Minolta AF 70-210mm F4 (beercan) A-mount lens review by Kaishi

Kaishi#3188 date: Jan-16-2008
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 overall: 4.8	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 AF 28-85 F3.5-4.5 Minolta AF 50 F1.7 Sony 18-70 (SAL1870) Sony 75-300 (SAL75300)
price paid:	$150 (great condt)
positive:	Very sharp. Internal zoom (no length change). Solid construction. Constant aperture. Inexpensive!
negative:	External focus (length change during focus). Front element rotates during focus. AF is a slow and noisy. One stop slower than the 70-200 F2.8, but 5-10% the price. Element coatings are dated. I wish Sony would remake this lens at a reasonable price.
comment:	The beercan is a very respectable lens. I initially thought there were some color issues but some more shots taken tonight have confirmed that something else must've been a problem in my first few batches. No problems now. Build quality is very high. The lens has all metal-construction, smooth operation, and is very durable. Little to no distortion from what I've observed. Less than that of my favorite lens, the 28-85 F3.5-4.5. I have observed no CA. Flare control can be a bit of a problem from what I've seen and heard. If you get one that includes a lens-hood, you'll have less trouble. Very good for taking portraits.