MINOLTA MODERATE -TO-LONG TELE- ZOOM LENSES

MINOLTA MODERATE -TO-LONG TELE- ZOOM LENSES

Minolta offered over a dozen long zoom lenses to cut down on the size and weight of carrying several telephoto lenses.

The competition

There never were any other 24-35mm lenses made for Minolta. And there was only one other 24-50mm, the Makina 24-50mm f3.3, which you should avoid like the plague. There were a few lenses in the 24-50mm and 28-50mm range, but most suffer from barrel and pincushion distortion, and well as soft results.

MINOLTA MODERATE -TO-LONG TELE- ZOOM LENSES

LENS FEATURES

IMAGE

COMMENTS

FOCAL LENGTH: 70-300mm
f-STOPS: 4.5/5.8-22/28
PERIOD: 1981-present
INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA MD ZOOM 70-300mm 1:4.5/5.8 JAPAN ø55mm
DESIGN: 13/9
FILTER: 55
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: yes
MD: yes
CLOSE FOCUS: 5'
SIZE: 2.7"x4.4"
WEIGHT: 1lb. 2oz.

A new lens to the Minolta line-up of SLR lenses in the MD Rokkor-X series. It's a one-touch zoom with a variable aperture -- and was short-lived. Made by Cosina. Like it's 100-300mm brother (below), it is pretty small when collapsed, and increases in length as it zooms.

FOCAL LENGTH: 100-200mm
f-STOPS: 5.6-22
PERIOD: 1958-1966
INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA ZOOM ROKKOR 1:5.6 f=100-200mm
DESIGN: 8/5
FILTER: 52
DIAPHRAGM: preset
MC: no
MD: no
CLOSE FOCUS: 7'
SIZE: 2.5"x6.9"
WEIGHT: 1lb. 4oz.

This less expensive alternative to Minolta's pricey, auto-diaphragm zoom lenses appeared in 1965. The 100-200mm zoom has a pre-set aperture, but fortunately the f-stop settings are next to the camera mount -- because this is a LONG lens when it is fully extended. This lens would play the economy role in Minolta's lens arsenal for decades, and would eventually become Minolta's longest-running lens -- with cosmetic changes along the way of course (see below). This was Minolta's first one-touch zoom, and is also unusual due to its leatherette-covered zoom/focus ring, and 52mm filter thread!

FOCAL LENGTH: 100-200mm
f-STOPS: 5.6-22
PERIOD: 1972-1977
INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA LENS MADE IN JAPAN MC ZOOM ROKKOR 1:5.6 f=100-200mm
DESIGN: 8/5
FILTER: 55
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: yes
MD: no
CLOSE FOCUS: 8.2'
SIZE: 2.5"x6.8"
WEIGHT: 1lbs. 4.1oz.

An updated version of the original pre-set Zoom Rokkor 100-200mm 5.6 with the improved cosmetics and lens coating of the MC Rokkor-X series -- but it was not labeled as "Rokkor-X". It made its appearance in late 1972, a few months before the complete Rokkor-X line was unveiled. A rose by any other name....

FOCAL LENGTH: 100-200mm
f-STOPS: 5.6-22
PERIOD: 1972-1977
INSCRIPTION: MC ZOOM MINOLTA CELTIC 1:5.6 f=100-200mm
DESIGN: 8/5
FILTER: 55
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: yes
MD: no
CLOSE FOCUS: 8'
SIZE: 2.5"x6.8"
WEIGHT: 1lbs. 4.1oz.

A less expensive version of the MC Zoom Rokkor 100-200mm 5.6 zoom.

FOCAL LENGTH: 100-200mm
f-STOPS: 5.6-22
PERIOD: 1977-1981
INSCRIPTION:
EARLY STYLE: MINOLTA LENS MADE IN JAPAN MD ZOOM ROKKOR-X 1:5.6 f=100-200mm
LATE STYLE: MINOLTA MD ZOOM ROKKOR-X 100-200mm 1:5.6 LENS MADE IN JAPAN ø55mm
DESIGN: 8/5
FILTER: 55
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: yes
MD: yes
CLOSE FOCUS: 8.2'
SIZE: 2.5"x6.8"
WEIGHT: 1lbs. 4.1oz.

An updated version of the MC Zoom Rokkor 100-200mm 5.6 zoom with the typical changes of the MD Rokkor-X series. This time it was called a Rokkor WITH the "X"!

FOCAL LENGTH: 100-200mm
f-STOPS: 5.6-22
PERIOD: 1972-1977
INSCRIPTION: LENS MADE IN JAPAN MD ZOOM MINOLTA CELTIC 1:5.6 f=100-200mm
DESIGN: 8/5
FILTER: 55
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: yes
MD: no
CLOSE FOCUS: 8'
SIZE: 2.5"x6.8"
WEIGHT: 1lbs. 4.1oz.

