Minolta 35-70 mm f/4 (mini-beercan)

[Skoropada]

Hi!

In an online auction site I came across this lense for a really low price, and I noticed that it has a macro feature.

I'm interested in getting into macro so I'd like to know what do you think of it in that field.

I'm using a Sony A200 and I also have a Sigma 18-250 mm that might give a similar macro magnification.

Looking forward to your comments.

Thanks!!

[i speak in math]

Originally Posted by Skoropada

Hi!

In an online auction site I came across this lense for a really low price, and I noticed that it has a macro feature.

I'm interested in getting into macro so I'd like to know what do you think of it in that field.

I'm using a Sony A200 and I also have a Sigma 18-250 mm that might give a similar macro magnification.

Looking forward to your comments.

Thanks!!

Unless it is an actual macro lens (1:1 or close to it) instead of just a lens that can kinda close focus (1:2 or less) its not worth it for macro work

You should be able to pick up some cheap extension tubes and an old manual 50mm for maybe, $50?

My 50mm on 68mm extension tubes (12mm + 20mm + 36mm) gets this close...and yes these are slightly cropped, but not much

[mosgood]

What great close ups!

[Dodge]

I have a minolta 28-135 which has the same 'macro' feature. As the others have said, it's not really what it says on the tin, although it can be handy at times if you've nothing else to hand.

If you're looking for true minolta macro, this one is an old one but a very nice lens, alas, usually reflected in the price of around £200. I do use mine lots though. Minolta*AF 100 F2.8 Macro*2581-100 lens for Sony Alpha - Minolta camera mount

To give you an idea of the 'macro' setting capeabilities of the lens you mentioned, this was taken with my 28-135 set to macro. That's about as close as it gets.


As you see, nothing like as close as ISIM's AWSOME macro shots, or comparable to the below 1.1 macro of the Minolta 100mm prime .....


I see you already have a minolta 50mm prime. As ISIM said, add a set of extension tubes and you'd be good to go. You'll lose the autofocus capeability of the lens but you will really need to manual focus for 1.1 macro anyway. Best way I find is to set to your focal distance and then very gently rock backwards and forwards until your subject is nice and sharp............holding your breath helps too, just don't forget to exhale ;-)

Minolta do a 50mm 1.1 macro too, which is much cheeper, but if you're going for bugs n butterflies, the extra focal distance of the 100mm can make all the difference as you won't need to get as close to get the shot..........still pretty close, just not AS close.

[Skoropada]

Thanks for your comments!

I have also a related question.
This lens has 1:4 macro capability, but I understand that that figure is meant for a 35 mm full frame camera, so if I use it on an A200 (1.5x crop factor) I would get a 1:2.6 magnification.

Is that so?

[i speak in math]

Originally Posted by Skoropada

Thanks for your comments!

I have also a related question.
This lens has 1:4 macro capability, but I understand that that figure is meant for a 35 mm full frame camera, so if I use it on an A200 (1.5x crop factor) I would get a 1:2.6 magnification.

Is that so?

No, the size of the sensor does not effect the focal length of the lens. It would be the same as if you took a 1:4 macro with the camera and cropped it in a bit. No extra reach, just cropped to look like it.

[smcilree]

I'm sorry I didn't see your question when you originally posted it, but if the lens you were originally considering is gone there are plenty more showing up regularly. I have one of the lenses in question, and I am very happy with it.

Although I too originally got it because of the supposed "macro" capabilities, I found there was much left wanting in that respect. On the other hand, this is a compact lens with great IQ and exhibiting that unique "Minolta color". I find that it has become the lens I put on when I want just a single "walking around" lens for street photography.

If you want an inexpensive lens to get your feet wet in macro work, I suggest keeping your eyes open for one of the old Cosina 100mm f/3.5 lenses. These earned the name "plastic fantastic" because of their rather tacky build but outstanding image quality. The lens was produced by Cosina and branded as Vivitar, Phoenix, Exakta, Voigtlander and Tokina as well as the manufacturer's name. You should be able to find one reasonably priced with an alpha mount if you keep looking. Here is a good review of the lens: Cosina AF 100mm f/3.5 macro (Pentax) - Review / Lab Test Report.

[Skoropada]

I finally decided and have just got my Minolta 100 mm f/2.8 macro lens.

I'll post some pictures after I can get a decent result.