Amazing and super cheap vintage telephoto lens!

[@lakejindsay]

$200 in 1964 equates to just over $1900 today. Not surprisingly, the output of this lens looks like a $1900 lens. Incredible that these are being sold for $30 on ebay.

[@VintageOptiks]

Yeah it's crazy how cheap a lot of the vintage telephoto lenses are these days. They were definitely much pricier in their day.

[@joellinker9899]

Minolta really did make some great lenses. It's amazing how much they cost back in the 60's and 70's and how relatively little of that value they have held on to. Thank you for yet another great review! 📸

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the review. It's crazy how cheap this lens has become. According to the inflation calculator, $200 in 1964 equals to roughly $1800 in 2022!!

[@adokapo]

You are really talented photographer. Lovely images.

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you so much!!

[@manichaean1888]

This is one of the best channels on vintage lenses both in terms of information and style. I have the last version of this lens BTW.

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate it. It's great to hear that you also have a version of this lens. Enjoy it and happy shooting!

[@driline]

I just purchased the 1963 version in a lot off of eBay. The lens is like new and superb. It's now my go to 200mm lens!

[@VintageOptiks]

That’s great to hear! Enjoy!

[@samsen3965]

Though Rokkor X s are probably a tad better in terms of flair contrast I really like the older versions as they seem to be made to be handled! and hand feels the pleasure when working with them! Anyone else shares my feelings? Another important take-home lesson: Nowadays and with all the cheap but effective Chines adapters and right, correctable flange distance of the mirrorless cameras, too many vintages lenses have gone really high in price. This rule for some vague reason has not yet involved the 135mm or 200mm FL lenses!!! Don't ask me why but jump into the market and get yourself as many as you can, before the madness spreads here too... And again, dearly thank you my friend for another excellent, thorough, recondite, and detailed review and priceless content. Can't wait to see your next clip.

[@HaraldEngels]

The "X" defines only these lenses which were targeted to the US market. The same models were marketed e.g. in Europe without the "X".

[@VintageOptiks]

I definitely share the same feeling when it comes to the older Minolta lenses! Probably some of the best build quality I've experienced so far. And as you mentioned, they just feel so good in your hand and also look amazing! Regarding FL lenses - I really need to try the 200mm f3.5! I have the 50mm f1.4 and the 135mm f2.5! Both are great! And thank you for your kind words about the video. I appreciate it!

[@jd5787]

reason: 100m and above is too bulky... it is easier to rock anything vintage from 15mm to 58mm which pushes prices up. People seem to make exceptions for very fast 80 or 85mm if the IQ is good. Prices just fall off a cliff past 85mm ;) I love Minoltas (I have a few : 28 / 50 / 58 -my preferred- and I have the 35-70mm shipping in this week :) ). Great lenses...

[@marekzalewski8447]

Yet another excellent video from Vintage Optics. Its interesting, informative, authoritative, helpful and with first class production values. Thank you.

[@Andy-rk9mu]

i have nikkor ai 200mm and images are awesome, now this vid makes me want to buy Minolta and compare them very nice images btw

[@VintageOptiks]

That's really kind of you! Much appreciated!

[@VintageOptiks]

@@Andy-rk9mu Thank you! The AI Nikkor 200mm f4 is another great and affordable vintage lens!

[@cruzdesangre2850]

I just discovered this channel and I'm loving it! Thanks for the video mate!

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you so much!!

[@stillinthestream]

You got so many lovely images with this lens! I love the warm tones and background blur on close focus. Great review.

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you so much!

[@watersignphotography]

Another great lens find and another great quality video production!! Always enjoy catching up on your videos.

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you so much Matt!

[@theoldfilmbloke]

I was GIVEN some Minolta manual focus gear by a Lady years ago - included was a SRT - 100x and what looks like Version 2 MC QF with chrome aperture ring and I have got some good sharp pics on colour neg and B&W Films with it .

[@VintageOptiks]

That’s great to hear! Minolta made some amazing lenses back in the day. Last year I was shooting with my SRT 202 and a bunch of my Minolta glass and was very happy with the results. It doesn’t matter if I shoot film or digital- these lenses perform great!!

