Kitstar Multi Coated 1:4.5 80-200mm

Cost: 15$ (average market price unknown)

Also this was a a local Thrift Store find (Salvation Army). The lens looks as new, dust free, and includes the original lens cap. The rubber was a little worn, but that was easily corrected some gentle brushing with a toothbrush. The lens is a "Push and Pull" type of zoom lens and has a nice look to it, with a solid metal build, and smooth handling of the focus and the zoom. The aperture ring was a little to loose for my liking. I prefer some resistance.

As this is a re-branded lens, so not from the original manufacturer, there is almost no information available online. However, the build, length and and weight of the lens makes me believe the design is based on the Tokina RMC 80-200mm 1:4.5. This specific Tokina lens is considered to be a "better" consumer grade level, and should perform with adequate sharpness over most of the focal length. The 4.5 aperture is nothing special, but it is constant over the complete focal length.

I did not expect to much from a re-brand lens, but was presently surprised with the sharpness and ease of use. Not the sharpest, but pretty good for a lens of that age. Colors were a little flat, but not sure if that was the lens of the current "drab" weather in Vancouver. In any case, it was fairly easy to correct in Lightroom. It is a little confusing that the aperture steps are going from left to right with the widest opening to the left (opposite from most lenses I used).

The macro option is a nice addition. It will not allow for high-detailed insects but with 1:4 magnification, it's sufficient for flowers and similar subjects. Easy to use...

What is unique to this lens though, is that by pressing a button, you can remove the complete aperture section. Not sure what the advantage is here, aside possibly from supporting different mounts natively. It is however concerning that one wrong press of a button can cause the lens to fall out of the mount.

So, in summary, a decent zoom lens... but doubt it will become one of my favorites.

Lens Specification:
Focal Length: 80mm-200mm
Maximum Aperture: F4.5
Minimum Aperture: F22
Image Format: 35mm
Lens Mount: MD (Minolta)
Optics: 12 elements in 9 groups (if based on the Tokina 80-200mm 1:4.5)
Blades: 6 blades
Focussing: Manual
Minimum Focus: 2m
Maximum Magnification: 1:4
Filter Size: 52mm
Weight: 590g
Length: 130mm
Production: likely in the 1970's
Serial Number: 104157

Samples:
It's pretty dark and cloudy in Vancouver around this time, so a higher ISO was required. Luckily not a problem on the Sony a6000.

1/400 sec - ISO800 - Macro

1/1250 sec - ISO800

1/640 sec - ISO800 - Macro

1/2000 sec - ISO1600

1/320 sec - ISO1600

1/500 sec - ISO800

 

1/2000 sec - ISO1600

Sources: