Minolta 28-70G any good for A99

[Austerror]

Howdy everyone,

 

I've been reading about the Minolta 28-70G. I like its features and performance and stuff.

 

My question is thus, how does it hold up against modern lenses in that range? LIke the Tamron and Sony, which are a tiny bit longer at 28-75mm.

 

I know it performs 'well'.  From what I have seen, it is an excellent lens. However, before I spend the cash I was wondering if anyone else has got some first hand experience with this combination?

 

As an example, I have a Minolta 35-70 F4 which didn't do well on my Nex-7 via the LA-EA2 adapter. But on the A99 it is most excellent. I focus calibrated both cameras and the Nex-7 just didn't seem to like this lens.

 

Anyone have some thoughts?

[lagaffe]

From experience, color is warmer than the Tamron/Minolta 28-75 f2.8. Coating is not as good (flare is sometimes more obvious in difficult light condition). Bokeh is nicer on the G and it is a bit sharper. Is it worth 2x as much? Possibly: the Zeiss 24-70 is worth it in my opinion.

 

 

Envoyé de mon iPad en utilisant Tapatalk

[Fonk]

I use this lens on the A99 (and a900).  I love it, but there are a couple nagging items... 

 

First, the good:  This lens is sharp. In terms of image quality, I have no complaints.  It's right up there with the CZ 24-70 in my opinion, but you'll pick this thing up for like a 1/3 of the cost.  The color rendition and bokeh are really nice, too - classic Minolta G goodness.

 

My two complaints are:  1.) The auto focus, at least on my copy, is noisy and slow.  If you're shooting fast-paced action and need lighting quick AF lock, this might not be for you.  That said, it still performs well enough for me to use at wedding receptions, conventions, etc.  I probably wouldn't at a football game, though.  2.) It's well noted that the lens hood is the worst-designed lens hood in history.  Honestly, it's practically useless.  As such, if you're shooting anywhere near the direction of the sun at mid-day, you WILL get lens flare.  I use this mostly for (indoor) events or night-sky photography, though, so isn't usually much of an issue for me.  There are also tutorials online on how you can construct a proper lens hood for it from other model hoods.  It hasn't been enough of a problem for me to do that, but depending on how you use it, that may be useful.

 

I have no regrets about purchasing this lens, as I think the value for the money is great, and I'm not using it to shoot track meets at noon, so the cons don't affect me too much.  Here are some images I've taken with it:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanfonkert/15557833735/

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanfonkert/14357443738/

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanfonkert/14292261063/

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanfonkert/14032713417/

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanfonkert/14187282402/

 

Good luck with whatever you decide.