Minolta Maxxum 28-135mm f4-4.5

dxqcanada · Jan 16, 2009

After getting the Sigma 300mm, I have gone and purchased a Minolta Maxxum 28-135mm f4-4.5 lens.

I needed a mid - long focal length zoom (I tend to do most of my shooting between 50-200mm).
I researched this lens very extensively and was impressed by the reviews.
Many believe that this lens was co-designed by Leitz for Minolta.

I think they are right.
This is the sharpest zoom lenses I have ever had on an SLR (even wide open).

Anyone with a Maxxum SLR or Sony DSLR should try to find one.

This lens is worth the money (unlike the overpriced Maxxum 135mm f2.8).

Frequent Traveler · Jan 18, 2009

I've bought two of them and they are indeed stunning! There is a thorough comparison with a Minolta 28-70mm G lens (OK, it's say 10-15 year old design) and a new CZ 24-70mm.

Here is the linky:

artaphot.ch - Alpha 900 and four professional zooms @ 70mm

Yes, maybe the methodology is a bit flawed, BUT that doesn't take from the results as they stand.

Not bad for a 20+ year-old design with the FIRST EVER AF slr camera. I'm going to sell my second one b/c my "keeper" is in as-new condition, but even when i migrate to FF, i don't need to re-buy lenses as my "stable" is well-filled.

I'm not sure of a Leitz collaboration b/c i've not seen the Leitz equivalent range lens in their line-up. However, whats to worry? Leitz did/does not have a monopoly on excellent lens design! Use one of these lovely lenses and no doubt to the superlative design of Minolta image designers.

Incidently, the 28-135mm is also a participant in the color-tonality matching Minolta painstakingly put into all their top-shelf lenses.

dxqcanada · Jan 18, 2009

Thanks for the link.
I had performed extensive searches on the web and did not encounter this site.

Based on the images on that site, I am very glad that I purchased it.

I have been trying to find a lens hood for this ... I have found something on eBay: 72mm Petal Wide Angle Flower Hood Lens Screw Shade NEW - eBay (item 120359141018 end time Feb-03-09 19:24:27 PST)

Frequent Traveler · Jan 18, 2009

I don't have one either, though it would be most helpful for the ocassional flare.

I think that petal-hood would do the job nicely though, but i've no experience with it...

Have you checked out dyxum.com?

Here is a link to that site's reviews (i've not posted my review yet, but there are like 60 others!)

Minolta AF 28-135 F4-4.5 Reviews at Dyxum.com

I post there as fmajor...

Enjoy your new glass!