortion: 4
flare control: 4
overall: 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 own this lens
compared to:Minolta 28mm f2.8
Minolta 50mm f1.7
Minolta 100mm f2.8 Macro
Minolta 70-210mm f4.5-5.6 II
Minolta 75-300mm f4.5-5.6 D
price paid:€100
positive:Nice walk-around lens with full-frame
Sharp at 28mm to about 50mm, from f3.5.
Corner sharpness fine.
Good IQ in most situations.
negative:Soft in long end.
Some barrel distortion.
comment:This is a good lens - with some limits. It is quite soft in long end, but not as soft as the 75-300mm. It has good colors, but not in the same liga as the 28mm, the 50mm and the 100mm. Sharp in wide end.
reviewer#44261 date: Apr-22-2019
sharpness: 4.5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 5
flare control: 4
overall: 4.7
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 own this lens
compared to:Minolta 24-85, 24-105, 28-85, 28-100, 28-105xi, 28-135, 35-70 f4, 35-105 (Mks 1 & 2) & many more FF kit lenses.
price paid:40 GBP
positive:Sharpness, range (FF)
negative:Weight, not quite wide as I would really like.
comment:This is my pick of the huge selection of lower cost Minolta walk around (wide to short tele) lenses for FF, sharper than most, reasonable MFD (1:4.6 macro), good focal length range. The 24-85/105 lenses give the width I would prefer, but they (particularly the 105) just don't give the IQ that this lens provides. The 28-105xi is also excellent, but it is xi, which I quite like for its quirkiness, but the straightforward lens is easier to use; I assume they have the same optics. The 28-100 may once have been a sensible alternative for those on a very tight budget, but the 28-105 is so cheap these days that the plastic kit lenses no longer make any real sense unless weight is the overriding criteria for selection. The old 28-135 'secret handshake' lens is great and has a wider range, but is a seriously hefty beast. The equally aged 35-105 Mk1 is highly rated and deservedly so, but the extra 7mm of width is a huge advantage, the later 35-105 Mk2 is no match. Another from the 1985 crop is the 28-85, which is my least favourite zoom from that era. The old 35-70 f4 is a great little lens - if that is the range that you want go for it, but I am happy to accept the extra weight and bulk for the much wider range of the 28-105. To me the real choice is between the very heavy 28-135 (for its range), the old 35-105 (for its marginally better IQ), the 24-85 (for its width - 24 to 28 is a big difference) and this 28-105 which is a bit of a compromise, but provides (IMO) the best mix of IQ and range. I have no experience of the significantly more expensive 24/28-70mm 'pro' lenses from Sony/Minolta - whilst I would hope these merit the extra cash (f2.8 certainly should offer an improvement) none match the range of the 28-105.
If you have a FF body and don't have and can't afford a nice f2.8 kit lens then this is one that is well worth considering. If you have an APS-C body then the range is far less attractive - though it remains a very nice lens for short tele/portraiture work.
UPDATE: After writing this review I realised that I hadn't used the lens on APS beyond a few shots to check that it worked - so I took it on a couple of walks coupled to my A77. I have to say that I found myself far happier with the zoom range than I had expected - perhaps because I have just spent a month shooting only with 50 & 135mm primes! Apart from lack of width the only real downside is DOF - a 4.5 minimum aperture at 105mm is not ideal for portrait work. IQ is seriously good - this is one of the few old Minolta zooms in my extensive collection that will be getting a lot of use (FF and APS).
reviewer#28615 date: Jun-30-2016
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 4
flare control: 4
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 own this lens
compared to:Minolta 35-105mm
Minolta 24-105mm
Sigma 28-135mm
Tamron 35-135mm
Tokina 28-70mm
Minolta 50mm
price paid:$40
positive:Sharp, Minolta color, weight, range, fairly quiet focus
negative:flare
comment:Got this lens for a specific niche, a medium size outdoor horse ring, and it has worked perfectly. 35mm was too long on the short end, and 70mm was too short on the long end. The Minolta 24-105mm was a little disappointing in the sharp department and the Sigma colors, while very nice, did not match the old warm Minolta on shots I already have. 28/35-135mm and 70-210/300mm worked well in larger rings.