A less expensive version of the MD Rokkor-X 100-200mm 5.6 zoom.

FOCAL LENGTH: 100-200mm
f-STOPS: 5.6-22
PERIOD: 1981-present
INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA MD ZOOM 100-200mm 1:5.6 JAPAN ø55mm
DESIGN: 8/5
FILTER: 55
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: yes
MD: yes
CLOSE FOCUS: 8.2'
SIZE: 2.5"x6.8"
WEIGHT: 1lbs. 4.1oz.

An updated version of the MD Rokkor-X 100-200mm 5.6 zoom with the typical changes of the MD Minolta series -- and a noticeable change to the exterior. It looks like a completely different lens, but inside it is exactly the same -- and operates exactly the same.

FOCAL LENGTH: 100-200mm
f-STOPS: 5.6-22
PERIOD: 1972-1977
INSCRIPTION: LENS MADE IN JAPAN MD ZOOM MINOLTA CELTIC 1:5.6 f=100-200mm
DESIGN: 8/5
FILTER: 55
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: yes
MD: no
CLOSE FOCUS: 8'
SIZE: 2.5"x6.8"
WEIGHT: 1lbs. 4.1oz.

Although the inscription is the same as the earlier MD ZOOM MINOLTA CELTIC, this version has the body styling of the MINOLTA MD ZOOM 100-200mm -- not the MD Rokkor-X style.

FOCAL LENGTH: 100-300mm
f-STOPS: 5.6-32
PERIOD: 1981-present
INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA MD ZOOM 100-300mm 1:5.6 JAPAN ø55mm
DESIGN: 13/10
FILTER: 55
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: yes
MD: yes
CLOSE FOCUS: 4.9'
SIZE: 2.7"x7.4"
WEIGHT: 1lbs. 8.3oz.

A new lens to the Minolta line-up of SLR lenses in the MC Rokkor-X series. It's a one-touch zoom made by Tokina. It produces quality results and has a constant aperture. Think of it as a scaled-down version of the 100-500mm f8 zoom (below) -- because it looks and operates exactly the same, and provides a much brighter viewfinder. It focuses to five feet at 300mm (which produces a magnification of 1:3.8) -- much closer that any prime 300mm lens. It has a DOF scale along with magnification markings.

FOCAL LENGTH: 100-300mm
f-STOPS: 5.6/6.7-22/26
PERIOD: 1981-present
INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA MD ZOOM 100-300mm 1:5.6/6.7 JAPAN ø55mm
DESIGN: 10/8
FILTER: 55
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: yes
MD: yes
CLOSE FOCUS: 3.3'
SIZE: 2.5"x5.6"
WEIGHT: 1lbs.

An updated version of the MD Minolta 100-300mm 5.6 zoom. It's a one-touch zoom like its predecessor, but now has a variable aperture -- and a very different look and feel. Unlike the original, which does not change in length as it zooms, this model is shortest at 300mm, and increases in length as it zooms to 100mm. When set at 300mm, it's two inches shorter and a half a pound lighter than it's predecessor, and focuses two feet closer, but the viewfinder is pretty dark at 300mm. It was made by Cosina. Still, if size and weight are a concern, this is one option to consider if you need "reach".

FOCAL LENGTH: 100-500mm
f-STOPS: 8-32
PERIOD: 1972-1977
INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA LENS MADE IN JAPAN MC ZOOM ROKKOR-X 1:8 f=100-500mm
DESIGN: 16/10
FILTER: 72
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: yes
MD: no
CLOSE FOCUS: 8.2'
SIZE: 3.6"x12.3"
WEIGHT: 4lbs. 6oz.

A new lens to the Minolta line-up of SLR lenses in the MC Rokkor-X series. Known for its quality results, this one-touch zoom is large and the f8.0 design means that it is best used in bright situations. Its close-focusing was only 8 feet, so it came with a 72mm +0.37 diopter close-up lens -- with a yellow distance scale. Its weight is why Minolta added a rotating tripod socket. At four and a half pounds, this is one lens you won't use hand held!

FOCAL LENGTH: 100-500mm
f-STOPS: 8-32
PERIOD: 1977-1981
INSCRIPTION:
EARLY STYLE: MINOLTA LENS MADE IN JAPAN MD ZOOM ROKKOR-X 1:8 f=100-500mm
LATE STYLE: MINOLTA MD ZOOM ROKKOR-X 100-500mm 1:8 LENS MADE IN JAPAN ø72mm
DESIGN: 16/10
FILTER: 72
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: yes
MD: yes
CLOSE FOCUS: 8.2'
SIZE: 3.6"x13"
WEIGHT: 4lbs. 7.6oz.

