Vivitar 28-210mm f/3.5-5.6 MF

I tried several superzoom-lenses: The Vivitar 28-200, Tamron MF and AF 28-200, Sigma 28-200 and Sigma 28-300 and this Vivitar 28-210. I took many very good pictures with it ! It's not that good wide open but also not that bad as described above. It's better than the older 28-200, handling is much better than the Tamron 28-200 MF, handling is really quite good ! It's a perfect allround-lens for small trip-packages ! Normally I carry several lenses and 2 bodiues with me but sometimes I just took 1 body and this lens and I've been satisfied ! Like every zoom-lens you have to stop down to improve quality. Focus distance is the only thing that I have to criticise.

Build-quality (but I know that there are 2 different versions of this lens!) optical quite good ! allaround-lens

focus-distance

Vivitar 28-200, Tamron MF and AF 28-200, Sigma 28-200 and Sigma 28-300 and other 35-135/28-105/28-70/80-lenses

This lens isn''t the lightest or the the sharpest tool in the shed. It''s a workhorse though, and doesn''t cost a lot. And while it may not produce stunning images it is fine for most applications. The minimum focusing distance of 8+ feet is a major pain in the neck if you use it indoors and do not live in a mansion, so give that some serious thought if you''re thinking about using it as an all around lens to shoot pics of the kiddies. A Series I is a much better lens, but costs a lot more. You might also consider a used zoom in this focal length by Tamron or Sigma, as they are sharper & lighter and generally better quality.

-Relatively inexpensive for this much zoom

-Big & heavy

Various lenses.

None to date.

There were better choices in old wide-ratio zoom lenses (either version of the Kiron 28-210), and there are better choices in new wide-ratio zoom lenses (both the current Tamron and Sigma 28-200 designs focus to about 19" at all focal lengths), hence the low rating. They are all also considerably sharper than Vivitar's design, and I say that having owned the old Kiron and owning the current Sigma. Considering the prices of the Kiron on the used market and the current Tamron and Sigma at the big NY discount photo houses, I'd have to say that the Vivitar isn't even a particularly good value any more. As with any of these wide-ratio zooms, never forget that you're shooting through a 200mm lens, even at 28mm! So, for the best results, use a shutter speed over 1/250. Most deliver considerably better results on the long end if you use a tripod. Most wide-ratio lens hoods are pretty useless (the newer scalloped hoods are better, but still not perfect all the time), so be aware of where the light is and shade the front element with your hand or a hat if necessary. "Serious" photographers often look down on these long-ratio zooms, but they really are a lot of sheer fun - and that's what photography is all about to many of us. Also, there are many situations - such as chasing an active child - where you want to have immediate access to a wide range of focal lengths, not just to crop/zoom, but also to change perspective by altering subject-to-film distance (for example, a shot of a child's face at 28mm and two feet will have a dramatically different perspective than the same shot at 200mm and several feet back). As for the Vivitar manual-focus version - I'd have to say that it's a lot less fun than most, primarily because of the distant close-focus, hence the very low rating.

Wide focal length range.

Robust construction.

Heavy.

Lots of zoom creep.

Heavy flare when shot anywhere near the sun.

Extremely long minimum focusing distance all but negates the convenience of thewide focal length range.

You know, I had one of the early Kiron 28-210s when they first came out. It was big, heavy, and surprisingly sharp. It even focused close. I tried the Vivitar as a "fun" lens, but it didn't work out (for reasons stated below). I currently have the Sigma 28-200 Hyperzoom Macro, and it's a fun toy that delivers decent results.

Not needed, although questions to their 800# are always answered by a knowledgable person.

Finally a wide range zoom lens of great quality optics for manual focus cameras at an affordable price. I tested this lens using people, outdoor scenes and wildlife. The focus to 8.2 feet was a minor obstacle with people, but not elsewhere. The pictures were of great quality at all focal lengths. This lens sells for much less than its retail price and is excellent to add to your lineup for those days you only want to carry one lens.

A great all around zoom lens. Allows me to carry one lens on hiking trips.

Focuses only to 8.2 feet at focal lengths other than 210mm.

Vivitar 35-70mm zoom
Vivitar 70-210mm zoom

not needed