This lens is gorgeously sharp and the colors beautifully saturated classic Minolta. Bokeh is very nice and makes the horses pop against the background. This lens is as sharp as the 50mm and original 35-105mm. You have to be a little careful with flare on all the old glass, and this is no exception. The screw drive focus is quieter than some so it has worked acceptably for video. Balances well on A7ii with LA-EA4.

This lens was the solution for this task, and is overall so nice with a useful range that it is spending more time on the camera outdoors. Don't think there's a deal that comes close to old A mount glass these days. It's so cheap you can have the right lens for everything you do. As FF becomes more affordable this stuff falls right back into the focal length niches it was originally designed for.
reviewer#15268 date: Jun-10-2015
sharpness: 4.5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 4
overall: 4.5
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 own this lens
compared to:Sony DT 18-135 3.5-5.6 SAM
Sony DT 16-50 2.8 SSM
Sony CZ 16-80 3.5-4.5
Minolta AF 35-105 Macro
Minolta xi 28-200
price paid:€ 50.00 (used)
positive:+ Sharpness wide open (except long end)
+ Speed (ie. wide aperture)
+ Focal length coverage on APS-C
+ Relatively fast and reliable AF
+ Solid build
+ MFD
+ Value for money
negative:- Quite big and heavy for the focal length and speed
- Soft at long end
comment:I like this lens. It's pretty sharp wide open at the short end and in medium range focal lengths, although at least my sample gets quite soft towards the long end. However one other user stated here that the long end would need AF micro adjustment, so it's possible that the percepted softness actually is just the result of a slightly off-focussed image.

I've bought the 28-105 as a replacement for my 35-105 macro whose MFD is inacceptably long for me, at least that's the case on APS-C where I haven't been able to shot portrait due to this limitation. This works much better now with the 28-105's MFD of around 50 cm.

The focal length coverage is very good for my purpose but might be not short/wide enough for most APS-C users as well as some full frame users. I will sell my Sony 18-135 which has just a little more coverage but is also less speedy than the Minolta.

Aperture width is great for portrait where I don't need F2.8 or even wider. This is true especially on APS-C where you benefit from the less wide starting focal length giving you a wider aperture at a given focal length compared to most decicated APS-C lenses (such as the CZ 16-80 3.5-4.5 for example).

Build is solid but on the heavy side, also is size - considering that this is not some super-zoom, nor a F2.8-type zoom lens. It's still acceptable for me, considering the excellent optics, but might not be for users with a more light-weight equipment attitude.

Autofocus works well, much better than the one of my xi 28-200, and is fairly fast and reliable, although I had a couple of miss-focussed images.

All-in-all a superb walk-around lens for the price, even on APS-C, however apparently a little hard to find.
reviewer#15264 date: Jun-4-2015
sharpness: 4
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 4
flare control: 4
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 used to own this lens
compared to:Canon EF 24-85 USD
Minolta AF 24-85/RS
Minolta AF 24-105 D
Sony FE 28-70 OSS
Sony 28-75 F2.8 SAM
Minolta AF 28-80 D
Minolta AF 28-85
Minolta AF 28-100 D
Sigma AF 28-105 F2.8-4
Canon EF 28-105 F3.5-4.5 USD II
Minolta AF 28-105 F3.5-4.5 RS/Xi
Minolta AF 28-135 F4-4.5
Minolta AF 35-70 F4
Minolta AF 35-80 II
Minolta AF 35-105 F3.5-4.5/New
Sigma AF 28-105 F2.8-4
Sigma AF 35-135 F3.5-4.5
price paid:40 USD (used)
positive:Smooth zoom and focus controls
Internal focus
Flat focus plane
negative:Size and weight
Barrel distortion at the wide end
Only F4 up to 50 mm
Small hood for APS-C use
Center softness
comment:This lens was $320 when released in 1994--$100 cheaper than the 24-85 which was released a year earlier and slightly more than the 28-85 RS. This definitely looks and feels like a premium lens, though the rounded 90's styling is dated. My first excellent clean copy came from Japan for $73. "JAPAN"

It has more distortion at 28 mm than the Minolta 28 mm primes lens but less distortion at 35 mm than the DT 35 SAM. It has a little more distortion than the 24-85 at the same focal lengths.

