Sigma or Kiron Mid-Range Zoom?

[Dave Jenkins]

I inherited from my father an Olympus OM10 and several lenses, among them a Kiron 28-85 f2.8-3.8 one-touch and a Sigma 28-80 f3.5-4.5 with separate zoom and focus rings. I see no reason to keep them both. Which is the better lens, and if I were to sell one of them, about how much would it be worth?

The Kiron is definitely heavier, which may mean it's better built, or maybe just that it has more glass. I'm leaning toward keeping the Sigma, but would really rather swap them both for a Zuiko 24mm f2.8!

 

[Chris101]

1. The Kiron is half a stop faster.
2. The Kiron has 5mm on the Sigma.
3. One-touch zooms are GREAT if they are solid. If it's loose, dump it!
4. I have a Kiron macro lens for nikon. It equals or betters the nikon equivalent focal length in the macro range. It's a dog at portrait lengths. I dunno what this says, but the Kiron 105 macro (aka Lester Dine dental lens) is a legend.

 

[kuzano]

I shoot Olympus w/Kiron Series 1 Vivitar

I shoot Olympus w/Kiron Series 1 Vivitar

This report:

http://www.robertstech.com/vivitar.htm

ranks a number of lens mfrs who made lenses for Vivitar in the Series1. The Kiron branded as Vivitar did quite well in this report and I have been very happy with mine.

Kiron, originally Kino Precision reviews that I have seen have always been good and I suspect the lens you are looking at is better in the Kiron, than in the Sigma in general. However, shoot and test both for specific results.

I'd bet on the Kiron, as my experience with QC on Sigma has been poor.