7+ Best Minolta Lenses | Unrivaled Guide 2023

I can confidently say that of all the lenses I have tested so far, this is the only one that beats the Konica Minolta AF Zoom 75-300mm F4.5-5.6. There are many options, but this is definitely my favorite.

We have all been in the scenario where we had the opportunity to take the perfect photo but didn’t have the equipment. The camera plays an important role in taking better photos, but if the lens can’t do its job, it all goes to waste.

That is why we always recommend that beginners have a selection of lenses that they can use for different situations. I know for a fact that once you start buying lenses, you fall down the rabbit hole, i.e., you cannot and will not stop buying new lenses.

We already know that newer, modern lenses have outstanding quality. For example, the autofocus system, the image stabilizer, and the overall sharpness and quality of the photos are all very good. However, there is something interesting about the lenses used in film cameras in the past.

There were many different players at the time. One of the main manufacturers of cameras and lenses was Minolta. This company still produces cameras and lenses under the Konica Minolta umbrella, but their former models were truly invaluable.

These lenses have an interesting character to their bodies, and each photographer has a different style that he or she wants to achieve, and different things that he or she effectively wants from a lens.

Best Minolta Lense

Today, we’ll look at a guide to getting the best out of your Minolta lenses. We’ll cover both models designed for film cameras and the latest models, what you need to know before buying a new lens, and much more. So without further ado, let’s take a closer look.

Best Minolta Lenses | Comparison Table 2023

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Best Minolta Lenses | 2023 Products Overview

Product Overview:

The Minolta 50mm f1.7 AF Lens is a high-quality lens manufactured by the brand Minolta. It is a macro lens, which means it is ideal for close-up photography and is capable of producing sharp and detailed images even at close distances. This lens is compatible with Sony A mountings and has a 50-millimeter focal length.

The maximum focal length for this lens is 46 millimeters. This lens accepts 49mm filters and is designed to fit Sony/Minolta A-mount SLR, SLT, and DSLR cameras. However, it is important to note that it does not fit Sony E-mount Mirrorless cameras such as the Alpha A5000/5100 series, A6000/6100 series, NEX series, A7 series, or A9 series.

The Minolta Maxxum 50mm lens is considered to be the first ever real auto-focus SLR lens. It is equipped with center-weighted metering and a body-integral AF system, which ensures accurate and precise focus. Additionally, it has full digital computer control, which allows for easy and convenient operation. The AF motor is located in the camera and is connected to the lens through a screwdriver connection. This feature allows for smooth and precise focus adjustments.

One of the most notable features of this lens is its life-sensing touch switch. This switch allows the user to activate the meter by simply touching the lens, without the need for any pressure on the button. Additionally, pressing the switch a little further will turn on and lock the AF and pressing it the rest of the way will trigger the camera to take a picture. This feature makes it an ideal lens for fast-paced photography and capturing those perfect moments.

Product Overview:

The Konica Minolta AF Zoom 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 SLR Lens is a high-quality telephoto lens manufactured by Minolta. It has a maximum focal length of 300 millimeters and a minimum focal length of 75 millimeters. The lens is specifically designed for use with Minolta Maxxum Autofocus SLR cameras.

One of the key features of this lens is its continuous macro setting which offers accurate focus from infinity to 4.9 feet and a 4x zoom ratio. This feature makes the lens ideal for sports, portraiture, birding, and more. It also includes a new distance-encoding device that enables improved calculation for flash exposure with Maxxum 5 and 7 cameras when used with Konica Minolta 3600HS D and 5600HS D flashes.

The Minolta Maxxum Autofocus Lens System is one of the world's most complete lens systems, covering every kind of lens from a wide angle, telephoto, and wide-range zooms to large-aperture, reflex, and soft-focus types.

Only Minolta Maxxum AF lenses are expressly made to link perfectly with your Minolta Maxxum AF SLR. Every Maxxum AF lens locks into your Minolta camera to form an integrated unit that allows focus and exposure data to flow from the lens' read-only memory (ROM) integrated circuit to the camera's central processing unit. Each Maxxum AF lens is a product of Minolta's advanced computer-assisted optical design. Minolta is one of the few camera makers to insist on making its own optical glass.