Both versions of the 28-105 have curved aperture blades, but those on RS version do seem to form a slightly smoother shape. The plastic hood is shinier and smoother than the one included on the newer RS version. The hood is deeper than the similar 24-85 hood, but both use the same 3-lobed bayonet mount and are mechanically interchangeable.

It is somewhat soft at 105 mm, but it does work with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters. Even AF works with the 2x. It seems to work reasonably well with extension tubes for macro. Without the tubes it is fairly useless for close-up photography. The 24-85 lenses focus closer than the 28-105 despite both being listed with a 500 mm MFD.

At close focus the internal focus design acts like a shorter length lens than those with external focus extension. The 105 mm setting on the 28-105 is close to a 90 mm setting on the 35-105. The 105 mm end does have more reach than the newer DT 16-105 lens.

Between the 16-105, 28-105, and 35-105 each have their own advantages. The DT 16-105 has full lens compensation support and seems to auto focus most accurately. But while it is the sharp in the center of the frame it falls off the quickest with the extreme corners being horrible. It actually performs quite well on the wide end which of course is much wider than the others. The price however is also much higher for lower image quality through most of the range. The 28-105 is the most consistently sharp across the frame especially at the wide end, but suffers from CA away from the center of the frame at the long end. The 35-105 gives up close focusing except at 105 mm in macro mode for excellent sharpness, but the focal range is mainly short telephoto on APS-C cameras.

While I have used this as an everyday lens on the A58. It hasn't gotten much use recently since the 16-105 is good enough and adds the useful wide 16-28 range.
reviewer#11948 date: Aug-15-2014
sharpness: 4
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 4
flare control: 4
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 own this lens
compared to:Beer can, tokina 28-70, tokina 80-200, Minolta primes 24, 50mm, 75-300 mm Minolta cheapo zoom, oddball Russian Mir 1b 37mm, classic takumar 50mm f1.4, Minolta 500 mirror.
price paid:140cdn in 1997
positive:Excellent walk around lens, nice classic build.
negative:Slightly long on APS bodies, a little heavy compared to modern mostly plastic lenses.
comment:The first used lens I bought for 35mm film in 97, paid about 140 CDN then as it was pretty new, I still have this lens and its one of my 2 walking around do all kits (along with a tokina 20-35). Compact with enough range for most usage. Doesn't quite go wide enough on APS frame cameras hence the 20-35 as backup. Not that easy to find used for some reason. Definitely better than the kit lens it replaced.
reviewer#11870 date: Jun-18-2014
sharpness: 4.5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 4
flare control: 4
overall: 4.5
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 own this lens
compared to:Minolta AF 35-100 F3.5-4.5
Minolta AF 28-105 xi F3.5-4.5
Minolta AF 35-200 xi F4.5-5.6
Sony 24-105 F3.5-4.5
price paid:80 Euro mint
positive:+ sharp
+ colors
+ short MFD
+ very useful zoom range
+ nice hood
+ compact and lightweight
negative:- none for the price
comment:The best of my "classic" zoom lenses so far. I bought it as a "walk around" lens for my A99. It has a nice zoom range on full frame. For the price i paid unbeatable. See my pictures at the "forum sample images" section.
Update: now i use this lens on my A7II with LA-EA4 adaptor. It is so compact that it is well balanced even with the adaptor. No need to buy the overpriced 24-70 f4 Zeiss.
reviewer#11865 date: Jun-11-2014
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 5
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 own this lens
compared to:Sal1855
Minolta 28-105 xi
Tamron 18-200
Sal50f18
price paid:
missing
positive:Sharpness
Solid build
Nice tulip shaped hood
Minolta colour
negative:
missing
comment:I hav another version which is the xi version, comparing the xi and this, this is way better than the xi although I like to play with the xi motor.
It is sharper than what I expect.
Nice minolta colour.
Design of this lens is indeed stylish too, no cheap plastic feeling. It looks nice nice with its tulip shaped lens hood and a distance scale.
It's ideal for portrait shooting.
I will recommend this lens to anyone who ask me about it.
reviewer#11753 date: Apr-2-2014
sharpness: 4
color: 4
build: 4
distortion: 4
flare control: 4
overall: 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 own this lens
compared to:Minolta 28-135mm 4-4.5
Minolta 28-85mm 3.5-4.5
price paid:
missing
positive:A good value at its current price of $70-$120.
Solid feel. Not all plastic.
Effective tulip hood instead of Minolta's usual crap.
Nice focal range on FF.
negative:Zoom is abit stiff and lacks that precision feel.
No ADI.
62mm filter is an oddball size, meaning no hoods or filters I own will fit.
Not ideal indoors on cropped sensor camera. 24mm would have been nice.
comment:This lens is easily worth the price and is great for casual events, such as outdoor family gatherings. It performs well on my A300. If critical sharpness is necessary, I would look elsewhere. But you should already know not to expect razor sharpness out of a budget lens. When compared to the Minolta 'Secret Handshake' lens, it is not as sharp. However, I do find sharpness to be more than acceptable for your average hobbyist that does not buy high-end glass.

