| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
miran
Joined: 01 Aug 2012
Posts: 1364
Location: Slovenia
|
 Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 7:01 pm Post subject: Testing Minolta MD Zoom 28-85mm/3.5-4.5 |
 |
|
miran wrote:
The Minolta MD Zoom 28-85mm/3.5-4.5 seems to be a little more difficult to find than most Minolta zooms. Probably not that many were produced as it was introduced quite late in the MF era and the people who have them aren't selling them (for a good reason). Still the prices aren't really that unreasonable. It's a good lens. Not quite as strong as the 35-70 but in return is more flexible in terms of focal length range. The pseudo macro function (1:4) is, interestingly, available at 28mm rather than 85mm.
The lens:
 NEX6_0003_5261 by Miran Amon, on Flickr
It's an ok walkaround lens for days when there's enough light. A few samples from a short walk, taken with a Sony NEX-6 (16MP APS-C):
1. Around 50mm or so, wide open:
 NEX6_0003_5453 by Miran Amon, on Flickr
2. "Macro" at 28mm, wide open:
 NEX6_0003_5471 by Miran Amon, on Flickr
3. Around 70-85mm, wide open:
 NEX6_0003_5475 by Miran Amon, on Flickr
4. "Macro" at 28mm, wide open:
 NEX6_0003_5478 by Miran Amon, on Flickr
5. Around 28-35mm, stopped down a couple clicks:
 NEX6_0003_5507 by Miran Amon, on Flickr
6. 28mm, wide open, handheld 1/40s, ISO800
 NEX6_0003_5525 by Miran Amon, on Flickr
Full album: https://flic.kr/s/aHskQh5r7e
_________________
my flickr stream
Last edited by miran on Tue Dec 20, 2016 10:44 am; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
blotafton
Joined: 08 Aug 2013
Posts: 1552
Location: Sweden
|
| Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 7:51 pm Post subject: |
|
|
blotafton wrote:
Nice samples! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Minolfan
Joined: 30 Dec 2008
Posts: 3437
Location: Netherlands
|
| Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 8:41 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Minolfan wrote:
 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
iangreenhalgh1
Joined: 18 Mar 2011
Posts: 15685
Expire: 2014-01-07
|
| Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 8:55 pm Post subject: |
|
|
iangreenhalgh1 wrote:
I have the AF version and on my a850 I think it's better than the 35-105 everyone praises so much.
_________________
I don't care who designed it, who made it or what country it comes from - I just enjoy using it! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
tb_a
Joined: 26 Jan 2010
Posts: 3678
Location: Austria
Expire: 2019-08-28
|
| Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 9:45 pm Post subject: |
|
|
tb_a wrote:
Nice and very convincing examples, Miran. Thanks for sharing.
I've just checked and realized that I have the AF version as well. It's rather heavy with apprx. 500g, contrary to the crappy plastic zooms from Minolta of the latest area.
I have never ever used it till date. I think it came with one of my analog cameras instead of a body cap. Obviously it's worth a trial on my A850 as well.
_________________
Thomas Bernardy
Manual focus lenses mainly from Minolta, Pentax, Voigtlaender, Leitz, Topcon and from Russia (too many to be listed here). |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Lloydy
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 7785
Location: Ironbridge. UK.
Expire: 2022-01-01
|
| Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 10:00 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Lloydy wrote:
I wonder if this lens was Minolta fiddling with the excellent 35-70 just to get a bit more life out of it? It certainly has the same look about it, and it obviously performs very well.
Excellent pictures miran, the wide selection of images show how good it is, and you as the photographer.
_________________
LENSES & CAMERAS FOR SALE.....
I have loads of stuff that I have to get rid of, if you see me commenting about something I have got and you want one, ask me.
My Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/mudplugga/
My ipernity -
http://www.ipernity.com/home/294337 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
TrueLoveOne
Joined: 30 Sep 2012
Posts: 1840
Location: Netherlands
Expire: 2013-12-24
|
| Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 6:36 am Post subject: |
|
|
TrueLoveOne wrote:
My most used MD zoom, both on film and the A7!
_________________
My Flickr photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chantalrene/
Sony A7, Canon 5D mkII, Minolta 7D + RD3000 and some more.....
