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on Oct 10, 2022 21:37:19 GMT
Posted: Oct 10, 2022 21:37:19 GMT
There is little doubt that some of the Vivitar Series 1 lenses are excellent and worthy of gracing our favourite Contax or Yashica cameras. That said, there do appear to be occasional variations in quality depending on the manufacturer of the lens. As 70-210mm is a zoom range for which I find a lot of use, when the opportunity to grab this lens occurred, it was impossible to resist. I have the Series 1 70-210 f2.8-4 along with its QDOS version but I'd read good things about the f3.5. Well, initial impressions of this Kiron-made lens are very favourable; the F2.8-4 lens is an excellent performer (well, the Komine one is) but I found this f3.5 to be even better.  Vivitar S1 70-210 f3.5 macro zoomPictured here with the peerless Contax Zeiss 70-210 f3.5, the Vivitar is almost on a par with the Vario-Sonnar and the wonderful Yashica ML 70-210 f4 - and that's saying quite a lot! I will try to organise a comparison between the Zeiss, ML f4 and both Vivitar versions and post the results here. Bottom line - if you can find a good copy, it won't disappoint you; it's also one heck of a lot cheaper than its Zeiss or Yashica counterparts! |
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on Oct 11, 2022 13:50:53 GMT
Posted: Oct 11, 2022 13:50:53 GMT
Vivitar certainly did sell a lot of different 70-210mm zooms, and as you said a couple are winners -- easy to find and inexpensive. Most are not worth the price.
I've seen various lists of all the variants and some have even done comparisons, but the Series 1 from KINO -- serial number 22XXXXX -- is the one to get, even though it is large and heavy.
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on Oct 11, 2022 18:49:27 GMT
Posted: Oct 11, 2022 18:49:27 GMT
I can't help from wondering if the 2 small tabs on the Vivitar have the same purpose as those on the Zeiss, and even if they operate in the same way. Coincidentally, I recently used this same Zeiss to shoot the photos I posted showing the Yashica 4LR44 holder and the FR-I travel kit - specifically because of its unique macro capability. Although I don't have the Series 1 70-210 f2.8-4, I do have a couple of Kiron/Kino lenses and anytime I'd have an interest in acquiring any Vivitar (or similarly rebranded) lenses, I doubt I'd consider buying one unless it was made by them or Komine. The Lester Dine 105mm Macro I have is a rebranded Kiron, and It's been a joy use for 1:1 requirements without breaking the bank. |
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on Oct 12, 2022 8:50:59 GMT
Posted: Oct 12, 2022 8:50:59 GMT
I can't help from wondering if the 2 small tabs on the Vivitar have the same purpose as those on the Zeiss, and even if they operate in the same way. Coincidentally, I recently used this same Zeiss to shoot the photos I posted showing the Yashica 4LR44 holder and the FR-I travel kit - specifically because of its unique macro capability. Although I don't have the Series 1 70-210 f2.8-4, I do have a couple of Kiron/Kino lenses and anytime I'd have an interest in acquiring any Vivitar (or similarly rebranded) lenses, I doubt I'd consider buying one unless it was made by them or Komine. The Lester Dine 105mm Macro I have is a rebranded Kiron, and It's been a joy use for 1:1 requirements without breaking the bank. Hi Randy, Good to know another fan of the VS 70-210 and its superb macro capabilities! Yes, the tabs on the Vivitar are to allow you to select its macro function; they don't quite operate in the same way as the Zeiss. On the Zeiss as you know the tabs are pulled towards the mount and then the internal clutch allows you to shift the lateral axis of the lens barrel to engage with the red line that indicates the macro settings; with the Vivitar, there is a lock button on one of the tabs which when pressed permits a similar lateral movement of the barrel so that you can align it with the macro facility. |
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on Oct 12, 2022 13:24:57 GMT
Posted: Oct 12, 2022 13:24:57 GMT
I have to say that it's capabilities and IQ have exceeded my expectations by quite a bit and I'm starting to appreciate it as much as the VS 35-70mm. It's a bit on the hefty side in size and weight, but I won't complain.
I didn't want to presume the operation would be the same, so it's good to know they are similar and there's a macro feature as well. That also leads to another query... does the Vivitar offer macro at any zoom position like the Zeiss does? I wouldn't be looking to add yet another one beyond the Zeiss, but they aren't exactly the easiest lens to find and one never knows when a replacement might be needed.
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on Oct 13, 2022 10:13:09 GMT
Posted: Oct 13, 2022 10:13:09 GMT
That also leads to another query... does the Vivitar offer macro at any zoom position like the Zeiss does? I wouldn't be looking to add yet another one beyond the Zeiss, but they aren't exactly the easiest lens to find and one never knows when a replacement might be needed. The Vivitar mimics the Zeiss and the macro will engage throughout the zoom range; it too will reach its maximum ratio at the 70mm end. However, the Vario-Sonnar has a better close-focus capability and slightly larger macro ratio than the Vivitar but the latter would make a very good substitute for the Zeiss. |
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