Minolta Maxxum 24mm-85mm f3.5-4.5 Zoom Lens

I bought the Minolta Maxxum 24mm-85mm f3.5-4.5 lens used in excellent condition for my Minolta 7d which came with the 18-70mm D f3.5~5.6 kit lens, which seemed a bit too plastic. The 24mm-85mm feels like a real lens! Although the 24mm-85mm doesn't have as wide angle capability, it is much more consistantly sharp across the zoom range and also from the center to edge of the image. I would rate this lens good to very good across the zoom range and f stops. I also get a brighter viewfinder image with the faster 24-85 lens at the long end. I like this lens and IMO the 24-85mm is optically and mechanically superior to the 18-70mm lens, which I would rate only fair-good. - the glassman

Im sorry I would have to disagree with the last comments. I am a semi-professional photographer and unless you want to spend big on 2.8 lenses, this is one of the sharpest lenses around bar none!

This is a medium quality lens in the Minolta line. It's user ratings are generally 3 out of 5 stars for clarity. I would consider it the lower end of the better range in the Minolta line. I've shot with it and been pleased. If you are buying a minolta camera for it's lens quality, this is the only lens I would buy from Amazon. If you are buying minolta because it's a value compared to other SLR's and just want something better than a point and shoot, you probably want one of the lower end lenses offered on Amazon.