Flare and ghosting are well controlled, but can be induced if you try to do so. Seeing as people do not typically shoot into the sun very often, it is not a problem.

This lens is well built, but not great. The zoom ring is not as smooth as I prefer. There is a certain uneven, inconsistent feeling to the tension. The body finish seems abit prone to scratches. Those are really the only things worth mentioning. Nothing in the build should stop you from buying this lens. Barrel wobble will be present on heavily used copies. My advice is to seek a nice copy, as they are easy enough to find.

What this lens really needs is to start at 24mm, like the D version does. Nitpicking is really all I can do against this lens though. I use it a fair amount, and I have other options. It is what it is. A cheap lens that does solid work. Makes a good zoo lens, according to my wife. And that makes me happy because she is not carrying my expensive glass. I definitely recommend this lens, and you can find it for under $100. And keep in mind that at that price, it is easy to resell.

The Minolta 24-85 may be better for some people. They are very similar in performance. You decide what end you prefer to have the extra range. I do greatly prefer this lens to the original 28-85mm. You get a far better hood and longer reaching zoom.
reviewer#11362 date: Oct-2-2013
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 4
flare control: 4
overall: 4.6
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 own this lens
compared to:18-55 standard nex lens, and Minolta 24-105 D
price paid:$110 used
positive:great lens for the price, nice vibrant Minolta colors, pretty sharp for a lens in it's class and definitely nice build and I think it's better and sharper than 24-105 or I just happen to have a better copy
negative:focus speed could of be alittle faster at sometimes otherwise none
comment:I love this lens I use it all the time, I always have this lens on my a99 50% of the time until I receive my cz24-70t*, im actually very surprised that a this prize the lens quality is nearly perfect and so excellent, the only reason I bought cz24-70 is for special occasions ;)
reviewer#11159 date: May-31-2013
sharpness: 4.5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 4
flare control: 5
overall: 4.7
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:MAF 24-105, MAF 28-135 4.0-4,5, MAF 35-105
price paid:130 EUR (used)
positive:Good sharp lens, F.3.5, Tullip lens shader, much shaper and better than MAF 24-15 lens.
negative:a bit heavy compared to MAF 24-105, rare and hard to find
comment:I have had the few similar lenses MAF 24-105, MAF 28-105 and MAF 28-105 RS. The best and most sharper was MAF 28-105. However I wanted t ohave a bit more telephoto, so I sold all of them and changed into MAF 28-135, almost fixed focal.
reviewer#11108 date: May-11-2013
sharpness: 3.5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 4
flare control: 4
overall: 4.1
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 own this lens
compared to:KM 28-75/2.8
Sigma 28-70/2.8
Sigma 28-105/3.8-5.6 UC-III
price paid:40 EUR
positive:+ good range
+ small weight
+ nice build
negative:- IQ
comment:I like this lens on FF, but the IQ is not there.
Sadly, wide open the lens can only be used for web sized images or small prints. For cropping or anything larger it needs stopping down by about 1-2 stops.
