Minolta 80-200 2.8 HS

[ruthless]

Found a great deal on one of these, would I be happy with this on my a700, or should i get a new 2.8 lens like the SAL70-200 2.8 ?

[Javelin]

I think so. people report that it's faster to focus than the 70-200G some on dyxum even say it's sharper too.

[Cameron]

If you have a good deal on this lens buy it. I think optically it is just as good as the Minolta or Sony 70-200. Today I still use this lens with slide film. The front lens does spin as you focus, so using a polarizer filter will require you to keep a finger on it as it focuses. With some of the older Film bodies like the 7, 7Limited and the 9 & 9Ti with the powerful drive motors, it is possible to be as quick in Auto Focus as the SSM on the Sony 700 and 900.

Cam

[Philip]

If it is really a good price, get it. I have owned both the 80-200 f2.8 HS and the 70-200 f2.8 SSM (in Sony guise) at the same time. I now only have the 80-200! On the A100 and A700, the two digital bodies I owned while I had both lenses, the focus speed of the 80-200 was as fast or faster then the 70-200. The reason I kept the 80-200 was that the copy I had was sharper across the frame then the 70-200, although it was slightly less contrasty. As has already been noted the front elemant of the 80-200 does rotate and the screw turn focus gears are obvoiusly more noisy than the SSM motored 70-200. If these two facts are of little importance to you, then go for it, you won't be disappointed.

Philip

[ruthless]

I have also found a black Minolta 80-200 G that is not HS, will that matter?

[Greg Beetham]

According to my information, the HS version is supposed to have faster focusing than a non HS version, (but I don't know just how much faster that would actually be).
There were four remodelled lenses up to HS versions in the list I have.

200 2.8APO
300 2.8APO
600 4APO
80-200 2.8APO

It says: They were redesigned in 1988 for Maxxum Series-i cameras. Internal changes include a faster gear and a new IC ROM to enable faster focusing with Series-i, xi, and si cameras.

External changes include AF lock/lens function button (one for 200mm, two for 300mm and 600mm lenses), and "High Speed Focus" decal on the lens shade.

Additionally, the 80-200mm f2.8 APO recieved a stronger focusing shaft which enabled better focus tracking, a rubber focusing grip for easier manual focus, and white paint finish.

There is also a warning footnote, that the APO converters cannot be used with the 80-200APO lenses, the front element of the converter will contact the rear element of the lens and both will be damaged.

Greg