Inquiry about Vivitar Series 1 Auto Zoom 50-200mm f/2.8-4.0 VMC

[assa2002]

Hello everyone,

I recently acquired a lens labeled Vivitar Series 1 Auto Zoom 50-200mm f/2.8-4.0 VMC, with serial number 37000005.
It is in Nikon F mount.

From what I understand, this model does not appear in any official Vivitar catalog or common lens compendiums, and it might have been a prototype or a very limited pre-production sample. The build quality and cosmetics look similar to other Tokina-made Vivitar lenses from the same era.

Has anyone here ever seen or heard of this specific lens?
Do you know if it was an unreleased prototype, a regional release, or perhaps a mislabeled version of the more common 70-210mm f/2.8-4?

Any information, catalog scans, or personal experience would be greatly appreciated.
I will attach some photos of the lens for reference.

Thank you very much in advance!

 

[xkaes]

The "37" in the serial # tells us it was made by Tokina, and the # 000005 suggests a prototype. Sigma had a couple of 55-200mm zooms, but this is a new one to me. It's in NONE of my literature. It looks like you scored BIG.

Where did you find it?

 

[assa2002]

The "37" in the serial # tells us it was made by Tokina, and the # 000005 suggests a prototype. Sigma had a couple of 55-200mm zooms, but this is a new one to me. It's in NONE of my literature. It looks like you scored BIG.

Where did you find it?

Thank you so much for your comment. I found this at a garage sale in Japan. It looked like any other zoom lens, but the specs were something I'd never seen before.

 

[xkaes]

And apparently you'll never see one again. Make sure you put it under your pillow every night!!!

 

[assa2002]

Hi all,

Earlier I posted here about a Vivitar Series 1 50–200mm f/2.8–4.0 lens that looks like a prototype.

Now I’ve found another unusual one:
Vivitar Series 1 50–200mm f/3.5–4.5 Macro Zoom VMC, serial number 37 200003 (Nikon F mount).

I can’t find this lens in any Vivitar catalog or database. The Tokina serial prefix (37) and very low number suggest it might be an early prototype or test piece.

Has anyone ever seen this version before? Any info would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks!

 

[xkaes]

Another prototype for the museum.

 

[Bob Merlin]

I've got one of the Vivitar 50-200mm f2.8-4 zooms in a Minolta MD mount. Nice lens but heavy and not worth the weight. These days it sits on a shelf with the Spiratone monocular adapter that the front of the lens is resting on. #3700004

 

[assa2002]

I've got one of the Vivitar 50-200mm f2.8-4 zooms in a Minolta MD mount. Nice lens but heavy and not worth the weight. These days it sits on a shelf with the Spiratone monocular adapter that the front of the lens is resting on. #3700004

Hi,
Thanks for sharing this — very interesting!
Mine is #3700005 (Nikon F), so yours being #3700004 in Minolta mount is a great find.
Out of curiosity, do you remember where you got it?
Also, do you have any idea about its history?
I’m trying to learn more about these lenses, so any info would help a lot.
Thanks again!

 

[xkaes]

I just scored a Sigma APO 50-200mm f3.5/4.5 for $50. It's in great shape with clear glass and the original case. Not as fast as that Vivitar 2.8/4, but lighter to lug around. I'll use it on my Minolta/Seagull/Kinon/Samyang/Phenix SLRs, and on my Maxxum & Sony cameras it becomes a 60-240mm f4/5 zoom. Not bad!!!

The filter thread is 62mm, and I'll have to decide if I want to go up to 77mm or down to 55mm for the filters. Tough decision.

 

[assa2002]

I just scored a Sigma APO 50-200mm f3.5/4.5 for $50. It's in great shape with clear glass and the original case. Not as fast as that Vivitar 2.8/4, but lighter to lug around. I'll use it on my Minolta/Seagull/Kinon/Samyang/Phenix SLRs, and on my Maxxum & Sony cameras it becomes a 60-240mm f4/5 zoom. Not bad!!!

The filter thread is 62mm, and I'll have to decide if I want to go up to 77mm or down to 55mm for the filters. Tough decision.

Hi,
That Sigma sounds like a great pickup for $50 — hard to argue with that, especially if it’s clean. The lighter weight is a big plus too.
I’m still curious about the Vivitar 50–200mm f/2.8–4 though — if you ever come across more info about it, I’d love to hear.
Enjoy the new lens!