Blend like a blender: Vivitar 35-200mm 1:3.0-4.5 MC Macro Focussing Zoom

Cost: $24.99 (average cost $10)

This lens is a little of a mystery. For early Vivitar lenses, you can use the first 2 numbers of the serial number to determine the manufacturer. With the number 77, it seems to point to Kobori as the manufacturer. And possibly not good advertising for them, as the lens rather, well, sucks. The range of 35mm to 200mm is tempting, but technology was not ready yet at that time to provide good quality across such a range.

It was hard to get it sharp,, and even when sharp in the middle, it became very soft in the corners, with sometimes a lot of color aberration. Some editing in Lightroom could create nice colors, but without editing, the results were rather blend. I did try some macro shots, but nothing worthwhile showing (no good subjects on the shoot

It does look and feel like a good quality lens. Solid in weight and feel, with a full metal jacket. Operation is smooth, especially the focus and the zoom. No lens creep, and that is remarkable for a push'n pull lens of that age.

So in short... Good quality lens, but sadly enough not resulting in quality pictures. Good for an afternoon of fun, but not to be used for critical events.

MC stands for Multi Coated.

Lens Specification:

Focal Length: 35mm
Maximum Aperture: F3.0-4.5
Minimum Aperture: F22
Image Format: 35mm
Lens Mount: PK-A
Optics: unknown
Blades: 6
Focussing: Manual
Minimum Focus: 180 cm (not in Macro mode)
Filter Size: 62mm
Weight: 728g
Length: 75-89mm
Production: unknown
Serial Number: 77514213
Made in: Japan

More information on: Vivitar Corporation

More information on: Kobori Manufacturing, Inc

Samples

1/200 sec - ISO100 - Handheld

1/500 sec - ISO100 - Handheld

1/160 sec - ISO100 - Handheld

1/160 sec - ISO640- Handheld

1/125 sec - ISO100 - Handheld

1/125 sec - ISO100 - Handheld

1/160 sec - ISO160 - Handheld

1/500 sec - ISO100 - Handheld

1/160 sec - ISO1250 - Handheld