I have warm feelings for both lenses, and it isn’t secret that 50/2.0 is more powerful, but it may be interesting to see the difference in real samples.
VFC lenses are rare and not common guests in comparisons, so, the article probably may be interesting not for photographers only but for researches too.
This comparison is correct only for conditions and equipment used for tests. Test results may differ if any element is changed.
Tested lenses reviews:
Minolta MD 24mm 1:2
Minolta MD VFC 24mm 1:2.8
Serial:
3115101
8001416
Optical Condition:
Near Mint
Near Mint
Mechanical Condition:
Near Mint
Near Mint
Cosmetic Condition:
Near Mint
Near Mint
Test description
Camera Sony A7II (24mpx, full frame) – RAW (ARW), tripod, A-mode, ISO 100, WB fixed, SteadyShot OFF, manual focus correction for every shot
Targets (buildings) – fixed by gravity power on the distances in more than 200 meters
Field curvature control on Minolta MD VFC 24mm f/2.8 is set in the center position because with any other settings for this scene the corners will be out of DOF.
Both lenses – Minolta MD VFC 24mm F2.8 and Minolta MD 24mm F2.8 – work almost similar at the center and middle. But in corners the non-VFC version shows a much better result – it becomes ready for landscapes on F5.6 or even maybe on F4 and it is totally sharpened over the whole frame at F8. But the older and much more expensive VFS can’t approach full sharpness over the frame even at diapason up to F16. The newer optical design of New-MD 24mm 1:2.8 has won by IQ. Anyway, the price of VFC looks reasonable at least because of the fact that only two lenses in the Universe have existed with this ability (Variable Field Curvature) and both of them – Minolta.
Of course, this converter isn’t the lens, so all usual tests of aberrations, bokeh, etc. were skipped. Additionally, review by Benjamin totally covers any questions about 300-s and I can’t add something new, except maybe a few resolution comparisons. (more…)
This is a battle without losers.All 50mm Minolta lenses are balanced in terms of technical capabilities and price.Therefore, this comparison was made rather out of curiosity, no matter what lens you take for photography – the result will be the best.
I could never make a choice on one of the two lenses – New MD 35/1.8 or New MD 35/2.8. To be honest, this comparison does not help either – they are both the best. (more…)