Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX for Minolta Maxxum

Likes: Sharp images; Compact size/weight; Non-reflective black barrel; F/2.8 great for indoor portraits, etc.; 50mm works out to approx 70mm on my Minolta 7D; Attractive price vs. Minolta 50mm macro lens; Autofocus very fast at "normal" distances; It is now my "normal indoor lens". ---------

Dislikes: Autofocus motor runs continuously at macro ranges (manual focus works fine); Focus ring could be a bit smoother; Lens hood screws into filter thread in lieu of the typical snap-on. How spoiled we have become!! -----------
I decided on this lens for macro work because of Sigma's reputation and because of price considerations. There are 100mm lenses out there which probably facilitate frontal lighting for close-up work, but this lens, at effective 70mm, actually produces macro images larger than life-size on my 7D. The f/2.8 aperture is a necessity for close-ups, and the handiness of autofocus for portraits and general snapshots is a huge bonus. Who could resist it?