Additionally, the lens has a wide focusing ring for comfort and better control, and a focus hold button that makes it easy to operate. The lens is also compatible with Minolta's ADI (Advanced Distance Integration) flash metering which helps to improve flash exposure. This lens offers a great combination of versatility, quality, and performance, making it an ideal lens for a wide range of photography.

Product Overview:

Product Overview:

The Minolta Maxxum AF 100-200mm f/4.5 TELE lens is a high-quality telephoto lens manufactured by Minolta. It has a maximum focal length of 200 millimeters and a minimum focal length of 100 millimeters, making it a versatile lens that can be used for a variety of photography, including sports, portraiture, and wildlife. This lens is specifically designed for use with Minolta Maxxum Dynax SLR/DSLR cameras and Sony Alpha A-mount DSLR cameras.

This lens is constructed with 8 elements in 7 groups, and has an aperture of 7 blades, with a minimum focus distance of 1900mm. It also has a maximum magnification of 1/8.3 and a front-focus design. The lens has a filter diameter of 49mm and comes with a clip-on round hood. Its maximum aperture is 4.5, and the minimum aperture is 22, with a focal range of 100-200mm.

It is important to note that this lens has been previously owned and has some cosmetic wear such as scuffing and scratches to the exterior of the barrel, as mentioned by the seller. However, it has been inspected and tested by the VSSoutlet staff and it has no fungus, haze, or separation to its glass and there is no oil on the aperture blades.

Product Overview:

The Minolta MD Rokkor Rokkor 45 mm 1:2 is a high-quality lens manufactured by Minolta. It has a fixed focal length of 45 millimeters and is specifically designed for use with Minolta MD model cameras that are analog and require manual focus.

One of the key features of this lens is its manual focus design. This allows the user to have more control over the focus, making it a great option for those who prefer to manually adjust the focus. Additionally, this lens is in good condition and is fully functional. However, it may have some signs of use on the exterior such as light scratches or scuffs on the housing.

The Minolta MD Rokkor Rokkor 45mm lens is a solid performer that is suitable for a wide range of photography, including portraits, street, and landscape photography. This lens is an excellent choice for those who prefer to use manual focus and are looking for a high-quality lens for their Minolta MD camera.

In conclusion, the Minolta MD Rokkor Rokkor 45mm 1:2 lens is a high-quality lens that is designed for use with Minolta MD model cameras that are analog and require manual focus.

Product Overview:

The Konica Minolta AF 28-75mm f/2.8 Lens is a versatile zoom lens that is designed for use with the Maxxum 5D & 7D Digital SLR Camera. It offers a wide-angle to standard zoom range, with a maximum focal length of 75 millimeters and a minimum focal length of 28 millimeters. The lens features a bright f2.8 maximum aperture that allows for excellent low-light performance.

This lens is constructed with 16 elements in 14 groups and features aspherical lenses and anomalous dispersion glass. Aspherical lenses are designed to correct spherical aberration and distortion while using wide and standard zooms. Anomalous Dispersion glass is used to decrease chromatic aberration, which results in higher resolving power when the focal length increases.

The Konica Minolta AF 28-75mm f/2.8 Lens also features a circular iris with excellent defocusing characteristics and Advanced Distance Integration (ADI) for enhanced flash shooting performance. This makes it a great lens for portraits, landscapes, and other types of photography that require a wide-angle to standard zoom range.

Product Overview:

The Minolta MD 50mm 1:2 lens is a high-quality, normal lens manufactured by Minolta. It has a fixed focal length of 50 millimeters, which makes it a great option for a wide range of photography including portraits, street, and landscape photography. This lens is designed for use with Minolta MD mount cameras and works fine according to the seller.

One of the key features of this lens is its Minolta mount. This ensures that the lens is specifically designed to work seamlessly with Minolta MD mount cameras, allowing for optimal performance and image quality. Additionally, it comes with a back lens cap which protects the rear element of the lens from dust, moisture, and other debris.

This lens is made in Japan and is in good working condition according to the seller, however, it may have some cosmetic wear. It is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a high-quality lens for their Minolta MD mount camera.

In conclusion, the Minolta MD 50mm 1:2 lens is a high-quality, normal lens that is designed for use with Minolta MD mount cameras. It has a fixed focal length of 50 millimeters and works fine according to the seller. It comes with a back lens cap and is made in Japan. It may have some cosmetic wear, but it is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality lens for their Minolta MD mount camera.

