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Vivitar Series 1 (Kiron - 22xxxxx) Macro 105mm F2.5 (100mm F2.8) Review RSS Feed

Vivitar Series 1 (Kiron - 22xxxxx) Macro 105mm F2.5 (100mm F2.8)

Sharpness 
 10.0
Aberrations 
 9.2
Bokeh 
 9.7
Handling 
 9.0
Value 
 9.8
Reviews Views Date of last review
32 139,297 Sun March 14, 2021
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Recommended By Average Price Average User Rating
100% of reviewers $224.12 9.72
Vivitar Series 1 (Kiron - 22xxxxx) Macro 105mm F2.5 (100mm F2.8)

Vivitar Series 1 (Kiron - 22xxxxx) Macro 105mm F2.5 (100mm F2.8)
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Vivitar Series 1 (Kiron - 22xxxxx) Macro 105mm F2.5 (100mm F2.8)
supersize

Description:
According to this blog this renowned lens can be found in the following guises:
  1. Kiron 105mm f/2.8
  2. Lester A. Dine 105mm f/2.8 (Dental lens, often labeled with a dental focusing guide)
  3. Rikenon 105mm f/2.8
  4. Rolleinar 105mm f/2.8
  5. Vivitar 105mm f/2.5
  6. Vivitar 100mm f/2.8

See also the Kiron 105mm listing for more reviews.
Not to be confused with the Vivitar 90mm f2.5 (37xxxx = tokina - the "bokina" ) macro, or the vivitar 90mm f2.8 (28xxxxx = komine) macro.
Can be found mainly in PK and M42 mounts, sometimes in P-KA.

Optical Construction: 6 elements in 6 groups, multicoated
Filter Diameter: 52mm
Weight: 23.1 oz. (656g)
Length: 4.04 in. (102.5mm)
Min. Focus: 1.15 feet (.351 meters)
Max. Magnification: 1:1 (life size)
Diagonal FOV:
Horizontal FOV: 23.2 degrees
Horizontal FOV on Digital:
Min. Aperture: f32
Built in extendable hood.

PDF's of original user manuals here
Mount Type: Pentax KA
Price History:



Add Review of Vivitar Series 1 (Kiron - 22xxxxx) Macro 105mm F2.5 (100mm F2.8)
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Sort Reviews by: Date | Author | Rating | Recommendation | Likes (Descending) Showing Reviews 1-15 of 32
New Member

Registered: March, 2021
Posts: 1
Review Date: March 14, 2021 Recommended | Price: $80.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: 1:1, sharpness
Cons: handling - just 8 I have fd mount version
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 10    Handling: 8    Value: 10    Camera Used: xt10   

Some photos from vivitar 100 2.8 (kiron) fd mount
   
New Member

Registered: May, 2020
Location: Evansville, IN
Posts: 17
Review Date: October 1, 2020 Recommended | Price: $125.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: image quality, handling, value
Cons: weight
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Handling: 10    Value: 10   

Found on ebay - marked Vivitar Series 1 105mm 2.5 and included original rectangular case. This one features A-mode on aperture ring. Using on Pentax K-3 DSLR and the camera meters well with this lens on A mode. Image quality for macro use is just stunning. Of course, it's at its best with a tripod and/or rail. In comparison, the Pentax-A 50 2.8 macro is easy to use due to its light weight. But this Vivitar offers a totally different experience, allowing you to stand further from subject if desired.

f10


Striking a pose for f4.5, 1/640 ISO 800

f22 1/6s ISO 200 tripod
   
Loyal Site Supporter

Registered: December, 2009
Location: In the Florida swamps
Posts: 716
Review Date: December 29, 2019 Recommended | Price: None indicated | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Sharp, quality, DoF, overall IQ
Cons:
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 10    Camera Used: KP   

I have the 100mm f2.8 version. I got lucky and found this on an auction site. It was so filthy you could only read a portion of the vanity plate and I won it for $90 US. It was in excellent condition and just needed cleaning up.

Though marked minimum focus is 2.45 feet, it focuses down to 6 inches for macros.

