Vivitar Series One Zoom - 70-210mm f/3.5

Dennis-B · Nov 24, 2019

Having just picked up a nice Canon F-1, and having several fixed FD lenses, I thought I might pick up a Vivitar Series One, as noted in my title.

I'm aware that there are several versions of this lens made by Kiron, Tokina, and Komine. I'm leaning a bit toward the Tokina (lens code "37"), and I'd like to get some opinions, one way or the other.

I'm still giving the 80-200 L f/4, some consideration. They're a bit scarce, though, and the prices for those available seem a bit high. I don't want the two-ring version of this lens.

If you think there are some others in this zoom range out there, please chime in. I'm open to suggestions.

Dennis S · Nov 24, 2019

I have never spent too much time comparing zooms any my FD cameras but the way I looked at it was buy the cheapest one and buy more film with the rest. Canon has some very good prime lenses either the FD or FL versions which I now only use primes. I still have a Vivitar Kiron 70-210 f3.5 but it is in never/barely used drawer to take out when ever I need a bit of a work-out. The Vivitar series one has never let me down performance wise and results.

Ian Grant · Nov 24, 2019

I had the early versions og the Vivitar 70-210 S1 zoom it was a great lens very sharp, when it was stolen I replaced it with the next f2.8-f4 version which I still have and it's just as good, i frequently used it at f2.8 or a stop under around the 80-90mm end when shooting concerts,

Ian

AgX · Nov 24, 2019

The basic question should be what you want from that lens. There are a great lot of features to evaluate.
MTF, or even Image Quality as wider term, is just one of them.

"I don't want the two-ring version of this lens."
This might refer to the lesser Image Quality of that lens compared to its other Canon counterpart, but also to a rejection of 2-ring zooms as such.

R.Gould · Nov 24, 2019

Ian Grant said:
I had the early versions og the Vivitar 70-210 S1 zoom it was a great lens very sharp, when it was stolen I replaced it with the next f2.8-f4 version which I still have and it's just as good, i frequently used it at f2.8 or a stop under around the 80-90mm end when shooting concerts,

Ian

I inherited an early version of the Vivater 70/210 with some other Canon fd cameras and I love it, very sharp even wide open
Richard

narsuitus · Nov 24, 2019

Dennis-B said:
... I thought I might pick up a Vivitar Series One, as noted in my title.

I'm aware that there are several versions of this lens made by Kiron, Tokina, and Komine. I'm leaning a bit toward the Tokina (lens code "37"), and I'd like to get some opinions, one way or the other.

I have the Kiron version of the Vivitar 70-210mm f/35 Series I zoom for my Nikon SLR.

It was my favorite telephoto zoom until I purchased the bigger, sharper, faster, heavier, and more expensive Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 auto focus zoom.

Telephoto Zooms by Narsuitus, on Flickr

benjiboy · Nov 24, 2019

After owning it for more than 25 years I very recently part exchanged my Vivitar S1 f 3.5 70 -210 Tokina zoom for a Canon FD 80-200 f4 two touch zoom, the optical quality of the Vivitar was very good but it was very heavy and I dislike one touch zooms because as you zoom they tend to go out of focus as you inadvertently turn your wrist.

Russ - SVP · Jan 3, 2020

The second (Tokina version) and the third (Komine) Vivitar Series 1, 70-210 lenses are VERY good. The Tokina model is the lighter version. The third (Komine) version is a bit heavier, but very well built, and gives you 1:2.5 macro capabilities. Both are excellent lenses. The second attached image was shot with the third (Komine) version, on Portra 400 film. It is very sharp, as is the second (Tokina) model is.
The first photo was shot with the Tokina version on Velvia 50 film.

Dennis-B · Jan 8, 2020

As an update to this thread, I found a very nice example of a Vivitar 70-210 f/3.5 Macro Zoom today at a local used shop. It's of course, in the FD mount, and it is a beast, although it balances nicely on my F-1. According to the serial number, it's a Kiron, produced in 1978. I'll be taking it out a bit later for a test run.

Russ - SVP · Jan 8, 2020

Dennis-B said:
As an update to this thread, I found a very nice example of a Vivitar 70-210 f/3.5 Macro Zoom today at a local used shop. It's of course, in the FD mount, and it is a beast, although it balances nicely on my F-1. According to the serial number, it's a Kiron, produced in 1978. I'll be taking it out a bit later for a test run.