What You Need to Know Before Buying a Minolta Lens

This guide was written specifically for those who are purchasing new or old Minolta lenses. You must be very careful with new lenses, as they have properties that can make them better or worse for your needs.

There are many factors and things to consider before purchasing a Minolta lens, which I am going to try to explain briefly. So let's get started.

Main and Zoom Lenses

There are two general types of lenses: single focus lenses and zoom lenses. There are many different types of lenses, including wide-angle, standard, macro, telephoto, etc. Today we will focus on zoom lenses and prime lenses.

Prime lenses are fixed focal length lenses and are a great choice if you want the best quality. These lenses are very sharp and perform well in low light situations. This is because there are no moving parts inside the lens, making them ideal for these needs, but they are less versatile for different applications and focal lengths.

This is where zoom lenses come into play, with a range of focal lengths that can be manipulated and an optical zoom function that can capture more distant objects with higher image quality. While sharpness and image quality may not be as good as the basic models, they are still quite good, and in terms of versatility, they are unbeatable.

Focal length

Focal length is another important factor in the lens you consider. Simply put, the focal length of a lens is the distance from the center of the lens to the sensor when the subject is in focus.

It is simply measured in millimeters, and the lower the value, the wider the picture. Conversely, the higher the value, the greater the zoom of the scene.

There are a variety of Minolta lenses, but most have focal lengths between 30mm and 50mm, and of course there are lenses with different numbers.

Note that lenses with shorter focal lengths focus on a wider area of the screen, and the larger the number, the narrower the field of view or focus. The aperture of the lens is also a factor, but not as large.

Coating

The coating and quality of Minolta lenses is another important factor to consider before purchasing. A variety of materials are used to coat Minolta lenses, many of which are of higher quality.

One of the most common coatings is magnesium fluoride. Some lenses also use advanced multi-coating materials to reduce common problems such as ghosting and flare.

These problems are common to most digital cameras. Less well known is that the coatings improve color balance throughout the zoom range of the lens.

Compatibility

This is a very interesting question, because if the lens is not compatible with the camera, it cannot be used at all, thus influencing the choice. Fortunately, adapters exist that are compatible with a wide variety of lenses and cameras.

However, one thing should be noted. Older film lenses will not function properly with DSLRs, especially if you choose an APS-C format sensor. This is because all adapters use the same sensor for both lenses. In fact, all adapters use optics to adapt the lens to the camera sensor. However, these degrade the image quality and do not give satisfactory results.

Mirrorless cameras are a good match for these old lenses, and the Sony a7 series with full-size sensors is the best choice, with very good overall results. This is due to Sony's acquisition of Minolta and the use of its A-mount in the new Alpha series.

Best Minolta Lenses | Infographic

Best Minolta Lenses | Video Explanation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Minolta 28mm f/2.8 lens be used with Sony A-mount cameras?

Yes, the Sony A-mount system is compatible with the Minolta Maxxum lens line. You will be able to use the lenses and focus without any problems. The problem is finding a Minolta Maxxum mount camera system.

Can Minolta Maxxum lenses be used on Sony E-mount systems?

In order to use Minolta Maxxum series lenses with a Sony E-mount camera, you will need an adapter. Adapters are easily available and will cost a few dollars at most. Sony makes several such adapters that maintain aperture and auto-exposure controls. There are also third-party adapters available, but not all of them will give you the full functionality of the lens on an electronic mount camera.

Can I use Minolta Maxxum lenses with Canon/Nikon cameras?

They are not compatible because they have different mounts. Therefore, only Maxxum lenses cannot be used with Canon/Nikon cameras. However, there are adapters available to mount Minolta's Maxxum lenses on Canon/Nikon cameras. Just as there are usually adapters to attach other lenses to incompatible mounts.

Are Maxxum and Dynax the same mount system?

Yes, they are. Minolta's A-mount system was labeled Maxxum in North America when it was first released. When it was launched in Europe, it was called Dynax. Interestingly, it was known by another name, a combination of alphanumeric characters, before it was later renamed Dynax.

Are Minolta’s A-mount and Sony’s A-mount the same?

Yes, they are. Sony acquired Minolta (Konica Minolta) in 2006, and decided to continue using the A-mount and its name, integrating it into their product line. The result was the new Sony Alpha, or Amount, used for SLT (Single Lens Translucent) digital cameras. It uses Single Fixed Mirror Technology. This mount is still used today on many Sony DSLT cameras, including the very popular Sony Alpha a99 II.
Here are some of the most important points to consider when buying a rangefinder camera.

