Incredibly resistent to flare, excellent bokeh, low distortion, excellent sharpness, compact size for a 28-70 F2.8, very good built quality

Slow AF, narrow manual focusing ring, long minimum focus distance

I have been shooting with the Minolta fixed focal length lens in the 24 - 50 mm range (24F2.8, 35F2, and 50F1.7) for two years and have been very satisfied with the performance. Lately I found myself getting irritated of changing lens frequently and wanted a high quality normal zoom. My mind was setting at the new Tokina 28-80 and the Minolta 28-70G. I finally rule out the Tokina because of the reported inconsistent quality control, flare problem, distortion level and lack of sharpness at the F2.8-F4 range (I see no advantage of buying a 28-70F2.8 over a much cheaper/lighter 24-85 F3.5-4.5 / 28-105 F3.5-4.5 if it is not sharp enough at the F2.8-4 range)

Sharpness of the 28-70G is comparable to my 35F2 and 50F1.7 (a bit sharper than my 35F2 at the F2.8-4 range). But the beauty of the lens really is its 2nd flare cutting aperture blade. You just cannot believe how flare resistent this lens is. The Canon and Nikon 28-70 F2.8 may be tested sharper at photodo, but at real world shooting situations, flare reduce the contrast of these 28-70 F2.8 badly. I also think the 2nd aperture blade also contributes to its beaultiful bokeh.

Also the lens is almost distortion free at all focal length when focus at infinity. Barrel distortion is there at the 28mm setting only at close range, but disappear at infinitly setting.

I judge a lens's optical quality by the following factors: (in order)

1. Distortion Level (Most important)
2. Flare Control (2nd most important)
3. Light falloff (3rd most important)
4. Sharpness (least important)

If you judge lens performance like how I do, you will find the Minolta 28-70F2.8G the best 28-70F2.8 on the market.

The only thing that prevent me from giving a 5 star rating is its slow AF performance. I believe it is acceptable only when it is on a Dynax7 / 9.

Similar Products Used:

Minolta AF 35 F2,
Minolta AF 28-105 F3.5-4.5 New
Minolta AF 28-135 F4-4.5
Minolta AF 50 F1.7
Minolta AF 24 F2.8

Great lens, crystal sharp images with wide open aperture, corner to corner. Very solid built. Very saturated colour.

Remember to take your lens hood off before you want to use internal flash.

One of the best standard zoom lens in the market. I use it on my Dynax 7 which gives a much quicker AF than on a 800si.

Customer Service

N.A.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon 35-70, Canon 28-80, Sigma 28-70 EX

Extremely sharp,rugged and flare resistant lense

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Extremely super sharp lense at any focal lengths and apertures that produces high quality and well saturated images. Truly, it's nine-blade circular aperture produces excellent rounded and natural looking backgrounds especially at f2.8 This lense is extremely resistant to flare as a result of it's flare cutter aperture blades. All of Minolta's G-Series AF lenses stand out for the distinctive level of very high image quality and photographic performance. This lense is rugged too. AF is fast with my Maxxum 9 or even with my Maxxum 700si. This lense is highly recommended to people who have passion for distinct and high quality images-(photography)

Customer Service

None

Two words...OPTICAL QUALITY. Outstanding sharpness and color reproduction, minimal distortion at any focal length. The secondary flare-cutting aperture makes this lens incredibly flare resistant. One gem of a lens for Maxxum users

Relatively slow AF due to non-IF design and body-driven mechanics. Minolta needs to come up with lens-driven AF technology to truly compete with its major rivals...

What the lens lacks in rather slow AF is more than compensated for by its incredible optical performance. This lens is proof positive that the notion that Minolta optics are inferior to Nikon or Canon is RUBBISH!!! Too bad that Minolta products carry such an unjustified stigma of being poor quality. Pricey lens, but worth it for pros who need to have the best optical performance...

Customer Service

Not needed for the lens but have been happy with other Minolta gear sent in the past...

Similar Products Used:

Nikon AF-S 28-70 f/2.8
Canon EF 28-70 f/2.8L
Whole bunch of Maxxum optics

Sharpness, solid build...

slow AF?

This is a great zoom lens. The picture quality came out of this lens will surprise you for those believe fixed focal lens are the best. I did a simple test on this lens and 50mm f1.4, this G lens was the winner. I'm sure this lens will be in my camera bag for very long time.

Similar Products Used:

None

Excellent build quality.
Front does not extend while zooming.

Very slow focusing

Excellent image quality. High build quality makes it a very nice lens to use. Too bad the focusing is so slow.

Customer Service

Not needed

Similar Products Used:

24-85 f/3.5-4.5