Minolta AF 300mm F2.8 APO A-mount lens review by dCap
 dCap#338 date: Dec-24-2005 | |
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| sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 overall: 4.5 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I used to own this lens |
| compared to: | Minolta 200/2.8 APO G, Min 80-200/2.8 APO G, Sigma 70-200/2.8 EX (CAF & MinAF), Canon 200/2.8 L II USM |
| price paid: | missing |
| positive: | f2.8 is usable, images are smooth and sharp. Can find some real bargains around. Like the lens cap. |
| negative: | would like a more positive lock for the hood in the out position, and would like the tripod collar to be removable |
| comment: | reliably handholdable to 1/125. f2.8 usebale, f4 is better and easier to work with. To be honest I'll only use this at f2.8-5.6. Works well with the 1.4x original. AF is slowed. AF on this lens is surprizingly good given its era. But I much prefer manual focus, and for that it is perfect. Easy to say 'weight' as a negative, but its not a surprize - this is a lot of lens. So the weight is just something you have to accept. Min 200/2.8 is sharper, but only just. And the 300mm beats a crop from the 200 (but ONLY just, that 200 is that good!) Came with a case and 4 filters, 3x at b&w so useless on digital, and one ND (may use the ND?). There is a UV loaded. My lens has coating marks, knocks contrast down a little, but lens is still a star performer. See review here on my website (check my profile) update: now used on Sony a100 ... its a brand new lens, now delivers f2.8 punch that was lacking on the 7D! Stiiiiiill I only give it a 4.5, only the 200/2.8 or Voigtlander 35/1.7 Ultron in Bessa could have a 5! |
; 10MPrating summary
- total reviews: 15
- sharpness: 4.77
- color: 4.93
- build: 4.93
- distortion: 4.93
- flare control: 4.80
- overall: 4.87