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

Reto#2036 date: Mar-25-2007
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 overall: 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:	Minolta 70-200/2.8 SSM Minolta 200/2.8 HS G
price paid:	1995 USD (used)
positive:	missing
negative:	Shows a bit of purple fringing below f4 in harsh opposing light conditions. This gets much stronger when used with the Minolta 1.4x Teleconverter.
comment:	When travelling, the most sensible combination in terms of performance and weight is usually the 70-200/2.8 SSM with the 1.4 TC. When prepared to carry the weight, the 300/2.8 HS G comes into life. You certainly need a well balanced backpack though and a tripod often is helpful addition, especially when waiting for a certain situation, as handling the cam+this lens takes a bit of muscle. With the 1.4x TX you still get a very usable 420/4 out of this lens. For travelling this is again more versatile then taken a better lens on the trip (like 400/4.5).