Maybe I have a lemon, but I really am not all that impressed as I hoped I would be.
reviewer#10970 date: Mar-11-2013
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 5
flare control: 4
overall: 4.8
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 own this lens
compared to:Minolta 24-85 original
Minolta 35-105 original
Minolta 28-105 RS
Minolta 28-135
price paid:25 GBP
positive:Very sharp even wide open
Minolta colours
Good range
Inexpensive
negative:Needs hood
comment:The ratings don't lie and there is nothing to add to the reviews below. This is a very, very good lens and IMHO better value than the 28-135
reviewer#10734 date: Nov-28-2012
sharpness: 4.5
color: 4
build: 4
distortion: 4
flare control: 4
overall: 4.1
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 own this lens
compared to:Minolta 35-105
Minolta 50mm 1.7
price paid:120.00
positive:Sharp
decent range
well built
negative:range short for APS-C
comment:Received this from Ebay and was not impressed at first. Resolution compared to the 35-105 is a bit less sharp but most shots stopped down can even rival that lens. It has a bit more range too. Colors are excellent and it responds well to an alpha A35. No discernible CA or flare at least by eye.
This is the last of the well built Minolta era and it shows for a 1994 lens. I'll continue to include this lens on most of my photo shoots.
reviewer#10365 date: Jul-7-2012
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 5
flare control: 4
overall: 4.8
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 own this lens
compared to:MN 35 - 70 F4
MN 70 - 210 F4
Sony 18 - 250
price paid:120 AUS
positive:Sharp
Nice range on APS-C
Great for portraits
Minolta Colur
negative:
missing
comment:I took this lens for a run today and am very impressed with the versatility, great colour, sharp wide open, decent zoom range. I will never sell this lens. I do not have any faults. I know it is not so wide, but knew that when i bought it and wanted it for touring and portraits, and it excels at this.
reviewer#9931 date: Feb-14-2012
sharpness: 4.5
color: 4
build: 4
distortion: 4
flare control: 5
overall: 4.3
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 own this lens
compared to:
missing
price paid:150 Euro
positive:Good color, pretty sharp, fast AF, nice bokeh
negative:Heavy, 28mm on APS-C is not a wide angle focal, AF hangs in poor light conditions
comment:This lens is a good ( very good considering the price I've paid ) walk around piece of glass. Sharp with good color and contrast, this Minolta lens is build like a panzer, and the heavy weight reflects this fact.
reviewer#9722 date: Dec-28-2011
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 4
flare control: 5
overall: 4.8
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 own this lens
compared to:minolta 24-50rs
minolta 35-70/4
minolta 35-105(beercan ver)
minolta 50/1.7
sigma 75-200/3.8

price paid:
missing
positive:internal focus
sharp wide open
nice bokeh
close focus
negative:heavy..
slow af @105mm on digital
comment:my favorite lens realy sharp for a zoom lens..nice bokeh but a little heavy when i use with my km 7d,modern design nice handling event heavy,slow af @105mm on digital but no problem in film cameras..
reviewer#9278 date: Jul-29-2011
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 4
flare control: 4
overall: 4.6
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 own this lens
compared to:Minolta 35-105
Tamron 17-50 2.8

