This small zoom is one of the classic Minolta gems. Unappreciated and often under priced, this makes a great eBay bargain lens. Optically the lens is excellent and extremely well constructed. It has a macro feature that has limited usefulness compared to a true macro lens, however it works surprisingly well in this capacity.
The main drawback to this lens is its range. 35-70mm becomes approximately 52-105mm on the current 1.5 crop cameras. It is still a useful range, but doesn't hold as much appeal as the more traditional zoom ranges that tend to start at a wider angle (e.g. 28mm) or modern standard zooms that start even wider (e.g. 16-18mm).
If its range is not a problem for your shooting style, this is one of the best Minolta bargains around. Some consider this lens the little brother to the Minolta 70-210/4.
When shopping don't mistake the 35-70mm f4 for the newer 35-70mm f3.5-4.5. The newer plastic version is still a good lens, but it can't stand up to the real classic.
This is not an uncommon lens and I recommend you hold out for one in excellent condition and compare prices.
Below are links to reviews and current Ebay auctions for this lens.
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| minolta maxxum af zoom 35-70 f4 rare crossed x's""sony dslr/slt"" | |
 | $125.00 Time Remaining: 5d 1h 47m Buy It Now for only: $150.00 Buy It Now |
| Minolta AF 35-70mm f:4 Maxxum-Beautiful compact Zoom lens-NICE!! | |
 | $136.71 Time Remaining: 6d 1h 25m Buy It Now for only: $136.71 Buy It Now |
| SONY Alpha~Baby BEERCAN Lens~Minolta 35-70mm f/4 Macro Zoom~An "ENHANCED" 50mm? | |
 | $118.88 Time Remaining: 22d 21h 31m Buy It Now for only: $118.88 Buy It Now |