Minolta AF 35-105mm F3.5-4.5 A-mount lens reviews
 dumbasadoorknob#8766 date: Mar-9-2011 | |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 overall: 4.8 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | Min 28135 Min 24105 Min 35/2 Min 85GRS Sony 100Macro |
| price paid: | usd 105 used |
| positive: | Small zoom Minolta colors utterly reliable |
| negative: | none |
| comment: | This is currently my favorite zoom. It has extraordinary clarity in the image and accuracy in focussing, and is almost as good at 35mm as my Min 35/2, and almost as good as the Sony Macro at full length. In between (which I have recently found is a problem with some of my older, hard-used Min zooms) it is just as sharp and clear. It doesn't have the halo effect of the 85G RS, but it has a hard clarity that is equally enjoyable. Having the A900, I can crop a good deal, so that the 3x zoom factor here is not as serious a problem as I thought it would be. Likewise, with a setting of ISO 800 (according to DxO an effective ISO 640) the slowness of the lens is not apparent, since this setting boosts its effective speed to better than f/2 in the field. I have been pairing it with my 100200 to replace my weak 28135, and I really like the combination. My 24105 was just a poor copy, and has always disappointed, so that the 35105 has always been better. The 35105 has the vibrant and deep Minolta colors that I like so much and a surprisingly good out of focus blur (which I also like.) The long minimum focussing distance occasionally annoys me -- but it is easily compensated for by the macro switch when I want to get really close. I've not made the tape adjustment to autofocus in macro mode. The lens hood is OK, and I've always liked the hard diagonal zoom ring just where it is. I had been thinking of replacing my Min 28135 with a Tamron 24135 -- but this lens is so reliable, and so pleasant to use, that I think I'll stick with it for a very long time instead. |
; 36MP| 12AMS#8746 date: Mar-6-2011 | |
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sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 3 overall: 4.3 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | Sony SAL 18-55mm SAM Minolta 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 |
| price paid: | $35 CDN (used) |
| positive: | Amazing sharpness Minimal CA Build |
| negative: | Flare MFD Not quite wide enough |
| comment: | I love this lens. Some of my favorite pictures were taken with this lens on film, and it performs just as well on digital. I find flare to be an issue with this lens, however, and the hood is next to useless (use your hand instead). I have run up against the MFD a couple of times, but managed to overcome it by manually focusing in macro. This lens would never leave the camera if it was a bit wider, say 24mm, but that is why I keep the Sony 18-55mm around. Overall, though, I really like the focal range and the sharpness has to be seen to be believed. I tested all 3 lenses at 35mm, where you would expect the other lenses to be at a bit of an advantage since they are in the middle of their ranges and this lens is at one of its extremes. This lens soundly trounced the others, even wide open. It does have a little longitudinal CA, but who cares, as this type disappears when you stop down a little. I have never seen any lateral CA with my copy of this lens. Pick one up if you can find one. |
| jon3453#8739 date: Mar-5-2011 | |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 overall: 5 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | sony 18-70 tokina 19-35 F3.5 4.5 min 50 F1.7 min 28 F2.8 min 35-105N min100-200 F4.5 min 100 F2.8 macro +various M42 |
| price paid: | £65 |
| positive: | Everything but MFD! |
| negative: | MFD |
| comment: | I love all my old minolta glass, but there is just something about this one which makes it my favourite. The colour, the sharpness from wide open, the bokeh it has the lot.Its on my camera nearly all the time.Hard to take a bad picture with it! Feels like real quality too.Macro's great bonus. Will never sell it. Yes the the MFD will wind you up at times and no 35mm isn't very wide but i say just track down a good one TODAY a bargain at the price they go for |
| ERH#8684 date: Feb-20-2011 | |
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sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 overall: 4.7 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | Minolta 28-135/4-4.5 Tamron 28-75/2.8 Tamron 35-105/2.8 Tamron 24-135/3.5-5.6 Minolta 28-70G |
| price paid: | 180 USD |
| positive: | Perfect build Perfect bokeh True minoltian colors Good sharpness wideopen Compact |
| negative: | Contrast loss when shooting against the sun Rare (and price is rising) Rotating front filter |
| comment: | Good walkaround lens with excellent colours (Almost as best a at minolta 28-70G). Close to legendary Oldman 28-135/4-4.5, but in the contrary very lightweight and compact, bit faster aperture, much better bokeh... Only flares and loss of the contrast against the sun sometimes may be an issue. And don`t forget, that it`s price triple less than Oldman! Summary: Vintage Minolta`s gem! (if you can find it - get it!) |
