Lite Beer

<p>Or lite "beer can". The original Minolta Maxxum 70-210 f4 (aka the beer can) is a well-regarded lens that is known for its performance and often chose over the later 'i" series zooms despite having slightly slower AF. A less popular zoom from that same era is the Maxxum 100-200 f4.5 (I dub the "mini beer can") Like its larger sibling, it maintains aperture as it zooms and has more metal parts inside than the later 'i" series zooms. So, using my 8000i (oldest of my Maxxums) I put the mini beer can through its paces. Like the 70-210 f4 this lens really belongs on a 7000 or a 5000.</p>

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<p>To get a better concept of its size here's a shot with it mounted on my 8000i.</p><div></div>

<p>And a top view.</p><div></div>

<p>Now for some results. I used Legacy Pro 100 (rebadged Fuji Acros 100) rated at E.I. 80 processed in HC110 dilution B for 5' at 68 degrees Fahrenheit. I scanned with an Epson V600. Just a few more shots around town. I tried not repeat earlier shots.</p><div></div>

<p>Zooming in to 200 from the same location.</p><div></div>

<p>Here's a 100mm shot of a tree near the highway. </p><div></div>

<p>I've always liked water tanks so here's one of the several tanks that serve my town.</p><div></div>

<p>A nearby farm. I shot this one at or near the 100mm setting. For less bulk than the full size "beer can" I think this lens is a good alternative. You do give up close focus capibility with this one, though.</p><div></div>

<p>Plenty of "reach" at the 200mm setting for most subjects.</p><div></div>

<p>Nice sharpness Mike, and it doesn't look too big or bulky.</p>

<p>Thanks, Andy. And it takes a 49mm filter rather than a 55mm like the70-210 f4. This one has definitely earned a spot in my backpack when I'm carrying Maxxum gear.<br>

FWIW, the 100-200 focal length in general has never been as popular as the 70/75/80/85 to 200/205/210 series. The first manual focus 100-200 zooms weren't much more compact than their wider range siblings. The Maxxum 100-200 is one of the first to use the lesser range to allow compact design while keeping constant aperture.</p>

<p>Perfect tones in these pics, <strong>Mike</strong>. This lens is one I'm not familiar with, though I have several 100-200 zooms in other mounts, and I've found them useful because of their uniformly small size. It seems to be a very competent performer; thanks for an informative post.</p>

<p>Thanks, Rick. A real sleeper in that range (I would post this under classics if I had one of these lenses) was the Sigma 100-200 f4.5. While not as compact as the Maxxum 100-200 f4.5, it was a good performer and not too expensive. Among some of our leftover camera shop stuff that was not econically repairable, we had one in C/Y that was stuck at the 100mm setting. Although I've found tons of leftovers from the camera shop I haven't found this one yet. I'd be tempted to try and fix it myself if I ever found it.</p>

<p>Mike,</p>

<p> There is a big beer can too:</p>

<p> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minolta_AF_75-300mm_f/4.5-5.6_lens</p>

<p> I have the regular size beer can, as well as its predecessor, the MD mount version. What makes that? Glass bottle? </p>

<p> </p>

<p>Yes, Yefei, I have heard the original Maxxum 75-300 referred to as the "big beer can". It is another good performer.</p>