Konica Minolta AF 35-80mm f 4-5.6 II

Got this one as the 'kit lens' paired with a Maxxum HTsi Plus. It has been an excellent all-around shooter, and remains the 'base lens' for that camera in my kit.

* Compact and lightweight. * Good optics throughout the range.

Plastic Mount - like many of the newer lenses. I just feel like some things in life should be Metal. I haven't had any problems with it, though - but feel sure that, in a case of abuse or accident (like dropping the camera on a hard surface) the plastic mount would break where a metal mount would survive. Of course, if you're using it on one of the newer cameras which also has a plastic mount, then it's a totally moot point - isn't it?

Several Minolta lenses - including two direct cousins of this one, the 28-100 D and 75-300 D.

Have never needed it with Minolta.