Vivitar 35-85mm f/2.8

[Igor]

A cheap (really cheap, got mine for $60 on ebay) mid range zoom, evidently targeted for family snapshots :)
However I was quite impressed with its performance in f/4 - f/11 range.

Here's a sample taken at f/4.

[deMille]

Igor,

Very good price. I paid over $600.00 when I bought it new in about 1982. Had the advantage of maintaining f2.8 through the zoom range (extremely rare at the time) and since most of what I shoot is studio/multiple flash, the advantage was obvious. Also, the "one touch" zoom/focus was fairly new and was a big advantage over using two controls.

Extremely sharp, the only zoom I would consider using for a very long time. Series 1 Vivitars were an excellent set of lenses, expensive, but in many cases, as good as "major" brand lenses. Still have mine, mounted on my last Canon F1 most of the time.

Dale

[Igor]

You're right Dale, Vivitar Seris One are really good lenses. I have three and am impressed with the images they produce (especially considering their low price).

[Steve P]

So Macdonald's has found it's way to the Ukraine too has it!

Bargain lens Igor! How many does that make it in your lens bag? :D

[Igor]

Sure Steve, we're civilized enough to host Mac's alreay :D

As for the lenses, I carry all my 70 in one big trailer :)
(seriously, I usually take 2-4 lenses with me depending on what I plan to shoot or go to... )

[xlshly]

A cheap (really cheap, got mine for $60 on ebay) mid range zoom, evidently targeted for family snapshots :)
However I was quite impressed with its performance in f/4 - f/11 range.

Here's a sample taken at f/4.

Dear sir, I got a question about this lens and also Vivitar 135/2.8, Vivitar 135/2.3 lenses you tested:

I am told that these lenses are all non-AI lenses, so they can't be used on Nikon digital SLR cameras including Fuji S2 and S3. Is that true? How did you test them in your S2 camera? Thanks a lot!

[Igor]

Vivitar lenses come in different mounts, including AI. For example 35-85, 135/2.3, 200/3, 200/3.5 Vivitar lenses I have fit Nikon?Fuji DSLR's perfectly.
Just be sure to check the lens mount, there should be letters "N/AI" engraved. This means Nikon AI mount.
HTH.