Minolta 35-200mm Xi lens....

[Simon]

Just bought a secondhand Minolta 35-200mm Xi lens today for my new A900. Very surprised, and pleased, with the sharpness. Looks at least a match for my Sony SAL 24-105. Also, the power zoom feature I find quite handy. Maybe Sony should consider re introducing this lens......

[Simon]

Thanks for your reply. I did a few test shots this afternoon, with both lenses, and the Minolta looks a tad sharper. Problem is do I now keep both lenses ?. Maybe I should sell the SAL 24-105, then put the funds towards a new Sony 50 1.4.

I can recall Amateur Photographer testing the 35-200 Xi many years ago when it received an "optical excellence" from the magazines testers.

Maybe Sony should re introduce the lens, without the power zoom, although I must admit I am finding this function quite handy. The only glitch is that the lens draws extra power from the camera battery.......

[01af]

Simon,

you like the power-zoom feature ... no kidding!?

Well, each to his own. Most people detest the power zoom. But in terms of image quality, the AF-xi 35-200 mm indeed is an excellent (and frequently underrated) lens. The same cannot be said about most AF-xi lenses. Still ... no, I sincerely hope Sony will never re-introduce these outré power-zoom lenses.

-- Olaf

[David Kilpatrick]

I found the 35-200xi much better than the 24-105mm D, on the A900. But I could not live with the power zoom, so it was sold when I got a 28-105mm. But, the 200mm reach was useful. Agreed, if they could ever update a lens, this would be the one. But with only 35mm at the short end, they would say it was not going to sell.

David

[Simon]

The power zoom feature surprised me somewhat. I was expecting to hate it, but so far I quite like it. I must admit that it is something of a technological ( is that the right word ? ) dead end and Minolta admitted this at the time ( the 1990s) if my memory is correct. The 35-200 Xi does sit nicely on the A900,looks almost like an up market kit lens ! . Maybe if Sony launch further full frame cameras (A800 ?) then the 35-200 could become the ultimate "starter" lens.

[rogprov]

Must agree with Simon. I also have the 35-200mm xi and can get on fine with the power zoom

[mikeriach]

Each to his own.
I hated the power zoom but loved the range on 35mm.
As I got next to nothing in trade in, I should have kept it!

Mike

[Simon]

There is one small drawback I have found with this lens is that there is some CA towards the edge of the frame but luckily this can be fixed by software. The power zoom does draw a fair amount of juice from the A900 battery and I would recommend using two batteries in the grip. Other than that what a great lens, super sharp, and a great range from moderate wide angle to telephoto. Has anyone done any comparison tests ? Simon.