| fdelgado70#8671 date: Feb-19-2011 | |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 overall: 4.6 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | 35-105mm RS 28-85/3.5 Original Beercan |
| price paid: | 70 USD |
| positive: | Sharp Minolta Colors 3D like shots Build quality |
| negative: | Not really anything in my opinion. |
| comment: | I love this lens. Other reviewers also touted the 3D like effects of the photos, and they were not kidding. Beautiful colors, bokeh is excellent and of course the build quality is exceptional. I am lucky enough to have the Crossed X version and lucky that it was well cared for before I got it. Having a hard time removing it from my A100, and from Maxxum bodies that I use. |
| kozmo#8613 date: Feb-4-2011 | |
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sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 overall: 4.5 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | missing |
| price paid: | $90 US |
| positive: | Sharp Nice color Old Minolta build |
| negative: | min focus distance Odd range on apc oil on blades |
| comment: | Lens seems to have nice color and sharpness, bought with oil on blades that has been fixed but it seems to be a problem on this lens quite a bit. Have not used as much as I should but results have been worth the price. If you need this range there are worse choices to make. I feel this lens is a little hyped, but still a decent value for getting minolta colors. bokeh is also pretty good as well. Do not notice a world of difference between this lens and my old 28-85 minolta |
| francis#8607 date: Feb-1-2011 | |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 overall: 4.8 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | 28-135 28-85 28-75D |
| price paid: | 40 USD |
| positive: | sharpness color rating build MACRO |
| negative: | Flare only with certain filters |
| comment: | The depth, bokeh, contrast and colors (actually natural and not overdone as with many other lenses) are truly unique. It's the combination that's right, not any feature on its own - this is pretty much what defines this lens. |
| Bahudda#8555 date: Jan-22-2011 | |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 overall: 4.8 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | 24-70mm f2.8 ZA 28-135mm f4-4.5 100mm f2.8 50mm f1.4 Sony 35mmf2.0 |
| price paid: | $60.00 |
| positive: | Color, sharpness, bokeh and contrast |
| negative: | Minimum focus distance Minimum aperture |
| comment: | One marvelous lens! I love the color and contrast from this lens. It is what others are saying about it - a pure gem. Rather than repeat all of the sterling adjectives below I will just say, if you can get your hands on one don't let go! One more thing, I read the bokeh was nice and didn't think it could be - I was very very wrong. |
| Malinki_Malinki#8539 date: Jan-18-2011 | |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 overall: 4.8 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | - Sony SAM 18-55mm kit lens. - 70-300mm 'Big Beercan'. |
| price paid: | 70GBP |
| positive: | - Colours! Colours! COLOURS! - 3-D effect! - Sharpness! - Smooth operation; feels great. - Looks the part. :-) - Fast Autofocus with my A-390. - Weight. This is positive for me as it feels great to hold and gives good balance. - Price! 70GBP is an absolute bargain!!! |
| negative: | If I'm being very picky... - Occasional flare if sun or bright light in frame or close to picture frame. But what do you expect when you point a lens near the sun? - OK, its not perfectly silent, but I don't need this. (The lens is fairly quiet and runs very smooth though.) - Hunts just a little in very poor light sometimes, but hey, it is only f3.5-f4.5 - Very very slight purple fringing on high contrast against white at 105mm. But I had to look very hard for this... This is not a problem to me or anything I normally notice or worry about. |
| comment: | I LOVE THIS LENS! I have 3 lenses but this is the one that stays on my camera most of the time. The first day I used this I was blown away by the fantastic colours, the sharpness and the macro capability. On one macro picture in particular of a humble marigold I was astounded that the image of the marigold seems to jump right out of the picture like in 3-D and that the centre of the marigold seems to glow like the sun. I fell in Love with this lens from that point on... I got this lens from ebay from a professional photographer who had obviously looked after the lens so I am fortunate that the glass is pristine, and of course the body is built like a tank. Its hard to believe that this lens is probably 25 years old - a quarter of a century - and the glass still looks like new and the body almost like new. I use this lens a lot for portraiture and it is fantastic! As long as I