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01-05-2009, 08:45 PM   #1
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Vivitar 55mm/2.8 Macro

Anybody have any sample images from this lens? Is it worth keeping?

I got one in a Craigslist lot that's in really nice condition. It was actually a surprise since there was no mention of it in the listing. I picked up 2 film bodies with an assortment of lenses for $100.

- Pentax MX with M50/F2
- Spotmatic SPII
- SMC Tak 50/1.4
- Super Tak 28/3.5
- Vivitar (Kiron) 80-205mm/3.8 (M42)
- Vivitar (Komine) 55mm/2.8 Macro (M42)

I already have a short macro in the DA35 which is a fantastic lens. I'm trying to LBA myself into keeping this Vivitar. In the mean time, I'm also lusting for a Tamron 90/2.5 Macro and it probably really doesn't make sense to keep 3 macros....or does it?

01-05-2009, 09:19 PM   #2
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Tamron 90/2.5 Macro

Hin is selling the Tammy

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photographers-marketplace/45942-tamron-sp...-0-mirror.html
01-05-2009, 10:42 PM   #3
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QuoteOriginally posted by maxwell1295 Quote
Anybody have any sample images from this lens? Is it worth keeping?

I got one in a Craigslist lot that's in really nice condition. It was actually a surprise since there was no mention of it in the listing. I picked up 2 film bodies with an assortment of lenses for $100.

- Pentax MX with M50/F2
- Spotmatic SPII
- SMC Tak 50/1.4
- Super Tak 28/3.5
- Vivitar (Kiron) 80-205mm/3.8 (M42)
- Vivitar (Komine) 55mm/2.8 Macro (M42)

I already have a short macro in the DA35 which is a fantastic lens. I'm trying to LBA myself into keeping this Vivitar. In the mean time, I'm also lusting for a Tamron 90/2.5 Macro and it probably really doesn't make sense to keep 3 macros....or does it?
Try

Flickr: iancburgess' stuff tagged with vivitar55mm

Flickr: nikonorse's stuff tagged with vivitar55mmf28macro

Flickr: Adisla's stuff tagged with vivitar55mm28

Flickr: martyoh's stuff tagged with 55mm

Vivitar 55mm f2.8 Macro @f2.8-1 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

_MG_6233 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

many more there if you keep on looking. Heard good things about that lens, but no own experience.

But you can't mount the DA35 macro on the spotmatic and on the MX it will vignett a bit unless you go beyond 1:1 with a extension tube.

If you go for the Tamron90/2.5 and want to go to 1:1, try an extension tube (there is a dedicated one but any K/KA tube will work as well), it steals less light than the 2x converter.

Looking forward to see any shots from these new lenses and cameras. Are that Tak28 any good? If it is related to the K28/3.5 it is very sharp, but it might be that the Takumar version has a lens less, not being the same optical solution.
01-07-2009, 07:48 PM   #4
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I have a Sears 55mm f/2.8 macro that I like, although haven't had long. I wonder if it is related - can't find anything about it online.



01-08-2009, 04:49 AM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by Nick Siebers Quote
I have a Sears 55mm f/2.8 macro that I like, although haven't had long. I wonder if it is related - can't find anything about it online.
Is your Sears this one? 1:2 and 1:1 with the adapter?
I have the same lens but as Soligor. It's a nice lens, but it's not same as Vivitar 55mm 2.8. I think Vivitar goes to 1:1 without adapters.
01-08-2009, 12:59 PM   #6
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I have a vivitar 55mm f2.8 1:1 in K mount from the early/mid '70s. Only a couple pictures, both HDR though so the grain is due to photomatix...



01-09-2009, 01:35 PM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by maxwell1295 Quote
Anybody have any sample images from this lens? Is it worth keeping?

I got one in a Craigslist lot that's in really nice condition. It was actually a surprise since there was no mention of it in the listing. I picked up 2 film bodies with an assortment of lenses for $100.

- Pentax MX with M50/F2
- Spotmatic SPII
- SMC Tak 50/1.4
- Super Tak 28/3.5
- Vivitar (Kiron) 80-205mm/3.8 (M42)
- Vivitar (Komine) 55mm/2.8 Macro (M42)

I already have a short macro in the DA35 which is a fantastic lens. I'm trying to LBA myself into keeping this Vivitar. In the mean time, I'm also lusting for a Tamron 90/2.5 Macro and it probably really doesn't make sense to keep 3 macros....or does it?
This is one of my favourite shots with the Vivitar 55/2.8 macro; not really a macro shot but I love the detail in the tree, the colours and the bokeh.
The bokeh actually consists of a river and in the far background is the opposite riverbank with some snow to the right.

01-11-2009, 09:08 AM   #8
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I finally got a round to testing this lens a couple of days ago. I've been under the weather and indoors for the last 5 days so there isn't much in the way of subject matter here.











A few pics of the lens itself:




01-11-2009, 01:58 PM   #9
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I have one I bought off a seller on Ebay, it is brand new, never used still in its box with all the paperwork. Cost me $50.
I also have the 90mm version and the 100mm PKA mount lens.
01-11-2009, 03:20 PM   #10
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Ovim, you are right that is the one I have, This Vivitar looks different, and really darn cool. Maxwell, that pen tip shot is great.
01-11-2009, 08:10 PM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by Nick Siebers Quote
Maxwell, that pen tip shot is great.
Thanks....


QuoteOriginally posted by Mike.P® Quote
I have one I bought off a seller on Ebay, it is brand new, never used still in its box with all the paperwork. Cost me $50.
I also have the 90mm version and the 100mm PKA mount lens.
Can you give a quick comparison of the 3 versions you have...
01-12-2009, 01:45 PM   #12
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Max, that was an awesome find, especially if the stuff was taken care of. You can expect to pay up to $100 just for an MX that is in Exc. condition, and I've seen this Viv 50mm macro sell for over $100 several times. At one point I was considering buying it to mount on my Vivitar 2x macro TC for some crazy macro
04-10-2009, 11:28 AM   #13
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I just got one of these, and let me say it is a winner so far. Very solid metal construction, smooth focus action through a LOOOONG throw, and nice pics on my first day of shooting. Not bad for general shooting, but very useful for macro. I didn't get down to 1:1, but it is nice to know it is there if you need it!









04-10-2009, 01:17 PM   #14
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I've got a Vivitar 55mm F/2.8 macro. It's my first/only macro, and I like it. It does a nice job for portraits and landscape too.

Both photos taken with Vivitar 55mm F/2.8. (non-macro).






-Isaac
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