Minolta AF 28-85mm F3.5-4.5 A-mount lens review by charlemeign

charlemeign#2120 date: Apr-7-2007
sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 overall: 4.6	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 28-135 f/4-4.5 Minolta 70-210 f/4 Minolta 24mm 2.8 Minolta 50mm 1.7 Tamron SP 35-105 2.8 Sony Kit Lens
price paid:	45 USD new
positive:	Sharp Good Colors VERY well built Doesn't flare with hood
negative:	Macro isn't all that useful - only works at 35mm
comment:	I obtained this lens as an "extra" in a kit purchase on Ebay. I tried it out on my 5D and was very pleased with the results. While it isn't as sharp as my prime lenses (obviously) it is much better than the kit lens that came with the 5D or Alpha. While it loses out on the wide side, I shoot a lot outdoors and the range works well. I shoot buildings a lot, and I find the distortion isn't bad. If I could've given it a 4.5 I would have. Build quality of these old lenses spoils a person. When they pick up the newer lenses they feel like toys. This lens lacks the range of the 28-135, but I honostly cant' see much of a difference in quality.