Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro vs Minolta AF 70-210mm f/4 (Beercan)

Both are Sony A lenses for full frame. Here is what actually differs.

Sigma

Pick the Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro if

You want the lighter lens to carry: 150 g lighter (545 g vs 695 g)
You need more reach: 300mm vs 210mm at the long end
Your camera has no AF drive motor: the in body is built into the lens, the Minolta AF 70-210mm f/4 (Beercan) needs a screw drive in the body
You care about the shape of out-of-focus highlights: 9 aperture blades vs 7

Pick the Minolta AF 70-210mm f/4 (Beercan) if

You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 1.1 m vs 1.5 m
Our notes say it suits: Telephoto on A-mount, portraits on film, adapted use

Spec differences

11 differences

Specifications that differ between the Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro and the Minolta AF 70-210mm f/4 (Beercan)
	Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro	Minolta AF 70-210mm f/4 (Beercan)
Brand	Sigma	Minolta
Type	Macro	Telephoto Zoom
Focal length	70-300mm	70-210mm
Weight	545 g lighter	695 g
Length	not listed	152 mm
Filter thread	58 mm	55 mm
Min focus distance	1.5 m	1.1 m closer
Aperture blades	9 more blades	7
Optical design	14 elements / 10 groups	12 elements / 9 groups
Autofocus motor	in body	screw-drive
Released	not listed	1985

5 identical specs hidden: mount, format, max aperture, max magnification, image stabilization. Show all

Mount: Sony A both
Format: Full frame both
Max aperture: f/4 both
Max magnification: 0.25× both
Image stabilization: No both

Our notes

Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro

The Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro is a full-frame macro zoom lens covering 70-300mm at f/4-5.6 for Sony A mount cameras. It is intended for close-up work with small subjects such as flowers and insects.

Our notes