Verdict.

Whether you are looking for a lens from Minolta's latest model or are interested in a retro model from the 80s, Minolta is sure to satisfy your needs. We have explained our selection of Minolta lenses so that you can choose the best one for your needs.

When purchasing an old lens, be sure to buy from a reliable dealer and check for defects that may render the lens unusable, as well as the quality of the construction. We also have a "Top Picks section" where you can find safe options that have proven to be excellent performers. Have fun with your new lenses.

FAQs

What Lenses Can I Use With Minolta?

Minolta produced cameras with a Minolta SR (MC/MD) mount until the late 1980s. These cameras are compatible with a wide variety of lenses from Minolta and third-party manufacturers that use the same amount. Here are some of the lenses that you can use with a Minolta SR mount:

1. Minolta MC/MD lenses: Minolta produced a wide range of lenses with its MC and MD mounts, which are compatible with Minolta SR cameras.
2. Third-party lenses: Many third-party manufacturers, such as Tamron, Sigma, and Vivitar, produced lenses for Minolta cameras with the SR mount.
3. Legacy lenses: There are many older lenses that were produced before the MC/MD mount that can be adapted to fit on Minolta cameras. However, some of these lenses may not be fully compatible, and you may need to use manual focus and aperture control.
4. Sony A-mount lenses: Sony purchased the rights to the Minolta camera business in 2006, and they continued to produce cameras with the A-mount. Many Sony A-mount lenses are compatible with Minolta SR cameras, although you may need to check for compatibility with your specific camera model.

It's important to note that not all Minolta cameras have the same lens mount. Some Minolta cameras, such as the Minolta AF series, have different mounts and require different lenses. Therefore, you should always check the specific lens mount and compatibility with your camera before purchasing a lens.

Why Did Minolta Fail?

Minolta was a well-respected brand in the photography industry for many years, but it faced several challenges that ultimately led to its downfall. Here are some of the key reasons why Minolta failed:

1. Failure to keep up with digital photography: Minolta was slow to embrace digital photography, and it did not release its first digital SLR camera until 2003, several years after competitors like Canon and Nikon. This put Minolta at a disadvantage in the rapidly changing photography industry.
2. Financial struggles: Minolta faced financial difficulties in the 1990s and early 2000s due to declining sales and increased competition. This led to a series of mergers and acquisitions, including a merger with Konica in 2003.
3. Lack of innovation: While Minolta was known for producing high-quality cameras and lenses, it struggled to innovate and differentiate itself from competitors. This made it difficult for the company to stand out in a crowded market.
4. Limited marketing and distribution: Minolta was not as aggressive as other camera manufacturers when it came to marketing and distribution. This limited the brand's visibility and made it difficult to reach new customers.
5. Failure to adapt to changing consumer preferences: Minolta did not anticipate the shift towards smaller, more compact cameras and missed out on the opportunity to develop popular products like mirrorless cameras.

These factors, among others, contributed to Minolta's decline and ultimate failure as a camera manufacturer.

Is Minolta A Good Camera Brand?

Minolta was a well-regarded camera brand that produced a range of high-quality cameras and lenses over several decades. The company was particularly known for its innovative technology and excellent optics. Minolta cameras were popular among both amateur and professional photographers, and the brand had a strong reputation in the industry.

That being said, Minolta is no longer in business as a camera manufacturer, having faced financial difficulties and other challenges in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. While used Minolta cameras and lenses can still be found and can offer excellent performance, they may not have the latest features or technology that are found in newer camera models.

Overall, Minolta was a good camera brand that produced high-quality products, but it's important to consider the age and condition of any Minolta camera you are considering purchasing, as well as the availability of accessories and support for the brand.

Which Minolta Lens Are Radioactive?

Some older lenses produced by Minolta were made with thorium oxide, a naturally occurring radioactive material. These lenses can emit low levels of radiation, but the risk to human health is considered very low.

The following Minolta lenses are known to contain thorium oxide:

1. Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 58mm f/1.4
2. Minolta MD Rokkor-X 50mm f/1.4
3. Minolta MD Rokkor-X 85mm f/2

It's important to note that many other lenses produced by Minolta do not contain thorium oxide and are completely safe to use. If you're unsure whether a particular lens contains radioactive material, you can check with the manufacturer or a reputable camera dealer or repair shop.

