Minolta AF Macro 50mm f/2.8

Originally produced by Minolta, and later produced by Sony, the AF Macro 50mm f/2.8 is a macro prime photographic lens compatible with cameras using the Minolta A-mount and Sony A-mount lens mounts.

Minolta AF Macro 100 mm f/2.8
Sony AF Macro 50 mm f/2.8 lens (third version)
MakerMinolta, Sony
Lens mount(s)Minolta / Sony A-mount
Part numberSAL-50M28
Technical data
TypePrime
Focus drivescrewdrive
Focal length50 mm
Image format135 film (24×36mm)
Aperture (max/min)f/2.8–32
Close focus distance0.2 m (0.65 ft)
Max. magnification1:1
Diaphragm blades7 blades
Construction7 elements in 6 groups
Features
Manual focus overrideno
Ultrasonic motorno
Weather-sealingno
Lens-based stabilizationno
ApplicationMacro
Physical
Min. length59 mm (2+516 in)
Diameter68 mm (2+1116 in)
Weight292 g (10+516 oz)
Filter diameter55 mm
Accessories
Lens hoodLens hood
CaseLens case or pouch
Angle of view
Diagonal47°
History
Introduction1985
Discontinuation2022
Retail info
MSRP599 USD (as of 2015)
References
[1]

History and design

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The 50mm f/2.8 was one of the lenses introduced with the Maxxum 7000 in 1985.[2] It later was updated in a second version with an identical optical design and restyled cosmetics, which added a focus hold button. A third version was released in 2001 with a larger rubber focus ring and an 8-pin electronic interface for use with "D" series flashes and bodies; this was subsequently adopted and re-released by Sony after it acquired the camera division of Konica Minolta in 2006.

Minolta / Konica Minolta / Sony AF Macro 50 mm f/2.8
Lens
Spec
Minolta AF Macro 50 mm f/2.8 Minolta AF Macro 50 mm f/2.8 (restyled) Minolta AF Macro 50 mm f/2.8 D Sony AF Macro 50 mm f/2.8
Model no. SAL-50M28
Year 1985 1993 2001 2006
Focal length 50 mm
Aperture f/2.8–32, 7-blade
Const. Ele. 7
Grp. 6
ADI   No   Yes
Focus Min. 0.65 ft (0.2 m) 0.66 ft (0.2 m)
Limiter   Yes
AF stop   No   Yes
Dims. Dia. 68 mm (2+1116 in) 70 mm (2+34 in) 71 mm (2+1316 in)
Len. 59 mm (2+516 in) 60 mm (2+38 in)
Wgt. 292 g (10+516 oz) 324 g (11+716 oz) 290 g (10+38 oz) 290 g (10.4 oz)
Filter (mm) 55
Refs. [3] [4] [1][5][6]
 
Embodiment 1 of JPS59228220A (Tokumaru, 1983)[7]

The optical design for the 50mm f/2.8 macro lens was credited to Sho Tokumaru,[8] featuring a "double floating" element design, which incorporated zoom lens technology to move three groups independently at slightly different rates during focusing to improve lens performance over a wide range of focusing distances.[7]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "50 mm F2.8 Macro: Product Specifications". Sony. Archived from the original on September 26, 2015.
  2. ^ Schwalberg, Bob (March 1985). "A Dozen New Maxxum AF Lenses Include Five Zooms and A Fast APO Tele". Popular Photography. Vol. 92, no. 3. Los Angeles: Ziff-Davis Publishing Company. p. 112. ISSN 0032-4582. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
  3. ^ "Maxxum Lenses". Konica Minolta USA. Archived from the original on March 25, 2005.
  4. ^ "Maxxum System Accessories". Konica Minolta Photo Imaging, Inc. September 2004. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
  5. ^ "Lenses and Accessories Selection Guide" (PDF). Sony Electronics. 2007. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
  6. ^ "Sony α lenses" (PDF). Sony Electronics. 2011. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
  7. ^ a b JP Patent S59228220A, 得丸 祥, "Large diameter macro lens", published December 21, 1984, assigned to Minolta Co., Ltd. 
  8. ^ JP Patent S59152414A, 得丸 祥, "Fast macro lens", published August 31, 1984, assigned to Minolta Co., Ltd. 
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