Premiere! It’s time for my first review of sorts. Since I’m not an expert in any way this shouldn’t be viewed as any absolute truths, but rather as my personal opinions on the stuff I’m using here. Today it’ll be about the Minolta MD 35-70mm F3.5 Macro lens. I’ve been using the Minolta on my GH2 camera with a Minolta MD/MC to micro 4/3 adapter, as seen on the below photo.
Let’s start out with some basic history. The Minolta MD 35-70mm F3.5 Macro lens was released in 1984, and was developed by Minolta in close collaboration with Leica. The lens as such doesn’t have any visible indications or markings that Leica was involved, but as far as I’ve understood it they where involved in the production of it. I haven’t personally used a Leica lens before, so I can’t really compare the Minolta lens with one, but the overall feel of Minoltas lens is really nice. It’s built with a mix och metal and plastic parts making it feel robust but not too heavy [like for example the Canon FD 85mm F1.2 lens]. It also looks good, which may not be the most important thing, but who doesn’t like to use a nice lens rather than any ugly one? The lens have got three rings, two bigger ones for focal length and focus which are both easy to locate and operate, and one small for choosing the aperture. Compared to some other lenses I’ve been shooting with lately the Minolta lens is very fast and smooth when you’re adjusting focal length and focus, which is nice.
One of the coolest things with this lens is it’s macro setting. By pressing a small button on the focal length ring and turning it past the 70mm mark you trigger the lens’ macro mode, shortening the closest focusing distance substantially and narrowing the depth of field. In macro mode you can then switch between macro 1:7 and macro 1:4, making the lens very versatile. It would of course have been nice if the lens would also have had a 1:1 setting, but I guess that would be asking too much of a zoom lens from the 80’s. Another really positive thing is that it offers a constant aperture value over all focal lengths, and with a max aperture of F3.5 it makes the lens a good choice for most situations.
So, with all those rings and macro settings and constant aperture values, can this over 25 year old lens produce any good photos? The short answer is yes, it can. I’ve added a bunch of test photos in a slideshow at the bottom of this post where I’ve used different settings so that you can see for yourself. All photos are shot within a 10 minute radius from our apartment.
Since I only use the compact micro 4/3 format a negative aspect with this lens is it’s size. It’s at least twice as long and also wider than for example the Olympus Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ED [the Olympus E-P1‘s standard lens], and you also need an adapter in order to fit the Minolta lens on your m43 camera. The Minolta lens does of course also lack autofocus, but this is something that I’m currently not that worried about, especially since the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 have a really nice enhanced view for exact focusing.
To summarize, the Minolta MD 35-70mm F3.5 Macro lens is a versatile and smooth zoom lens that’s suitable for most situations. The macro setting is a fun and useful addition, and the constant aperture makes you feel like you’re in control over the shots. I would recommend anyone that’s using a micro 4/3 camera to invest in a Minolta MD/MC adapter and this lens, especially since you will be able to get this for like 10-20% of the price of a new micro 4/3 lens.
Minolta 35-70mm f3.5 Macro - Any Other Recommendations?
Jan 10, 2019
I have been enjoying the Minolta 35-70mm f3.5 macro lens on my Sony A7R. Quite frankly, I was astonished at the edge to edge sharpness and rendering for landscapes. It performs very well at moderate distance as well. It compares quite favorably to modern lenses, and at only $75, it was a steal.
If you are using a lot of legacy glass on your camera, specifically full frame, do you have any lenses that you feel strongly about in that same price range or cheaper? Any focal length recommendations are welcome, even ones that overlap with the Minolta. I test lenses against each other, so I'd have fun comparing similar lenses anyway.
Thanks!
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ThomasB • Contributing Member • Posts: 783
Re: Minolta 35-70mm f3.5 Macro - Any Other Recommendations?
In reply to Nate8833 • Jan 10, 2019
Nate8833 wrote:I have been enjoying the Minolta 35-70mm f3.5 macro lens on my Sony A7R. Quite frankly, I was astonished at the edge to edge sharpness and rendering for landscapes. It performs very well at moderate distance as well. It compares quite favorably to modern lenses, and at only $75, it was a steal.
If you are using a lot of legacy glass on your camera, specifically full frame, do you have any lenses that you feel strongly about in that same price range or cheaper? Any focal length recommendations are welcome, even ones that overlap with the Minolta. I test lenses against each other, so I'd have fun comparing similar lenses anyway.
Thanks!
Some time ago I've tested a Tokina RMC 24mm/F2.8 against some other much more expensive 24mm lenses from Minolta and Pentax and was rather astonished about the very good quality in comparison. This lens may be found within your budget and is very nice for landscapes as well.
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Regards, Thomas Bernardy --
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OP Nate8833 • Contributing Member • Posts: 557
Re: Minolta 35-70mm f3.5 Macro - Any Other Recommendations?
In reply to ThomasB • Jan 10, 2019
ThomasB wrote:Nate8833 wrote:Some time ago I've tested a Tokina RMC 24mm/F2.8 against some other much more expensive 24mm lenses from Minolta and Pentax and was rather astonished about the very good quality in comparison. This lens may be found within your budget and is very nice for landscapes as well.I have been enjoying the Minolta 35-70mm f3.5 macro lens on my Sony A7R. Quite frankly, I was astonished at the edge to edge sharpness and rendering for landscapes. It performs very well at moderate distance as well. It compares quite favorably to modern lenses, and at only $75, it was a steal.
If you are using a lot of legacy glass on your camera, specifically full frame, do you have any lenses that you feel strongly about in that same price range or cheaper? Any focal length recommendations are welcome, even ones that overlap with the Minolta. I test lenses against each other, so I'd have fun comparing similar lenses anyway.
Thanks!
Interesting... I've always appreciated the Tokina build on it's more modern lenses. I assume that you have to be careful about different versions? I've heard good things about both the Canon new FD 24mm and the Oly 24mm, so I'd definitely be curious as to how the Tokina compares.
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Re: Any Other Recommendations? Tamron SP 70-210/3.5 -19AH
In reply to Nate8833 • Jan 10, 2019
1
This tele zoom from Tamron adaptall system is one of the better zooms within the range 70-210 and with the solid f/3.5 aperture at the recent prices represents a very good buy.
It is big and heavy but the IQ can rival much more expensive comparable lenses.
Not many people knows about its qualities so the price remain fairly low. Few years back it went for over 300 USD, now you can find it between 35-50 USD.
Cheers,
Viktor
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ThomasB • Contributing Member • Posts: 783
Re: Minolta 35-70mm f3.5 Macro - Any Other Recommendations?
In reply to Nate8833 • Jan 10, 2019
Nate8833 wrote:ThomasB wrote:Interesting... I've always appreciated the Tokina build on it's more modern lenses. I assume that you have to be careful about different versions? I've heard good things about both the Canon new FD 24mm and the Oly 24mm, so I'd definitely be curious as to how the Tokina compares.Nate8833 wrote:Some time ago I've tested a Tokina RMC 24mm/F2.8 against some other much more expensive 24mm lenses from Minolta and Pentax and was rather astonished about the very good quality in comparison. This lens may be found within your budget and is very nice for landscapes as well.I have been enjoying the Minolta 35-70mm f3.5 macro lens on my Sony A7R. Quite frankly, I was astonished at the edge to edge sharpness and rendering for landscapes. It performs very well at moderate distance as well. It compares quite favorably to modern lenses, and at only $75, it was a steal.
If you are using a lot of legacy glass on your camera, specifically full frame, do you have any lenses that you feel strongly about in that same price range or cheaper? Any focal length recommendations are welcome, even ones that overlap with the Minolta. I test lenses against each other, so I'd have fun comparing similar lenses anyway.
Thanks!
I didn't test it on my A7R II yet but my comparison on APS-C may give you some hints as well: //goo.gl/ZpZD5M IMHO there is only one Tokina RMC version with 52mm filter thread. It's available in many different manual focus mounts. I've got it in Minolta and Pentax versions.
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Regards, Thomas Bernardy
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[unknown member] • Veteran Member • Posts: 6,452
Re: Minolta 35-70mm f3.5 Macro - Any Other Recommendations?
