Minolta MC Rokkor 28mm 1:3.5 vs MC 28mm 1:2.5 vs MC 28mm1:3.5 vs MD 28mm 1:3.5 – comparison

Published by Tony on 2020-02-102020-02-10

Minolta SR 28mm lenses comparison:

• Minolta MC Rokkor SG 28mm 1:3.5 (MC I) aka Minolta MC W Rokkor-SG 1:3.5 f=28mm
• Minolta MC Rokkor SI 28mm 1:2.5 (MC II) aka Minolta MC W Rokkor-SI 1:2.5 f=28mm
• Minolta MC Rokkor SG 28mm 1:3.5 (MC II) aka Minolta MC W Rokkor-SG 1:3.5 f=28mm
• Minolta MD 28mm 1:3.5 (MD III) aka Minolta New-MD 35mm f/1.8

This is a battle of not expensive Minolta wide lenses – 28mm focal distance with quite slow apertures is on the ring. LensWorks has another one battle dedicated to the New-MD lens generation and it seems that this comparison between fighters from MC era can extend an understanding of how this focal distance was covered by Minolta.

Minolta MD III 28mm 1:3.5 is presented here in the role of a link to other comparisons of lenses with 28mm focal distances on the site – this lens took part in many battles, details can be found on the site.

This comparison is correct only for conditions and equipment used for tests. Test results may differ if any element is changed

Tested lenses reviews

Note: The yellow tint on the glass of MC II 28mm F/2.5 does not change the rating because it has no affecting for sharpness.

Minolta SR 28mm lenses comparison – sharpness/resolution

Long-distance 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
• ARW post-processing – Capture One, default settings, 100% crops 300×200 px

Scene preview

Test results

Minolta MC 28mm f/3.5 (MC I) vs Minolta MC 28mm f/2.5 (MC II)

Minolta MC 28mm f/3.5 (MC I) vs Minolta MC 28mm f/3.5 (MC II)

Minolta MC 28mm f/2.5 (MC II) vs Minolta MC 28mm f/3.5 (MC II)

Minolta MC 28mm f/2.5 (MC II) vs Minolta MD 28mm f/3.5 (MD III)

Scene preview

Test results

Minolta SR 28mm lenses comparison – final conclusion

• Minolta MC 28mm f/3.5 (MC I) vs Minolta MC 28mm f/2.5 (MC II)

Rokkor MC 28/2.5 has an advantage in the middle and corner positions. Not a lot, but it is the winner of course in this pair. What about the center – at F3.5-4.0 both lenses enough the same.

• Minolta MC 28mm f/3.5 (MC I) vs Minolta MC 28mm f/3.5 (MC II)

Both are absolutely the same in the center and middle but in the corner younger Rokkor MC II wins with an easily visible difference.

• Minolta MC 28mm f/2.5 (MC II) vs Minolta MC 28mm f/3.5 (MC II)

Here is the win-win case – both are the same in the center, the faster Minolta MC 28mm f/2.5 wins in the middle but loose in the center.

• Minolta MC 28mm f/2.5 (MC II) vs Minolta MD 28mm f/3.5 (MD III)

Both are the same in the center and corners but younger New-MD wins in the middle too.

The final chart:

• Minolta MC Rokkor SG 28mm f/3.5 (MC I) – is not the winner but still very usable lens
• Minolta MC Rokkor SG 28mm f/3.5 (MC II) – “half-winner”, the best for closed apertures
• Minolta MC Rokkor SI 28mm f/2.5 (MC II) – “half-winner”, the best for opened apertures
• Minolta New-MD 28mm f/3.5 (MD III) – is from much younger generation and I would be glad to remove it from the chart with lenses from 60′ due to fair-play principles.