Minolta AF 300mm F2.8 APO A-mount lens review by revdocjim

revdocjim#6105 date: Sep-23-2009
sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 overall: 4.9	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:	200G 400G 600G
price paid:	157,500 Yen
positive:	AF is fast and accurate Beautiful colors Sharp
negative:	Focus ring cover can't be locked shut.
comment:	I've only had this lens for a couple of weeks but am quickly developing a very deep appreciate for all it can do. I shot kids soccer recently on an overcast day and a dusty field. The results were outstanding for clarity, sharpness, and colors. Hardly needed any PP at all! I'm just getting started testing it with birds but so far I'm very happy. Works great with the 1.4X T/C (original) and definitely usable with the 2X as well. A good gimbal type head is required for bird and other wild life. I find this lens very easy to handle when mounted on the Manfrotto 393. Mine came without the aluminum case, but I picked up a Lowepro 5LC lens case and it is a perfect fit, even with the Manfrotto plate attached. My only complaint so far is that unlike my 200G(HS), the focus ring cover can't be locked in the closed position. So it tends to work its way open when I'm using the lens.