In reply to Nate8833 • Jan 10, 2019
MD 70-210/4 would go nicely with the 3570, or the MD24/2.8 on the wide and the MD 135/2.8 [make sure to check versions: //www.artaphot.ch/minolta-sr/objektive ]
Re: Minolta 35-70mm f3.5 Macro - Any Other Recommendations?
In reply to Nate8833 • Jan 10, 2019
The Minolta 24-35mm f3.5 companion zoom is also rather good. It has lower contrast but feels heavy for its size and quite well built. Much rarer than the 35-70mm and quite pricey though.
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Re: Minolta 35-70mm f3.5 Macro - Any Other Recommendations?
In reply to Nate8833 • Jan 10, 2019
The Sigma 24/2.8 is very sharp, it's my favorite WA lens. If you want cheap, I am very impressed with the Phoenix 35-70/2.8, I find it on par with my Nikon 35-70/2.8 for IQ. I wasn't pleased with the Sigma 35-80/3.5 or the Minolta 28-80/3.5.
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Sjak • Veteran Member • Posts: 7,622
Re: Minolta 35-70mm f3.5 Macro - Any Other Recommendations?
In reply to Nate8833 • Jan 10, 2019
These are the Ultracheap lenses I like to use on my fullframe-camera [a Monochrom]
A lens that has an amazing fun-to-cost ratio is the Jupiter-8; look for a clean early version. Not necessarily the best lens in a technical sense, but it has a sweet rendering and beautiful bokeh.
A lens that really surprised me is the ultra-cheap Industar-50 rigid version; again, early rangefinder version. Gives a definite vintage look to images; very flare-resistant.
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[unknown member] • Senior Member • Posts: 2,085
Re: Minolta 35-70mm f3.5 Macro - Any Other Recommendations?
In reply to Sjak • Jan 10, 2019
As others have noted, it's great fun to use vintage glass on the digitals.. I collect Minolta lenses and they are terrific to use on a digital body whether it's crop sensor or full frame. Minolta made three or four versions of the 35 - 70 zoom lens and if yours is the MDIII version, that's the best of them.
widgetbox • Contributing Member • Posts: 726
Re: Minolta 35-70mm f3.5 Macro - Any Other Recommendations?
In reply to Nate8833 • Jan 10, 2019
K-Mount Pentax 35-105 SMC-A [known as the zoom of primes] has a macro mode. Price wise - I got a really nice one on Pentax Forums for $45 but normally bay price can be higher - saw a lot going for about $100.
I always post this image by way of intro.
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Richard
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Proplus888 • Contributing Member • Posts: 666
Re: Minolta 35-70mm f3.5 Macro - Any Other Recommendations?
widgetbox wrote:K-Mount Pentax 35-105 SMC-A [known as the zoom of primes] has a macro mode. Price wise - I got a really nice one on Pentax Forums for $45 but normally bay price can be higher - saw a lot going for about $100.
I always post this image by way of intro.
Uncropped on APS-C ...
I had one last year, pristine condition from a collector who had it wrapped in film and had only ever used it once. It’s long and heavy for its focal range, and the PK to NEX adapter wasn’t exactly on the short side, which add this lens on my A7ii very front heavy and protruded a lot which took the enjoyment away from carrying it around. Contrast is slightly on the low side, so I sold it about 2 months ago.
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Tim Zhou • Contributing Member • Posts: 614
Re: Porst 50mm f1.2
In reply to Nate8833 • Jan 10, 2019
Porst 50mm f1.2 in old Fuji x-mount. Cost me £120, probably the cheapest f1.2 from film era.
It is also sharper than another more expensive f1.2 lens I have [Minolta 50mm f1.2, which is sharper than its old brother Minolta 58mm f1.2].
It was recommended by one of the forum users here back in 2015.
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Tim Zhou
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SLN001 • Veteran Member • Posts: 3,811
Re: Minolta 35-70mm f3.5 Macro - Any Other Recommendations?
In reply to Nate8833 • Jan 11, 2019
Four suggestions:
Jupiter-8 2.0/50 in LTM mount, a true Sonnar.
Jupiter-12 2.8/35 in LTM mount, a Biogon design.
