This is one of the 'kit' lenses from the latter days of Minolta. It is very lightweight, of a plastic barrel construction. It also has a plastic Mount - which is often criticized as 'not being as strong' as its predecessor metal mounts, but I haven't had a problem with them. The Optics are good, as we all expect from Minolta......except for one little detail. This lens (and its 28-100 cousin), when used on Film cameras, have a problem with vignetting (shadowing) of the corners at 28mm. From about 35mm on up, this problem disappears. If using it on the Sony Alpha 100 (or a Minolta 5D or 7D), this problem shouldn't show itself, thanks to the '1.5x crop factor' (the Digital uses a smaller portion of the lens's 'image circle' than a film camera would).
I previously worked for a newspaper and bought the same camera when first introduced. Needless, to say, I took hundreds of pictures using mostly 400ASA but this camera did well with all film. I bought the one I am reviewing as a film backup camera and have nothing but raves. Only one misgiving - the AF flash doesn't synch as fast as needed but the original did the same. Otherwise, it is a great little camera - very durable and dependable. - Cerreus
This has proven to be a very good workhorse lens for the maxxum camera. It does exaclty what it should do. I find that I use this lens a bit more often than my 70-300 mm lens because most of my shooting is closer in. Not good for long distance shots, but takes a decent panorama landscape. all around a good lens for the money.
This was purchased to replace a lens used for the last 15 yrs. Although the company has been bought by Sony, the lens is still of high quality and universally fits Minolta, Konica/Minolta, and Sony A series cameras. Highly recommended and I would not hesitate buying another, as opposed to purchasing a Sony brand lens.
I like this lense because it is an excellent lense for my camera. I get good light and and my pictures come out great. I already have an identical lense but I like mine so well, I wanted another one for my other camera.
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