Yes and no. Yes, for the price and if it has been well looked after, but that is the tricky bit buying stuff online. Yes, too, if you desire a brighter, crisper viewfinder afforded by this fast lens compared to the dark and hard to focus f4.5 equivalent, which can be a right pain to focus in low light. This 75AL lens has superbly corrected optics at all apertures and has a very light-touch precision focus and spring-loaded aperture ring -- these features alone make it a good impulse buy, but only if you can really use it and appreciate its qualities. On the flip-side of purchase consideration, no, if the front/rear elements are hazed or scratched or with fungus. This lens will pick up scratches on the rear element. In some specimens internal dust is a major problem -- not just minute specks, but quite large debris. True, not a big deal, but still very off-putting for people paying serious money. You really need to get a hands-on experience with the lens before committing to buy. That said, if you have faith in the seller's description of the lens, go for it. As always though, Buyer Beware.
Other niceties to note is that the 75AL is lighter than the 4.5 version, and being a "shorty" by dint of its redesigned optical configuration, stands just a little taller than the 90mm f2.8 lens. So... there are a lot of very desirable features, but in the end the price will probably be the biggest consideration.
The price... Yeah, well, you can whistle Dixie 'til the cows come home, but by and by sellers aren't going to lower the price. I paid $1,400 for mine 4 years ago, mint, NIB/WW (plus the cute round petal hood that comes with a "trap door" in it; remove this to twiddle a polariser, but remember to replace it -- it is a snap-fit); that was at the expected price range for its presentation, though I would have liked a lower price!! It is my prime production lens and the images from it are always a talking point for contrast, clarity and detail. And finally, if you do take the plunge... protect the large asph. front element and put on a very high quality filter; not a $5.00 el cheapo as an afterthought.
