Konica Minolta 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 II Maxxum Lens

This Lens probably would not satisfy a 'gearhead' professional - but for what it is, a consumer 'kit' lens (which retails around $129 by itself) it is an Excellent lens. I have not had any problems with its clarity - either on film cameras (Maxxum 7) or digital (Sony Alpha 100).

This design started in production with Minolta, and has been picked up by Sony for their Alpha lineup as well - so you may find it under either name. It has also been produced in both all-Black and Black-and-Silver versions - completely identical except for the color.

Filter size is 55mm. This model comes with a slightly flared Lens Hood, with a 1-7/8" depth - which locks in place facing either direction (out in front, doing its thing - or inverted over the barrel for storage). Overall Length ranges from 5-3/4" 'in the bag' (fully retracted, lens hood inverted, both ends capped) to 9-1/2" in 'full battle mode' (mounted, extended to 300mm, with the hood attached).

Minimum Focus distance is 1.5m/4.9 feet. This works out perfect for a 6 ft. plus guy like myself, to take a Macro shot of something on the ground. In this scenario (standing up, shooting at the ground, at 300mm) it will full-frame an area of approximately 4x6 inches (with a film camera). That's 'macro' enough, for example, to shoot high detail of an Ant Mound, and make some downright scary enlargements.

I have found it to be a very good lens for shooting Scenic Landscapes in the wide-open spaces of the American West. This lens, paired with the Tamron-built Sony 18-70 (also a 'kit' lens), comprises my travelling kit for my Sony Alpha 100. Much easier to carry than the suitcase full of Minolta glass that I used to haul around for the Maxxum 7 - and with the 1.5x 'crop factor' of the Alpha, this pairing gives me coverage from 27mm to 450mm (in 35mm equivalents).

The one drawback to the design, is that the front end DOES rotate when focusing - which can prove challenging when you're trying to use a Polarizer or special effects filter. It's not a problem if you're just using a UV filter to protect the front element from damage (as everyone should, with every lens).

Because of that, I give it about 4.9 on the scale of 5=Excellent. The optics are superb enough that a pro COULD use it - and the plastic barrel construction has, in my experience, stood up well to the rigors of the world.

The camara lense I purchased was a piece of junk.I called the outfit I received it from and tried to talk to the person.In the picture they had on the ebay sight showed a lense all in one piece when I received it,it was in three pieces and not able to be repaired.They did a great job with the packing. So I know it did not happen during shipping.I tried your email sight to get some answers but of course you have it so you have to wait ten days before doing anything about it so needless to say that was no help.The person I spoke with at the auction house would only keep repeating it said as is. Well if that is the case they could of made sure it was still in one piece before shipping a broken lense.Well live and learn that was my very first time using e bay and it will be the last.
Thank You
Jim