Minolta AF 28-70mm F2.8 G A-mount lens review by Kaishi
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 overall: 4.8 | tested on:
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ownership: | I own this lens |
compared to: | (APS-C) Sony SEL1650PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS power zoom (E-mount) (APS-C) Sony SAL1870 DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 (2000s kit lens) (FF) Minolta AF 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 (1980s standard zoom) (FF) Minolta AF 28-135mm f/4-4.5 (secret handshake) (FF) Minolta AF 50mm f/1.4 |
price paid: | 450 USD (BGN) |
positive: | -Sharp, even at f/2.8, even better at f/4 or f/5.6 -Fast aperture, and very similar exposures at all focal lengths. -Accepts a lens hood (instantly better than secret handshake). -Minimal distortion for an older zoom lens. -Very little chromatic aberration. -Fantastic for portraits, even in low light. Usable indoors! -Aesthetically matches the A900 (IMO) |
negative: | -Heavy, huge, a bit of a burden to carry. -Useless range on APS-C, don't bother trying it. -Focus is slow by modern standards. -Lens hood is stubby and won't help too much. -HORRIBLE minimum focus distance, 1:11 Macro (but this is a design limitation, and you should know it before you buy). -Sans "D" function, so ADI flash isn't going to work. |
comment: | I bought this to replace my secret handshake when shooting indoors. It is incredible and I instantly fell in love with it. Hands down my favorite lens for candid portraits. If only a hybrid of this lens and the secret handshake existed. I find myself wanting a little more reach, a little faster focus, but without giving up any aperture. |
rating summary

- total reviews: 70
- sharpness: 4.66
- color: 5.00
- build: 4.96
- distortion: 4.89
- flare control: 4.24
- overall: 4.75