Lens Bubbles: Minolta RF Rokkor-X 250mm f5.6

Friday, February 21, 2014

Minolta RF Rokkor-X 250mm f5.6 - Another Look

I wrote about my first impression, and the second look, plus many photo samples of this Minolta RF Rokkor-X 250mm f5.6 mirror lens over the last couple of years. It has proven itself for the purpose of its design: small, lightweight, and inexpensive. The inexpensive part does not apply any more because this lens is selling at a few times more than its original price, but it's truly small and light. This lens attaches to the NEX-6 and still fit in my coat pocket, even with its hood. The small size is less intimidating if you are taking pictures of people, especially strangers. The petite size makes me look like a tourist taking pictures :)

As much as I dislike mirror lenses in general, I am warming up to this little lens. It's not the sharpest lens in the world but it's excellent being a reflex lens. So many times I wanted to sell it to fund the upgrade of the camera, but could not pull the trigger. There will always be newer and better cameras, but a lens like this is getting harder and too expensive to buy if I regret the sale and want it back later.

One thing I do wish is in-body stabilization on the NEX-6. It would make using long lenses much easier, especially for focusing. This is the main reason I want an Olympus E-M1 or E-M5. For the time being, I enjoy using it and it can come in handy in many situations, like the pictures from yesterday's blog entry.