Album images with the Minolta AF 50mm f/2.8 Macro (RS), a Re-Styled version of the highly acclaimed Minolta AF 50mm f/2.8.
<< Click on image for enlarged Lightbox display >>
The Minolta AF 50mm f/2.8 Macro (RS), introduced in 1993, is a 'Re-Styled' version of the initial Minolta AF 50mm f/2.8 Macro, the world's first autofocus macro lens, which was introduced earlier in 1985. The update shares the same 7 elements in 6 groups with 7 aperture blades and a metal mount, with an added set of livery and functional appointments that include a rubber focusing grip, ABS plastic focusing barrel, circular aperture, Focus Range limiter, and Focus Hold button.
Function-wise, while the Focus Range limiter helps restricts the autofocus distance range of the lens, and manages the lens from hunting and taking too long to regain focus, the Focus Hold function, used primarily to lock focus on a subject when using continuous autofocus (AF-C), on the other hand, may just be superfluous when the camera is set to AF-S (Single-shot AF) mode.
The RS shares the same markings as found on the initial 50mm Macro, with an etched magnification scale on the focusing ring, indicating the magnification of the image as the camera is moved closer to the subject. As the lens focuses continuously from infinity to 1:1 life-size, the front element extends out to almost the same extent as the other great of the Minolta AF series, the AF 100mm f/2.8 Macro.
The lens takes 55mm filters, has a body length of 60 - 106mm (fully extended), and weighs 315 grams. The lens is compatible with all Sony DT and Minolta Alpha series cameras. On Dxyum, the lens enjoys an Overall rating (out of 5) of 4.79, with Sharpness @ 4.90, Color @ 4.85, Build @ 4.65, Distortion @ 5.00, and Flare Control @ 4.54.
The Macro trio from Minolta: AF 50mm f/2.8 Macro RS (center), AF 50mm f/2.8 Macro (left), AF 50mm f/3.5 (right)
A later version, the 'Minolta AF 50mm F2.8 Macro D', was introduced in 2001.
Album Images
On the Sony DSLR-A350, the lens is equivalent to a 75mm prime on a full-frame camera, a focal length highly recommended for portraiture, where good subject-background separation is essential. The lens is acknowledged for its sharpness, color rendition, and solid build quality. The lens adds to the repertoire of lenses available for the Sony Alpha camera series, which Sony had rebadged a dozen from the Minolta A-mount series, added a few, and a couple of teleconverters of their own, after they took over the brand.
Sony Alpha DSLR-A350, Minolta AF 50mm f/2.8 Macro (RS)
Another update to the AF Macro series that enthusiasts clamor about is the Minolta AF 50mm f/3.5 Macro. The lens, introduced in 1995 with RS body livery, has a smaller maximum aperture at f/3.5 and a maximum image magnification of 1:2. The lens has the reputation of being, according to some, better than the f/2.8 when it comes to image sharpness.
Malaysia's Online Marketplace for Vintage Film and Digital Cameras, Lenses,
and Camera Accessories. Follow
ImagingPixel on
Facebook,
Pinterest, and
X.
No comments:
Post a Comment