Minolta MD 135mm 1:2.0 vs MD 135mm 1:2.8 – comparison
Minolta MD 135mm 1:2.0 vs MD 135mm 1:2.8 – comparison
- Minolta MD 135mm 1:2.0 (MD III)
- Minolta MD 135mm 1:2.8 (MD III)
These are two of the best 135mm lenses by Minolta in absolutely different price categories.
Tested lenses reviews
Minolta MD 135mm 1:2.0 vs MD 135mm 1:2.8 – resolution/sharpness
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 MD 135mm lenses comparison – final conclusion
This is the unequal battle of one of the most expensive Minolta’s lenses versus one of the cheapest. The result is amazing: in general – both lenses are the same. Even more: if ‘to use microscope’ then the very slight advantage of Minolta MD 128mm F2.8 on apertures up to F4 can be spotted. But the difference is so small that better to think both lenses provide a similar quality from the sharpness point of view. So, resolutions tests can’t help the photographer to make a choice between this pair, and lens selection should be based on other characteristics.
4 Comments
henrik2013 · 2018-09-06 at 16:45
In my mind the price difference isn’t justified for the quality you get, and it IS a heavy beast to carry around (f/2), but it does look very nice in the collection shelf, maybe there it’s justified.
Tony · 2018-09-06 at 17:01
You’re right. This is a very subjective.. I always adored lenses 135 / 2.8, but once I got my 135 / 2.0 and now I use only it if this focal distance is needed – it does not matter to me whether the difference in IQ is worth the money. I just like using it on F2 and dreaming that I can see the difference in the rendering with other lenses :). There is no logic in this, but I do so. At the same time I continue to adore the more ordinary 135 / 2.8
Es-sabry Hamza · 2018-10-21 at 21:26
i recently got a copy of the 135 f2 for 15 USD, i didn’t had the opportunity to use it because i own a canon 7d witch wont be working with it, i wonder if it’s worth buying a mirrorless camera just to be able to use this lens !!!
Tony · 2018-10-21 at 22:24
15 USD? Jealous… arghhhhh 🙂