50mm Lens Question

Joined: 24 Dec 2006 Posts: 58 Location: Clearwater, FL

I'm confused, could someone please tell me the difference in the Minolta 50mm f1:1.7 and the 50mm f1:1.4 AF lens? I'm seeing them advertised as Prime lenses and Pro lenses. I've seen f1:1.4's that take 49mm filters and 55mm filters. What is an RS lens? The prices range from just a few dollars to well over $250.00

I was thinking that with the 1.5 ratio in the 7D a 50mm lens would work like a 82.5mm lens which could work nicely for portraits.

Thanks

Posted: Sat Mar 17, 2007 2:06 am

Just from looking at what you have written, the f/1.4 is a faster lens and that is probably the reason for the difference in price. The Nikon 50mm f/1.8 and f/1.4 are the same way. Much more for the f/1.4.

The 1.5 ratio would make the 50mm lens a 75mm equivalent and yes, it does make a nice portrait lens. Nikon uses the same ratio.

Joined: 24 Dec 2006 Posts: 58 Location: Clearwater, FL

Hi Andy,
Thanks for the reply, your right it would make it a 75mm lens.

There is such a verity of 50mm lenses that I am just wondering what the differences are between them. I know that the f1:1.4 is faster than the f1:1.7 but why do I see the F1:1.4 lens with a 49mm filter and a 55mm filter? I saw an f1:1.4 described as an RS lens. I've also seen both the f1:1.4 and the f1:17 listed as Prime and Pro lenses and I've seen the f1:1.7 lens listed for $15.00 up to $90.00. All lenses seem to have the metal mount. When I went to the camera shop, they said when they get one in (used) they sell the f1:1.4 for $50.00 but else where they are $250.00.

Joined: 27 Oct 2004 Posts: 451 Location: Gloucester, UK

A prime lens is any lens of fixed focal length i.e. non zoom lens. The 'Pro' term presumably is used to identify top of the range optics in the way the 'L' range is used with Canon lenses.
I can only guess that the 49mm and 55 mm filter sizing is referring to 2 different models of the lens.
I found this explanation of RS at www.dyxum.com.

RS – Minolta,
stands for re-styled. Most lenses in Minola AF lineup are divided in two "categories"; original and RS (or new). Original lens versions are made mostly before 1990. At that time Minolta has started releasing restyled (RS) version of many original designs (like 50/1.7, 501.4). Mostly, new RS versions have introduced rubber focusing grip, circular blades etc. Original design isn't changed.

Joined: 24 Dec 2006 Posts: 58 Location: Clearwater, FL

Hi Keith,
Thanks so much for the info. That explains why there are so many choices.

Joined: 05 Oct 2004 Posts: 565 Location: Toronto

The 1.4 is faster (which you noted) and sharper than the 1.7.

The new version of the 1.4 has a circular aperature and a 55mm filter thread. (I don't know if it has a ruberized focus ring). The older version had a 49mm filter thread and a regular aperature.

The design of the 1.7 didn't change from the old version to the new.

A very complete listing and comparions of Minolta AF lenses:
http://www.mhohner.de/minolta/lenses.php

Joined: 24 Dec 2006 Posts: 58 Location: Clearwater, FL

Thank, Nate,
I'll check out the link you attached. I was just wondering if one was better that the other, Between the (50mm f1:1,4) 49mm snd the 55mm.