[nandystam]

Hi

I am interested in purchasing a Vivitar Series 1 19-35mm lens. The serial number is 01950093. I have looked on the web to try and determine the manufacturer, but as the first two digits are 01, there doesn't seem to be a match!

It also doesn't look like the lens shown in the third-party lens database. The lens I am looking at is all black, whereas the one in the database is black & silver.

I did read somewhere that Tokina made all the Viv Series 1 19-35mm lenses, is that correct?

Thanks

[boriscleto]

The Vivitar serial #s on the web are only for lenses manufactured before 1990.

FWIW the Vivitar Wikipedia page says the Series 1 19-35 was made by Cosina.

[stevebrot]

The 19-35 is reputably the same as the Tokina 19-35, though can not be sure.

Tokina AF 19-35mm f/3.5-4.5 (193) Lens Reviews - Pentax Third-Party Lens Review Database


The Tokina is a decent lens for the money. I bought one for my daughter to use with her K10D. Both sold for less that $120 new. In fact, you can buy the Viv new at B&H for about that amount today.


Steve

[nandystam]

I actually found another thread with other pictures of the 19-35, and the body looks exactly like the Promaster version of this lens... the rim is marked as being a Vivitar Series 1 though.

Interesting that you can still buy it new.. the one i am looking at is an AF version though.

Does that make it a post 1990 lens maybe? Would the Viv @ 19mm be a better bet than the 18-55 kit lens at 18mm ?

I'm looking for a cheap wide angle to play with.

[boriscleto]

If there is a Promaster version then it is most likely from the mid to late 90s and made by Cosina. Would have been sold under the Cosina/Promaster/ Vivitar/Phoenix brands.

Cosina 19-35mm AF f3.5-4.5

[stevebrot]

I actually found another thread with other pictures of the 19-35, and the body looks exactly like the Promaster version of this lens... the rim is marked as being a Vivitar Series 1 though.

Interesting that you can still buy it new.. the one i am looking at is an AF version though.

Does that make it a post 1990 lens maybe? Would the Viv @ 19mm be a better bet than the 18-55 kit lens at 18mm ?

I'm looking for a cheap wide angle to play with.

Yes, all Vivitar AF lenses are post 1990, to the best of my knowledge and all of the 19-35 Series 1 are AF lenses.


Steve

[Alliecat]

Hi, can another newbie butt in? I am also looking for a wide angle zoom.
I posted a question elsewhere & there were a few recommendations: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/127253-wide-an...ons-k1000.html
If all the Series 1 AF lenses are post-1990, then apparently that puts them in the "inconsistent" category mentioned in the other thread?
Does this particular lens come in a variety of incarnations? I looked at one on eBay, & maybe it's just the angle of the photo, but it doesn't look like it has an aperture ring, & also doesn't look quite like the one on B&H's site.
Still haven't really decided whether I should get something like this or hang on & wait for a Pentax to come up somewhere. All my other lenses are Pentaxes & they have been great. I don't want to waste hours on eBay & hunting for online retailers, but also don't want to waste my $$.

[stevebrot]

I probably should have mentioned that the Viv 19-35, despite the "Series 1" label is pretty much a consumer zoom and not the same quality as older Series 1 lenses that get so many raves. There are at least two versions of the 19-35, but as mentioned above, they are essentially the same as Promaster and Phoenix lenses of the same zoom range and vintage.


Steve