If you own a lens containing thorium oxide, it's important to handle it with care and to avoid ingesting or inhaling any particles that may be released. You may also want to limit your exposure to the lens by using it only for short periods of time or by using protective gear such as gloves and a mask.

Who Bought Out Minolta?

In 2003, Minolta merged with Konica Corporation to form Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc., a company that combined the imaging and optical technology businesses of both companies. The merger allowed the companies to pool their resources and expertise in order to remain competitive in the rapidly changing photography and imaging industries.

Under the Konica Minolta brand, the company continued to produce cameras, lenses, and other imaging products for several years. However, in 2006, Konica Minolta announced that it was withdrawing from the camera and photography business altogether in order to focus on other areas such as office equipment and medical devices. At that point, Sony purchased the camera and lens technology from Konica Minolta, and they have since continued to produce cameras and lenses under the Sony brand using the A-mount and E-mount lens systems.

What Lenses Does Martin Scorsese Use?

Martin Scorsese is a renowned filmmaker who has used a wide variety of lenses throughout his career. He is known for his use of different lenses to create specific moods and visual styles in his films. Here are a few examples of lenses that Scorsese has used:

1. Zeiss Master Prime Lenses: Scorsese used these high-end lenses to shoot his film "The Departed." These lenses are known for their sharpness, clarity, and ability to create a cinematic look.
2. Cooke S4 Prime Lenses: Scorsese used these lenses to shoot his film "The Wolf of Wall Street." These lenses are known for their warm, vintage look and are popular among filmmakers who want to create a classic, cinematic feel.
3. Angenieux Zoom Lenses: Scorsese has used a variety of Angenieux zoom lenses throughout his career, including the 24-290mm and 25-250mm models. These lenses are known for their versatility and ability to capture a wide range of shots.
4. Canon EF Lenses: Scorsese has used a variety of Canon EF lenses, including the 16-35mm and 24-70mm models. These lenses are popular among filmmakers who shoot on Canon DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.

It's worth noting that Scorsese's lens choices are just one aspect of his visual style, which is also influenced by lighting, framing, and other factors. Nevertheless, his use of different lenses helps to create the distinctive look and feel of his films.

Is A Minolta A Good Beginner Camera?

If you're looking for a film camera to start with, a Minolta camera can be a great choice for a beginner photographer. Minolta cameras were well-respected and popular during their time, and they offer a range of features and options that can help new photographers learn and grow.

Some popular Minolta film cameras that are good choices for beginners include the Minolta X-700, the Minolta SRT-101, and the Minolta Maxxum 7000. These cameras are all relatively easy to use, with intuitive controls and helpful features such as exposure compensation, multiple exposure modes, and built-in light meters.

Additionally, Minolta cameras are known for their high-quality optics, which can help new photographers learn the importance of good lenses and image quality. Minolta produced a wide range of lenses that are compatible with its cameras, including prime and zoom lenses that offer different focal lengths and apertures.

Of course, it's important to keep in mind that film photography requires different skills and techniques than digital photography, and it may take some time to learn how to use a film camera effectively. However, many photographers enjoy the unique challenges and rewards of shooting with film, and a Minolta camera can be a great tool for exploring this medium.

Is Minolta Owned By Sony?

Yes, Minolta's camera and lens technology was acquired by Sony in 2006. Prior to the acquisition, Minolta had been producing cameras and lenses for over 80 years but was facing financial difficulties and declining sales in the face of competition from other camera manufacturers.

In order to continue producing high-quality cameras and lenses, Minolta decided to sell its technology to Sony. Under the terms of the deal, Sony acquired the rights to use Minolta's A-mount lens system, as well as its autofocus technology and other patents related to photography. Sony has since used this technology to produce its own line of cameras and lenses, which have gained a following among both amateur and professional photographers.

Today, Sony produces a wide range of cameras and lenses under its own brand, including full-frame mirrorless cameras and compact point-and-shoot cameras. While Sony's cameras and lenses have evolved significantly since the acquisition of Minolta's technology, many photographers still regard Minolta's lenses as being of high quality and continue to use them on Sony cameras.

Will Minolta Fit Canon?