An updated version of the MC Rokkor-X 100-500mm 8.0 zoom with the typical changes of the MD Rokkor-X series. The color on the close-up lens is now orange.

FOCAL LENGTH: 100-500mm
f-STOPS: 8-32
PERIOD: 1981-present
INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA MD ZOOM 100-500mm 1:8 JAPAN ø72mm
DESIGN: 16/10
FILTER: 72
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: yes
MD: yes
CLOSE FOCUS: 8.2'
SIZE: 3.6"x13"
WEIGHT: 4lbs. 7.6oz.

An updated version of the MD Rokkor-X 100-500mm 8.0 zoom with the typical changes of the MD Minolta series. The color on the close-up lens is now blue.

FOCAL LENGTH: 100-500mm
f-STOPS: 8-32
PERIOD: 1981-present
INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA MD APO TELE ZOOM 100-500mm 1:8 JAPAN ø72mm
DESIGN: 16/11
FILTER: 72
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: yes
MD: yes
CLOSE FOCUS: 8.2'
SIZE: 3.6"x13"
WEIGHT: 4lbs. 7.6oz.

An updated, and more expensive version of the MD Rokkor-X 100-500mm 8.0 zoom with APO optics, and a slight change in the optical formula as well. Although it looks and acts exactly the same as its predecessors, it's easy to distinquish from the others by the gold ring around the front edge, and the "APO" in the inscription.

FOCAL LENGTH: 160-500mm
f-STOPS: 8-22
PERIOD: 1958-1966
INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA AUTO ZOOM ROKKOR 1:8 f=16-50cm
DESIGN: 16/11
FILTER: 77
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: no
MD: no
CLOSE FOCUS: 15'
SIZE: 19.2"x3.4"
WEIGHT: 6lb.1oz.

Two-touch zoom. As with all of Minolta's early lenses over 200mm, this guy is marked in centimeters, not millimeters. Very few were made since it was not expected to be a big seller. And it wasn't. It was large, heavy, slow and expensive, but it had an automatic diaphragm -- quite an accomplishment for the time. It came with a large, hard, felt-lined, leather-covered case and sported a tripod socket with rotating collar. It also had a stop-down button.