price paid:120 USD
positive:Well built
sharp
colour
price
negative:Heavy
a bit wider would be better
comment:I was looking for a FF wider lens than the 35-105 and whilst not that much wider, I am exceedingly happy with this lens.
It is built like a tank, image quality is sharp and clear.
Distortion and flaring is minimal.
A hidden gem and now my walk around lens.
Love it!
reviewer#8951 date: Apr-19-2011
sharpness: 4.5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 4
flare control: 4
overall: 4.5
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 own this lens
compared to:
missing
price paid:149 GBP (used)
positive:Rock solid build quality.
Sharp stopped down.
Good IQ overall
negative:On an aps c, 28 is not really wide enough for this to be a general purpose lens for my use.
A little zoom creep.
comment:A really nice old lens, built like a tank but with modern style. Great image quality, pictures can be very sharp in the right conditions. On my a55, the 28mm end isn't particularly wide so have now switched to the sony 18-250mm superzoom for convenience. However, this is a good lens that can be a great step up from a kit zoom. Note, that when your carrying this around, i have noticed a little zoom creep.
reviewer#8703 date: Feb-26-2011
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 4
overall: 4.6
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 own this lens
compared to:tamron 17-50mm 2.8f
minolta 35-105mm old
sony 35mm 1.8 sam
price paid:$100
positive:pretty sharp at f4.5 and razor sharp at 8
great Minolta color
light compared to Minolta 35-105 old
negative:none yet
comment:I have the macro option lens and find its a great piece of glass. Light, smooth and somewhat compact. The color of the Minny 35-105 seems a bit deeper but it beats out the Tamron for the 3D effect. I also own the Sony SAM 35mm 1.8 which is a great lens but the color isn't as nice as this one...Its got me thinking I may not need the 35-105 any more

update. Sold this. After using the 35-105 Minny more I sold the 28-105...not as sharp.
reviewer#8688 date: Feb-22-2011
sharpness: 4.5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 5
flare control: 4
overall: 4.7
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 own this lens
compared to:Sony 18-70 kit
Tamron A16
KM 35-70
price paid:80USD
positive:Good price
Sharpness
Well Built
Solid
negative:Heavy
Not wide enough
comment:A very good walk around lens. 85% on my camera.
Love the color & contrast of this lens
reviewer#8656 date: Feb-14-2011
sharpness: 4.5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.7
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 own this lens
compared to:Minolta 28-85
Minolta 70-210 4.5-
Minolta 70-210 Beercan
Minolta 75-300
price paid:
missing
positive:Love this lens! Great color. very sharp. well built.
negative:Slight zoom creep. common issue with zooms though. Nothing else.
comment:Great lens. Always good IQ. Great color and sharpness. If it was a constant 2.8 it would be perfect. for the money it can't be beat. Kinda rare. If you can find it, get it.
reviewer#8447 date: Dec-25-2010
sharpness: 5
color: 4
build: 5
distortion: 4
flare control: 5
overall: 4.6
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 own this lens
compared to:35-105mm F3.4-4.5 RS
70-210mm F3.4-4.5
Beercan
50mm F1.7
Tamron 28-200 XR Aspherical
price paid:
missing
positive:Surprisingly good sharpness wide open at all focal lengths, build, non-rotating front element
negative:bokeh, a bit heavy, hood seems fragile, zoom creep
comment:I was rather surprised at the sharpness of this lens wide open at all focal lengths. Had expected it to be softer but no....its very sharp! The DOF seems to be quite generous too, so sometimes it may be difficult to get a good bokeh. The lens looks pretty well-built, and weighs quite a fair bit, perhaps an indication of good quality glass and parts? I don't see any CA or flares with this lens, even without the hood. My copy had zoom creep so it tends to extend by itself while walking, but otherwise, this is a great walk-around lens! Not quite wide enough for APS-C but still manageable.
reviewer#8017 date: Sep-23-2010
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 4
flare control: 5
overall: 4.8
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 own this lens
compared to:Sony 16-105 (APSC only)
Minolta 28-135 (APSC+full frame)
Tamron 28-75 (APSC+full frame)
price paid:$120USD (used)
positive:very useful range on full frame, sharp,reasonable cost, and small/light enough to carry everywhere
negative:none for the price
comment:I was pleasantly surprised at the performance of this lens; I think it is under rated on this site. I was looking for an everyday replacement for the much larger, heavier Minolta 28-135 and I think I've found it.
APSC - given it's focal range I don't know why you'd use it with an APSC sensor, but IQ is every bit as good as the Sony 16-105 and this lens is 1 stop faster.
FILM - at 100mm and longer you can't beat the real telephoto lenses but, considering this lens below 100mm, it is an excellent performer. Slightly better than the Minolta 28-135 and just as good as the Tamron 28-75. In fact, better sharpness than the Tamron at the edges of the frame. Color and exposure are what we like, and expect, from Minolta. Sure, it's not f/2.8 and it's not 24mm but pair this with the Minolta 20mm prime and the Minolta 100-200mm telephoto and you've got a low cost, high performing solution for full frame.
UPDATE for full frame digital - I was curious if performance on film would carry over to full frame digital, and it does. No micro focus adjustment needed up to 70mm; a small negative adjustment would help the long end.
reviewer#7967 date: Sep-13-2010
sharpness: 4
color: 4
build: 4
distortion: 4
flare control: 4
overall: 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 own this lens
compared to:Minolta af 35-70mm f4
Minolta af 35-105mm(old)
Minolta af 28-135mm
Minolta af 24-85mm RS
Minolta af 24-105mm
price paid:
missing
positive:Light
Sharp wide open
Fast focus
Non-rotating front element
price


