Minolta Maxxum AF 70-210mm F/4 Telephoto Zoom Lens FOR SONY ALPHA
The Maxxum 70-210 f/4 telephoto is presently the most sought after medium telephoto in the Maxxum line up. It has obtained a "cult-like" status amongst Minolta photographers and is affectionately known by Minoltians as "The Beercan".The lens is well designed with high quality optics and the durable build of Minolta's legendary 1st generation vintage lens line up. It has been rumoured to have a Leica-influenced design and to have cost more to build than the sales price.Performance, vignetting, and distortion (wide open and stopped down) as well as color, flare, AF speed and build are all considered. The f/4 is the highest rated non-APO medium telephoto lens in the database, and for the most part, the rest of the available lenses that do rate higher will retail at $1000-2000.The build of the "beercan" is second to none. Most newer versions in the 70-210mm focal range sport a smaller maximum aperture and increased use of plastic components, both cosmetically and internally. Inside the f/4 version, die cast metal gears, parts and threads are found and the body is a solid metal casing with a beautiful enamel finish and wide rubber zoom grip. This construction does add to the weight of the lens, but for overall durability and a stable and more distinctive feel.