Minolta 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 MD Zoom at DVinfo.net

Steve Mullen · September 6th, 2011, 08:38 PM

Now that we can buy body-only, I looked for a zoom that would work well on a cheap E-mount adaptor.

I wanted a 25-30mm to 75-125mm zoom. I found one. The Minolta 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 MD Zoom. This converts to a 45mm to 136mm zoom. With an average F-stop of F4 it should work well if the VG20 has greater sensitivity. With one lens one could have full manual zoom, manual focus, and aperture control by a lens ring. Simply set the shutter-speed and shoot like in the old days.

Cost, about $150 with adaptor.

PS: I've been editing videos I shot with Sony first CCD camera that had a real manual control lens. It is so great to see a quick zoom in, fast accurate focus, and quick zoom back. No peaking or Focus Asst.

REVIEW:

Secondly, the 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 MD Zoom performed head and shoulders above my expectations, and delivered outstanding sharpness and light falloff characteristics. While I do not hesitate to admit that I am a fan of prime lenses, the results of this test have certainly told me that I need to be prepared to consider zooms. Given the convenience of this focal length range, if the 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 MD Zoom performs similarly at other focal lengths I will without question be making it a regular inclusion in my bag.

The Rokkor Files - 35mm Shoot-out

ANOTHER ONE THAT'S FASTER: Minolta MD 28-70mm f3.5/4.8 Macro Zoom Lens $20!!!

John Vincent · September 6th, 2011, 09:52 PM

Steve - have you used the Sony NEX 18-200 kit lens? If you have, what are your thoughts on it? User reviews tend to be all over the place, and photozone is the only full blown pro review I could find (although Ken Rockwell talks about it a bit in his review of the VG10). PZ gave a very decent review:

Sony E 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS (Sony NEX) - Review / Lens Test Report

But seeing as it amounts to a $600 lens (assuming you got the kit), I just wonder if there is a better option for a "do everything" type zoom.

Steve Mullen · September 7th, 2011, 03:16 AM

Totally too long for the VG1G. The 18-55 is perfect. There is no single lens that offers wide to tele. But, for the bundled price I would buy the 18-55 to have one lens that integrates fully with VG electronics. It has neat features like when you start to turn the focus ring, Focus Asst. turns-on automatically. Also, old lenses are noisey. The E-mount are super quiet.

Of course, if you are thinking of an FS100 or F3, then a PL mount would be nice. But, I think only Sony PL mounts can work on an F3.

September 6th, 2011, 08:38 PM	#1
Steve Mullen HDV Cinema Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 4,007	Minolta 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 MD Zoom Now that we can buy body-only, I looked for a zoom that would work well on a cheap E-mount adaptor. I wanted a 25-30mm to 75-125mm zoom. I found one. The Minolta 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 MD Zoom. This converts to a 45mm to 136mm zoom. With an average F-stop of F4 it should work well if the VG20 has greater sensitivity. With one lens one could have full manual zoom, manual focus, and aperture control by a lens ring. Simply set the shutter-speed and shoot like in the old days. Cost, about $150 with adaptor. PS: I've been editing videos I shot with Sony first CCD camera that had a real manual control lens. It is so great to see a quick zoom in, fast accurate focus, and quick zoom back. No peaking or Focus Asst. REVIEW: Secondly, the 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 MD Zoom performed head and shoulders above my expectations, and delivered outstanding sharpness and light falloff characteristics. While I do not hesitate to admit that I am a fan of prime lenses, the results of this test have certainly told me that I need to be prepared to consider zooms. Given the convenience of this focal length range, if the 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 MD Zoom performs similarly at other focal lengths I will without question be making it a regular inclusion in my bag. The Rokkor Files - 35mm Shoot-out ANOTHER ONE THAT'S FASTER: Minolta MD 28-70mm f3.5/4.8 Macro Zoom Lens $20!!! __________________ Switcher's Quick Guide to the Avid Media Composer >>> http://home.mindspring.com/~d-v-c

September 6th, 2011, 09:52 PM	#2
John Vincent Trustee Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,065	Re: Minolta 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 MD Zoom Steve - have you used the Sony NEX 18-200 kit lens? If you have, what are your thoughts on it? User reviews tend to be all over the place, and photozone is the only full blown pro review I could find (although Ken Rockwell talks about it a bit in his review of the VG10). PZ gave a very decent review: Sony E 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS (Sony NEX) - Review / Lens Test Report But seeing as it amounts to a $600 lens (assuming you got the kit), I just wonder if there is a better option for a "do everything" type zoom.

September 7th, 2011, 03:16 AM	#3
Steve Mullen HDV Cinema Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 4,007	Re: Minolta 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 MD Zoom Totally too long for the VG1G. The 18-55 is perfect. There is no single lens that offers wide to tele. But, for the bundled price I would buy the 18-55 to have one lens that integrates fully with VG electronics. It has neat features like when you start to turn the focus ring, Focus Asst. turns-on automatically. Also, old lenses are noisey. The E-mount are super quiet. Of course, if you are thinking of an FS100 or F3, then a PL mount would be nice. But, I think only Sony PL mounts can work on an F3. __________________ Switcher's Quick Guide to the Avid Media Composer >>> http://home.mindspring.com/~d-v-c