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

czechmate#8938 date: Apr-18-2011
sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 overall: 4.4	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:	Tamron 17-50/F2.8 Minolta AF 50/F1.7
price paid:	270 USD (LN)
positive:	- price/performance ratio - built - large zoom ring - bokeh - 1:4 macro on 210mm
negative:	- lens hood design - a bit noisy AF
comment:	I bought this lens in a very good condition, with original caps and hood. Until now my longest lens was 50mm, but I got used to this telephoto very quickly. I absolutely love the bokeh. At the long end there is some distortion going on. But overall lovely lens with great price/performance ratio. As for focusing I don't think the lens hunts, at least not my copy. It's a telephoto lens, therefore the focus has bigger range and the AF has to go through it. Compared to my other lenses, the AF is significantly louder, which might be an issue for someone. The lens is quite heavy, but I chose that over plasticy lens and I'm glad. The lens hood is not designed very well.