Asahi-Kogaku Takumar 2.4/58. M37 mount [same back-flange distance as M42 add an M37 to M42 ring to the M43 adapter]. The only Heliar design lens ever made for an SLR.
Zenitar-M 1.7/50, M42. Supposed to be an Ultron design. I don't know but it sure produces Ultron quality images.
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Steve Just an Armadillo on the shoulder of the information superhighway.
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Re: Any Other Recommendations? Tamron SP 70-210/3.5 -19AH
1
I second the 19AH. It is a phenomenal lens, it's contrast, micro contrast, and sharpness are exceptional. There's one on Denver's Craigslist for $20 right now.
JimH123 • Veteran Member • Posts: 4,154
Re: Minolta 35-70mm f3.5 Macro - Any Other Recommendations?
In reply to Nate8833 • Jan 12, 2019
Nate8833 wrote:I have been enjoying the Minolta 35-70mm f3.5 macro lens on my Sony A7R. Quite frankly, I was astonished at the edge to edge sharpness and rendering for landscapes. It performs very well at moderate distance as well. It compares quite favorably to modern lenses, and at only $75, it was a steal.
If you are using a lot of legacy glass on your camera, specifically full frame, do you have any lenses that you feel strongly about in that same price range or cheaper? Any focal length recommendations are welcome, even ones that overlap with the Minolta. I test lenses against each other, so I'd have fun comparing similar lenses anyway.
Thanks!
Which adapter are you using? Is it the Sony LA-EA4 that allows your Minolta 35-70mm to auto focus? This one gives you full control of the lens including the aperture since the Minolta AF lenses do not provide an aperture ring.
I have several groups of lenses I like to use:
1. Minolta lenses -- I have 11 which I enjoy using.
2. Asahi Pentax Takumar SMC lenses -- m42 mount, totally manual. I have a dozen of them in assorted focal lengths. Very fun to use and very good results.
3. Assortment of Rokinon/Samyang lens. I have 5 of these.
4. Also have various modern Tamron lenses, but those aren't the thrust of this thread.
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Re: Minolta 35-70mm f3.5 Macro - Any Other Recommendations?
In reply to Nate8833 • Jan 12, 2019
1
The Minolta MD 70-210 f/4 would be a useful lens alongside the 35-70. see here [and follow the links for tests]. It is the predecessor to the A-mount AF "beercan" lens.
Or either the MD 35-105 f/3.5-4.5 or the 35-135 f/3.5-4.5. Lots of other minolta SR lenses too, zooms or primes, see here [and follow the link to Minolta SR, MC, MD lenses on the left] for links to descriptions and tests, and here for a full list of all SR lenses. Do a web search for other reviews of any lens of interest, there are many reviews of the better primes, and some of the zoom lenses.
Note that one can buy a generic A-mount to EF adapter, with aperture ring [without an aperture scale unfortunately], to successfully use A-mount lenses focusing manually, too [if an AF adapter is not of interest].
An ebay search, of "sold" listings, will give the current pricings of the more common lenses.
Re: Minolta 35-70mm f3.5 Macro - Any Other Recommendations?
I have four Minolta lenses that do not have MD or any other designation and I'm reluctant to buy a Sony AF adapter not knowing if the would work.
LENS STARTING SER#
50mm/1.7 141.....
28-80/3.5 518.....
35-80/3.5 123....
70-210/4 161......
Any information would be appreciated.
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Re: Any Other Recommendations? Tamron SP 70-210/3.5 -19AH
1
SpectrumDisorder wrote: I second the 19AH. It is a phenomenal lens, it's contrast, micro contrast, and sharpness are exceptional. There's one on Denver's Craigslist for $20 right now.
+1 from me. I had to pay quite a bit more in UK for mine but it was worth it. Also the 23A 60-300mm is very good. Nice range and with useful macro to boot.
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Re: Minolta 35-70mm f3.5 Macro - Any Other Recommendations?
In reply to Nate8833 • Jan 12, 2019
Minolta MD 50/2 is a good landscape lens and in plentiful supply [read cheap]
review here //phillipreeve.net/blog/minolta-md-50mm-2-review/
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