am careful about the focus position of the eyes (like any lens!) then I get tack sharp eyes, and skin tones and clarity are wonderful. People really look like they are looking out right at you! I also use this as my standard lens for landscapes, cityscapes etc. and it stays on my camera most of the time. [If I want a picture of my daughter ice-skating, or of an animal or bird, or a zoomed-in landscape then I use my 'Big Beercan'. Since getting this lens I have not used my kit lens other than a few comparitive test shots with a test card. I may use it eventually if I really need its wide-angle...] It is interesting to note that when I bought this lens its rating here was 4.67 and has now nudged up to 4.68. I think this is a testimony to the continuing fantastic value for money of this lens. Unfortunately these deserved good ratings push the price up and I think most second-hand camera dealers see dollars in their eyes with this one and ask for ridiculous prices of 100GBP and more. Your best bet is ebay; even if the copy isn't the best one you could always pay to get the lens serviced and cleaned. I have to say that I am a relative newbie DSLR User so I haven't carried out any lab-style controlled test comparisons against my other lenses; my views here are mostly subjective and I admit to inexperience. However, I have compared pictures (using a tripod, SSIS off and timer delay on) of a lens resolution test chart I printed from the web. This lens reolved everything to the smallest detail and was sharp centre-to-corners with no noticeable (to me) pin-cushion or barrel distortion. I dread to think what price I would have to pay for a modern day equivalent of this lens. I really enjoy using this lens and it continually surprises me with its wonderful colours and 3-D effect. I intend to enjoy continuing to use this lens for a very long time to come!!! |
| MCNGUYEN#8536 date: Jan-17-2011 | |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 overall: 4.6 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | Min 28-135 Min 35-105 N version Min 70-210 the Beercan |
| price paid: | 50 |
| positive: | Sharp, sharp, sharp. Minolta Colors |
| negative: | Zoom creep. Range not so usefull on an aps camera. Focus a bit noisy for video capture on my A55, but not for still. |
| comment: | Sharper than my 28-135 copy, way sharper than the Beercan, but the range is not as usefull as the 28-135. Lightweight compares to the 28-135. The colors are great like Minolta Colors. Macro position very usefull. I didn't know there was an old version of the 35-105. I own the New version but I didn't used it because it range is not so usefull. I always used the 28-135 these 2-3 last years since I discovered this one, but know I wonder if I wouldn't change. I searched the old 35-105 since I read reviews on this site. Very usefull reviews thanks to all. |
| eromance#8449 date: Dec-25-2010 | |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 overall: 4.8 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | Minolta 50 F1.7 Sony 50 F1.8 Sony 16-105 Tamron 18-250 Sigma 70-300 |
| price paid: | 105 USD (used) |
| positive: | : sharp : color : build : macro most of all the price!!! almost everything |
| negative: | - didn't able to find this before I bought some of the expensive lens within it's range! - range |
| comment: | a very recommended lens for it's range! |
| jenik.nk#8445 date: Dec-23-2010 | |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 overall: 4.6 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | Min 28-105/3.5-4.5 Min 35-105/3.5-4.5N Min 70-210/4 beercan Min 35-70/4 Sigma 17-70/2.8-4.5 |
| price paid: | 3000 CZK (used) |
| positive: | * sharpness !!! * colours !!! |
| negative: | * MFD * not wide on APS-C * difficult to find |
| comment: | It took me two years to find this lens. I read many many reviews about it's qualities. Some time ago I bought the 35-105N, which is not so great... but quite nice stopped down. But this old version - wow! Definitely my best zoom in terms of IQ. Really extremely sharp, never needed stopping down for sharpness. Beautiful colors. AF seems to be fast. From my experience struggles against the light - I will have to test it more. But definitely a highly recommended lens. Best quality and cheap. Seems difficult to find though. |
| mydarkstars#8430 date: Dec-21-2010 | |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 overall: 5 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | Min 35-70 f4 Min 28-85 f3.5-4.5 Sony 18-55mm Sony 18-70mm |
| price paid: | £59 |
| positive: | Sharpness Color Build Price |
| negative: | Only starts at 35mm |
| comment: | Been after this lens for awhile. Saw it on sale for only £59 in a camera shop, comes with a 1yr guarantee! Only played with it for a few days but it beats all the other lens I have that cover the same range. This lens out resolves my A550. Will probably be stuck to my A550 for the foreseeable future. |