negative:None given the price of these lenses
comment:I think this is the best compromise for the 850(I've tried all the Minolta old`s),with a great range and fast af.The lens has ok center sharpness wide open at 105mm, which provides fine portraits.The colors and contrast isn't up to the "Beercan" Minoltas.
reviewer#7807 date: Aug-11-2010
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.8
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 own this lens
compared to:18-70 Kit Lens
price paid:USD 100
positive:Pretty Sharp Wide open.
Cheap.
Nice Colour & bokeh
negative:Zoom Creep.
Lens Hood prone to crack.
Not wide enough for APS-C
comment:Nice walkaround lens, especially for FF
reviewer#7414 date: May-7-2010
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 5
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 own this lens
compared to:Minolta 35-105 F3.5-4.5 N
price paid:L25 GBP
positive:Sharpness
Colour
Weight and build
Inexpensive
negative:None for the price
comment:Great walkaround lens
reviewer#7214 date: Mar-31-2010
sharpness: 4
color: 4
build: 4
distortion: 4
flare control: 4
overall: 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 own this lens
compared to:Minolta 24-85 3.5-4.5
price paid:60 EUR used
positive:sharp - even wide open
nice colors and saturation
negative:zoom creep
comment:My favorite walk-around-lens, even after I bought a Minolta 24-85 3.5-4.5 and compared both. The 24-85 is a nice standard zoom lens when stopped down to at least f5.6/f8. Wide open the 24-85 is too soft! The 28-105 is much better for portaits and street pics wide open. I would recommend the 28-105 to everyone who is looking for a walk-around-lens from standard focal lenght to short tele and the opportunity of shooting wide open. Unfortunately the focal lenght is not wide enough. You shoud be aware of this lack and should enjoy this really nice lens. For me it's a keeper. The 24-85 might be sold again.
reviewer#7088 date: Mar-14-2010
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 5
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 own this lens
compared to:Minolta 24-85 RS
Minolta 28-85
price paid:Ł30 GBP
positive:Exsellen all round lens
Sharp
Great Minolta colour
negative:Nothing serious
comment:Quality lens at a reasonable price
reviews found: 46    1 2 >>

rating summary

lens image
  • total reviews: 46
  • sharpness: 4.54
  • color: 4.74
  • build: 4.59
  • distortion: 4.35
  • flare control: 4.24
  • overall: 4.49

to add your review
you need to login

Dyxum.com - Home of the alpha system photographer
In memory of Cameron Hill - brettania