Sony/Minolta users: Pick up the Minolta 28mm f2 if you can find it!!

[AndrewR]

I used this lens for the first time this weekend, and I was astounded at its colors and sharpness. It blows away the 50mm f1.7, and that's a pretty good lens. I switched from the 50 to the 28, and the difference in the pictures (same subjects, settings and conditions) is noticeable immediately when viewing the pics.

It runs near $300 on everyone's favorite auction site, but keep an eye out for deals. Just a quick post to put a mental note about it. It is NOT the 28mm f2.8, which is a far lesser lens. If you find this one, buy it if you can afford it (I really can't, but I'll make do!).

This single lens has me convinced about the superiority of primes.

 

[kalster]

om primes are supposed to be pretty good, some of the older m42 mount zeiss primes are supposed to be great as well, i just picked up a zeiss 35 prme which is supposed to be really good, should be getting it sometime this week, cant wait

 

[yhelothar]

Sounds amazing.
Samples?

 

[AndrewR]

Originally posted by: astroidea
Sounds amazing.
Samples?

I'll take some more shots this week and post some samples. I don't want to post pictures of other people's kids (or mine), and that's all I've taken so far.

 

[AndrewR]

Originally posted by: kalster
om primes are supposed to be pretty good, some of the older m42 mount zeiss primes are supposed to be great as well, i just picked up a zeiss 35 prme which is supposed to be really good, should be getting it sometime this week, cant wait

I'd love to get the Zeiss 85mm or 135mm primes, but the prices are outrageous (well, out of my reach anyway!). The images I've seen from those are spectacular. There are rumors that there's a 24-70mm f2.8 Zeiss coming out sometime soon, and that will be the lens to have (not a prime, but the 16-80 Zeiss is excellent).

 

[AmigaMan]

was about to post a reply asking if you meant the 28 f2.8, but then saw the rest of your comment. I have the 28 f2.8 and honestly I don't really like it. I much prefer my 50 f1.7 if I'm going to use a prime. How is the bokeh on the 28 f2.0?

 

[GrJohnso]

It's funny, since purchasing my Sony A100 I've had this craving to go on a pilgrimage of small town pawn shops in search of old Minolta lenses. I never got that crazy with lenses when I shot film on my old Minolta's because I never had the time to get the most out of them. Now with the Alpha, I'm a bit more inspired to shoot, and can appreciate the added detail gained with the instant feedback from digital, and the ability to easily enlarge & print at home...

There are sooo many older Minolta's out there just waiting for a second life in the digital world.. Just need to go find them. This 28 f2 is one of many examples.... I have an old 28mm 2.8, and it's collecting dust. My KM 17-35 2.8 tends to get more action, and better results...

The old 50mm 1.7 is still a good bargain for a longer focal point...

Hope Sony has found a way to cut prices on the next round of Alpha lenses... Guess time will tell... In the meantime, I'll keep dreaming of hitting the lottery so I can buy their CZ prime glass...

 

[AndrewR]

Originally posted by: GrJohnso
It's funny, since purchasing my Sony A100 I've had this craving to go on a pilgrimage of small town pawn shops in search of old Minolta lenses. I never got that crazy with lenses when I shot film on my old Minolta's because I never had the time to get the most out of them. Now with the Alpha, I'm a bit more inspired to shoot, and can appreciate the added detail gained with the instant feedback from digital, and the ability to easily enlarge & print at home...

There are sooo many older Minolta's out there just waiting for a second life in the digital world.. Just need to go find them. This 28 f2 is one of many examples.... I have an old 28mm 2.8, and it's collecting dust. My KM 17-35 2.8 tends to get more action, and better results...

The old 50mm 1.7 is still a good bargain for a longer focal point...

Hope Sony has found a way to cut prices on the next round of Alpha lenses... Guess time will tell... In the meantime, I'll keep dreaming of hitting the lottery so I can buy their CZ prime glass...

I looked at the 28mm f/2.8 initially, but the reviews just weren't that good, especially since I also have the KM 17-35 and the KM 28-75. The reviews on the 28 f/2 are completely different, however, and I now understand why.

I keep meaning to hit some pawn shops around here, but I just haven't had the chance lately. I keep hearing of people finding these gems hidden. I'd love to stumble across a 100mm f/2 somewhere -- the pictures I've seen from that one are spectacular. However, I'd turn around and sell it since they are fetching over $600-700 at auction these days.

 

[yhelothar]

Originally posted by: AndrewR

Originally posted by: kalster
om primes are supposed to be pretty good, some of the older m42 mount zeiss primes are supposed to be great as well, i just picked up a zeiss 35 prme which is supposed to be really good, should be getting it sometime this week, cant wait

I'd love to get the Zeiss 85mm or 135mm primes, but the prices are outrageous (well, out of my reach anyway!). The images I've seen from those are spectacular. There are rumors that there's a 24-70mm f2.8 Zeiss coming out sometime soon, and that will be the lens to have (not a prime, but the 16-80 Zeiss is excellent).

If you're talking about the CZJ Sonnar 135mm on the m42 mount, those could be had off ebay for roughly $50-80. Those are quite excellent lenses, but nothing too special IMO. But then again, those lenses are from the east germany division of zeiss, which is a good step behind west germany zeiss.

The 85mm Sonnar was an amazing lens for its time. You could actually pick up a Russia copy of the lens called the Jupiter-9 for under three figures, which is held to similar acclaim to its master. more info

The Pentax Takumar primes used to compare neck with neck with zeiss back in the day. Those lenses are also very high quality.

I find these manual focus forums an excellent resource on old lenses