Minolta and Konica collector.... slowly selling all the other stuff! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
miran
Joined: 01 Aug 2012
Posts: 1364
Location: Slovenia
|
| Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 10:40 am Post subject: |
|
|
miran wrote:
| Lloydy wrote: |
| I wonder if this lens was Minolta fiddling with the excellent 35-70 just to get a bit more life out of it? |
I don't know, it's possible, they both look quite similar in some ways with a few notable differences. The macro function at the short end vs the long end and variable max aperture vs fixed max aperture are the most obvious ones apart from the range. But the zooming mechanism is similar, with both lenses being physically shortest at the long end and extending when zoomed out which would suggest they might be related.
_________________
my flickr stream |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
tb_a
Joined: 26 Jan 2010
Posts: 3678
Location: Austria
Expire: 2019-08-28
|
| Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 11:24 am Post subject: |
|
|
tb_a wrote:
| miran wrote: |
| Lloydy wrote: |
| I wonder if this lens was Minolta fiddling with the excellent 35-70 just to get a bit more life out of it? |
I don't know, it's possible, they both look quite similar in some ways with a few notable differences. |
I don't think so. The 35-70 is a 8 elements / 7 groups design whereas the 28-85 is a 13 elements / 10 groups design which explains the massive difference in weight.
_________________
Thomas Bernardy
Manual focus lenses mainly from Minolta, Pentax, Voigtlaender, Leitz, Topcon and from Russia (too many to be listed here). |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Antoine
Joined: 08 Jan 2016
Posts: 298
Location: London
|
| Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 5:28 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Antoine wrote:
Very nice pictures 
Will use it when cycling.
Just found one on the bay for 42.5/55€ and did not resist. I will refrain from blaming you though... 
Weight difference not so much 35-70mm 365 g, 28-85mm 470g. Expecting to receive it this week...
_________________
Antoine
Sony A6000 APS-C and Sony A7 Rii
Minolta Fisheye MD Rokkor 7.5 mm f4, Fisheye MD 16 f2.8 MD R 17mm f4, MD R 20mm f2.8, MC VFC & MDIII 24mm f2.8, MD 28mm f2.0 &3.5, MD II 35mm 1.8, MD 45mm f2.0, MD 50mm f 1.2 & MD I f1.4, MC PG 58mm 1.2, MD 85mm f2.0, MD R 85mm f2.8 Varisoft, MC 85mm f1.7 MD R 100mm f2.5, MD R 100mm f4.0 macro, MD III 135mm f2.8, MD R 200mm f2.8 & 4.0, RF 250mm f5.6, MD 300mm f4.5, MD APO 400 mm f5.6, RF 500mm f8.0, RF 800mm f8.0 *2 300-s and 300-l
100 mm f4 macro bellows (5/4)
Vivitar 17mm f3.5, Elicar 300mm mirror f5.6, Zhongi turbo ii
Sigma 16mm f 2.8 fish eye
Zooms:24-50 mm f4, 35-70 mm f3.5 macro, 28-85mm f3.5-4.5, 50-135 f 3.5, 70-210 f4 and MD APO 100-500 mm f8 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
devinw
Joined: 19 Aug 2016
Posts: 207
Location: Portland, OR
|
| Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2016 12:40 am Post subject: |
|
|
devinw wrote:
Really nice, sir!
_________________
Camera: Sony a6300
E-Mount: Zeiss/Sony 16-70 f/4, Samyang 12mm f/2
Rokkor: MD PG 50mm f1.4, MD 100mm Macro f3.5, MD 135mm f2.8, MD Zoom 35-70mm f3.5, MD Zoom 75-150 f4
Canon FD: nFD 50mm f1.4, Tokina AT-X 100-300mm f4
My Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/westonde/
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
miran
Joined: 01 Aug 2012
Posts: 1364
Location: Slovenia
|
| Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2016 7:43 am Post subject: |
|
|
miran wrote:
Thanks all. 
| Antoine wrote: |
| Will use it when cycling. |
Those were my thoughts exactly, but it's a little on the big and heavy side for that purpose now that I have it in my hands. Probably better to take a smaller lighter prime, llike 35/2.8 for example.
| Antoine wrote: |
| Just found one on the bay for 42.5/55€ and did not resist. I will refrain from blaming you though... |
Hehe. That's about an average price as far as I can tell. I've been monitoring ebay the last few months and these seem to have been sold for around 40-80 euros in auctions lately. A bit high in my mind but not outrageous. Problem is there aren't many being offered. The later AF version? As many as you want. But the MF version, not nearly as much.
_________________
my flickr stream |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Antoine
Joined: 08 Jan 2016
Posts: 298
Location: London
|
| Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2016 11:57 am Post subject: |
|
|
Antoine wrote:
I got it and you are right, it is a bit big and heavy for going cycling... taking it or the 24 mm (eq 36mm) still an option and the 300mm rf as a wiildlife lens.
