Minolta 80-200mm F2.8 APO

[Rawfa]

I was checking a minolta 80-200mm 2.8 and I've realized there are 2 models of this lens. A white and a black one...but I couldn't find much information on the differences. Does anyone know?

 

[benroy]

Rafael: Black lens is the early version...white lens the later version. I own the white one...very sharp, contrasty lens. Can provide some rather pedestrian images if interested.

Roy Benson

 

[pegelli]

Optically they are the same, the white one has a faster gearing for AF, and is therefore called the "High Speed" version. I also have a white one, a fantastic lens optically!

Couple of things to watch:
- front rotates when focussing (so not ideal for use with a polarizer)
- MFD 1,8 meter (looooong)
- HS version AF quite noisy and even some recoil when it suddenly starts or stops turning

 

[Rawfa]

Would either of you guys be interested in selling it?

 

[pegelli]

Sorry Rafael, I wasn't planning on selling it. I still gets used quite regularly, despite some of it's "operational" shortcomings. The pictures it produces are very nicely rendered and sharp.

 

[Show Performance]

I've got the HS APO 200mm 2.8 prime. Much smaller and the AF doesn't kick-back like it does on the 80-200. Very nice lenses.

 

[Rawfa]

I cannot seem to find any good copies out there for a moderate price. I waa thinking of going instead with a Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 with, wihch is stabilized and can be found for around us$1100.