**MINOLTA MODERATE -TO-LONG TELE- ZOOM LENSES**
LENS FEATURES	IMAGE	COMMENTS
FOCAL LENGTH: 70-300mm f-STOPS: 4.5/5.8-22/28 PERIOD: 1981-present INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA MD ZOOM 70-300mm 1:4.5/5.8 JAPAN ø55mm DESIGN: 13/9 FILTER: 55 DIAPHRAGM: auto MC: yes MD: yes CLOSE FOCUS: 5' SIZE: 2.7"x4.4" WEIGHT: 1lb. 2oz.		A new lens to the Minolta line-up of SLR lenses in the MD Rokkor-X series. It's a one-touch zoom with a variable aperture -- and was short-lived. Made by Cosina. Like it's 100-300mm brother (below), it is pretty small when collapsed, and increases in length as it zooms.
FOCAL LENGTH: 100-200mm f-STOPS: 5.6-22 PERIOD: 1958-1966 INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA ZOOM ROKKOR 1:5.6 f=100-200mm DESIGN: 8/5 FILTER: 52 DIAPHRAGM: preset MC: no MD: no CLOSE FOCUS: 7' SIZE: 2.5"x6.9" WEIGHT: 1lb. 4oz.		This less expensive alternative to Minolta's pricey, auto-diaphragm zoom lenses appeared in 1965. The 100-200mm zoom has a pre-set aperture, but fortunately the f-stop settings are next to the camera mount -- because this is a LONG lens when it is fully extended. This lens would play the economy role in Minolta's lens arsenal for decades, and would eventually become Minolta's longest-running lens -- with cosmetic changes along the way of course (see below). This was Minolta's first one-touch zoom, and is also unusual due to its leatherette-covered zoom/focus ring, and 52mm filter thread!
FOCAL LENGTH: 100-200mm f-STOPS: 5.6-22 PERIOD: 1972-1977 INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA LENS MADE IN JAPAN MC ZOOM ROKKOR 1:5.6 f=100-200mm DESIGN: 8/5 FILTER: 55 DIAPHRAGM: auto MC: yes MD: no CLOSE FOCUS: 8.2' SIZE: 2.5"x6.8" WEIGHT: 1lbs. 4.1oz.		An updated version of the original pre-set Zoom Rokkor 100-200mm 5.6 with the improved cosmetics and lens coating of the MC Rokkor-X series -- but it was not labeled as "Rokkor-X". It made its appearance in late 1972, a few months before the complete Rokkor-X line was unveiled. A rose by any other name....
FOCAL LENGTH: 100-200mm f-STOPS: 5.6-22 PERIOD: 1972-1977 INSCRIPTION: MC ZOOM MINOLTA CELTIC 1:5.6 f=100-200mm DESIGN: 8/5 FILTER: 55 DIAPHRAGM: auto MC: yes MD: no CLOSE FOCUS: 8' SIZE: 2.5"x6.8" WEIGHT: 1lbs. 4.1oz.		A less expensive version of the MC Zoom Rokkor 100-200mm 5.6 zoom.
FOCAL LENGTH: 100-200mm f-STOPS: 5.6-22 PERIOD: 1977-1981 INSCRIPTION: EARLY STYLE: MINOLTA LENS MADE IN JAPAN MD ZOOM ROKKOR-X 1:5.6 f=100-200mm LATE STYLE: MINOLTA MD ZOOM ROKKOR-X 100-200mm 1:5.6 LENS MADE IN JAPAN ø55mm DESIGN: 8/5 FILTER: 55 DIAPHRAGM: auto MC: yes MD: yes CLOSE FOCUS: 8.2' SIZE: 2.5"x6.8" WEIGHT: 1lbs. 4.1oz.		An updated version of the MC Zoom Rokkor 100-200mm 5.6 zoom with the typical changes of the MD Rokkor-X series. This time it was called a Rokkor WITH the "X"!
FOCAL LENGTH: 100-200mm f-STOPS: 5.6-22 PERIOD: 1972-1977 INSCRIPTION: LENS MADE IN JAPAN MD ZOOM MINOLTA CELTIC 1:5.6 f=100-200mm DESIGN: 8/5 FILTER: 55 DIAPHRAGM: auto MC: yes MD: no CLOSE FOCUS: 8' SIZE: 2.5"x6.8" WEIGHT: 1lbs. 4.1oz.		A less expensive version of the MD Rokkor-X 100-200mm 5.6 zoom.
FOCAL LENGTH: 100-200mm f-STOPS: 5.6-22 PERIOD: 1981-present INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA MD ZOOM 100-200mm 1:5.6 JAPAN ø55mm DESIGN: 8/5 FILTER: 55 DIAPHRAGM: auto MC: yes MD: yes CLOSE FOCUS: 8.2' SIZE: 2.5"x6.8" WEIGHT: 1lbs. 4.1oz.		An updated version of the MD Rokkor-X 100-200mm 5.6 zoom with the typical changes of the MD Minolta series -- and a noticeable change to the exterior. It looks like a completely different lens, but inside it is exactly the same -- and operates exactly the same.
FOCAL LENGTH: 100-200mm f-STOPS: 5.6-22 PERIOD: 1972-1977 INSCRIPTION: LENS MADE IN JAPAN MD ZOOM MINOLTA CELTIC 1:5.6 f=100-200mm DESIGN: 8/5 FILTER: 55 DIAPHRAGM: auto MC: yes MD: no CLOSE FOCUS: 8' SIZE: 2.5"x6.8" WEIGHT: 1lbs. 4.1oz.		Although the inscription is the same as the earlier MD ZOOM MINOLTA CELTIC, this version has the body styling of the MINOLTA MD ZOOM 100-200mm -- not the MD Rokkor-X style.
