nico
Well-known
Hi all,
I've recently become owner of an Olympus OM-2n with the standard 50/1,8. I'd like to add some glass on both sides, wides and teles, and since I can find here and elsewhere lots of useful infos on the Zuiko lenses, seems hard to find infos on third parties lenses.
So I'd like to ask if someone of you have some infos and picks to share about non-zuiko om glasses.
Thanks a lot,
I've recently become owner of an Olympus OM-2n with the standard 50/1,8. I'd like to add some glass on both sides, wides and teles, and since I can find here and elsewhere lots of useful infos on the Zuiko lenses, seems hard to find infos on third parties lenses.
So I'd like to ask if someone of you have some infos and picks to share about non-zuiko om glasses.
Thanks a lot,
newspaperguy
Well-known
I've had some success with Vivitars for the OM, but Zuiko prices are so low, that it IMO makes more sense to get the real thing.
nico
Well-known
Yes, I agree with you.
In fact it's not a matter of price, but, since I don't know the oly Om system I'm curious to know if there's some interesting non-zuiko lens.
Ciao,
ferider
Veteran
Hi Nico,
welcome to the club
I have several 3rd party lenses, simply because they are really good, also compared with Zuikos:
- Kiron 28/2 (yet to test)
- Vivitar Series I 90/2.5
- Tokina ATX 80 - 200 / 2.8
- Tokina ATX 100 - 300 / 4
Basically, anything from Kiron, or the original Vivitar Series I in OM mount (manufactured by Kiron) is very good. Build like rocks, too.
Roland.
welcome to the club
I have several 3rd party lenses, simply because they are really good, also compared with Zuikos:
- Kiron 28/2 (yet to test)
- Vivitar Series I 90/2.5
- Tokina ATX 80 - 200 / 2.8
- Tokina ATX 100 - 300 / 4
Basically, anything from Kiron, or the original Vivitar Series I in OM mount (manufactured by Kiron) is very good. Build like rocks, too.
Roland.
Last edited:
wray
Well-known
The Vivitar lenses whose serial numbers begin with 28xxxxxx are the ones to get!
nico
Well-known
Thanks guys,
Ronald, looks like a dangerous club!
Ray, I'll keep it in mind.
If you have picks and samples please post them,
ciao
Ronald, looks like a dangerous club!
Ray, I'll keep it in mind.
If you have picks and samples please post them,
ciao
JeffL
Well-known
I generally like the Tamron lenses I have. Like said above, the OM Zuikos are very inexpensive now - except for a few - might aswell get the real thing. I'm on the look out for a Zuiko 100 f2.8. I just picked up a Zuiko 35 f2.8 and like it very much. Interestingly I find I don't need the fastest lenses anymore.
Peter_Jones
Well-known
Tamron SP lenses were very good in their day - the 90/2.5 macro being a particularly fine sharp lens.
pixelatedscraps
Well-known
Out of the Vivitar Series 1 series, the 70-210 f/3.5 (Kiron, Komine or Tokina-made) stands out. Incredibly sharp, with a wide constant aperture throughout its range. They're also fairly cheap, too.
If anyone knows where I can get one repaired, let me know - I have one whose aperture ring is only usable from f/3.5 - f/5.6
If anyone knows where I can get one repaired, let me know - I have one whose aperture ring is only usable from f/3.5 - f/5.6
pagpow
Well-known
I've always thought it a shame to mount large lenses on the OM. Seems to undermine the point. Am I alone?
ferider
Veteran
pagpow
Well-known
kuzano
Veteran
Here is a classic 3rd party lens example....
Here is a classic 3rd party lens example....
Vivitar sold many lenses for many manufacturers. Vivitar did not make lenses as a rule. They sold lenses they specified for manufacturers camera bodies, having them built and branded Vivitar.
The 70-210 with the Oly OM mount mentioned in a previous post was made over the span of that focal length by Six or Seven different manufacturers. Two of those lenses were quite good, and the other four were rather Ho Hum.
So, if you don't know how this works, it means you may see one good Vivitar 70-210 out of ten, with the other 9 made by the lesser manufacturer's. The first two digits of the serial numbers indicated which of the mfrs made the lens you hold in your hand.
Here is quite a writeup on that lens. However, it's not often you find information this complete on third party lenses. The one thing about this article is that it includes Vivitars serial number codes for manufacturers of their lense.
http://www.robertstech.com/vivitar.htm
So, third party lenses can be a bit of a crap shoot, since someone may tell you they have an excellent Vivitar of a certain focal length, but the real question is "who made it".
I have had great luck with Tamron and Tokina lenses, and I have been quite lucky with Vivitar Series I lenses, but only with the advantage of determining the actual manufacturer of the lens.
Kiron brand lenses are notable, and they did make some lenses for Vivitar. Odds on getting a good Vivitar are lower than one may think.
I stick with the Series I lenses and only those manufactured by Kiron or Komine for Vivitar.
Here is a classic 3rd party lens example....
Vivitar sold many lenses for many manufacturers. Vivitar did not make lenses as a rule. They sold lenses they specified for manufacturers camera bodies, having them built and branded Vivitar.
