Playing With Lenses: Pleasant Surprise: Vivitar 75-205mm 1:3.8 Close Focusing Auto Zoom

Monday, 3 July 2017

Pleasant Surprise: Vivitar 75-205mm 1:3.8 Close Focusing Auto Zoom

Cost: 39$ (average market price $48.40)

As promised in an earlier review of a Vivitar lens, hereby another review of a Vivitar zoom lens. I must say, I really start to like Vivitar lenses. This one is a beast again. Pretty long and solid (heavy) in full metal build. This lens was made in two designs. The first with a two ring design (my copy of this lens) and later as a one-touch model. Both were made by Kiron, as a testament to their engineering quality. This lens is regarded as the predecessor of the famous Vivitar Series 1 lenses, so similar quality for a lot less dough.

Smooth focus, aperture and focal rings make handling this lens a pleasure. The close focussing feature is easy to get to as it is just an extension of the focal distance on the ring. For sure not a real macro lens, but good enough for sharp flower pictures and the occasional insect. Focus in general is easy and smooth, and works well together with the peak focussing feature of my Sony a6000.

Image quality is decent, with good color rendition and a clean sharpness across the focal and aperture range. I only had to add just a little of contrast to the pictures. The lens is heavy so a solid grip is advised when not using a tripod. However the weight does seem to add stability when shooting by hand. All-in-all, it was fun and easy to use.

This lens will remain in my collection and for sure will see some more use. I don't think you can find much better in this zoom range and price. It can easily keep up with more expensive options.

Lens Specification:
Focal Length: 75-205mm
Maximum Aperture: F3.8
Minimum Aperture: F22
Image Format: 35mm
Lens Mount: Pentax PK
Optics: 15 Elements, 10 Groups
Blades: 6
Focussing: Manual
Minimum Focus: regular 200cm, macro mode 37.5cm
Filter Size: 58mm
Weight: 791g
Length: 153-161mm
Production: 1977's
Serial Number: 22743075
Made in: Japan (by Kino)

Manual
Parts List
Repair Guide

More information on: Vivitar Corporation
More info on: Kino Precision Industries Limited

Samples:

All pictures taken with the Lens Turbo II adapter