Overview

The Minolta MD 17mm f/4 is the widest rectilinear lens in the SR-mount, offering good sharpness that extends gracefully to edges and corners, though not super-sharp. It exhibits significant geometric distortion and focus shift, requiring careful use. Build is all-metal and compact, but the front rotates during focusing, complicating filter use. Flare and ghosting are problematic without a dedicated hood. It suits full-frame users who need an ultra-wide rectilinear lens and are willing to manage its quirks.