The 70-210 with the Oly OM mount mentioned in a previous post was made over the span of that focal length by Six or Seven different manufacturers. Two of those lenses were quite good, and the other four were rather Ho Hum.
So, if you don't know how this works, it means you may see one good Vivitar 70-210 out of ten, with the other 9 made by the lesser manufacturer's. The first two digits of the serial numbers indicated which of the mfrs made the lens you hold in your hand.
Here is quite a writeup on that lens. However, it's not often you find information this complete on third party lenses. The one thing about this article is that it includes Vivitars serial number codes for manufacturers of their lense.
http://www.robertstech.com/vivitar.htm
So, third party lenses can be a bit of a crap shoot, since someone may tell you they have an excellent Vivitar of a certain focal length, but the real question is "who made it".
I have had great luck with Tamron and Tokina lenses, and I have been quite lucky with Vivitar Series I lenses, but only with the advantage of determining the actual manufacturer of the lens.
Kiron brand lenses are notable, and they did make some lenses for Vivitar. Odds on getting a good Vivitar are lower than one may think.
I stick with the Series I lenses and only those manufactured by Kiron or Komine for Vivitar.
kuzano
Veteran
Here is a classic 3rd party lens example....
Here is a classic 3rd party lens example....
Vivitar sold many lenses for many manufacturers. Vivitar did not make lenses as a rule. They sold lenses they specified for manufacturers camera bodies, having them built by various lens makers, and branded Vivitar.
The 70-210 with the Oly OM mount mentioned in a previous post was made over the span of that focal length by Six or Seven different manufacturers. Two of those lenses were quite good, and the other four were rather Ho Hum.
So, if you don't know how this works, it means you may see one good Vivitar 70-210 out of ten, with the other 9 made by the lesser manufacturer's. The first two digits of the serial numbers indicated which of the mfrs made the lens you hold in your hand.
Here is quite a writeup on that lens. However, it's not often you find information this complete on third party lenses. The one thing about this article is that it includes Vivitars serial number codes for manufacturers of their lense.
http://www.robertstech.com/vivitar.htm
So, third party lenses can be a bit of a crap shoot, since someone may tell you they have an excellent Vivitar of a certain focal length, but the real question is "who made it".
I have had great luck with Tamron and Tokina lenses, and I have been quite lucky with Vivitar Series I lenses, but only with the advantage of determining the actual manufacturer of the lens.
Kiron brand lenses are notable, and they did make some lenses for Vivitar. Odds on getting a good Vivitar are lower than one may think.
I stick with the Series I lenses and only those manufactured by Kiron or Komine for Vivitar.
Here is a classic 3rd party lens example....
Vivitar sold many lenses for many manufacturers. Vivitar did not make lenses as a rule. They sold lenses they specified for manufacturers camera bodies, having them built by various lens makers, and branded Vivitar.
The 70-210 with the Oly OM mount mentioned in a previous post was made over the span of that focal length by Six or Seven different manufacturers. Two of those lenses were quite good, and the other four were rather Ho Hum.
So, if you don't know how this works, it means you may see one good Vivitar 70-210 out of ten, with the other 9 made by the lesser manufacturer's. The first two digits of the serial numbers indicated which of the mfrs made the lens you hold in your hand.
Here is quite a writeup on that lens. However, it's not often you find information this complete on third party lenses. The one thing about this article is that it includes Vivitars serial number codes for manufacturers of their lense.
http://www.robertstech.com/vivitar.htm
So, third party lenses can be a bit of a crap shoot, since someone may tell you they have an excellent Vivitar of a certain focal length, but the real question is "who made it".
I have had great luck with Tamron and Tokina lenses, and I have been quite lucky with Vivitar Series I lenses, but only with the advantage of determining the actual manufacturer of the lens.
Kiron brand lenses are notable, and they did make some lenses for Vivitar. Odds on getting a good Vivitar are lower than one may think.
I stick with the Series I lenses and only those manufactured by Kiron or Komine for Vivitar.
ruby.monkey
Veteran
Another one to look for is the 35-85mm f/2.8 variable-focus zoom. It's a chunky beast but a fine lens.
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
pagpow
Well-known
Ganging up, are we? And to think I always liked you guys. Picking up my marbles and going home now.
nikku
Well-known
I had a Vivitar Series 1 90/2.5 macro that was nice, if not a bit on the heavy side.
For now just look for deals on the smaller, slower Zuikos and go with those, they are cheap and excellent. If you want macro, the Zuiko 50/3.5 is cheap and outstanding. For tele, the 135/3.5 is super cheap and has a nice look. The 135/2.8 is a little more expensive but with better contrast and great bokeh. The 28/3.5 is an awesome lens. Tiny and sharp.
None of those lenses should run you more than $100, and many can be found for less than $70.
For now just look for deals on the smaller, slower Zuikos and go with those, they are cheap and excellent. If you want macro, the Zuiko 50/3.5 is cheap and outstanding. For tele, the 135/3.5 is super cheap and has a nice look. The 135/2.8 is a little more expensive but with better contrast and great bokeh. The 28/3.5 is an awesome lens. Tiny and sharp.
None of those lenses should run you more than $100, and many can be found for less than $70.
