The Minolta 85mm f/2.8 MC Varisoft Lens is a vintage camera lens that was popular in the 1980s. It was manufactured by Minolta, a renowned Japanese camera brand. This lens is compatible with Minolta’s manual focus SLR cameras and can produce unique soft-focus effects, making it a favorite among portrait photographers.
**Introduction to the Minolta 85mm f/2.8 MC Varisoft Lens**
The Minolta 85mm f/2.8 MC Varisoft Lens is a prime lens, meaning it has a fixed focal length of 85mm. The “MC” in its name stands for “Multi-Coated,” indicating that the lens elements have a special coating to reduce lens flare and improve overall image quality.
This lens features an f/2.8 maximum aperture, allowing for low-light shooting and shallow depth of field. Its compact size and lightweight construction make it highly portable, ideal for photographers who are always on the go.
**Understanding the Soft-Focus Effect**
The standout feature of the Minolta 85mm f/2.8 MC Varisoft Lens is its ability to create soft-focus effects. This effect adds a dream-like, romantic quality to images, making it popular for capturing portraits and creative shots.
The soft-focus effect is achieved through a special optical design. The lens incorporates a clear central area with a surrounding soft-focus ring. When shooting wide open at f/2.8, the soft-focus ring slightly blurs the edges of the image, creating a soft and ethereal look. Stopping down the aperture slightly reduces the soft-focus effect, resulting in sharper images with a touch of softness.
**Application and Advantages**
Portrait photographers love the Minolta 85mm f/2.8 MC Varisoft Lens for its ability to produce stunning, dreamy portraits. The soft-focus effect enhances skin tones, adds a romantic atmosphere, and emphasizes the subject’s features. It creates a beautiful separation between the subject and the background, making the subject stand out.
The lens can also be used creatively for other types of photography, such as fashion, still life, or even landscapes. It adds a unique touch to images, elevating them to a new level of artistry.
**Availability and Price**
As a vintage lens, the Minolta 85mm f/2.8 MC Varisoft Lens may not be readily available in camera stores. However, it can often be found on online marketplaces, such as eBay or camera specialty websites. The price for a used lens can vary depending on its condition and demand but generally falls within the range of $200 to $400.
**In Conclusion**
The Minolta 85mm f/2.8 MC Varisoft Lens is a vintage gem, highly sought after by photographers for its soft-focus effects. Whether you are a portrait enthusiast or a creative photographer, this lens can add a touch of magic to your images. Its unique optical design and dreamy results make it a valuable addition to any camera bag. So, if you come across this lens, don’t hesitate to give it a try and unleash your creativity!
