Minolta MD 50 1:1.4 vs Yashica ML 50mm 1:1.4 – comparison

Published by Tony on 2021-06-092021-06-09

50mm F1.4 lenses comparison – Minolta MD 50 f1.4 vs Yashica ML 50mm f1.4 – comparison

• Minolta MD 50 1:1.4 (MD III)
• Yashica ML 50mm 1:1.4

The battle of the monsters – two ‘must-have’ lenses of two famous systems.

This comparison is correct only for conditions and equipment used for tests. Test results can differ if any element is changed.

Tested lenses reviews

Minolta MD 50 1:1.4 vs Yashica ML 50mm 1:1.4 – comparison – sharpness/resolution

Long-distance test description

• Camera Sony A7II (24mpx, full frame) – RAW (ARW), tripod, A-mode, ISO 50, WB fixed, SteadyShot OFF, manual focus correction for every shot
• Targets (buildings) – fixed by gravity power on the distances in more than 200 meters
• ARW post-processing – Capture One, default settings, 100% crops 300×200 px

Scene preview

Test results

Short-distance test description

• Target: 10-15 cm picture, printed on glossy photo paper
• Distance: 1.7m
• Camera: Sony A7II (24mpx, full-frame, tripod, remote control). M-mode, ISO fixed, WB fixed, SteadyShot – OFF.
• The test was repeated for every F-stop on every focus position with manual focus adjustment for each shot. That is to avoid the effect of field curvature.
• RAW processing: Capture One, default settings. All quality settings – 100%. Crops – 300×200 px

Original target image (printed in horizontal orientation on 10cm X 15cm glossy photo paper)

Scene preview

Test results

Minolta MD 50 1:1.4 vs Yashica ML 50mm 1:1.4 – comparison – final conclusion

Both lenses have close the same resolution in the center of the frame (both are very sharp there) and in the corners too – look another similar, but, Minolta looks better in the middle position. Only at aperture F4 Yashika becomes the same as Minolta over the whole frame.

Minolta is the clear winner.