A lens with many names: Kalimar MC Auto Zoom 1:3.9 80-200mm

Cost: $19.99 (average market price $25)

It seems this push-pull Tele-Zoom was released under many different brand names, such as Prospec, Sakar, JC Penny, Nikura, Star-D, Ritzcam, Zykkor, Sirius, Craig optics and finally Samyang, who seems to be the manufacturer.

The claim to fame is in the fixed aperture across the whole zoom range as this is not to common amongst cheaper tele-zooms. Aperture works smooth, but with distinct clicks for each stop. The push-pull zoom/focus ring is also smooth, and resistant enough to avoid zoom-creep when holding the zoom down. That's pretty handy for shooting Macro. To bad the Macro itself is kind of worthless.

Image quality is somehow lacking. Not very sharp, and a lot of color fringing on the sides. Colors were OK after some light touches in Lightroom. Bokeh is rather messy.. not smooth at all.

So in short.. not a keeper. Image quality was average or less and I didn't like the handling. To bad, as build quality was actually above average, and Kalimar lenses are now always having bad reviews. But as we all know, even good lenses have variations between them. Rating: average.

MC: Multi-coated, chemical coating to combat partial reflection.

Auto: Ability to mechanically communicate aperture information to the camera. Does not work on current digital camera's.

Lens specification:

Focal Length: 80-200mm

Maximum Aperture: F3.9
Minimum Aperture: F22
Image Format: 35mm
Lens Mount: PK
Optics:
Blades: 6
Focussing: Manual
Minimum Focus: 130cm
Filter Size: 55mm
Weight: 612g
Length: 136-146mm
Production: +/- 1983
Serial Number: K87127487

Made in: Korea?

More information on Kalimar

Samples:
All pictures taken with the Lens Turbo II adapter

1/400 sec - ISO400 - Handheld

1/640 sec - ISO400 - Handheld

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1/125 sec - ISO400 - Handheld