Minolta AF 300mm F2.8 APO G HS A-mount lens review by Pirate
 Pirate#10063 date: Mar-30-2012 | |
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| sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 overall: 5 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I used to own this lens |
| compared to: | Sigma AF 100-300mm F4 EX DG (IF) APO + EX (IF) APO Sigma AF 70-300mm APO DG Macro Minolta AF 70-210mm F4 'Beercan' SAL 70-300 SSM G SAL 70-400 SSM G Tokina AT-X 300 F/2.8 PRO AF SD Tamron SP AF 70-300mm Di USD Minolta AF 300mm F4 APO HS G Minolta AF 300mm F/2.8 APO G Tokina AT-X 300mm F/4 AF (AF 304) Sigma AF 300mm F/2.8 EX DG (IF) APO |
| price paid: | £1132.00 (used) |
| positive: | Build Quality IQ/Sharpness Colours/Bokeh Fast AF Speed 2x Focus Hold Buttons Focus Range Limiter |
| negative: | Tripod mount leg too close to body (non removable) A shade slower with a TC fitted Cover to manual adjustment ring easily opened |
| comment: | My findings and comments are based from use on a full frame 24MP Sony Alpha A850. I hope this review gives potential buyers a greater insight based on my findings and as you'll see, comparisons to others lenses I've owned have been made as well as the positives and negatives (my opinion only). Comments: It's already been said before; what a superb lens, but it oozes quality. My copy came supplied with 6 rear drop-in filters, rear cap, front hood, lens strap, alloy lens box, front CLR filter and original box. This lens is everything you could hope for in a fast prime. Easy enough to hand-hold (though a monopod/tripod support would be recommended and hand holding will require a certain degree of upper arm strength), the hood is not too long when fitted to a FF body to cause any vignetting and images are tack sharp with superb colours and buttery smooth bokeh. An absolute 'must have' or the Mk 1 APO version if you have the funds, otherwise I would recommend the Tokina AF 304, but this Minolta prime lens just makes most others look lame by comparison in all departments. Difficult to write a formal review as the image results it gives speak for themselves. So, if you're in need of arguably one of, if not THE best of the 300/2.8 tele/primes and you have the funds, it's a 'no brainer' . . . go get one. |
; 14MPrating summary
- total reviews: 24
- sharpness: 4.71
- color: 4.88
- build: 4.92
- distortion: 4.92
- flare control: 4.63
- overall: 4.81