[@CactusJack_AWE]

Just picked this bad boy up, as per your suggestion. Can’t wait to take it for a spin! Thanks for the great content, very educational.

[@VintageOptiks]

Great to hear you got one of these lenses! They are awesomeI and I'm excited for you to try it out! Happy shooting!

[@lloydy53]

I've got the second version of this superb lens and it is probably my favorite 200mm lens - out of 19 vintage 200's of all kinds. It's big and heavy, but that's easily overlooked with a lens as good as this.

[@VintageOptiks]

I completely agree! I’ve also tried quite a few 200mm lenses, and this one really stands out from the rest! It’s rendering is so unique!

[@vivianvaldi7871]

This channel becomes amazing. Very surprising IQ & work VO.

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you very much!

[@daveed4475]

I found a perfect copy a few months ago. It’s as good as you say. Definitely a keeper!

[@VintageOptiks]

Glad to hear you are enjoying this amazing lens!

[@HappyMSI1]

I was looking for something like this. Thanks for the great review.

[@VintageOptiks]

You are welcome. Glad the review is helpful

[@NathanBuildsRobots]

Buying one of these before this awesome video makes them explode in value. Great work! I would love shooting with something like this.

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you! I hope you’ll enjoy this lens if you get one. I personally love it!

[@Riccardo_Mori]

You really take some amazing photos, by the way. My favourite has to be the one shown at 6:40. Love the light and composition there! Keep up the good work. Cheers! -Rick

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you so much Rick! I got really lucky with the light that morning. It pays off to wake up super early. :) Cheers!

[@adokapo]

@@VintageOptiks that one i would like to download for wallpaper. (I already screenshot it anyways 😅)

[@rodolphenavarro4253]

Very nice Lens ,very nice review.

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you!!

[@lopsan457]

6:06 Brilliant photo sir!

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you so much!

[@felixespana2004]

Hello from Chile 🇨🇱 ! liked your video so much that I just bought this lens to try it ! 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@VintageOptiks]

Hello!! 🙋🏻‍♂️ Glad you enjoyed the video. And I hope you’ll have a lot of fun shooting with this lens. It’s a real gem 💎

[@marcelocampoamor4761]

Wow, fantastic images thank you very much. What beautiful colors, reflections and shapes you have achieved with that old lens. I think I will give my Rokkor-TC 135mm f4 with 12 blades another chance. I tried it in winter a long time ago and back then my idea of a good lens was limited to its resolution and sharpness. Today I see things a little differently and more is not always better. The lens appears to be a triplet.

[@VintageOptiks]

You are welcome. I agree - this is a very special telephoto lens! It's got such unique rendering!!

[@Fantabiscuit]

Beautiful photography mate

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you so much!!

[@ryanbeer5262]

I'm a big fan of single coated lenses. Might have to pick one up. Love my Nikon ai 200f4.

[@VintageOptiks]

I am also a big fan of single coated lenses! They render colors in such an interesting way. Definitely check this lens out if you enjoy this focal length. You can still get it quite cheaply.

[@terrygoyan]

The best sample photos of any review site! Always makes me want to run out and purchase the llenses. Those vultures are very different looking than the ones I see in California.

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you so much Terry! Glad to hear you appreciate the sample photos.

[@JunGeJason]

The filter thread diameter on my copy (the 3rd version in your description) is 62mm instead of 67mm.

[@AbDaniel21]

very nice review!

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you!

[@nikolinkageorgieva2022]

Wonderful video again 👏

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you!

[@davehandelman2832]

Those shots are so great! You got a FOX!!! Sooooo lucky!!

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you so much! It was a real treat being able to photograph a fox. They are such beautiful creatures.

[@davehandelman2832]

Hey!! REALLY REALLY miss your videos!!!

[@VintageOptiks]

Hi, sorry I haven’t made new videos in awhile. I’m working on a new body of work for a solo show that I’m going to have next year and I’ve been super busy. On top of that we got a new place and now I’m building a bigger and better darkroom. It’s a crazy year but it’s all good.

