Minolta's line of "professional" top of the line lenses are designated with a "G". The Minolta 28-135mm f4-4.5 is not a "G" lens, however some consider it an honorary member of the "G" line due to its spectacular optical quality and build.
It is big, heavy (750g/1.6Lbs), has a long minimum focus distance (1.5m/5ft), has an essentially useless macro function and yet still it is beloved by many photographers.
Rumored to have been co-developed with the famed Leica lens makers - this lens does not disappoint with exceptional colors, contrast and resolution. This lens also has an unusual (for Minolta), rear focusing mechanism. All other Minolta lenses have the focus ring at the front of the lens, whereas this has it at the back. This interesting design results in faster than usual auto focusing for lenses of this type.
The 28-135mm is somewhat rare but can often be found on eBay. Except to pay about $200-400 (Oct 2007). Be careful to buy one from a seller who offers returns (or guarantees the quality) since this is an older lens and there is nothing worse than buying a $300 paper-weight.
Below are links to reviews and current Ebay auctions for this lens.
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| Minolta Maxxum AF 28-135mm f/4-4.5 Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha | |
 | $275.00 (22 Bids) Time Remaining: 1h 4m |
| Minolta Sony Zoom AF 28 -135 / 4 - 4,5 | |
 | $318.05 Time Remaining: 19h 20m Buy It Now for only: $445.27 Buy It Now |
| KONICA MINOLTA ( SONY ALPHA ) MAXXUM AF ZOOM 28-135MM 1:4 (22) - 4.5 LENS. MINT | |
 | $315.00 (16 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 4h 27m |
| Minolta AF 28-135mm 4.0 Sony TOP | |
 | $348.52 Time Remaining: 2d 16h 52m Buy It Now for only: $390.89 Buy It Now |
| MINOLTA AF MAXXUM 28-135mm 1:1.4-4.5 ZOOM LENS ASIS PARTS REPAIR LOTS OF FUNGUS | |
 | $169.95 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 3d 1h 49m |
| Rare Minolta Maxxum 28-135mm " Secret Handshake" lens Sony Alpha fit | |
 | $363.48 Time Remaining: 4d 17h 7m Buy It Now for only: $363.48 Buy It Now |
| Minolta AF 28-135mm 1:4 (22) - 4.5 Minolta/Sony | |
 | $349.58 Time Remaining: 5d 23h 40m |
| Minolta AF 28-135mm 28-135 mm 1:4 digital Ofenrohr | |
 | $393.11 Time Remaining: 23d 15h 12m Buy It Now for only: $393.11 Buy It Now |
| AF Minolta 4-4.5/28-135 #15203536 - FREE SHIPMENT | |
 | $346.04 Time Remaining: 24d 22h 37m Buy It Now for only: $346.04 Buy It Now |
| AF Minolta 4-4.5/28-135 #15203536 - FREE SHIPMENT | |
 | $350.00 Time Remaining: 24d 22h 52m Buy It Now for only: $350.00 Buy It Now |