Canon FD RMC Tokina 28/2.8 vs Vivitar 28/2.8 experiences?

Boris Mirkov · Mar 17, 2015

Does anyone have any experience with these lenses? Tokina is sold for about 40 euros while Vivitar is 20, both in pretty good shape.

dynachrome · Mar 17, 2015

Tokina lenses made for Vivitar have a serial number starting with 37. Some Vivitars of the same focal length and speed are the same as the comparable Tokina models and some are not. Assuming that both lenses are in good condition the Vivitars to look for will have serial numbers starting with 37 (Tokina) , 22 (Kino) and 28 (Komine). I would avoid a 28/2.8 Vivitar with a serial number starting with 9 or 09. If you see 9 or 09 then get the Tokina RMC. In any case, the Tokina RMC is a decent lens.

benjiboy · Mar 17, 2015

I don't have any experience of these lenses,but you can buy a genuine Canon FD 28 mm f2.8 lenses so cheap these days there should be no need to buy these independent ones of unknown quality.

snapguy · Mar 17, 2015

don't be fooled

Don't be fooled into thinking a "third party" lens is necessarily not as good as a name brand. The sharpest lens I have ever owned is a Vivitar and I have owned plenty of Leitz, Nikon and Canon lenses.

benjiboy · Mar 17, 2015

snapguy said:
Don't be fooled into thinking a "third party" lens is necessarily not as good as a name brand. The sharpest lens I have ever owned is a Vivitar and I have owned plenty of Leitz, Nikon and Canon lenses.[/QUOTE
That can be so, but these days the difference in price between a marque FD lens and an off brand lens is often be quite small, and with Canon you know pretty well what you're getting for your money.

blockend · Mar 17, 2015

The sharpest 28 I owned was a Kiron 2.8. However I agree with benjiboy that unless you're sure the 3rd party lens is brilliant, the equivalent Canon isn't very expensive.

fstop · Mar 17, 2015

benjiboy said:
I don't have any experience of these lenses,but you can buy a genuine Canon FD 28 mm f2.8 lenses so cheap these days there should be no need to buy these independent ones of unknown quality.

I agree

MartinCrabtree · Mar 17, 2015

So you guys are familiar with the used equipment market in Serbia?

chip j · Mar 17, 2015

If the "RMC" on the Tokina is printed in GREEN, I'll have good glass w/brilliance; the Vivitar won't.

benjiboy · Mar 17, 2015

MartinCrabtree said:
So you guys are familiar with the used equipment market in Serbia?

Haven't you heard, it's a world economy now, especially since the advent of e bay.

darinwc · Mar 17, 2015

Hey, if the guys says thats what is available, that is what available. dont give him a hard time.

That said, I dont know much about the two lenses , but i would say to be patient and look for a canon brand.

MartinCrabtree · Mar 17, 2015

benjiboy said:
Haven't you heard, it's a world economy now, especially since the advent of e bay.

Adds to the cost.

Fixcinater · Mar 18, 2015

I've used the Vivitar 28/2.5 but not the 2.8. Both the 62mm and 67mm filter thread versions and they have been brilliant with lack of flare control being the main issue for me. I like contre jour so I I may be more critical than others on this.

Boris Mirkov · Mar 18, 2015

Thank you all for the replies, I think I will have to find a way to test them to see what suits me best since there is little info online on both these lenses.

Canon FD RMC Tokina 28/2.8 vs Vivitar 28/2.8 experiences?

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