Minolta AF 35mm F2 A-mount lens review by 2manycamera

2manycamera#1139 date: Aug-29-2006
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 overall: 4.6	tested on: film camera: APS-C: 6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP; 16MP; 20MP; 24MP full frame: 12MP; 24MP; 36MP; 42MP; 61MP
ownership:	I have experience with this lens
compared to:	Minolta 28/2, 50/1.4RS, Sigma 28/1.8
price paid:	160 USD used
positive:	Sharp at all apetures, corner to corner. Color is excellent, good, not outstanding, bokeh.
negative:	Manual focus ring. Flares on digital if not careful.
comment:	I came close to selling this recently, knowing that I could make a killing on it in the current market. Decided to take the time to go back and use it before committing to selling it. Best decision I've made in awhile. In comparing it to other lenses, it is absolutely excellent, corner to corner, at all apetures. As good as the 28/2 is wide open, the 35/2 beats it in the corners. This has become my principal lens for dance photography and is always with me when I travel. I do not consider it a MF lens, the ring is too small and the throw distance too short for this use. This is why I'll keep the Sigma 28/1.8, an excellent MF lens. It will also give flare problems on digital, not noticable on film due to its age and lack of rear element coatings. When shot carefully, this is not a big issue for me. Like my 100/2 and 300/4, as long as I shoot with an A mount camera, this lens is staying with me.