MINOLTA MAXXUM AF ZOOM LENS 70-210 mm 1:4 (32)

[Mithras]

I am hoping to add to my lens collection in the next few months. I would like to get a decent 70-200mm f/2.8 lens but am wondering if Minolta's 70-210mm f/4 (the "beer can") would be a good choice as well. I am currently trying to decide between getting a new lens or a new lap top.

Does anybody have or have had the 70-210mm f/4 lens? If so, what are your thoughts about its qualities? Please feel free to share any photos taken with this lens if you have any.

Thanks.

[Medved]

Hi Mithras,

I have and use the "beer can' and it has a nearly mythical reputation in the Minolta/Sony community. Many will say it is one of best lenses that Minolta ever turned out. I suggest going to Dyxum.com and check out the lens review forum. You will find user reviews of nearly any lens that works with Minolta.

The lens is, of course, out of production but there are a lot of them around for not much money, less than $200 usually. It is built like a tank and it performs well at least in my opinion. But, it does not have the auto distance features of newer lenses.

Medved

[Mithras]

Thanks for the info Medved. I had check Ebay the other night and found several "beer cans" for sale. My biggest hang up is wanting the faster lens for my kids' sporting events, otherwise I think I would just get the "beer can."

[dmacgee]

Originally Posted by Mithras

I am hoping to add to my lens collection in the next few months. I would like to get a decent 70-200mm f/2.8 lens but am wondering if Minolta's 70-210mm f/4 (the "beer can") would be a good choice as well. I am currently trying to decide between getting a new lens or a new lap top.

Does anybody have or have had the 70-210mm f/4 lens? If so, what are your thoughts about its qualities? Please feel free to share any photos taken with this lens if you have any.

Thanks.

Depending on your budget you might want to look at the Sigma 70-200mm f2.8. Internal focus & zoom and I understand they have just brought it out in the Alpha/Maxxum mount. I've seen it advertised new for $1250 Canadian.

Dave

[Mithras]

I have been eyeing the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 since it was announced. So far the only place I have found it offered for sale is at Adorama and they say it's not yet in stock. Adorama is offering the lens for $889 US (I don't know how that translates to Canadian.)

I am tempted to put in an order but am hesitant due to the uncertaintly of when the lens will actually become available. This lens is in the current budget but there are other things that the funds can be directed towards as well.

[fjbyrne]

Originally Posted by Mithras

Thanks for the info Medved. I had check Ebay the other night and found several "beer cans" for sale. My biggest hang up is wanting the faster lens for my kids' sporting events, otherwise I think I would just get the "beer can."

What type of sports are you shooting. I have had decent luck using the beercan for soccer and marching band (under the lights). When I shoot indoor track I am usually close enough to use my KM 28-75/2.8.

Here are a few shots with the Beercan:

[Mithras]

I am mostly shooting cross country running, baseball and track right now. I have also been shooting my daughter's dance stuff in the nice dark auditoriums.

Thanks for the "beer can" shot examples.

I any case it looks like I may have to put my new lens plan on hold. I will be moving in the next month or so and will need the funds for the move.

[fjbyrne]

Originally Posted by Mithras

I am mostly shooting cross country running, baseball and track right now. I have also been shooting my daughter's dance stuff in the nice dark auditoriums.

Thanks for the "beer can" shot examples.

I any case it looks like I may have to put my new lens plan on hold. I will be moving in the next month or so and will need the funds for the move.

I find that for track you can usually get pretty close - especially in indoor track. You have to "assert" yourself and get setup early. For indoor I typically use my KM 28-75/2.8 for indoor track because of the 2.8 aperture and I can get pretty close. Your Tamron 17-50/2.8 might give you enough reach if you can get close enough.

Unfortunately you are going to need a decent reach for Baseball and dance (unless you get in the front row . I have found the beercan to do pretty well for band performances and dance recitals so keep it on your list and don't hesitate when you are ready to buy (unless Sony comes out with a new beercan and doesn't charge an arm and a leg).

[Mithras]

I finally threw caution to the wind and snagged a "beer can" off ebay tonight. I anticipate its arrival Friday or Saturday. With all the reviews claiming spectacular bokeh I am looking forward to giving it a try.

I would really like to try out the Sigma 70-200 F/2.8 but that will have to wait. The fact that the Sigma rep couldn't/wouldn't tell me when the the 70-200 f/2.8 would come off the line in the Minolta/Sony mount might have something to do with my decision to go ahead and get the "beer can" now.

Anyway, thanks for the comments.

[rshunk]

I'm sure you will enjoy your beer can! Awesome lens!


Bob S.