Overall just a fantastic lens with 1:1 macro. Sharp wide open with beautiful bokeh, great colors and contrast. Shooting macros at f2.8 and minimum focus distance is a bit tricky with such a shallow depth of field. A tripod or bracing on something is almost required.





   
New Member

Registered: January, 2019
Posts: 14
Review Date: January 29, 2019 Recommended | Price: $300.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros:
Cons:
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 8    Bokeh: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 10    Camera Used: K-3II   

I love this lens. It's sharp, well-built, heavy ... and manual


Example picture:

@2.8 ISO 200 1/40s

   
New Member

Registered: December, 2014
Posts: 16
Review Date: July 21, 2016 Recommended | Price: $275.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Sharpness, Handling, Bokeh, integrated hood
Cons: none
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Handling: 10    Value: 9    Camera Used: K-5   

This was my first real macro lens. Absolutely pleasing image quality, nothing to complain about. The handling is very fine due to the long focus throw. Very solid build and quite heavy.
You get a very nice lens for little money. If you can live without autofocus, you maybe get the best price-performance ratio possible. I see no need for AF for a macrolens, itīs more bothering than useful in my opinion.

Iīve only used it for macro works. Never used it for medium or long distance.

Pictures are in my album: https://flic.kr/s/aHsk3NHXE8
   
Junior Member

Registered: March, 2014
Posts: 33

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: February 1, 2015 Recommended | Price: $285.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Super sharp and a pleasure to use
Cons: None
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Handling: 9    Value: 10    Camera Used: k50   

I'm hesitant to give anything straight 10's - but this lens is awesome! As a macro lens, the focus (magnification) is smooth and easy. Images are clear and the colors are vivid. Stopped down a little, it really becomes an impressive piece of glass. However, even wide open, images are useable if not respectable.

I purchased purely for macro use but have found it to be a handy little short telephoto lens as well. Even shots taken into the sun are well rendered. To my eye, it creates a very pleasing starburst. Minimal CA and fringing - even with sun glare on the water and snowy trees against a deep blue sky.

   
Forum Member

Registered: December, 2013
Posts: 81

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: March 16, 2014 Recommended | Price: $246.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Sharp, IQ, build quality
Cons: Out of production
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 10    Camera Used: K-5   

This lens looks and performs AMAZING !
I was lucky to buy one in mint condition (with brand new box, leather bag, manual and of course...lens itself).
I have nothing but good words about this lens and i will update the photo collection at the following adress:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/120508193@N05/sets/72157642434368763/


P.S. I wonder why some people post only coments and not pictures in a forum about photo gear like this ...
   
Junior Member

Registered: July, 2011
Location: Lodi Ca
Posts: 29

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: November 20, 2013 Recommended | Price: $201.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Sharp, built like a tank
Cons: little heavy-hard to find
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 10    Handling: 9    Value: 9   

Just picked up a Vivitar Kiron 100mm 2.8 Macro (basically the same lens as 105mm 2.5). Wow was I surprised how it performed! Built to last and as sharp or sharper than my 43mm 1.9 and DA70 limiteds. Highly recommend
   
New Member

Registered: April, 2013
Posts: 16
Review Date: May 31, 2013 Recommended | Price: $300.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: sharpness, bokeh, overall IQ
Cons: hmm... heavy, if it could be cons
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 10    Handling: 5    Value: 10   

First of all, its a macro lens not a lens with macro ability, because it's not everyday shooter. But I can imagine it as a portrait lens on one condition: your model is patient and does not move. And of course, his or her skin is perfect, unless you want to have a lot of work in Photoshop. Lens is extremely sharp and quite expensive, but worth every cent.