[@dragonknight544]

Thanks for the review I am going to buy this lens😁

[@VintageOptiks]

You are welcome. I hope you'll enjoy it.

[@ericchouinard8075]

Thanks, very well done. I really like the colors of this big rock.

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you! Yeah, that rock was really unique and this lens captured it beautifully!

[@Jeff-zc6rr]

Great footage.

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you!

[@Jeff-zc6rr]

@@VintageOptiks i just bought this lens because of you. I had one other minolta lens, the 50mm and i just got a panasonic s5. thinking about ditching minolta and getting all nikon or takumar vintage but i will get an MD adapter stick with minolta.

[@VintageOptiks]

@Jeff-zc6rr Nice! I hope you’ll enjoy it. I personally love this lens and I love all my other Minolta lenses. They have very unique color rendering and are always sharp and extremely well built (especially the earlier versions). The beauty about adapters is that you can try vintage lenses from all kinds of different manufacturers. So much fun!

[@MemeLord-ie4ox]

Hi I can't believe the quality of this lens I'm just blown away by it how would you compare it too the Minolta af 80-200mm f2.8 I'm leaning towards the 80-200 as it is a wider range of focal lengths and keeps its aperture of 2.8 constantly it also has autofocus I've found this 200mm f2.8 Minolta for such a great price so I'm just stuck between them I don't know which one I want too get thanks if you reply too this😭😂😂

[@VintageOptiks]

Hi! Yeah, this lens is really awesome and it’s still very affordable. I haven’t tested the Minolta AF zoom 80-200 f2.8. I’m not a fan of autofocus lenses. They have unnecessary electronics inside them that can cause problems and make them much harder to service. I personally love old mechanical lenses that are manual focus only. They are simple, well constructed and easy to repair. That’s just my preference. But if you want to use the Minolta autofocus zoom than give it a try.

[@MemeLord-ie4ox]

@@VintageOptiks hi thanks for responding especially so quick I've just bought one right now Im gonna try it out and af wouldn't work as of some complications with screw af on the other lense I was so shocked from your review the lenses quality looks bloody amazing the sharpness is just amazing!! And especially the low aperture for the telephoto lense gonna look great for wildlife I can't wait too try it out!! Also you gotta keep uploading when you have the time I've started binge watching some of your older videos there so informative and interesting has really opened my eyes too vintage lenses that I've kind of pushed too the back of my mind thinking they're not gonna compare which they really can do thanks again 👍

[@john95713]

Thank you for making this video

[@VintageOptiks]

You are welcome!

[@bleucitron2]

H ! Thank you very much for your wonderful review(s) of old glass ! This video a beautiful review of the old Minolta tele Rockker. Could you please let me know what picture profile you used for the shots as I also have a A73. All the best, Mike

[@VintageOptiks]

Hi Mike! Glad you appreciate the review. Thank you! Regarding the Picture Profile on the Sony a7III - I actually don't use any. Mine is in the Off position. Cheers!

[@bleucitron2]

Many many thanks 4 your fast reply ! You're welcome for my praise (from a retired & schooled pro photographer) ... yes absolutely stunningly well made video's ... so much talent and artistic dedication, congratulations!! I assume you're a pro photographer / videographer ? Interesting that you did not use a Picture Profile on the A73 ! That means the lens renders wonderfully with the "normal" profile"... which I often find to "harsh" on Sony prime lenses... so I "dampen" things down with the PP3 preset (natural color tone) or HLG (PP10). Last question; regarding "history". Do you think the last version of this lens (MC-III) is also good ? The go between 50-200$. Greets from Europe. @@VintageOptiks

[@VintageOptiks]

@@bleucitron2 You are welcome! Thank you again for your kind comment. I don't like using picture profiles because I want to see the character of the lens as much as possible. And regarding the MC III version - yes, it's also great. You can't go wrong with any of the versions. Best regards, V.O.

[@charliejg]

Thanks for the info!! Do you have a video about the Canon FD 135mm f3.5? Or, any thoughts about how to best utilize it? I got one at a good price and I'm using it with my X-T3. Any other FD lenses that you'd recommend?

