Samples: Vivitar Series 1 200mm f/3.0

Badging: Vivitar
Manufacturer: Komine
Manufacture Date: ca 1974-1982
Focal Length: 200mm
Aperture Range: f/3 - f/22 (Konica mount to f/16)
Diaphragm Type: Automatic
Diaphragm Blades: 8
Filter Diameter: 72mm
Minimum Focus: 1.2m (4ft)
Mounts: Canon FD, Konica, M42, Minolta SR, Nikon, Olympus OM, Pentax K
Elements: 6
Groups: 6
Weight: 766g (27oz)
Length at ∞: 119mm (4.7")
Greatest barrel diameter: 79mm (3.125")
Accessories: built-in lens hood

Owner's Manual

This is one of the very first MF lenses I bought after getting my first DSLR, the A200. It has remained a favorite and while I can't pick an absolute favorite lens, I'm pretty sure this would be one of three if I had to choose. The lens did have a learning curve; the focusing required much precision and CA was a problem at wide apertures. However, since I moved to the NEX-5N, focusing has become a non-issues and CA is hardly apparent, even at f/3. The sensor has made a big difference. I find f/3 very usable now and surprisingly sharp. Some of my sample images have been posted at Dyxum in other forums, so may appear familiar. I will identify the camera used with each image.













NEX-5N

#7 Bokeh test (@ F/3.0)



#8 Bokeh test (@ F/3.0)



#9 Bark


Sony ILCE-6500 - jpg directly from RAW, no processing, except #9: processed to taste

Yes, the serial number starts with 28... Thanks for that information.

However, the chromatic aberrations at F/3.0 can be massive - and are not always easy to correct. But generally, the rendering is beautiful, IMO.