Opinions on Takumar 135 prime vs Vivitar Series 1 Zoom

[chenick]

Hi guys!

Post #2 - here goes

I have been assembling a few lens for my 'new' SLR, a Pentax Super ME

I intended to go for the SMC Super Takumar primes as I have heard some really good things about them. I currently have a 28mm and a 50mm F1.4 SMC.
I picked up a plain Takumar 135mm F2.5 recently (not realising it wasn't an SMC Super Takumar) and haven't heard any good things about it since (soft etc.)

So... should I replace it with a SMC variant, of which there are many highly rated versions? (or maybe I should shut up and wait for my film to be developed!)

Alternatively I have a cheap Series 1 F3.5 Vivitar 70-210 zoom arriving soon, any opinions on this? (version 2 according to
Dead Link Removed

How sharp are these compared to a prime? even if it is 'just' a Takumar 135?

Thanks for your thoughts!!

-Nick

 

[Neil Souch]

Hi Nick,

I picked up a plain Takumar 135mm F2.5 recently (not realising it wasn't an SMC Super Takumar) and haven't heard any good things about it since (soft etc.)

Correct 100% on that one I am afraid. It is not considered as good as the other Takumars but remember for portaits this may be nice (soft). I am currently trying to sell mine as well!

Alternatively I have a cheap Series 1 F3.5 Vivitar 70-210 zoom arriving soon,

I have not used the Series 1 Vivitar 70-210 but have owened / used a Vivitar Series 1 35 to something. That was certainly a nice zoom for its day. IIRC the Vivitar Series 1 zooms were highly regarded here in the UK. But they were heavy and bulky. Give the 70-210 a try, I am sure you will be impressed.

Cheers,

Neil.

 

[Flotsam]

I have no personal experience with either of those lenses.
Maybe there is something useful here? : http://www.photodo.com/nav/prodindex.html

 

[chenick]

I have no personal experience with either of those lenses.
Maybe there is something useful here? : http://www.photodo.com/nav/prodindex.html

Thanks guys!

I didn't see either lens there on photodo!

Anyway I was more interested in opinion of the Tak over hard facts
I was hoping someone would say "it's a great lens!"
Anwyay I'll reserve judgement until I've seen what is is capable of (or not as the case may be!)

Cheers,

-Nick