For those interested, I have the following new lens tests posted at:
http://members.aol.com/olympusom/lenstests/default.htm
35-85mm f/2.8 Vivitar Series 1
This is the varifocal model that is frequently talked about here. It tests
out nice, but wide open it's a softy. f/8 is optimum at all focal lengths
tested and a very good performer with A- 's. The change in focus can be
easily compensated for by twisting the one touch control while zooming. At
long distances, the change isn't as severe as at short distances. The one
touch control is a nice departure from the two-touch Zuikos in this range.
The large front elements minimizes the vignetting (light fall-off) in other
Vivitar Series 1 wide angle to telephoto zooms. Easy to focus.
200mm f/5 Zuiko (single coated)
Better performance vs. a previous OM-1 based test of the MC version (often a
full grade), by using an OM-2000 prefired, with a Bogen Telephoto Lens
Support. Insignificant performance differences (without doing paired
comparisons) to a 200mm f/4 MC
180mm f/2.8 Zuiko
retest with OM-2000 prefired, with a Bogen Telephoto Lens Support. Gives
quite useable performance at a useful f/2.8. Optimized for center definition.
50mm f/2 Macro Zuiko
retest with OM-2000 prefired. Improvement at the three widest apertures vs.
same lens with OM-1, showing that the OM-1 shutter and automatic diaphram can
affect heavy lenses down to 50mm. Not in the same league as the 90mm f/2
Macro Zuiko.
100mm f/2 Zuiko
Different lens than previous. Oops, can't find the f/2 slide, but elsewise,
this takes stopping down to f/4 to get performance gains, where there are
mostly insignificant increases vs. the OM-1 test. Not up to 90mm f/2
performance, but a compact and quite likeable and more affordable lens.
50mm f/1.8 MC Zuiko
This is the first version of the multi-coated 50mm f/1.8 Previously I tested
the later "Made in Japan" version. The contrast in this one rivals the 250mm
f/2 Zuiko, although the resolution isn't as high. Acquiring one of these is
probably the single cheapest investment to sharp pictures an OM user could
make.
Gary Reese
Las Vegas, NV
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