Minolta's line of "professional" top of the line lenses are designated with a "G". The Minolta 28-135mm f4-4.5 is not a "G" lens, however some consider it an honorary member of the "G" line due to its spectacular optical quality and build.
It is big, heavy (750g/1.6Lbs), has a long minimum focus distance (1.5m/5ft), has an essentially useless macro function and yet still it is beloved by many photographers.
Rumored to have been co-developed with the famed Leica lens makers - this lens does not disappoint with exceptional colors, contrast and resolution. This lens also has an unusual (for Minolta), rear focusing mechanism. All other Minolta lenses have the focus ring at the front of the lens, whereas this has it at the back. This interesting design results in faster than usual auto focusing for lenses of this type.
The 28-135mm is somewhat rare but can often be found on eBay. Except to pay about $200-400 (Oct 2007). Be careful to buy one from a seller who offers returns (or guarantees the quality) since this is an older lens and there is nothing worse than buying a $300 paper-weight.
Below are links to reviews and current Ebay auctions for this lens. (Links open in a new window)
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| Minolta 28 135mm f4 45 Zoom Lens fits Sony Alpha | |
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$200.00 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 9h 12m |
| Sony Minolta AF 28 135 mm F 40 45 Lens A77 A65 A55 A33 A900 A850 Zoom | |
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$51.00 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 18h 16m |
| MINOLTA MAXXUM SONY AF 28 135mm f 4 LENS | |
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$265.00 (16 Bids) Time Remaining: 8d 15h 25m |
| Sony alpha SLT A77 243 MP with Minolta 28 135mm | |
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$1,799.00 Time Remaining: 20d 14h 57m Buy It Now for only: $1,799.00 |
| SONY Minolta Maxxum AF 28 135mm f4 45 Secret Handshake RARE with Macro | |
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$389.99 Time Remaining: 28d 6h 10m Buy It Now for only: $389.99 |
| SONY Minolta Maxxum AF 28 135mm f4 45 Secret Handshake RARE with Macro | |
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$409.99 Time Remaining: 28d 6h 15m Buy It Now for only: $409.99 |