Quick answer
Choose the Minolta 45mm f/2 MD Rokkor X if you want a compact, fast normal lens with excellent optics for everyday shooting. Pick the Minolta 50mm f/3.5 MC Macro Rokkor-QF if you need true 1:2 macro capability and don't mind a slower aperture.
Why condition matters more than specs on vintage lenses
When buying used Minolta SR-mount lenses, the actual condition of the optics and mechanics often outweighs the printed specs. Both lenses here are fully tested and come with a 90-day warranty, but their cosmetic and optical grades differ significantly.
The 45mm f/2 MD Rokkor X is rated in Excellent condition — clean glass, smooth focus and aperture rings, and no dust or haze. That means you can trust it for sharp results right out of the box. The 50mm f/3.5 MC Macro is in Very Good cosmetic shape but its optics are rated Fair, with scratches that reportedly won't affect image quality. That's a gamble you should only take if macro reach matters more than pristine glass.
Focal length and speed trade-off
The 45mm f/2 gives you a slightly wider field of view than a classic 50mm and a full stop more light — f/2 vs f/3.5. That makes it a better choice for available-light street or indoor shooting. The 50mm f/3.5 Macro, on the other hand, is slower but offers dedicated close-focus capability. If you shoot flowers, small products, or detail work, the macro lens gives you a capability the 45mm can't match.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Aperture speed: 45mm f/2 is a full stop faster than the 50mm f/3.5, making it better for low-light and shallow depth of field.
- Macro capability: 50mm f/3.5 Macro offers dedicated close-focus (1:2) that the 45mm standard lens cannot match.
- Optical condition: The 45mm is rated Excellent with clean glass; the 50mm is Fair with scratches that reportedly don't affect image quality. If pristine glass is non-negotiable, the 45mm is the safer buy.
Lens facts at a glance
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Minolta 45mm f/2 MD Rokkor X Lens - USED: The 45mm f/2 MD Rokkor X is in Excellent condition with clean optics free of dust, haze, fungus or separation. You can rely on it for consistent sharpness and contrast without worrying about hidden cleaning or repair costs.
Minolta 45mm f/2 MD Rokkor X Lens - USED
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Minolta 50mm f/3.5 MC Macro Rokkor-QF Lens - USED: The 50mm f/3.5 MC Macro Rokkor-QF is in Very Good cosmetic shape but its optics are rated Fair with scratches that will not affect image quality. The scratches are a cosmetic concern, but the lens still delivers usable macro images — just inspect your copy carefully before buying.
Minolta 50mm f/3.5 MC Macro Rokkor-QF Lens - USED
Which lens fits you?
Best for
- Everyday shooters who want a fast, compact normal lens with excellent optics
- Photographers on a budget who prioritize clean glass over macro reach
Not for
- Macro enthusiasts who need true close-up capability without extension tubes
- Buyers who are uncomfortable with any optical imperfection — the 50mm's fair-rated optics may be a concern