FOCAL LENGTH: 100-300mm f-STOPS: 5.6-32 PERIOD: 1981-present INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA MD ZOOM 100-300mm 1:5.6 JAPAN ø55mm DESIGN: 13/10 FILTER: 55 DIAPHRAGM: auto MC: yes MD: yes CLOSE FOCUS: 4.9' SIZE: 2.7"x7.4" WEIGHT: 1lbs. 8.3oz.		A new lens to the Minolta line-up of SLR lenses in the MC Rokkor-X series. It's a one-touch zoom made by Tokina. It produces quality results and has a constant aperture. Think of it as a scaled-down version of the 100-500mm f8 zoom (below) -- because it looks and operates exactly the same, and provides a much brighter viewfinder. It focuses to five feet at 300mm (which produces a magnification of 1:3.8) -- much closer that any prime 300mm lens. It has a DOF scale along with magnification markings.
FOCAL LENGTH: 100-300mm f-STOPS: 5.6/6.7-22/26 PERIOD: 1981-present INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA MD ZOOM 100-300mm 1:5.6/6.7 JAPAN ø55mm DESIGN: 10/8 FILTER: 55 DIAPHRAGM: auto MC: yes MD: yes CLOSE FOCUS: 3.3' SIZE: 2.5"x5.6" WEIGHT: 1lbs.		An updated version of the MD Minolta 100-300mm 5.6 zoom. It's a one-touch zoom like its predecessor, but now has a variable aperture -- and a very different look and feel. Unlike the original, which does not change in length as it zooms, this model is shortest at 300mm, and increases in length as it zooms to 100mm. When set at 300mm, it's two inches shorter and a half a pound lighter than it's predecessor, and focuses two feet closer, but the viewfinder is pretty dark at 300mm. It was made by Cosina. Still, if size and weight are a concern, this is one option to consider if you need "reach".
FOCAL LENGTH: 100-500mm f-STOPS: 8-32 PERIOD: 1972-1977 INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA LENS MADE IN JAPAN MC ZOOM ROKKOR-X 1:8 f=100-500mm DESIGN: 16/10 FILTER: 72 DIAPHRAGM: auto MC: yes MD: no CLOSE FOCUS: 8.2' SIZE: 3.6"x12.3" WEIGHT: 4lbs. 6oz.		A new lens to the Minolta line-up of SLR lenses in the MC Rokkor-X series. Known for its quality results, this one-touch zoom is large and the f8.0 design means that it is best used in bright situations. Its close-focusing was only 8 feet, so it came with a 72mm +0.37 diopter close-up lens -- with a yellow distance scale. Its weight is why Minolta added a rotating tripod socket. At four and a half pounds, this is one lens you won't use hand held!
FOCAL LENGTH: 100-500mm f-STOPS: 8-32 PERIOD: 1977-1981 INSCRIPTION: EARLY STYLE: MINOLTA LENS MADE IN JAPAN MD ZOOM ROKKOR-X 1:8 f=100-500mm LATE STYLE: MINOLTA MD ZOOM ROKKOR-X 100-500mm 1:8 LENS MADE IN JAPAN ø72mm DESIGN: 16/10 FILTER: 72 DIAPHRAGM: auto MC: yes MD: yes CLOSE FOCUS: 8.2' SIZE: 3.6"x13" WEIGHT: 4lbs. 7.6oz.		An updated version of the MC Rokkor-X 100-500mm 8.0 zoom with the typical changes of the MD Rokkor-X series. The color on the close-up lens is now orange.
FOCAL LENGTH: 100-500mm f-STOPS: 8-32 PERIOD: 1981-present INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA MD ZOOM 100-500mm 1:8 JAPAN ø72mm DESIGN: 16/10 FILTER: 72 DIAPHRAGM: auto MC: yes MD: yes CLOSE FOCUS: 8.2' SIZE: 3.6"x13" WEIGHT: 4lbs. 7.6oz.		An updated version of the MD Rokkor-X 100-500mm 8.0 zoom with the typical changes of the MD Minolta series. The color on the close-up lens is now blue.
FOCAL LENGTH: 100-500mm f-STOPS: 8-32 PERIOD: 1981-present INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA MD APO TELE ZOOM 100-500mm 1:8 JAPAN ø72mm DESIGN: 16/11 FILTER: 72 DIAPHRAGM: auto MC: yes MD: yes CLOSE FOCUS: 8.2' SIZE: 3.6"x13" WEIGHT: 4lbs. 7.6oz.		An updated, and more expensive version of the MD Rokkor-X 100-500mm 8.0 zoom with APO optics, and a slight change in the optical formula as well. Although it looks and acts exactly the same as its predecessors, it's easy to distinquish from the others by the gold ring around the front edge, and the "APO" in the inscription.
FOCAL LENGTH: 160-500mm f-STOPS: 8-22 PERIOD: 1958-1966 INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA AUTO ZOOM ROKKOR 1:8 f=16-50cm DESIGN: 16/11 FILTER: 77 DIAPHRAGM: auto MC: no MD: no CLOSE FOCUS: 15' SIZE: 19.2"x3.4" WEIGHT: 6lb.1oz.		Two-touch zoom. As with all of Minolta's early lenses over 200mm, this guy is marked in centimeters, not millimeters. Very few were made since it was not expected to be a big seller. And it wasn't. It was large, heavy, slow and expensive, but it had an automatic diaphragm -- quite an accomplishment for the time. It came with a large, hard, felt-lined, leather-covered case and sported a tripod socket with rotating collar. It also had a stop-down button.

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The material on this website is protected by US Federal copyright laws. It cannot be copied or used in any manner without specific approval from the owner.