   
New Member

Registered: March, 2012
Posts: 1
Review Date: October 4, 2012 Recommended | Price: $330.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: optical, solid, 1:1 macro, price
Cons: heavy
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 10    Handling: 9    Value: 10   

I have buy a vivitar 105 2.5 series 1 from ebay. It very wonderful. please see my pictures http://fastpoin.pp.163.com



   
Site Supporter

Registered: November, 2010
Location: California
Posts: 2,223
Review Date: May 28, 2012 Recommended | Price: $280.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Greatest macro lens
Cons: None
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 10   

I have most macro lenses, this is the last I bought, I am really happy with it. Very fast, great IQ, and easy to use. Some samples:


Vivitar105-2.5-HooverFliesHavingSex-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr


Vivitar105-2.5-MiniMosca1-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr


Vivitar105-2.5-AVEJA-Ocupada-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr


Vivitar105-2.5-Mosca1-Crop-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr


Vivitar105-2.5-Mosca2-crop-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr


Vivitar105-2.5-Justa4thofjulyrose-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr




PentaxGallery-Viv105-2.5macro-PassionFruitFlower3-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr
   
Senior Member

Registered: February, 2008
Location: Iowa
Posts: 170
Review Date: December 22, 2011 Recommended | Price: None indicated | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Sharp, sharp, sharp
Cons: It's a work out
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 8    Bokeh: 9    Handling: 8    Value: 10   

An absolute great lens. The macro is incredible. The colors and sharpness are fantastic.
Coupled with my K20D and Battery Grip, it can be a workout. But that isn't always a bad thing.

If you have the chance to buy one, do it!
   
Veteran Member

Registered: March, 2011
Location: Maryland (Right Outside Washington DC)
Posts: 2,902

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: November 7, 2011 Recommended | Price: None indicated | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Build Quality, Handling, 2.5 Max Aperture, Sharp, IQ
Cons: None

Well, just an incredible lens, from the build quality to the rendered image quality, just a great professional choice for a macro lens. This lens is unbelievably sharp throughout and gets almost too sharp @ f/11~13, I have actually had to soften images in LR using a negative value for the clarity adjustment to take some of the sharpness out of the photo.

Shot with Kx @ f/11 using off camera hand-held flash

Untitled by Joe.Penn, on Flickr

Shot with K5 @ f/13 using off camera hand-held flash

Untitled by Joe.Penn, on Flickr

Shot with Kx @ f/11 using off camera hand-held flash

Green Lacewing by Joe.Penn, on Flickr

Shot with K5 @ f/5

Flower Macro w/ Smooth Bokeh by Joe.Penn, on Flickr



..
   
Site Supporter

Registered: January, 2010
Location: The Black Hills
Posts: 1,109
Review Date: July 28, 2011 Recommended | Price: $240.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Sharrrrrrp, well built, great bokeh.
Cons: None for me.

I join the bandwagon for this lens. Got it after reading reviews here and looking at lots of images taken with this Vivitar on line. It has lived up to everything I expected at at this price point, and beyond. I do not auto focus so no effect there. And the weight is no problem for me either. So far have taken more short telephoto shot than macros. I think it is great for both. Can't wait to do more Macro work, and learn more about it.
   
Veteran Member

Registered: July, 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 2,042
Review Date: March 26, 2011 Recommended | Price: None indicated | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Very sharp, works well with AF360FGZ
Cons: None

I got this lens New Old Stock from Trader Jim. Like most Pentaxians, I knew of the reputation of this lens and its 3 variants as a legendary macro lens. There was no way I was going to pass up an opportunity to acquire this lens as a brand new item. The lens, when it came, not only did it not disappoint, it astounded me. I have found that the lens works beautifully with the AF360FGZ, ring flash not really required. The results were so good that I passed up the opportunity to buy the Voigtlander SL 125 macro, it would have been splitting hairs trying to decide which lens to use. Additionally, the lens works a treat with the AF 1.7x adapter giving the option of autofocs wth this adapter. Together they sometimes produce a painting like effect resulting in beautiful shots.

The build quality is superb, its a pleasure just to look at, let alone use. I dont miss autofocus at all, just move the whole camera forward or back.

Also makes a great portrait lens wide open at 2.4, its just a touch soft wide open in the corners, giving a pleasing look to portraits, that would otherwise be brutally sharp.
Add Review of Vivitar Series 1 (Kiron - 22xxxxx) Macro 105mm F2.5 (100mm F2.8)



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