Minolta MC 58mm 1:1.2 vs Minolta MD 50mm 1:1.2 – comparison

Published by Tony on 2018-01-292018-01-29

Minolta ultra-fast 1:1.2 lenses comparison:

• Minolta MC 58mm 1:1.2 MC II
• Minolta MD 50mm 1:1.2 MD III

This comparison is correct only for conditions and equipment used for tests. An element changed – the result changed.

Tested lenses

Minolta ultra-fast 1:1.2 lenses comparison tests description

• Camera Sony A7II (24mpx, full frame) – RAW(ARW), tripod, A-mode, ISO-100, WB fixed, SteadyShot – OFF, manual focus correction for every shot
• Target – fixed on the distance in about 4 meters (average portrait distance). Focus point – the center of the picture.
• Test shots for the center and for the corner positions were made separately on different pictures. In order to avoid field curvature effects.
• ARW post-processing – Capture One, default settings, 100% crops 300×200 px

Here are two tests:

Test#1 – has no compensation for the difference between 50mm and 58mm, so the details on the picture from Minolta MC 58mm F1.2 lens is slightly bigger than from Minolta MD 50mm F1.2. I am sure – it’s an incorrect approach, but I’ve met comparisons of ‘around 50mm’ lenses which are using this scheme, especially tests with focusing on infinity – landscapes, city-views, etc.

Test#2 – has the compensation – Minolta MD 50mmF1.2 stays a little closer to the target than MC58mmF1.2.

You can view test results for both methods and make your own opinion about the importance of this so short additional 8mm when we make comparisons of the fifties.

Notes

• Most of Minolta’s lenses haven’t half-clicks after the first aperture position. So, for example, aperture “F1.4” for MD III 50mm 1:1.2 means an aperture set in the middle position between F1.2 and F2.0
• Other available near-50mm Minoltas can be found here – minolta.easypix.de

Minolta ultra-fast 1:1.2 lenses comparison, Test#1 – distance is the same for both lens

Here is no compensation for the difference in 50mm and 55mm, so the details on the picture from Minolta MC 58mm F1.2 lens slightly bigger than from Minolta MD 50mm F1.2. I’m sure – this test can’t demonstrate the real difference, it shows how comparisons shouldn’t be performed.

Scene preview for the center

Scene preview for the corner

Test#1 result

Minolta ultra-fast 1:1.2 lenses comparison, Test#2 – distance is different

Here is a test with compensation for the difference in 50mm and 58mm focal distances, so the details on the picture from Minolta MC 58mm F1.2 lens have the same size as from Minolta MD 50mm F1.2

Scene preview for the center

Scene preview for corner

Test#2 results

Minolta ultra-fast 1:1.2 lenses comparison – final conclusion

From the resolution point of view – the Minolta MD 50mm F1.2 is definitely better than Minolta MC PG 58mm F1.2, simply speaking the younger 50/1.2 MD III is sharper. The difference isn’t very noticeable but easily detectable. Though, in real life it is impossible to choose the best of these two – both are good for different tasks, because not only a resolution is important for photography.

Have a nice day!