First time out with a vintage Minolta AF 70-210mm 1:4, a.k.a the Beercan, a highly acknowledged classic Minolta AF zoom favorite with analog enthusiasts from the days it was introduced in 1985. The lens was part of the Minolta Maxxum/Dynax/Alpha 7000 35mm AF SLR camera system, the first 35mm SLR film camera with autofocus and integrated motor drive. The lens has some mold on one of its inner elements, which makes me unsure about what I am getting into.
Things went OK, though. While the images are generally softer and lower in contrast (which can be enhanced - tweaked, cropped, and sharpened - later using the desktop image editor), they are still worth the post and better for the discussion.
The AF 70-210mm, a robust built all-metal and glass (aside from the lens hood and rubber grip) with 12 elements in 9 groups and 7 blades, measures 168mm fully extended, weighs 695 grams, takes 55mm filters, and features a constant maximum aperture of 1:4 throughout its zoom range. This allows for continuous exposure settings when zooming in and out, a feature advantageous for photographers shooting fully manual.
The lens was popular for various photography genres including portraits and landscapes. Reviews indicate that while images were excellent, the lens may exhibit some chromatic aberrations, particularly at wider apertures. On modern digital cameras, maintaining a good resolution image is better with the image size cropped to the size of the camera's sensor. The lens is also a ‘true zoom’ or a parfocal, which maintains focus as the focal length changes when zooming.
On the Sony DSLR-A350 the lens was tested on, the lens is equivalent to a 105-315mm zoom on a 35mm full-frame. With its bulk and weight, and the risk associated with mounting the camera on a tripod, the answer is to use the camera handheld. The anti-shake Super SteadyShot image stabilization, standard on all Sony Alpha DSLRs, helps to keep images steady.
While the lens is not as fast as its modern counterpart, and certainly not a lightweight, it does stand its ground as one of the giants of 'Minolta colors.' with the qualities of more expensive lenses without the cost. Others might still be deterred by its f/4 maximum aperture but with a minimum focusing distance of 1.1 meters and a macro mode at its long end.
The caveat: The lens is over 30 years old. If you are getting one, read the description or discern images of the lens for any indication of mold. If it does, do not keep these lenses with others, as the collection may become infected!
The Sony DSLR-A350, one of two new DSLRs introduced by Sony in 2008 along with the α DSLR A300, is a mid-range DSLR slated above the entry-level A200 and A300, but below the A700 prosumer model. The camera is fitted with a 14.2MP CCD sensor, the second highest pixel count for an APS-C format DSLR at the time, an LCD screen that can tilt upwards and downwards, eye start autofocus, Live View, a feature that allows you to use the LCD screen as a viewfinder, anti-dust protection, and a built-in Super SteadyShot image stabilization system.
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