The "Mini-Beercan" is a great little lens. One of the functions of this blog is to show everyone that you can shoot decent photos without spending a ton of cash. The prices of newer cameras has become outrageous. To give a bit of context, I come from a cycling background. When I was in my 20s (the 1990s) a decent bike could be had for anywhere over $850 US dollars and the top end would be about $2000. Certainly some were spending over that, but at about $1500 the gains versus the dollars spent just simply weren't worth it. Today, the price for a decent mountain bike is insane. Regularly, consumers are asked to pay over $3000 for a bike. For what? I have no idea, and I even own a few. My best, most reliable, fun to ride mountain bike, cost me about $1500 and is over 10 years old.
Cameras are similar, in my opinion. I am not a pro. I shoot for the enjoyment of taking photos. And I can get by without spending top dollar. A Sony a99 or an a77II can be had for under $700 and the wide range of A-mount glass is great.
So, back to this lens. It is a great little lens! A very small 100-200 mm zoom lens that is easily packable and perfectly fine to shoot with. You can split hairs and zoom in 200% to see that it isn't as good as a $2000 lens...but, really, why would you waste your time? You can pick this little guy up for under $25. And it isn't that bad at all...lightweight, focusses quick enough...4.5 constant aperture...which is better than a kit zoom...and it seems to be pretty durable. I love it. And...cool retro Minolta colors built in!
Below are some images of the lens and what it looks like mounted to the Sonya6000 with the LAEA4 adapter and some images I shot with that setup at the local dog park.