george_rhodes

Martin,

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I have had success using the Minolta AF 400mm f4.5 APO on a Minolta 9xi. The lens is faster than the 400mm f5.6 counterparts, but is just a bit heavier, making it very hand-holdable. I like the fact that the 9xi has 4 AF sensors, so you don't miss much. I also use the Tamron AF 70-210mm f2.8 LD SP with the 9xi. Both lenses autofocus very quickly with the 9xi. Prior to these two combinations, I used a Nikon FE-2 with motor drive and the Nikkor 300mm f4.5 ED with good results. I went with Minolta when my Nikon equipment was stolen. That was just after the 9xi came out. It was the first AF camera to have more than one central AF sensor and was the best camera for AF at that time. Although I did have pretty good success with the manual Nikon equipment, I have achieved even better success with the AF equipment, as I suppose should be expected.

Hi Lee,

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I am a full-time pro who shoots primarily 35mm and uses Minolta equipment. I have been using the Minolta AF 400 4.5 APO for over a year now. It is an OUTSTANDING lens! Sharper than my former Nikkor 300 4.5 ED. It DOES autofocus with the 1.4X Minolta AF teleconverter, even though that brings it to f6.3. It also works well with the Minolta 2X teleconverter, but will not autofocus. I have exhibited 20" X 30" prints shot with the 2X attached and one very well published pro nature photographer told me he was surprised I could get such a sharp 20" X 30" print with my Minolta 400, not knowing that it was also with the 2X attached. He was astounded when I told him the shot was made with the 2X attached. By the way, he is shooting in Africa as I write. I always stop down 2 stops with the 2X attached, in order to help improve resolution. This 400mm lens is built like a tank, wonderful to use in either AF or manual focus, and weighs only slightly more than other inferior 400mm lenses, such as the Canon 400mm f5.6. I highly recommend the lens. You would not be sorry. The price is only slightly more than the Nikkor or Canon 400 f5.6 lenses and the Minolta is substantially superior to either of those. The Minolta 100mm-300mm lens would not be as good and would certainly not work with a teleconverter.

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Let us know what you decide. In any caes, have a great time in Africa.