[@VintageOptiks]

You are welcome. I don't have a video about the FD 135mm f3.5. That's great that you found one for a good price! How do you like it so far? I love FD lenses! My favorite are the 50mm f3.5 macro, 85mm f1.8 and the 100mm f2.8! I've reviewed all 3 of them, and all 3 are absolutely amazing!

[@charliejg]

@@VintageOptiks It's been a fun lens to use. I've only had it out a few times as I'm not much for cold weather! Hoping to give it some love as spring approaches. However, I was surprised at how it did with some quick portrait shots I did when I first got it. I recently did some outdoor shots as well. I need more practice with composition at that FOV. But, for $35.00 USD I can't complain! I will check out the video on the 85mm as that sounds quite interesting. Thanks for your response! Have a great week.

[@VintageOptiks]

@@charliejg Good to hear! I'm sure it's a very capable lens. And for $35 it's a steal. Enjoy it and have a wonderful week!

[@soobash]

Thanks for a great review. Which camera did you use for this lens ? Is it a micro 4/3 ?

[@VintageOptiks]

You are welcome! Glad you enjoyed it. I shoot with Sony a7III full frame.

[@soobash]

@@VintageOptiks Thanks. I have a Takumar 200mm f3.5 and I get wonderful images out of it with a sony A7S. The same is not true withe the crop sensor Fujifilm xe1. Glad to confirm that you use a full frame for thso gorgeous images.

[@VintageOptiks]

Interesting! When I began adapting lenses to digital I started out with Sony and I still use their cameras. I personally love their full frame cameras. Would love to try the a7sIII at some point for some super lowlight shots!!

[@helgividar]

This lens makes great images. There is a Minolta MD 200mm f4 for sale in a local store for peanuts. Is there any difference than the aperture?

[@VintageOptiks]

The MD 200mm f4 has a different optical design. I have both lenses and the f4 lens is also excellent, but it doesn’t have the same rendering as the f3.5 version. The f4 has a bit more chromatic aberrations, but it’s more contrasty and has better saturation since it’s a later multicoated lens. Both are very sharp! The f3.5 has a more vintage look and the f4 is a bit more contemporary in terms of rendering. Definitely try it out especially since you found it for super cheap!

[@Photovintageguy]

I have the Minolta MC Tele Rokkor PE 200mm 4.5 contrasty, sharp, color accurate, has nice microcontrast, BW and color. The coating color is kinda unusual looking. Seems to benefit from being on a modern sensor. Raw files require fine tuning, but the information is definitely there and quite delicate. All in all kinda an unusual lens, not tons of vintage character but produces fine images. I like to stop down as near MFD narrow DOF would hide too much nice image. Still get plenty front and back blur. Some photos on flickr don’t look great but they are usually on old cameras or jpgs or something. Jpgs are not that impressive.

[@VintageOptiks]

Glad to hear that you've had good experience with the MC Tele Rokkor 200mm f4.5. Minolta made so many great lenses!

[@tridentroy]

Awesome sir

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you!

[@johnhennigar3769]

I have the 200mm MC Tele Rokkor - PE f4.5. Bought used in the 1990's for $50 with original leather case. Have it adapted to my Nikon Z6.

[@VintageOptiks]

Great! How do you like it?

[@johnhennigar3769]

@@VintageOptiks I like it a lot. I live near HBSP if you want to meet there some time.

[@VintageOptiks]

That sounds great! I usually visit HBSP a few times a year. Not sure when I’ll be going back next, but it will be fun to meet up sometime.

[@GrumpyTim]

Another lovely old lens - I really must get Minolta adapters and try some of their lenses - I think that's the only common mount that I haven't got so far. I love how good it looks shot wide open - maybe I'll keep my eyes peeled for one of these.

[@VintageOptiks]

Definitely worth getting a Minolta adapter and trying some of their fantastic lenses! And this particular lens can be found for super cheap! Mine was actually cheaper than the adapter :)

[@leto87]

Great photographs. I have takumar 200mm f3.5 which doesn't seem to perform as good as this.

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you!

