non-olympus 28/2s OM mount?

[pdh]

I'm after a 28mm f/2 for OM (I want the extra stop, 2.8 is no good to me)

The Zuiko versions are tricky to find and seem a bit variable. Of two I've recently found, one looked like it had been cleaned with Ajax and the other had fungus. Both only just under £200 ... I see others on e(xpensive)Bay for £300-£400 and that just seems a bit mad of a price

There are Kiron and Vivitar alternatives which are much more inexpensive, but I wondered what the compromises are compared to the Zuikos?

Will I really notice the difference (shooting Tri-X or HP5+ and printing 11x14 or smaller) if I spend £50 rather than £170 on a 28/2?

 

[back alley]

i believe the kirons had a prety good rep...no info on the vivitars.

 

[kbg32]

Less expensive lenses might vignette more, have less QC when being manufactured, and are larger. I know the later Vivitars, series 1, were not bad.

 

[John Bragg]

vivitars made by Komine or Kiron are very good. Serial numbers starting 28 are Komine and those starting 22 are Kiron.

 

[ferider]

There are several lenses made by Kiron, Komine, and Tokina (28 and 28/1.9). Most sold in Vivitar "clothes". You can identify which manufacturer they come from via the Vivitar serial number.

I've used the Kiron 28/2 and it was good optically, and superb mechanically.

On the Pentax forum, the Komine one gets the best grades (10/10, serial starts with 28).

That being said, you can find the Zuiko for around US 300, and it beats all the above in size (49mm filter) and close focus performance (floating elements).

Roland.

 

[pdh]

@John Bragg
ah that's good info. Thanks
I didn't realise the serial number trick worked for all fl?
(I have a nice 135/2.8 Komine Vivitar)

@ferider
equipment prices in the US are generally rather lower than UK/EU.
unfortunately shipping (+ potentially import duty/VAT, depending how eagle-eyed the Border Agency are the day it arrives) will kill any apparent saving

 

[ferider]

Have a look here (from Stephen): http://www.cameraquest.com/VivLensManuf.htm

 

[John Bragg]

@John Bragg
ah that's good info. Thanks
I didn't realise the serial number trick worked for all fl?
(I have a nice 135/2.8 Komine Vivitar)

@ferider
equipment prices in the US are generally rather lower than UK/EU.
unfortunately shipping (+ potentially import duty/VAT, depending how eagle-eyed the Border Agency are the day it arrives) will kill any apparent saving

I also have the 135 f2.8 Komine and it is an incredible lens for the money.