Vivitar 28mm f/2.5 Auto. If you’re looking to purchase this lens Adorama might have something and Ebay definitely will. It helps me if you purchase it through one of these links here in this review. When you purchase through these links it financially enables me to devote time to develop this site further. Thanks for the help! -Todd
Barrel
Metal.
Weight
11.1 oz (316g)
Focus Ring
Metal.
Close Focus
1 foot (0.3 meters).
Filter Threads
62mm, Metal.
Aperture Ring
Metal.
Diaphragm
6 blades stopping down to f/22.
Mount
Mine came in M42 Metal Mount.
Made in
Japan
Center at f/2.5
Closest Focus at f/4
Sharpness
f/2.5: A little soft with lower contrast and a bit of chromatic aberration.
f/2.8: Sharpens up a little with a tiny bit better contrast and some chromatic aberration.
f/3.5: Sharp with good contrast and very little chromatic aberration.
f/4: Very sharp with a hint of chromatic aberration.
f/8: Super sharp with great contrast and color and no signs of diffusion until f/13.
Vignetting
Extremely heavy vignette and is only really gone by f/11.
Bokeh
The bokeh is not too bad but a bit distracting.
Flare and Ghosting
Very little flare but quite large ghosts which are not too bad of shapes at larger apertures.
Distortion
Typical amount of barrel distortion for a 28mm lens.
Recommendations
On AF Camera
Optics: ★ ★
Mechanics: ★ ★ ★
Ergonomics: ★ ★ ★
Usefulness: ★ ★ ★
Availability: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Overall: ★ ★ ★
On MF Camera
Ergonomics: ★ ★ ★ ★
Overall: ★ ★ ★
Out of 5
This is a decent lens and is built like a tank. The lens is a little heavy and large with a non rubberized focus ring which is a bit annoying to use but still works well. Optically the lens is great stopped down with nice contrast and good flare reduction. However this lens has a extremely heavy amount of vignette and is not very easy to get rid of besides stopping the lens way down or post processing. Although the lens is a f/2.5 you would think that would give you extra light but due to the heavy vignette the lens still allows the same amount of light in as a f/2.8 lens.
The lens is a bit soft at larger apertures but has a lower amount of chromatic aberration. The bokeh is not horrible but not worth getting excited for.
If you like vignette then this is your lens. The lens is good stopped down and has good contrast and color but I would not go out of my way to find one. If you stumble upon one for cheap grab it and enjoy it.
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My hopes are to take the time to continue developing this website with more test photo based reviews. If you are ever interested in purchasing this lens or other photography equipment please do so through these links here in this review. I always check Adorama and Ebay for good deals. This helps support my family and allows me to take more time for the site. The best part is this site is free for you and I link good deals I find!
Sometimes these links will actually give you better deals then typical retail prices! I personally buy from the links I have listed whether looking for new gear or fun old stuff. I can personally attest to their good & safe service from years of experience. Thanks again to you, our readers, for supporting us! -Todd
