peterm1
Veteran
I recently managed to get hold of a Vivitar Series 1 135mm f2.3 in very nice condition. I knew of this lens (vaguely) and knew that it is highly regarded by those who own them. It turns out it seems to be every bit as good as those who have it say it is. (IMHO).
The lens is somewhat unusual in its optical design in the sense that while it is an Ernostar design (which is pretty common for longer lenses I believe) Vivitar has added a floating element for close range correction. (I have not checked to see if they beat Nikon but suspect Nikon got there first.)
Vivitar document on their first floating element primes:
http://allphotolenses.com/public/files/pdfs/07d266886bbb70b3e783cf28524640da.pdf
Anyway I really like this lens. Any others own it?
PS I also own a Vivitar 135mm f2.8 close focus lens (both this and the f2.3 are Komine designed and made). It too is excellent though I have not yet had a chance to make a one on one comparison.
These samples have had some work in post as I always do. But they will give you a good idea of what it is capable of. The first image was shot wide open (the other two stopped down a tad - maybe a stop). I do not think I have seen such buttery bokeh in any other of my lenses or perhaps any lens period save one or two like the Leica Noctilux 50mm. Wow! And as to sharpness - every hair on the heads of these subject is sharp even in the first shot which was at full aperture. Nothing to complain of here. The only slight gripe (and it is minor) is that the lens seems to render noticeable warm images which require substantial color correction - more than I can recall being needed for any lens I have used. But as this is easy to do I cannot really fault it in any significant way.)
Entranced by blur by Life in Shadows, on Flickr
Bus Shelter by Life in Shadows, on Flickr
Bus Trip by Life in Shadows, on Flickr
The lens is somewhat unusual in its optical design in the sense that while it is an Ernostar design (which is pretty common for longer lenses I believe) Vivitar has added a floating element for close range correction. (I have not checked to see if they beat Nikon but suspect Nikon got there first.)
Vivitar document on their first floating element primes:
http://allphotolenses.com/public/files/pdfs/07d266886bbb70b3e783cf28524640da.pdf
Anyway I really like this lens. Any others own it?
PS I also own a Vivitar 135mm f2.8 close focus lens (both this and the f2.3 are Komine designed and made). It too is excellent though I have not yet had a chance to make a one on one comparison.
These samples have had some work in post as I always do. But they will give you a good idea of what it is capable of. The first image was shot wide open (the other two stopped down a tad - maybe a stop). I do not think I have seen such buttery bokeh in any other of my lenses or perhaps any lens period save one or two like the Leica Noctilux 50mm. Wow! And as to sharpness - every hair on the heads of these subject is sharp even in the first shot which was at full aperture. Nothing to complain of here. The only slight gripe (and it is minor) is that the lens seems to render noticeable warm images which require substantial color correction - more than I can recall being needed for any lens I have used. But as this is easy to do I cannot really fault it in any significant way.)
Entranced by blur by Life in Shadows, on FlickrBus Shelter by Life in Shadows, on FlickrBus Trip by Life in Shadows, on Flickr
nikon_sam
Shooter of Film...
I've had this lens for years now and it is everything they say it is...
