What is the Minolta 85mm f/2 MD Lens?
The Minolta 85mm f/2 MD Lens is a prime lens designed for Minolta manual focus SLR cameras. It offers a focal length of 85mm and a maximum aperture of f/2. This lens is part of Minolta’s MD series, which was known for its high-quality optics and solid build.
Features and Benefits
The Minolta 85mm f/2 MD Lens offers several features and benefits that make it a great choice for photographers:
1. **Excellent Image Quality**: This lens delivers stunning image quality with sharpness, contrast, and color rendition. It allows photographers to capture fine details and produce beautiful bokeh.
2. **Versatile Portrait Lens**: With its 85mm focal length, this lens is an ideal choice for portraiture. It allows photographers to create a pleasing background blur and isolate the subject, resulting in professional-looking portraits.
3. **Fast Aperture**: The f/2 aperture of this lens enables shooting in low-light conditions and provides excellent control over depth of field. It allows for creative possibilities, such as selective focus and subject separation.
4. **Compact and Lightweight**: The Minolta 85mm f/2 MD Lens is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and handle. It is a great addition to a photographer’s kit without adding much bulk.
5. **Smooth Manual Focus**: The lens features a smooth and precise manual focus ring, allowing photographers to fine-tune their focus easily. It provides a tactile experience that enhances the overall shooting process.
Compatibility and Pricing
The Minolta 85mm f/2 MD Lens is compatible with Minolta manual focus SLR cameras, such as the X-700, XD-11, and X-570. It is not suitable for use with digital cameras or autofocus systems.
As for pricing, the cost of the Minolta 85mm f/2 MD Lens can vary depending on its condition, age, and availability. On the used market, it can be found for around $200 to $400.
Conclusion
The Minolta 85mm f/2 MD Lens is a versatile and high-quality lens, particularly suitable for portrait photography. Its excellent image quality, fast aperture, and compact design make it a valuable tool for photographers who enjoy manual focusing. While it may not be compatible with modern digital cameras, it remains a popular choice among film enthusiasts and those using Minolta’s classic SLR cameras.
