The Minolta 50mm f/1.7 is an inexpensive but very good lens. On APS (5D,7D & A100-A700 cameras) the 75mm equivalent focal length makes it close to perfect for a "short" portrait photography lens. The f1.7 aperture makes it very good in low light / available light situations. Sharp in the center wide open and sharp corner-to-corner at f5.6.
This was the "kit" lens for many years stretching back to the original Minolta first auto-focus camera, the 7000. It was available for years afterward and went though 2 styling revisions. Both the original and the "RS" are very similar and there isn't much functional reason to favor one over the other. The RS with its updated lens coatings reduces the possibility of sensor reflection but that is not an issue many people ever even notice in the original.
Many people do not realize that it has a build in lens hood because it is well hidden when retracted.
Below links to reviews and current Ebay auctions for this lens. Ebay prices are typically $80-$130.
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| Minolta Maxuum / Sony 50mm AF 1.7 lens | |
 | $59.00 Time Remaining: 2h 5m |
| Minolta 50 mm F/1.7 AF Lens | |
 | $19.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 3h 18m |
| Minolta Maxxum 50mm AF 1:1.7 (22) lens for Sony Alpha and Minolta Maxxum cam | |
 | $119.99 Time Remaining: 3h 24m Buy It Now for only: $119.99 Buy It Now |
| Minolta Maxxum 50mm 1:1.7 AF Lens 4 Sony Alpha DSLR *EXLN | |
 | $110.00 Time Remaining: 3h 34m |
| MINOLTA MAXXUM SONY 50mm f/1.7 FAST FIFTY ALPHA | |
 | $46.00 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 3h 37m |
| MINOLTA Maxxum AF Lens 50mm f/1.7 + UV Filter - Works with SONY ALPHA DSLRs | |
 | $89.99 Time Remaining: 4h 1m Buy It Now for only: $89.99 Buy It Now |
| Minolta Sony Maxxum 50mm f1.7 AF Lens Circular Polarizer and 1A filters | |
 | $89.95 Time Remaining: 4h 15m Buy It Now for only: $99.95 Buy It Now |
| Minolta Maxxum / Sony Alpha DSLR AF 50mm 1:1.7 (22) Lens | |
 | $59.99 Time Remaining: 4h 48m Buy It Now for only: $74.99 Buy It Now |
| MINOLTA MAXXUM 50mm f1.7 LENS!! 90-DAY WARRANTY!! EXCELLENT CONDITION!! | |
 | $119.95 Time Remaining: 5h 9m Buy It Now for only: $119.95 Buy It Now |
| Minolta 50mm f1.7 Maxxum AF mount Lens Used | |
 | $127.77 Time Remaining: 6h 15m Buy It Now for only: $127.77 Buy It Now |