I have one of these and was wondering if there is any difference between versions that have Maxxum written on the front of the lens (in red) and versions that don't. Mine does not have Maxxum written on it and I was wondering what the difference is. They two versions look identical to me.

There's no difference.

BTW the one with the "crossed X's" similar 

to the Exxon Oil logo is the oldest and due 

to its "lawsuit logo" is the "collectible" lens, 

worth [LOL] a whole $15 to 25 extra. Thaz 

the deal with Minolta "collector's versions". 

Thanks, thought they were the same but just wanted to make sure.

Actually the difference is the Maxxum brand name was used for lenses sold in North America so all the lenses/bodies and some flash units sold here were branded Maxxum.

This was to help prevent grey market

The crossed X Maxxum's were only sold during about the first year (or less) of production due to the above mentioned lawsuit from Exxon.

 

 

The rest of the world got only AF as a marking. It can be red letters (early AF lenses) or later lost the red marking i guess to simplify branding and cut costs but since this lens was of early production, they are probably all marked AF in red