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With unrivalled capabilities and value-added features, the new Minolta
AF 70 - 200mm f/2.8 Apo G(D)SSM lens is an exceptional tool for today's
photographer. Minolta's new SSM lenses employ new supersonic-wave motor
technology for quiet, smooth AF operation, enhancing the performance of
Minolta SLR cameras from the Dynax 7 onwards.
The heart of this zoom is the finest optical glass reserved
for all Minolta G series lenses. The AF 70-200mm f/2.8 Apo G(D)SSM uses
nineteen finely crafted elements, including four AD (anomalous
dispersion) lenses, to virtually eliminate aberrations and curvature of
field. The result is sharp, colour-free images across the entire film
area at all apertures. High-quality multi-coatings increase
transmittance and reduce flare to preserve contrast.
This
superb optics ensure sharp, crisp images, as well as influence the
quality of the defocused image outside the depth of field; lens
aberrations can disfigure the soft glow of point light sources. The new
Minolta AF 70-200mm f/2.8 Apo G(D)SSM lens guarantees the highest level
of optical performance for the flawless capture of images.
A
circular aperture keeps the defocused image of point light sources
outside the depth of field round between f/2.8 and f/5.6. Comparable to
significantly few f/2.8 zoom lenses,* the new AF zoom has the shortest
minimum focus distance in its class, making it a uniquely versatile
tool for landscape, portrait, and close-up photography.
Two DMF
(Direct Manual Focus) modes exercise exacting control over the AF
system. Standard DMF allows the photographer to fine tune the focus
once the AF system has optically locked onto the subject. Full-time DMF
enables the photographer to access manual focus control at anytime by
simply turning the focusing ring. The AF system can be further
controlled with the focus-hold function, which locks the focus at the
press of a button.
A focus-range limiter reduces auto-focusing
time. The Minolta AF 70 - 200mm f/2.8 Apo G(D)SSM lens has a preset
range function between infinity and 3m (9.8ft.).
With a variety
of useful features, this lens is both simple and delightful to use. The
extra-wide focusing ring awards critical control during manual focus,
and the lens remains easy to hold as the ring does not rotate when the
AF drive is active. A lightweight, yet durable, petal-type lens hood is
lined with velvet to reduce flare. As an additional attribute, the hood
also has a covered polarizing-filter window so that the filter can be
rotated without the necessity of removing the hood from the lens.
The
entire lens is seated in a rigid mounting collar, enabling the lens to
be attached to a camera support. The collar rotates 360° so the camera
and lens can be limitlessly positioned when mounted from either above
or below. This maintains the balance needed for responsive shooting and
sharp images, especially when using a monopod. The collar can also be
removed to reduce weight when handholding the camera.
Two new
apochromatic teleconverters have been designed for AF 1.4X Tele
Converter Apo (D) and AF 2X Tele Converter Apo(D). These simple
accessories increase the power of the lens while allowing the use of
the automatic camera and lens systems. Using the 1.4X teleconverter
creates the equivalent of a 98 - 280mm f/4.0 lens, and the 2X converter
transforms the lens into an amazing 140 - 400mm f/5.6 telephoto zoom,
fast enough to handhold with ISO100 film in broad daylight.
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