| reboot#8392 date: Dec-11-2010 | |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 overall: 4.8 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | Sony 18-70 kit lens Minolta 50/1.7 |
| price paid: | 69 USD (used) |
| positive: | Sharper than sharp Great colors Almost indestructible Macro |
| negative: | A bit heavy Rotates when focusing |
| comment: | I love this lens. It's amazing that a lens of this quality can be bought for so little $$. I'm glad I bought mine while the price is still low. If you don't have one, buy one today. |
| rouncey#8375 date: Dec-8-2010 | |
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sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 3 overall: 4.1 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | minolta 28-85 minolta 50mm 1.7 |
| price paid: | 35 gbp |
| positive: | colour sharp build |
| negative: | flare auto focus a bit noisey |
| comment: | Love the colour on this lense,some pictures appear to be 3d like.bought this cheap from e bay,35 pounds and its blown me away!!!!!!.focus is a bit noisey and mine has some dust inside(thought it was fungus,but had it checked today and its dust) but the picture quality is fantastic.the macro is very usable and i have taken some lovely closeups with it.very underated lense and at the moment quite cheap,though the prices are going up,no doubt do too the reviews,if you havent got one you need too get it,the colours will blow you away..... |
| ARkristian#8364 date: Dec-6-2010 | |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 overall: 5 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | minolta 70-210 f4 35-70 f4 28-135 |
| price paid: | missing |
| positive: | sharp colors 3dimentional effect price built quality macro hackable |
| negative: | none i can think of... |
| comment: | this lens make my sony alpha shines! a real gem for beercan era! |
| jlbigornia#8363 date: Dec-6-2010 | |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 overall: 5 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | minolta 50mm 1.7 sigma 24mm superwide II tokina AT-X 28-70 2.8 sigma 70-300 DL macro |
| price paid: | missing |
| positive: | sharp! color! built! everything! |
| negative: | none for the price and performance! |
| comment: | one of the minoltas finest! i was suprised by the color, sharpness and 3d effect of the images taken by this nicely rated lens! |
| marathonianbull#8140 date: Oct-25-2010 | |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 overall: 5 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | Sony 16-105mm Sony CZ 16-80mm Sony 50mm f1.4 Tokina 28-70mm f2.6 Minolta 50mm/100mm f2.8 Minolta 70-210mm f4 Minolta 50 f1.7 |
| price paid: | missing |
| positive: | Very fast & precise AF! Colors & Contrats! Solid Built, Light! |
| negative: | Should have bought this one a LONG TIME AGO! |
| comment: | I love it; my best walkaround lens so far! No problem with flare when using the original hood... |
| SChurchill#8016 date: Sep-23-2010 | |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 overall: 4.8 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | Min 28-135 Sony 18-70 DT Beercan Big Beercan Min 35-70 f4 Min 50 F1.7 Min 28-85 F3.5-4.5 |
| price paid: | 60 GBP |
| positive: | Sharpness Colour Build Macro function at long end. |
| negative: | MFD but macro function compensates for this. |
| comment: | This is my favourite Minolta lens that I own. I've fell in love with it the day I got it. I think it out performs my copy of the 28-135 hands down for sharpness and colour. The Minolta 28-85 F3.5-4.5, which looks almost identical, is dire in comparison, especially when CA is taken into consideration. I don't find the manual macro a problem as I tend to manually focus close ups anyway. Also the macro function is at the long end unlike the 28-135 which has it at the wide end. This feels far more natural to zoom in and if you hit the MFD limit then switch to macro. My copy exhibits beautiful contrast which seems to give a three dimensional feel to portraits. I would recommend this lens to anyone and am tempted to buy another as an insurance policy. Definitely an underrated and overlooked lens. |
| JamesAlpha850#7973 date: Sep-16-2010 | |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 overall: 4.8 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | Minolta AF24mm f2.8 Sony AF50mm F1.4 Sony AF100mm f2.8 macro Minolta AF28-85 f3.5-4.5 Minolta AF28-135 f4-4.5 Minolta AF35-105N f3.5-4.5 Minolta AF70-210 f4-4.5 Tamron AF28-300mm XR f3.5-6.3 |
| price paid: | 80.00 USD |
| positive: | Sharp zoom wide open More evenly sharp throughout Best color of old Maxxum lenses/creamy bokeh Solidly built Useful walk-around range on FF Macro is a creative tool Semi-snappy focus Still a bargain, but hurry. |
| negative: | Becoming scarce Sometimes mistaken for vastly lacking 1987 MinoMaxx 35-105N (Read on.) |