View attachment 237797

It’s the first edition. First lens ever designed with the aid of computers. That is the lens that forced the major manufacturers to put time and money into zoom research and development. The second and third editions are actually better. But you will be pleased with yours. Do you know how to activate macro mode with the collar and little white button?

AgX · Jan 8, 2020

Kiron Kid said:
First lens ever designed with the aid of computers.

No, computers were used much, much earlier. In Germany for instance already in 1950.
What you likely mean is the use of a computer aside of doing calculations, letting it do design proposals

Russ - SVP · Jan 8, 2020

Dennis-B · Jan 8, 2020

Kiron Kid said:
It’s the first edition. First lens ever designed with the aid of computers. That is the lens that forced the major manufacturers to put time and money into zoom research and development. The second and third editions are actually better. But you will be pleased with yours. Do you know how to activate macro mode with the collar and little white button?

Yes. A couple of months ago, I read Ken Rockwell's review of this lens. He details how to move to macro mode in it. Thanks.

Russ - SVP · Jan 9, 2020

Pull the zoom back to the 210mm setting, then depress the white button and turn the macro collar counter-clockwise. The attached snap was made with this lens in macro mode on some crappy Agfa slide film.

Toyo · Jan 9, 2020

I have only ever used the Kiron version of this lens.
I have found it to be quite exceptional for its time, and able to hold its own with more modern lenses.
It is, however heavy, and this might be a consideration for some.
Here is an image from it:

Pentode · Jan 9, 2020

I have the Komine (3rd?) version in Minolta MD mount and it’s very, very good. I’ve had it for over 25 years and it was my favorite long lens for a long time.

Russ - SVP · Jan 10, 2020

Pentode said:
I have the Komine (3rd?) version in Minolta MD mount and it’s very, very good. I’ve had it for over 25 years and it was my favorite long lens for a long time.

Indeed, it is a very good lens.

jwd722 · Jan 10, 2020

Years ago I read that the Tamron SP 70-210 f3.5 was THE zoom lens to own. Looking at test results and user opinions I went for it. They were right, it is a fantastic lens.
Lots of reviews on the net. Here is just one: http://www.adaptall-2.com/lenses/19AH.html

Russ - SVP · Jan 10, 2020

jwd722 said:
Years ago I read that the Tamron SP 70-210 f3.5 was THE zoom lens to own. Looking at test results and user opinions I went for it. They were right, it is a fantastic lens.
Lots of reviews on the net. Here is just one: http://www.adaptall-2.com/lenses/19AH.html

Yes, optically a nice lens. But you have to extend the barrel to get to the 210mm length, making it an unwieldy beast to hold steady at 210mm’s. The Vivitar, you retract (pull back) making it MUCH easier to hold steady at the 210mm length.

Dennis-B · Jan 11, 2020

Well, I just couldn't leave well enough alone. Today, I received the Tokina version of this lens with a Canon mount. I can now do some side-by-side testing of each one. I also found a Komine copy which is in transit to me now. However, it's for my Nikon (AI-s) mount. Can't wait to get started with these. The Nikon will be compared to my 80-200 f/4 Nikkor. Should be an interesting winter and spring.

jtk · Jan 11, 2020

Fwiw in my experience with Canon FD Vs Viv #1, the difference is mechanical.

John Galt · Jan 11, 2020

I still own a Takina Series 1, Bought it with my original Pentax MX . . . used it for over a decade of Aviation and Auto Sports action photography back in the late 70s into the 90s. Now it is paired with my Asahi Pentax K-1000 SE . . . my MX recently was damaged in an unfortunate accident. Served me well back then and looking forward to using it with my (new to me) K-1000 SE.

ETA: I believe I also have one of these in a Canon AE-1 kit (was may Dads) I have . . . . have to check.

Russ - SVP · Jan 12, 2020

Dennis-B said:
Well, I just couldn't leave well enough alone. Today, I received the Tokina version of this lens with a Canon mount. I can now do some side-by-side testing of each one. I also found a Komine copy which is in transit to me now. However, it's for my Nikon (AI-s) mount. Can't wait to get started with these. The Nikon will be compared to my 80-200 f/4 Nikkor. Should be an interesting winter and spring.

I hope they are in great condition, and not damaged or abused by the previous owners. The Komine version is great, and gives you true macro too.

Vivitar Series One Zoom - 70-210mm f/3.5

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