AtTheAuctions: Minolta Maxxum AF 'Beercan' Lens for Sony Alpha DSLRs!

On Ebay, the Maxxum 70-210 f/4 telephoto is presently one the most sought after medium telephoto in the Maxxum line up. It has obtained a "cult-like" status amongst Minolta photographers and is affectionately known by Minoltians as "The Beercan". There are several reasons for the high demand of this lens:

• The move to DSLR's (5D, 7D and now Sony Alpha DSLR's) has encouraged Maxxum/Sony photo enthusiasts to search out higher quality lenses.
• The 70-210 f/4 is very reasonably priced for its construction and optical performance, including the relatively fast and constant f/4 aperture.
• The lens is well designed with high quality optics and the durable build of Minolta's legendary 1st generation vintage lens line up.
• The other Minolta lenses available in this focal range that offer comparable (or better) build and optics are the APO's: 80-200mm f/2.8, 200mm f/2.8 and 70-200mm SSM. These lenses are prohibitively expensive for most consumer and prosumer photographers, so the Beercan, with its features and pricing is the natural choice that provides economy without compromise.

A main feature of the lens that makes it so highly regarded is it's fixed f/4 aperture. Being a static f/4 at any focal length, the maximum aperture is 1 to 1 1/2 stops faster and allowing more light to pass through than most other comparable lenses: a huge advantage, particularly in low light or when extended to 210mm.

On an APS-C sized sensor this gives a relative focal length of 315mm requiring faster shutter speeds for sharp imaging. Combine that f/4 aperture with Anti-Shake or Super Steady Shot on the a-mount DSLRs, and you have sharp hand held photos in very challenging lighting.

Optically, users claim and bench tests show that the lens is a excellent performer, being very sharp and contrasty with minimal compromise. This model lens is far superior to the follow up versions (f4.5-5.6) produced by Minolta, as well as those produced by Sigma, Tamron and Tokina in the same focal range.

Often favored as a great 'walk-about' lens, and synonymous with the fame of the legendary 'beercan', is the Minolta AF Zoom 35-70mm f/4, dubbed as the 'mini beercan' because of its equally astounding sharpness and color rendition close to that of the 70-210mm f/4.

The later version of this lens the 'Minolta AF Zoom 35-70mm f/3.5-4.5' RS is not the 'mini beercan' as referred to.

Though not having a constant aperture of f/4 as the previous two 'beercans,' the Minolta AF 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 lens is sometimes referred to as the 'Big Beercan' because of it's similarity in construction technology, comes with a focus limiter switch to speed up focusing.

Subsequently however, the metal body is replaced by a plastic body, making the lens much lighter and has a focus hold button. Starting from the third generation, this lens is produced in black or silver color. These versions are not not the 'big beercans' as referred to.