Sony/Minolta lens question

ncprowler · Nov 20, 2010

I have a Sony A550 I'm looking for a used minolta lens. I'm looking at the Minolta 70-210mm f4 "beercan".

On ebay they have two different lenses for this and I'm just wondering what the difference is other than cost.

Thanks for you help!

Sony Minolta 70~210mm F:4 AF Beercan Zoom lens TESTED - eBay (item 160498140782 end time Nov-24-10 07:39:23 PST)

Minolta 70-210mm f/4.5 (22)-5.6 AF Lens Sony DSLR *EXLN - eBay (item 150521107239 end time Dec-16-10 08:15:49 PST)

jamesdavidboro · Nov 20, 2010

The more expensive lens is slightly faster.

tirediron · Nov 20, 2010

and is a constant f4 meaning that at maximum extension it will still be f4 instead of the less expensive lens' f5.6

Nod · Nov 21, 2010

The f4 "beercan" is a much sharper lens than the other. Check out the ratings at www.dyxum.com The f4 has a rating of 4.56 out of 286 reviews and the f5.6 has a rating of 4.06 in 36 reviews. If you get a good copy of the f4, you will not be disappointed.

andy700 · Nov 21, 2010

Nod said:
The f4 "beercan" is a much sharper lens than the other. Check out the ratings at www.dyxum.com The f4 has a rating of 4.56 out of 286 reviews and the f5.6 has a rating of 4.06 in 36 reviews. If you get a good copy of the f4, you will not be disappointed.

I hope that you and every one else is right Nod, because my one should be on its way, to join the "Mini beercan".

Nod · Nov 22, 2010

Great, let us know how it works out.

SJGordon · Nov 23, 2010

andy700 said:
Nod said:

The f4 "beercan" is a much sharper lens than the other. Check out the ratings at www.dyxum.com The f4 has a rating of 4.56 out of 286 reviews and the f5.6 has a rating of 4.06 in 36 reviews. If you get a good copy of the f4, you will not be disappointed.

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I hope that you and every one else is right Nod, because my one should be on its way, to join the "Mini beercan".

You'll love it. Very nice lens and as rugged as they come as well. Mine is 25 years old and still as sharp and clear as the day I bought it new off the shelf back in 1985. The 70-210 f:4 glass is as close as you'll come to a Minolta/Sony "G" lens without breaking the bank.