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"Beercan" question

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John.Laninga

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Took a look on eBay to see if maybe I could pick up a "beercan" lens, just for fooling around. Did a search for "Minolta AF 70-210" and found quite a few, with a wide range of prices. Found one with a price and a seller I feel comfortable with but he does not use the term "beercan" in his description, while others do.

So I'm curious: did Minolta make an AF 70-210 f4 lens that was NOT a beercan? Or is any lens that is a genuine "Minolta AF 70-210 f4" a beercan?

Thanks much.

--
= John
http://www.flickr.com/photos/laninga/sets/
 
Beercan was not an official minolta name

If it has constant f4 then its a beercan but there were other inferior 70-210 minolta zooms the only thng in their favour is they are lighter and cheaper

People also refer to mini and big beercans but accept no substitutes !
 
You might be interested in this list of lenses http://www.dyxum.com/lenses/index.asp It's very handy to compare photos with the ebay offerings. The beercan is #162 on the zoom lens list.
Regards, Michael.
John.Laninga said:
Took a look on eBay to see if maybe I could pick up a "beercan" lens, just for fooling around. Did a search for "Minolta AF 70-210" and found quite a few, with a wide range of prices. Found one with a price and a seller I feel comfortable with but he does not use the term "beercan" in his description, while others do.

So I'm curious: did Minolta make an AF 70-210 f4 lens that was NOT a beercan? Or is any lens that is a genuine "Minolta AF 70-210 f4" a beercan?

Thanks much.

--
= John
http://www.flickr.com/photos/laninga/sets/
Click to expand...
 
What's the beercan like on the a55? I received a flash for Christmas (which I love), but it adds quite a bit of heft to the camera. Wondering about putting a giant lens on the end. Thinking it will rip right off the mount!

--
X
 
Just purchased a "beercan" on fleabay. Probably spent a bit more than I should but the one I bought looked in very good shape and seemed to have all the right things (amazing how many seem to be sold without caps or hood). You should watch to make sure they are "beercans" since a number are the 4.5-5.6 versions (clearly marked on the end of the lens; plus the focusing part of the barrel is clearly different). I was surprised that even Adorama is selling two that they advertise as 4.0 but they are actually 4.5-5.6 (they sent me pictures of the lenses; must have been a mistake). As someone already posted, the "beercans" have a constant f/4.

I have been seeing a pretty wide range of prices on the 'bay, going from $100 to over 200 but most seem to be falling in the $130-170 range. I have read lots of good things about the other two beercans and the 100-200 as well. But I am really excited about receiving the 70-210 soon.
 
xberry said:
What's the beercan like on the a55? I received a flash for Christmas (which I love), but it adds quite a bit of heft to the camera. Wondering about putting a giant lens on the end. Thinking it will rip right off the mount!
Click to expand...
Considering people use the Tamron 200-500mm and the Sony 70-400G on it, the Beercan isn't THAT much of an issue. I've used it for a while now, and while I do hold the camera with both hands when shooting, it doesn't seem to have caused any issues otherwise.

--
A Beginning Amateur Photographer
 
xberry said:
What's the beercan like on the a55? I received a flash for Christmas (which I love), but it adds quite a bit of heft to the camera. Wondering about putting a giant lens on the end. Thinking it will rip right off the mount!

--
X
Click to expand...
I bought a beercan off of ebay for my A55. Cost me $162 including shipping. It was in pristine condition and looked and felt practically unused.

I love the lens! It takes beautiful pictures! I find its bokeh to be better than the one from my Sony 50mm 1.4!

BUT....and it is a big but (no pun intended!) ...IT IS HEAVY!! When taking pictures, I have to hold the lens with my left hand and the camera with my right! Still....I wouldn't trade it for the world!
 
Here is a pic of my (Merry Christmas) new "Beercan", Owner's manual, USA Warranty (might be expired), styrofoam packing, original plastic hood, and lens caps. Guy bought it from Service Merchandise in Mundelein, IL on 2/28/87 for 189.97 (I paid $190. Think I got screwed for $0.03??) Not pictured is the original Blue Box. Also pictured is the receipt (showing the entire credit card #....times have changed) which was neatly folded in the box. Seems like some dude bought it, took it home, put it on a shelf, and left it there for 24 years. My Win!! I COULD NOT be happier with this lens!! E-Bay advice: SPEND the extra $15-25 and get yourself a GOOD copy...you won't regret the couple of extra bucks!!! (Pic taken with SAL50f1.4)

Jimmy



 
HTowner said:
BUT....and it is a big but (no pun intended!) ...IT IS HEAVY!! When taking > pictures, I have to hold the lens with my left hand and the camera with my right!
Click to expand...
You mean there's another way to hold a camera?
I always hold it like this even with 35 or 50 prime. MUCH steadier.
 
IMHO, the Sony line will soon be getting the respect, recognition (AND SALES) it deserves. The "beercan" is a classic, quality, affordable lens that will do nothing but appreciate in value. The copy on the e-bay link looks like a good one. BUY IT NOW, use it for 6 months, if you don't absolutely love the lens, sell it on e-bay, and break even!!! No brainer, my man!!! Do it!!!

Jimmy V
 
xberry said:
What's the beercan like on the a55? I received a flash for Christmas (which I love), but it adds quite a bit of heft to the camera. Wondering about putting a giant lens on the end. Thinking it will rip right off the mount!

--
X
Click to expand...


My two cents.
--
Rod
 
The Beercan was the first lens I bought after the Minolta 5D. Other than the difference in range it's just as good as my Sony 70-300G. I paid $50 for mine and I don't think I will ever sell it.
 
Just got a quick question about the Beercan lens..

Will it take good portraits? Outdoor and in. yes?
 
Melll said:
Just got a quick question about the Beercan lens..

Will it take good portraits? Outdoor and in. yes?
Click to expand...
It's a bit long for a portrait lens... At least on a APS-C body. Indoors at least. Outdoors it should work as a portrait lens, but you will need space.

--
A Beginning Amateur Photographer
 
4u2c - thanks for the picture!

Is that hood reversible? Or does it recess into the barrel?
--
X
 
Wow those are nice shots with the Beer Can.

What camera was used to shoot those?
 
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