Reverse Snob Appeal
Written: Aug 20 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Disposably cheap, sharp when stopped down.
Cons: Garbage wide open
The Bottom Line: If you can put up with its weaknesses then you might as well throw one in your bag.
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| gbraun's Full Review: Konica Minolta AF 70-210mm f/4.5-5.6 II (Silver) L... |
Epinions has this lens listed as manual focus – it is am autofocus (Maxxum/Dynax) lens.
This an entry level consumer lens that got stuck with new cameras in “kit” form. Everyone knows that the lens that comes with the kit should be disposable, and they wouldn’t be wrong here, BUT:
This lens is capable of very sharp photographs.
If you know the limitations of this lens, and understand how to circumvent them, you can create images that are way beyond its apparent (or expected) ability. That said, don’t run out and buy one in the expectation of critically sharp enlargements from every shot, rather, read on.
This lens is soft wide open. You will get very mediocre results shooting with this lens at its largest apertures, however, stopped down to f8 or f11 you can produce extremely sharp center images, with reasonable sharpness out to edge of frame. Be aware of what that means though: party pictures with a flash will either have little ambient light in them or will be disappointingly soft. Landscape images on any but the brightest of days will generally require a tripod to make use of the sharpness you’re stopping down for. It’s an inconvenient way to get a bit of zoom range, but it is cheap.
This lens is not particularly heavy duty. It is plastic. Just be aware that this is not a pro lens and you’ll be o.k. though, as even a plastic lens mount isn’t going to wear out before you’ve removed and remounted the lens a few thousand times. On the plus side, the lens is pretty light, and that much easier to bring along.
This is not a one-lens-for-travel type lens. You won’t be happy with it as it’s not very fast (aperture-wise), it autofocuses slowly, and it doesn’t have a terribly wide focal range.
The zoom range is an easy one to work with though, and for someone who isn’t ready to utilize the potential of a 24mm in a strong way, it keeps the choices cleaner. You’ll probably find yourself wanting some more on the long end pretty often also.
This lens tends towards flare. Shoot towards the sun and you had better be prepared to shade the lens (or perhaps change your shot). This is an inconvenience, but one you may be able to generally work around.
The lens is CHEAP. 30-40 dollars will get you a used one in like-new condition. After all it was a kit lens right?. And at that price you don’t mind throwing it into the outside pocket of your coat, or taking it out in a bit of rain, or seeing a little sand blow onto it… you get the idea. The lens is a funny combination of entry-level features with very capable sharpness (perhaps requiring more than a normal beginner level of understanding) in a quirky, go anywhere lens. It probably isn’t right for most people, but if you feel like working around its quirks and being able to say “yeah – I shot that one on my 29 dollar kit lens” then maybe it is for you.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
gbraun
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Location: Cambridge, ON, Canada
Reviews written: 25
Trusted by: 14 members
About Me:
"I think not," said Descartes, and promptly disappeared.
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