Minolta AF 28-135mm F4-4.5 A-mount lens review by overeema

overeema#12147 date: Feb-23-2015
sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 3 overall: 4.5	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:	Sony Zeiss Vario Sonnar DT 16-80 F3.5-4.5 Sony G 70-300 SSM F4.5-5.6 Minolta AF 35-105mm F3.5-4.5 N Minolta AF 100mm F2 Tamron Di II 60 F2 Macro
price paid:	€ 100 (used)
positive:	Excellent center sharpness at whole focal range at all apertures. Excellent bright Minolta colors. Only little barrel or cushion distortion given the focal range. Focusing speed on A350 is excellent. Sturdy. [Update 2021:] Despite absence of zoomlock only limited zoomcreep.
negative:	Macro switch disables auto-focus. No hood. Significant ghosting and flare. Bokeh dependent on focal length setting: not good at 28 mm, much better at 135 mm. No ADI function. Relatively heavy.
comment:	If MFD is not your issue this is a very nice lens with a good focal range for outdoor photography. Be aware not to point too much in direction of sun or bright lights. Build quality is excellent. Given the price paid I am very happy with this lens. Corner sharpness is good from F5.6 at 28-50mm and from F8 at 70-135mm. Center sharpness is excellent at all apertures and focal lengths.