Minolta AF 300mm F4 HS APO G A-mount lens review by QuietOC
 QuietOC#45695 date: May-1-2021 | |
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| sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 3 overall: 3.6 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I have experience with this lens |
| compared to: | Tamron 28-300 XR Di Tamron 28-300 XR Tokina AF 35-300 Sony DT 55-300 SAM Canon EF 70-300 IS II USM Sony 70-300 G SSM II Tamron SP 70-300 USD Sony A 70-400 G SSM Canon EF 75-300 F4-5.6 III USM Minolta AF 75-300 "Big Beercan" Minolta AF 75-300 D Minolta AF 100-300 APO Minolta AF 100-300 APO D Minolta AF 100-400 APO Minolta AF 200 F2.8 HS APO G Sigma APO 300 F4 Tele Macro Sigma APO 400 F5.6 Tele Macro HSM Sigma APO 400 F5.6 |
| price paid: | 400 USD (used) |
| positive: | Internal focus Maintains focal length |
| negative: | Alignment/variation Weight Chromatic aberrations Warm color cast Focus noise Focus breathing 2.5 meter closest focus Mild pincushion distortion Non-removable tripod foot Lack of Lens Compensation |
| comment: | This was a best offer accepted by an individual eBay seller. It included a slightly dented original hood, original caps, and slide-in normal filter. It has a clean body with only a few small spots of chipped paint. Several large flecks are visible in the front group of elements. "JAPAN" The gold letters and decorative ring and APO moniker seem to be an empty marketing ploys. It has heavier chromatic aberrations than the Sigma 300 F4 APO or more recent telephoto zooms. The sliding range limiter is an interesting design borrowed from the 300 F2.8. It also allows an infinity calibration, though you lose it if you use the limiter for any other purpose. There is a mark to indicate where infinity should be. The focus throw is very short making manual focus difficult. The focus ring cover might be protecting fragile gearing. The gearing makes horrible noise like the worst Sigma lenses. For all of that and the High Speed designation it does not autofocus quickly. The top mounted filter tray leaves large gaps for almost anything to enter the middle of the lens. A better aligned example should probably earn a 4 for sharpness. this one is a doorstop. It could certainly be used stopped down, but there are smaller and lighter zooms with better image quality. |
rating summary
- total reviews: 34
- sharpness: 4.85
- color: 4.85
- build: 4.76
- distortion: 4.85
- flare control: 4.82
- overall: 4.83