Vivitar 75-260 4.5 any good?

[f/16]

I see a few of these on Ebay for fairly low prices. I really like the tripod collar. Anyone have experience with this one?

 

[dynachrome]

Mine is a TX model with the interchangeable mount adapters. These are large and heavy. They are fairly good performers if you close down a little and are sharper toward the short end than the long end. These are probably best used on a tripod.

 

[Russ - SVP]

Go with one of the superb and better Vivitar Series 1, 70-210 models. Preferably the second or third edition.

 

[Ap507b]

Agree with the above suggestion. I have a second edition OM mount one & have been very happy with it.

 

[David Lyga]

They are good. Vivitar does not know how to make a bad lens. But...

Please understand that these long zooms are prone to the following faults (which might not be able to be checked beforehand if you purchase online):

1) wobble

2) internal haze (flashlight on one side at max aperture; eyeball on other side looking through)

I cannot tell you how many zooms I had to dismantle in order to get at that internal haze. - David Lyga

 

[Russ - SVP]

Vivitar S-1 70-210 trio & superb Kiron 70-210 with zoom-lock

Left to right:

Vivitar Series 1 (Kiron model), f/3.5

Vivitar Series 1 (Tokina model), f/3.5

Vivitar Series 1 (Komine model), f/2.8-4

Kiron 70-210. f/4 with Zoom-lock



Regarding Viv S-1 glass. There are numerous (8) Series 1, 70-210 lenses. However, for the sake of discussion, we will deal with the first three. The following editions are nothing to seriously consider, so we will concentrate on the first three editions, which are the good one's. The 4th & 5th editions are also 2.8-4 variable aperture model's, but lacking in construction quality (Cosina built). Due to the fact that the third one is a variable aperture lens, (2.8-4) it will be somewhat sharper than a fixed aperture lenses. It is much easier to design and build a quality variable aperture lens.

The first edition was designed by Vivitar (Ellis Betensky of NASA Optics fame), had a hand in it, and it was built by Kiron. (67mm filter) It is a professional caliber lens, with a 1:2 macro feature built into it. It was the first zoom, designed with the aid of computers, that truly rivaled the OEM lenses of the time. That was in "76."

The second edition (my personal favorite) was built by Tokina, per, Vivitars specs. It too, is a fixed 3.5 aperture, but smaller, lighter and sharper. (62mm filter size). I really like it because of the fixed 3.5 aperture which is nice for focusing in dim light and long range flash work. However, not a true macro, 1:4 life size.

The third edition was made by Komine, and like the first two, is very well built. It is a 2.8-4 variable aperture lens, and the sharpest of the bunch. It has 1:2.5 life size macro from 100-210mm's, with a working distance of about two feet. Which can be quite useful. Can you see a discernible difference in slides taken with either one of them? No! Don't get caught up in bench tests. Any of the first three editions will give you professional-publishable images. I really like this lens, and over time, has become my favorite of the line.

Personally, I recommend the second or third edition of the line. I have and use all three of the first editions, and can highly recommend any one of them. Superb optics and construction.

Also, the Kiron 70-210 f/4, is a splendid performer.


QLP (Kiron Kid & MrVivSeries1)

 

[Russ - SVP]

I have never experienced an internal haze problem with any of the Vivitars, and I own and use just about every one they have marketed.

 

[chip j]

I had 2 TX's--105 & 200--glass had no brilliance--you have to wax the print for acceptable results!

 

[f/16]

thanks all. I ordered a couple of lenses from KEH. They had a special-free shipping for orders over $100. The $17 they were asking for this lens in EX condition in Minolta MD mount put the order over $100. So I threw it in.

 

[Dali]

Never understood the craze about Vivitar lenses...

 

[f/16]

thanks all. I ordered a couple of lenses from KEH. They had a special-free shipping for orders over $100. The $17 they were asking for this lens in EX condition in Minolta MD mount put the order over $100. So I threw it in.

Oops...I looked at my KEH order and I threw in the Vivitar 75-205 3.8 for 12 dollars in EX condition. I probably chose that one because it's smaller and lighter. And I used to have that same lens in Nikon mount and it was pretty good. So it looks like I don't get to try out the 75-260

 

[Russ - SVP]

The Vivitar 70-150 is a clone of the superb Kiron 70-150. It's very small, compact and SHARP.

 

[f/16]

The Vivitar 70-150 is a clone of the superb Kiron 70-150. It's very small, compact and SHARP.

Are those clones of the Nikon 75-150 Series E? I have the Series E and image quality is superb.

 

[Ian Grant]

Never understood the craze about Vivitar lenses...

It was simple, the Series One lenses were/are as good as leading camera manufacturers equivalent lenses which put them ahead of other independent lens brands, they did sub-contract but with very tight tolerances. Tamron brought out their SP lenses as a result to compete with Vivitar.

Personally I'd agree with Kiron Kid and others and suggest the OP look for a Vivitar 70-210 Series One which is faster and optically way superior to the lens he's asking about. I had the 1st version in Pentax ES/F screw mount and sold that when I switched to Pentax K mount and now have the 3rd one f2.8-4.

Ian

 

[Russ - SVP]

Are those clones of the Nikon 75-150 Series E? I have the Series E and image quality is superb.

No. The Kiron 70-150 is a completely different optical and mechanical design than the Nikon E version. It is smaller and better built. It does not develop the horrendous zoom creep that the Nikon is known for. Both the Nikon E, Kiron and Vivitar versions delivery superb results. The Kiron is a joy to use. Very small and very sharp.

 

[Dali]

It was simple, the Series One lenses were/are as good as leading camera manufacturers equivalent lenses which put them ahead of other independent lens brands, they did sub-contract but with very tight tolerances. Tamron brought out their SP lenses as a result to compete with Vivitar.

Personally I'd agree with Kiron Kid and others and suggest the OP look for a Vivitar 70-210 Series One which is faster and optically way superior to the lens he's asking about. I had the 1st version in Pentax ES/F screw mount and sold that when I switched to Pentax K mount and now have the 3rd one f2.8-4.

Ian

OK but now that used gear is somewhat cheap, why would you prefer third-party equipment to OEM stuff unless you are a bargain-chaser which has nothing to do with photography (nor lens quality)? If paying $10 or $15 makes someone happy, why not but honestly, I am not sure it does interest everyone...