Trade in Minolta 35-105 for Tokina 28-105 a good idea?

[matt_kennedy1]

I'm considering trading in my Minolta Maxxum 35-105 f:3.5-4.5 for a

Tokina 28-105 f:3.5-4.5. I've been kicking around with the Maxxum

35-105 for the past month and have found that for my tastes, the

minimum focal length of 35mm is lacking and would like something

shorter. I have heard that Tokinas have a reputation for good build

quality and sharp images. I unfortunately cannot afford a set of

primes as I am between jobs right now (unemployed computer engineer)

and in the future would like to outfit by bag with all primes. Does

anyone know if this Tokina lens is any good? It was reviewed fairly

favorably at Photographyreview.com but I was interested if anyone

here has had experience with the lens. Will I notice a change in

quality at the focal lengths shared by the Maxxum and Tokina lenses

(35-105)? I went and compared the two lenses at Photodo.com and

they rate nearly the same, with the Minolta lens rating at 2.8 while

the Tokina lens is a 2.7. Is this difference going to be noticeable

or will it seem like the same lens, just with one being capable of

28mm? Thanks in advance for your sage advice!

[andrew_hall1]

If you do the trade in, you probably have to add extra cash too. Why not buy a used 28mm instead? You'd have less distortion, more sharpess and a faster aperture.

[douglas_green1]

I basically agree with Andrew's reply, but since you already have a 35mm and want something wider, I'd get a 24mm rather than 28mm, as the difference between 35mm and 24mm will be be more noticeable.

[andrew_hall1]

Just try BOTH before you buy. You may find yourself prefer one over the other.

[matt_kennedy1]

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I will save my money and pick up a used 24mm some day.

[greg_mason]

i agree with the above posts. although the minolta zoom is a dated design, it is not a bad lens and the macro setting allows for close focusing. i use it for full frame face shots, where that extra bit of softness is desirable.

[bjmarkowitz]

I just did a quick ebay search

 

 

and there is sigma 24mm for $50. BUt it ends at 7:15pm ish EST. Jump on it (before I decide to)

[matt_kennedy1]

Yeah, I saw that lens, but it was in the UK and my wife won't let me buy anymore lenses right now anyhow. :( That is why I was going to trade in the Minolta for the Tokina.