Playing With Lenses: A lot of legacy, a lot of... : Bushnell Div. of Baush & Lomb 90-230mm 1:4.5 Automatic Zoom

Sunday 8 October 2017

A lot of legacy, a lot of... : Bushnell Div. of Baush & Lomb 90-230mm 1:4.5 Automatic Zoom

Cost: $34 (average market price $25)

I must admit... I probably paid a little to much for this lens, but I was seduced by the awesome looks of this sleek lens, and the historic name of Baush & Lomb. But, after some research, it was easy to find that Bushnell actually never manufactured their lenses themselves.

This lens was made by Tokina and sold in the early-mid 1970's under brands such as Soligor, Vivitar, Sears, Montgomery Ward, Hanimex, Mamiya, Yashica, etc. It was a huge best-seller at the time, and so becoming a fairly common, but reasonably decent, lens. As mentioned before, sleek looking, with a build-in hood.

Handling is very smooth, with a two-touch zoom, avoiding any zoom-creep you often find on the one-touch zoom lenses of this focal length. However, I did find the lens confusing to use, as I was often reaching for the wrong ring to focus or zoom. Probably, after more use, you might get used to it, so I will not hold it against it.

Image quality is nice, sharp and with contrast, but nothing special. For sure able to take good pictures, but not sure it is worthwhile slugging around the weight. It's a heavy all-metal lens... Still it was fun to take it out but I can't say it really measures up against the famous name of Baush &Lomb.

Lens Specification:

Focal Length: 90-230mm
Maximum Aperture: F4.5
Minimum Aperture: F22
Image Format: 35mm
Lens Mount: PK
Optics: ?
Blades: 6
Focussing: Manual
Minimum Focus: 120cm - Close Focus Distance ?
Filter Size: 62mm
Weight: 888g
Length: 167-174mm
Production: 1975 or later
Serial Number: 7800869

Made in: Japan

More information on: Bushnell Corporation

Samples:All pictures taken with the Lens Turbo II adapter