No, Minolta lenses are not compatible with Canon cameras without the use of an adapter. Minolta cameras used a different lens mount, called the Minolta A-mount, which is not compatible with Canon cameras.

However, it is possible to use Minolta lenses on Canon cameras with the use of a lens adapter. There are several types of adapters available that can allow you to mount Minolta lenses on Canon cameras, but it's important to note that using an adapter may result in certain limitations or changes to the lens performance.

For example, using an adapter may affect autofocus speed and accuracy, and may limit the ability to use certain features such as image stabilization. Additionally, some adapters may not allow the lens to focus to infinity, which can be an issue for certain types of photography.

If you're considering using a Minolta lens on a Canon camera, it's important to do your research and choose an adapter that is compatible with both your lens and camera model. It's also a good idea to test the lens and adapter combination before using it for important shoots, in order to ensure that it works properly and meets your needs.

What Camera Brand Has the Best Quality?

What Is The Highest Camera Quality?

The highest camera quality currently available is found in medium format digital cameras, which are designed for professional use in commercial and fine art photography. Medium format cameras feature larger sensors than full-frame cameras, resulting in higher image resolution and greater detail capture.

Currently, the highest resolution medium format camera available is the Phase One XF IQ4 150MP, which has a staggering 150-megapixel sensor, capable of producing images with a resolution of 11608 x 8728 pixels. This camera is widely used by professional photographers for its ability to capture immense detail and produce high-quality prints at very large sizes.

Other notable medium format cameras with high image quality include the Hasselblad H6D-400c, which features a 400-megapixel multi-shot mode, and the Fujifilm GFX 100S, which has a 102-megapixel sensor and advanced image stabilization technology.

It's worth noting that medium format cameras are significantly more expensive than full-frame or crop-sensor cameras, and are typically used by professional photographers who require the highest level of image quality and detail.

Why Did Minolta Stop Making Cameras?

Minolta stopped making cameras due to a combination of factors, including financial difficulties, increased competition in the camera market, and a shift in consumer preferences toward digital photography.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Minolta faced financial difficulties due to a decline in sales and increased competition from other camera brands. The company struggled to keep up with the rapid pace of technological advancements in the digital photography industry and invested heavily in developing digital cameras to try to catch up.

However, Minolta's digital cameras were not as successful as the company had hoped, and it struggled to keep pace with competitors such as Canon and Nikon. In 2006, after several years of losses, Minolta announced that it was selling its camera business to Sony, which has since continued to produce cameras under the Sony brand name.

Overall, Minolta's decision to stop making cameras was largely driven by financial difficulties and an inability to compete in a rapidly evolving industry. While the brand still has a strong reputation among film photographers, it was unable to adapt to the digital photography market and ultimately had to sell its camera business to stay afloat.

Can You Use Minolta Camera Without Battery?

Most Minolta cameras require a battery to operate, as they use electronic controls for things like shutter speed, aperture, and autofocus. Without a battery, these features will not work and the camera will be unusable.

However, some older Minolta cameras, particularly those that use manual controls, may be able to operate without a battery. These cameras typically have mechanical shutters and do not require electronic controls to function.

It's important to note that even if a Minolta camera is capable of operating without a battery, certain features such as autofocus and exposure metering will not work without power. Additionally, using a camera without a battery may limit the range of shutter speeds and aperture settings that are available.

In general, it's recommended to use a fresh battery in your Minolta camera to ensure optimal performance and the ability to use all of the camera's features.

Do Sony Lenses Work On Minolta?

Is Minolta Mc And Md The Same?

Minolta MC and MD are not the same lens mount, but they are related.

MC stands for Minolta Celtic Mount, which was introduced in the early 1960s and used a bayonet-style mount with three locking tabs to attach the lens to the camera body. The MC mount was used on Minolta's SLR cameras, including the SRT and X series.

MD stands for Minolta Mount with Diaphragm Control, which was introduced in the mid-1970s as a successor to the MC mount. The MD mount also used a bayonet-style mount, but with a different locking mechanism that allowed the aperture to be controlled electronically through the camera body. MD lenses are fully compatible with MC-mount cameras, but MC lenses are not compatible with MD-mount cameras unless an adapter is used.

In general, MD lenses are considered to be an improvement over MC lenses, as they offer greater control over the aperture and are generally easier to use. However, some photographers still prefer the look and feel of MC lenses for certain types of photography, such as portrait or landscape photography.