Minolta AF 35-80mm f/4-5.6 Power Zoo

This camera glass has a focal length range of 35-80mm, which is a versatile range for everyday photography, but not suitable for extreme wide angle or telephoto photography. It has an aperture range of f/4-5.6, which is not very fast but still usable in good lighting conditions. The glass has 6 elements in 6 groups, which is a basic design for a mid-grade photographic lens. It has a multi-coating on the lens elements to reduce reflections and improve contrast. The manufacturing time of this glass is not specified but it was produced in the 1990s.

The resolution of this photographic lens is decent but not exceptional, with some softness at the edges of the frame. The build quality is average, with a plastic body and mount, which is not as durable as metal. The autofocus is fast and accurate, but it also has a manual focus option for more control. The bokeh, which is the quality of out-of-focus areas, is average but not exceptional.

In terms of alternatives, there are many other mid-grade zoom lenses available in the market, such as the Canon EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 USM, Nikon AF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6D, and Pentax FA 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6. These lenses are similar in terms of specifications and price.

Overall, the Minolta AF 35-80mm f/4-5.6 Power Zoo is a decent mid-grade photographic lens with a versatile focal length range and fast autofocus, but it has some limitations in terms of resolution and build quality.

Optical design

Has 7 aperture blades, mid-grade lenses usually have this amount of blades. Having rounded blades provides out of focus circle shape closer to a circle.

Physical characteristics

With a lens filter diameter of 49 mm commonly filter size, provides a range of filter options. Weights 180 grams so convinient to carry. 53 mm long, this small lens should be always in the camera bag.