Will be a travelling lens
_________________
Antoine
Sony A6000 APS-C and Sony A7 Rii
Minolta Fisheye MD Rokkor 7.5 mm f4, Fisheye MD 16 f2.8 MD R 17mm f4, MD R 20mm f2.8, MC VFC & MDIII 24mm f2.8, MD 28mm f2.0 &3.5, MD II 35mm 1.8, MD 45mm f2.0, MD 50mm f 1.2 & MD I f1.4, MC PG 58mm 1.2, MD 85mm f2.0, MD R 85mm f2.8 Varisoft, MC 85mm f1.7 MD R 100mm f2.5, MD R 100mm f4.0 macro, MD III 135mm f2.8, MD R 200mm f2.8 & 4.0, RF 250mm f5.6, MD 300mm f4.5, MD APO 400 mm f5.6, RF 500mm f8.0, RF 800mm f8.0 *2 300-s and 300-l
100 mm f4 macro bellows (5/4)
Vivitar 17mm f3.5, Elicar 300mm mirror f5.6, Zhongi turbo ii
Sigma 16mm f 2.8 fish eye
Zooms:24-50 mm f4, 35-70 mm f3.5 macro, 28-85mm f3.5-4.5, 50-135 f 3.5, 70-210 f4 and MD APO 100-500 mm f8 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
stevemark
Joined: 29 Apr 2011
Posts: 3754
Location: Switzerland
|
| Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2024 6:18 pm Post subject: |
|
|
stevemark wrote:
Here are two images taken at f=28mm and f=85mm, respectively (24 MP FF sony A7II).
I have added 100% crops from the borders as well (wide open and stopped down).
28 mm first (overview taken at f11 => no distubing vignetting):
100% from the border at f3.5 (JPG out of A7II):
100% from the border at f11 (JPG out of A7II):
100% from the border at f11 (RAW conversion via Photoshop;, CAs corrected):
Strong and disturbing vignetting wide open (f3.5) at 28mm:
_________________
www.artaphot.ch |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
stevemark
Joined: 29 Apr 2011
Posts: 3754
Location: Switzerland
|
| Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2024 6:30 pm Post subject: |
|
|
stevemark wrote:
Now at f=85mm:
100% crops from the borders - first wide open (f4.5):
Now f9:
Apart from slight vignetting wide open, there's no difference at all between the image taken wide open and stopped down by 2EV.
The Minolta MD 3.5-4.5/28-85mm was the last "real" MD lens introduced by Minolta. It isn't that common, but not expensive, and certainly a very good vintage 28-85mm (nearly as good as the Zeiss CY 28-85mm, and in some aspects such as weight and size even quite a bit better).
S
_________________
www.artaphot.ch |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Zamo
Joined: 08 Feb 2019
Posts: 163
|
| Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2024 6:47 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Zamo wrote:
| stevemark wrote: |
Now at f=85mm:
Apart from slight vignetting wide open, there's no difference at all between the image taken wide open and stopped down by 2EV.
The Minolta MD 3.5-4.5/28-85mm was the last "real" MD lens introduced by Minolta. It isn't that common, but not expensive, and certainly a very good vintage 28-85mm (nearly as good as the Zeiss CY 28-85mm, and in some aspects such as weight and size even quite a bit better).
S |
Certainly, quite good performance at 85mm. Does it improve a lot going from 28mm to, say, 35mm? Since such a mid-range zoom is complicated to calculate and execute, and 35-XX was supposedly easier, maybe those few first mm show a drop in performance compared to the rest of the range? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
stevemark
Joined: 29 Apr 2011
Posts: 3754
Location: Switzerland
|
| Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2024 7:10 pm Post subject: |
|
|
stevemark wrote:
| Zamo wrote: |
| stevemark wrote: |
Now at f=85mm:
Apart from slight vignetting wide open, there's no difference at all between the image taken wide open and stopped down by 2EV.
The Minolta MD 3.5-4.5/28-85mm was the last "real" MD lens introduced by Minolta. It isn't that common, but not expensive, and certainly a very good vintage 28-85mm (nearly as good as the Zeiss CY 28-85mm, and in some aspects such as weight and size even quite a bit better).
S |
Certainly, quite good performance at 85mm. Does it improve a lot going from 28mm to, say, 35mm? |
Yes, it does improve quite a bit at f=35mm. Not perfect yet, but much better (especially when it come to vignetting). Images will follow.
S
_________________
www.artaphot.ch |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
Search
Memberlist
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