| comment: | A Minolta classic to take seriously, the AF 35-105mm is a natural companion for a full-frame DSLR. It is the Secret G-zoom of the vintage 1985 era Maxxums. IMHO, the Macro feature turns out to be the most functional of the beercan bunch, a crisp close-up range for casual portraits. It is impressive to see detail from a zoom that rivals a true macro. Could this walk-around zoom take full advantage of the Macro feature in AF mode? Much is commented regarding Pete G's AF hack. The Minolta Maxxum AF35-105 weighs in at a fraction of its big brother, the venerated 28-135mm. Importantly, it retains much of the Handshake's imaging luster, especially its very sharp focus. After indulging in random pixel peeking, edge sharpness looks quite good at several focal lengths. The colors are deep and wonderful, brilliant and contrasty. Several images of light hitting water and in and of out of focus reflections were examined at fit and full 1:1 screen resolutions. The bokeh produced from out of focus droplets is creamy in these images. Colors are given punch and objects sometimes suggest 3D. Having used this zoom for several weeks in preparation for an exhibit, it is significant to say that wide shots may require some distortion correction in PP. Minor adjustments of chromatic aberration in bright contrast are required. With Photoshop Lightroom 3 to tame it, the lens is perfect for my daily zoom purposes, a logical complement to the Minolta Maxxum AF28-135. I became so impressed by the performance of the first lens I bought that I decided to get a second one as a back-up. I have not yet gotten the nerve to attempt the Ganzel hack. For a walk-around zoom, I am beginning to prefer to use this lens over my AF28-135. The weight balance appears to be better suited for the Alpha 850, giving less shoulder and wrist fatigue with quite comparable results. For greater range, the logical pick is the Big Brother 28-135. Caveat: Beware of the distinction between the optic under review here and a newer version Minolta Maxxum lighter weight lens of the same focal length. The AF35-105N f3.5-4.5 came to me from a NY supplier by mistake in white (a limited-production model). It was not satisfactory and I returned it. This same model in black is also rated in the zoom lens section of dyxum.com. Note the performance ratings are somewhat different between these two lenses. It can be difficult, but possible to distinguish between them in the ebay photos as they have distinctive rubber focus bands. The style of the rubber ring of the vintage lens is of tightly ribbed grips perpendicular to the mount. The style of the focus/zoom ring of the Minolta AF35-105N is a wider diagonal grip design. I hope this information is useful as I am seeing more of the newer design posted for auction than the much more prized lens under review here. |
| Zeeke#7968 date: Sep-13-2010 | |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 overall: 4.6 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | Minolta af 28-135mm Minolta af 24-105mm Minolta af 24-85mm RS Minolta af 28-105mm Minolta af 35-70 f4 |
| price paid: | missing |
| positive: | sharpness price colour build |
| negative: | Non given the price of these lenses |
| comment: | This is the sharpest of all the old Minoltas,but I would still recommend the Minolta af 28-105 over this with faster af,more range and contemporary feel. Edited 2016 Now I tested another sample of this and it's cutting sharp wide open through it's range.no zoom will be sharper.....pictures make you wow..... If starting at 28mm and with better close focusing this would be the ultimate lens. |
| tmarc#7850 date: Aug-24-2010 | |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 overall: 4.8 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | Sigma 17-70/2.8-4.5, SAL 18-70. |
| price paid: | 70 USD (used) |
| positive: | Sharpness, colours. |
| negative: | Weight, wide end not wide enough on APS-C. |
| comment: | My best pictures were made with this lens. Since it's wide end is limited on APS-C, it's best suited for portraits. |
| Basil#7775 date: Aug-2-2010 | |
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sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 overall: 4.5 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | Minolta 35-105 RS Minolta 28-85 Minolta 24-85 Sony 18-70 |
| price paid: | $75 USD |
| positive: | Beautiful colors Built like a tank Macro switch Wonderful portrait zoom |
| negative: | Can flare if not careful Long MFD Awkward range on cropped sensor |
| comment: | This is my favorite portrait zoom. The colors are simply outstanding. while it's not as sharp as a prime, it is still very good. The long MFD can be an issue, but the macro switch helps. However, it becomes a manual focus lens at that point. It's a bit awkward as a walk-around lens (the 24-85 is better), but for static subjects it really shines. |
| snajper#7743 date: Jul-27-2010 | |
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sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 3 overall: 4.3 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | 35-105N The rest of beercan series. |
| price paid: | 65USD |
