Minolta AF 300mm F2.8 APO G HS A-mount lens review by Kilkry

Kilkry#15263 date: Jun-4-2015
sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 overall: 4.4	tested on: film camera: APS-C: 6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP; 16MP; 20MP; 24MP full frame: 12MP; 24MP; 36MP; 42MP; 61MP
ownership:	I used to own this lens
compared to:	MD 300 4,5 - a whole lot less portable and ergonomic compared to this lens although slightly sharper at the same aperture. AF 200 2,8 HS - not as sharp wide open as this one.
price paid:	1200
positive:	Relatively short for a 300mm 2,8. Decently sharp wide open. Not an excess of CA wide open (nor stopped down).
negative:	Front half of barrel can become loose in relation to the rear half, has been reported before on the internet; some speculation that modern AF torque might be cause, I do not know. Repair can be inexpensive (US) or around 500e (Europe) even if the cause is three screws coming loose. One can always try repairing it oneself but that isn't always a viable option. Ergonomy wise it is heavy but this is no surprise considering build materials and focal length and max aperture. My hand however always seemed to disengage the focus ring cover when I was holding it and using AF. The AF is fast but a bit hit or miss, just like I experienced the 200 2,8, this across different cameras, on a contrasty and stationary target. It might be just screw-drive AF + a wide aperture, not certain. Hood does not lock in stowed position.
comment:	Will not buy another Minolta white tele lens.