The Minolta AF 50mm 1:3.5 Macro, a very well-made lower-cost alternative to the Minolta AF 50mm 1:2.8 Macro series lenses, was introduced by Minolta in 1995. This was a couple of years after the launch of the Minolta AF 50mm 1:2.8 Macro RS (Re-Styled), which was introduced in 1993, while the initial iteration of the Minolta AF 50mm 1:2.8 Macro itself was introduced in 1985.
Despite being produced with a smaller widest aperture, the lens is highly regarded, well accoladed, and has a reputation for being near perfect. The lens enjoyed an overall rating of 4.82, with Sharpness @ 4.93, Color at 4.95, Build at 4.60, Distortion @ 4.94, and Flare Control @ 4.68 on Dxyum.
The lens, with 5 elements in 5 groups, 7 rounded aperture blades, and a metal mount, is sharp even at its widest. It comes with a maximum magnification of 1:2, measures 55mm in length, has a minimum focusing distance of 230mm, takes 55mm filters, and is lightweight at 240 grams.
While the 1:3.5 maximum aperture may not account for a good bokeh run, the lens is equally capable and competent as a general-use lens for non-macro applications as well. The lens is easily available on auction listings, with prices that could even be slightly higher than its 2.8 sibling.
The A-mount lens is a perfect fit on the Sony DSLR-A350, which has a carry-over AF A-mount lens system from Minolta and can be used interchangeably with other Sony Alpha DSLR cameras. The A-mount system was introduced with the Minolta 7000 35mm AF SLR system, the first camera to feature both integrated autofocus (AF) and motorized film advance.
The lenses, sold as Maxxum in the US and α in Japan, were rebranded and sold as Sony-based products when the KonicaMinolta Camera franchise was taken over by Sony. The range comprises 12 lenses, expanded with 6 new designs and 2 teleconverters. The 3.5 micro, however, is not one of them and remains a Minolta AF exclusive.
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