| positive: | Very sharp even wide open. Minolta colours. Build quality Macro switch |
| negative: | MFD |
| comment: | This must be the best $65 I have ever spent and it is almost in mint condition. It is way better in every way than the restyled newer 35-105mm. I have done macro hack on it and it is now awesome walkaround lens. IQ is very, very close to my 28-135 lens. Say no more. |
| iceman#7680 date: Jul-11-2010 | |
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sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 overall: 4.5 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | missing |
| price paid: | 80.00 AUD |
| positive: | -Great colours -Solid build -Cheap -Easy to use |
| negative: | -Getting hard to find |
| comment: | Got this lens from an auction site at a good price, did not expect too much. Was I surprised!! The great Minolta colours just blew me away, and its solid construction means that I will be using it for a long time to come. |
| gouldina#7637 date: Jun-28-2010 | |
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sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 overall: 4.7 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | MinO Beercan, MinO 28-85mm MinO 135mm prime CZJ Flektogon 35mm |
| price paid: | 40 GBP |
| positive: | Good colours, |
| negative: | "Funny" range. MFD |
| comment: | I've had this lens for a while but haven't used it much as I also have the 28-85 of the same generation and I find that more useful in terms of range. However, having spent a bit more time with it, I have to say that it's definitely an improvement over my copy of the 28-85 in terms of colour and probably sharpness although to a lesser extent. It has similar IQ to the beercan I would say but in a different range. Construction is awesome like all the MinO zooms of that era. I can't agree with some of the reviews about how sharp it is though - I'd say it was decent rather than razor sharp. The downsides: AF is noisy, macro is a bit half hearted and the MFD is far too long like all these lenses. The focal length range is neither fish nor fowl but apart from all that it's a very decent lens. Update: On my A850, this lens truly comes into its own in terms of focal length range. I've changed my mind about its sharpness too, it really is very sharp for a zoom. Well worth obtaining. |
| paso144#7488 date: May-26-2010 | |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 overall: 4.6 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | 24-105D 24-85N 28-135 beercan big beercan |
| price paid: | 60 euro |
| positive: | Very, very sharp. Excellent build quality. Rather compact for it's range. Minolta colors. Nice macro function. |
| negative: | Strange range on APS-C. |
| comment: | Sharpest lens of the beercan bunch. Very sharp with a lovely IQ. Typical Minolta colors. Compact lens for its range and therefore suited for travel. Because of the strange focal range I now prefer my 28-135 and this little gem stays in the bag. I cannot get to it to sell and I think I keep it as an example of excellent Minolta lens design during the 80's. |
| manukaing#7312 date: Apr-18-2010 | |
|---|---|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 overall: 4.6 | tested on:
|
| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | missing |
| price paid: | missing |
| positive: | sharp usefull macro mode |
| negative: | MFD |
| comment: | missing |
| pcarmalt#7227 date: Apr-1-2010 | |
|---|---|
sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 overall: 4.2 | tested on:
|
| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | Sony 20 F2.8 CZ 24-70 F2.8 Sony 24-105 F3.5-4.5 Tamron 28-75 F2.8 Minolta 28-135 F4-4.5 Minolta 35-70 F4 Minolta 50 F1.7 RS Sony 50 F1.4 Minolta 70-210 F4 CZ 85 F1.4 Sony 100 F2.8 Macro Minolta 135 F2.8 |
| price paid: | GBP 87 |
| positive: | + Great colour and sharpness, similar look to beercan and 28-135 + Quite sharp even wide open + "Macro" switch useful |
| negative: | - MFD just as bad as 28-135 (1.5m) |
| comment: | Compared to the much more expensive 28-135, there is very little in it in terms of IQ. However, the 28-135 range is much more convenient, and has faster AF so I think it's worth the extra money. The macro mode is good, though the Tamron 28-75 has better magnification without having to activate a special macro mode :-) |
| Lukas07#7123 date: Mar-19-2010 | |
|---|---|
sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 overall: 4.9 | tested on:
|
| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | Minolta 24-85 Minlta 28-100 DT Sony 18-55 Nikon 18-70 Nikon 18-135 |
| price paid: | 700RMB |
| positive: | Color!!! Abouslutly color!!And sharp enough |
| negative: | Nothing could be and should be...at least to this 25'years old len~ Only....focus noise |
| comment: | Good len,that's it |
rating summary
- total reviews: 156
- sharpness: 4.78
- color: 4.87
- build: 4.87
- distortion: 4.58
- flare control: 4.08
- overall: 4.64
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