[@cristinahawke]

Hi, I wonder if you can help me with a question? I just bought this lens on eBay and paired it with a Canon 6D. It has some vignetting at 3.5, and as I close the aperture the vignetting gets worse until the edges are completely black and the image is a circle. I'm trying to figure out why.. one thing I read about is that some lenses are made for a crop sensor and that this can happen when you pair them with a full frame camera. Do you know if this is a crop lens? The other camera I tried it with is my BMPCC4k (crop sensor) and there was no vignetting there. So yeah I'm just wondering if you know what's going on or can point me in the right direction. I'm pretty new to photography. Thanks!!

[@joeykido1450]

A verry basic question: I've got the f4 200mm of this lens and wen looking down the optic i cant see the usual blades open and closing. Am i missing something? Thanks for your work, even if my wallet is going to hate the outcome 😅

[@VintageOptiks]

There are 2 options that could be the reason for this. One - your aperture blades are oily and they don't open and close as they should, because they stick from the oil. And two - you have one of the early lenses that close down the aperture blades only when the shutter is engaged. They were designed in such a way that you are always looking through a fully open aperture when you are focusing, but when you take the shot that's when the blades close down the the selected aperture stop. If you are adapting this lens to digital, once you put the adapter on the back of the lens you should be able to see the blades open and close when you look inside the optic. And if you are using it on a film body, you can see the blades close down to the selected aperture stop when you engage the depth of field preview button. I hope this help. Cheers!

[@joeykido1450]

@Vintage Optiks That's an interesting possibility. I think i can see a small movement when looking down the optic. Faszinating! I am using them on my xt10 with an adapter. Still, there seems something being of. When using my 50mm equivalent (minolta 50mm 1.7) I can see visual difference in my viewfinder aswell as on my images when turning the F stops. that's not the case with the 200mm from before. I fixed the iso and shutterspeed so the camera should not be able to compensate (right?). My 50mm works like it should. But adjusting the f-Stops does not have any effect.

[@sharathchandra1023]

How is focus breathing in this lens?

[@VintageOptiks]

There is definitely a bit of focus breathing.

[@RussMcClay]

Were the photos shot with a Sony camera?

[@VintageOptiks]

Yes, Sony a7III.

[@Tintara369]

Hey, I'm planning to buy the latest version of the MC with the rubber ring. do you think it's as good as yours? tnx 🙏

[@VintageOptiks]

Hi! The latest version is also excellent (I own that one as well 😉) It’s a very sharp and excellent lens but it’s a bit too normal and doesn’t have as much character as the older version ( which I prefer). But if vintage character is not what you’re after, then the new one will serve you well.

[@Tintara369]

@@VintageOptiks Ok man, I see the point.. thanks 🤗

[@shunii10]

Is this weather sealed? :( id feel bad using a non-weather sealed lens on a weather sealed body. Also! Minolta Auto Tele Rokkor-QF 200mm f3.5 vs Nikkor ED 180mm f2.8? Whats your opinion on this? Is the Nikkor weather sealed? thx!

[@VintageOptiks]

No it’s not. I don’t know of any vintage lenses ( made pre 1990) that are weather sealed. Regarding the Minolta vs the Nikkor- they are both great lenses but with different character and colors. It just depends on what you are looking for.

[@robertsixkiller]

Hi there! This or the AIS 200mm f4? :)

[@VintageOptiks]

Well that’s a tough question. :) They are both great lenses. The Minolta has a bit more of a vintage character and the Nikkor feels more modern and more polished. So it depends on what you’re shooting and what your aesthetic is.

[@tridentroy]

I order a BUSHNELL 200mm3.5 is it good?

[@VintageOptiks]

Not sure. Haven't tried it yet.

[@panmaew]

Judging from the quality of the image, a great lens.

[@VintageOptiks]

Definitely a wonderful lens with many great qualities!

[@sclogse1]

And any edge softness or distortion is gone with apsc.

[@diegopendinorodriguez4829]

🙂

[@VintageOptiks]

🙂

[@malcolmkasner]

There super cheep online.

[@rickodell6095]

Well, it was cheap...!