Since I'm guilty of recommending Vivitar Series 1 lenses I suppose I should
clarify - or qualify - my position.
I *don't* regard them as equal to the better prime lenses or even some zooms
from Olympus, Canon, Nikon, et al. In some cases they may be, but that's
not why I buy them.
I consider the Series 1 (and certain other Vivitars like my older non-Series
1 20mm f/3.8, as well as the Soligor C/D series, and others) to be terrific
bargains. To me that means a lens that costs around $100 or less -
preferably less - and which provides usable images at all focal lengths and
apertures, and very good or excellent images within at least a narrow or
specific range of focal lengths or apertures.
While Gary has cautioned to watch out for sluggish diaphragms, I simply
haven't seen many Vivitars with that problem here in Texas - no more so than
Canons, Zuikos and other lenses. Other climates may produce different
effects on lenses. It's always a good idea to inspect any used lens closely
for proper functioning.
At the right price a good Vivitar (Series 1 or not) fills a void left by
many lens makers. For example, most of the affordable midrange Canon zooms
are simply junk - flimsy with poor optics. The common Canon 35-70 two-touch
zoom is a good example...or perhaps I should say a bad example. The better
Canon midrange zooms cost upward of $300 or more in excellent used
condition. For my budget something like the Series 1 28-90/2.8-3.5 at
around $100 is just right. It's well made, always produces acceptable
images and is capable of producing outstanding images within its sweet spot.
Softness wide open simply isn't an issue for me - I reserve shooting wide
open for portraits or similar subjects where optical softness is a desirable
characteristic.
Anyone who's looking to a Series 1 lens to substitute for, say, a Zuiko
35-80mm f/2.8, will be disappointed. It would also be a mistake to fall for
the notion of some mystique surrounding the Series 1 lenses and pay too
much. But within their limits and at the right price they are very good
additions to one's working tools.
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