Heavy equals quality? Minolta Maxxum AF Zoom 28-85mm 1:3.5-4.5

  Cost: $26 (average cost: $30)

   

I understand this is one of the first Minolta lenses with the AF (Auto-Focus) mount. The is very heavy for it's size and range, as it is mostly made from metal. Good sturdy build quality that will last for ever...

The zoom uses a lot of range and is therefore a little slower to average to auto focus. Aside from the weight, it's OK to use, but I wasn't blown away. This might have been an age issue (of the lens, not me), and it could have been smoother originally. 

Image quality is average. Sharp in the middle stops, not to much aberration, and mostly rich colors. It just did not excite me as much as some other Minolta Maxxum lenses.

Pictures are taking on the Indian Arm Forest Service Road in Squamish, and on the Spirit Trail in North Vancouver. 

It's a welcome addition to the collection, but I don't think I will get a lot of use as there other Minolta lenses I prefer. 

Lens Specification:

Focal Length: 28-85mm
Maximum Aperture: F3.5-4.5
Minimum Aperture: F22-27
Image Format: 35mm
Lens Mount: Minolta AF
Optics: 13 elements, 10 groups
Blades: 7
Focusing: Auto (+ Manual)
Minimum Focus: 0.80m
Filter Size: 55mm
Weight: 499g
Length: 85-110mm
Production: 1985
Serial Number: 31204494
Made in: Japan

More information on Minolta
More sample pictures at DYXUM.com 

Samples:

1/250 sec. f/4.5 84mm ISO100 - Handheld

1/250 sec. f/3.5 29mm ISO2500 - Handheld

1/250 sec. f/4 42mm ISO500 - Handheld

1/250 sec. f/9 59mm ISO100 - Handheld

1/200 sec. f/7.1 59mm ISO100 - Handheld

1/250 sec. f/8 45mm ISO100 - Handheld

1/200 sec. f/8 59mm ISO100 - Handheld

1/60 sec. f/3.5 32mm ISO160 - Handheld

1/60 sec. f/3.5 29mm ISO200 - Handheld

1/400 sec. f/8 29mm ISO100 - Handheld

Reference:

More information on DYXUM.com

More pictures on DYXUM.com

Kurt Munger