Focal Lenght: 50mm
Max Apeture: 1.8
Lens Mount: Minolta
Min. Focus: 0.45 mm
Filter Size: 49mm
Weight: 155g
LENS STORY
While looking for the next lens I wanted to try I stumbled upon a few reviews of the Minolta 50mm 2. A lot of folks had some lovely images and I decided I’d give it a try. A trip and a modest price later I had it.
HANDLING
This lens has a lot of plastic on it, which makes it a lot lighter. It’s not the nasty kind of plastic you’d get with some 90’s budget lenses, that feels brittle. It’s a good kind of plastic. That being said, the aperture and focus rings are not a joy to use. You get used to them, but it’s not something you look forward to use.
Weight and size and superb, this lens is compact and you won’t even know you’re carrying it in your bag.
It takes 49mm filters, which is a plus, since I have plenty of 50mm lenses with the same filter size.
The close focus distance is to be expected
OPTICAL PERFORMANCE
I noticed some Chromatic Aberation wide open, but nothing too severe.
The lack of vignetting surprised me, I expected a lot more. But by f2.8 I’d say I was happy with where things are.
You can expect soft corner wide open. Center sharpness is okay, improving in leaps once you stop down.
Curiously, I found I was perfectly content with using the lens at f5.6 when I wanted good sharpness, while with most lenses that cost this much I usually lean towards f8.
I love the colors and feel this lens has – it’s down to earth and natural. A gentle caress and a careless whisper (I’m not a good dancer anyway)
FINAL THOUGHTS
This lens stands in it’s spot. People know about it and it’s not rare, it seems well regarded.
If you need a good performer and your bag is already heavy, go for it. It’s a strong lens, that doesn’t bring anything that exciting or special to the table.
