Playing With Lenses: Just another: Vivvitar 75-205mm 1:3.8 MC Macro Focussing zoom

Sunday 15 March 2020

Just another: Vivvitar 75-205mm 1:3.8 MC Macro Focussing zoom

Cost $29.99 (average cost $49.78)

So, another review of the Vivitar 75-205mm. I reviewed a while ago an earlier, two-touch version of this lens and was truly impressed at the time. Also this time, it's on target.

And for sure, it's a beast again. Long, solid and heavy in a full metal build. I must say that i really like lenses made by Kiron with their engineering quality. I still have to encounter my first bad or mediocre Kiron made lens. This lens is also regarded as the predecessor of the famous Vivitar Series 1 lenses, so similar quality for a lot less dough.

Again a smooth focus, aperture and focal ring. It makes handling of this lens a pleasure. The lens is heavy so a solid grip is advised when not using a tripod. For sure not a real macro lens, so I did not test to much in that area. Focus in general is easy and smooth, and works well together with the peak focussing feature of my Sony. the push'n pull works very nice, with a demp feel to it and no lens creep (a more expensive premium branded lens I played with today was much worse in this area).

Image quality is good, with good color rendition and a clean sharpness across the focal and aperture range. All-in-all, it was fun and easy to use. This lens will also remain in my collection. It can easily keep up with newer options if you don't mind to shoot manual.

Lens Specification:

Focal Length: 75-205mm
Maximum Aperture: F3.8
Minimum Aperture: F22
Image Format: 35mm
Lens Mount: FD
Optics: 15 elements - 10 groups
Blades: 6 blades
Focussing: Manual
Minimum Focus: 1m
Filter Size: 62mm
Weight: 753g
Length: 154mm-168mm

Production: around 1980

Serial Number: 22117447

Made in Japan by Kino Precision

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

Samples: