Kiron 70-210mm F4.5

Darius4522 · 10-07-2007, 11:03 PM

Anyone have any experience with this lens? I had a rush of blood to the head and got it on eBay for $50 (it has yet to arrive). Have no idea if it's good or bad...but felt like buying it.... I know it's built loike a tank.

The Kiron 105mm is apparently outstanding......and there appear to be two Kiron 70-210 - the f4 and the f4.5 - and I have the latter (when the postie delivers it).

(I also feel an idiot, because 2 weeks ago I purchased (wait for it) an SMC Pentax 70-210 F4 lens *grins*. So now I have two 70-210's!)

Last edited by Darius4522; 10-08-2007 at 01:40 AM.

Jimsi777 · 10-08-2007, 09:00 AM

I saw a few on Ebay last week,2 Kiron 70-210 and one went for mid 30's and another went for $50-$60, not quite sure...I assume like any lens you consider both optics, coatings and seals to stop dust from getting inside and other things. PF is a big problem with zoom lenses as are vig..etc distortion. I am new to DLR and love the fact that we can exchange lenses, I ordered a cheapo JC Penney for $7.50 for the heck of it, $15.35 shipped 80-200mm...hope all works out for you...

Darius4522 · 10-10-2007, 09:52 PM

The lens arrived today..here's a very quick sample of the first shot with the K10D......

ExposureTime - 1/350 seconds
FNumber - 4.50
ExposureProgram - Aperture priority
ISOSpeedRatings - 100

kiron Kid · 06-29-2010, 11:34 PM

It's a pretty good lens. However, the Kiron 70-210 f/4 with zoom-lock, is even better. And the Kiron 70-150 is superb and much smaller and more compact.

Kiron Kid

Nowhere Matt · 06-30-2010, 05:50 AM

Originally posted by Darius4522

Anyone have any experience with this lens? I had a rush of blood to the head and got it on eBay for $50 (it has yet to arrive). Have no idea if it's good or bad...but felt like buying it.... I know it's built loike a tank.

The Kiron 105mm is apparently outstanding......and there appear to be two Kiron 70-210 - the f4 and the f4.5 - and I have the latter (when the postie delivers it).

(I also feel an idiot, because 2 weeks ago I purchased (wait for it) an SMC Pentax 70-210 F4 lens *grins*. So now I have two 70-210's!)

Then sir, I am the King of Idiots. As I currently have four lenses to cover the 70-210 range (including Pentax's A 70-210 - *raises and lowers eyebrows rapidly*) and another three that cover the 50ish - 200 range. But I hope to dwindle these down to probably three. Or maybe four. Six max.

I have the Kiron 30-80. I think it is very heavy for it's size, very good image quality.
You should check the forum's lens database and add your remarks about this 70-210.

kiron Kid · 06-30-2010, 08:21 AM

Originally posted by Nowhere Matt

Then sir, I am the King of Idiots. As I currently have four lenses to cover the 70-210 range (including Pentax's A 70-210 - *raises and lowers eyebrows rapidly*) and another three that cover the 50ish - 200 range. But I hope to dwindle these down to probably three. Or maybe four. Six max.

I have the Kiron 30-80. I think it is very heavy for it's size, very good image quality.
You should check the forum's lens database and add your remarks about this 70-210.

No, you are not an idiot. As for the 70-210 range, I prefer the second and third editions of the Vivitar Series 1 line. Very good lenses.

Left to right:
Vivitar Series 1 (Kiron model), f/3.5
Vivitar Series 1 (Tokina model), f/3.5
Vivitar Series 1 (Komine model), f/2.8-4
Kiron 70-210. f/4 with Zoom-lock

Regarding Viv S-1 glass. There are numerous (8) Series 1, 70-210 lenses. However, for the sake of discussion, we will deal with the first three. The following editions are nothing to seriously consider, so we will concentrate on the first three editions, which are the good one's. The 4th & 5th editions are also 2.8-4 variable aperture model's, but lacking in construction quality (Cosina built). Due to the fact that the third one is a variable aperture lens, (2.8-4) it will be somewhat sharper than a fixed aperture lenses. It is much easier to design and build a quality variable aperture lens.

The first edition was designed by Vivitar (Ellis Betensky of NASA Optics fame), had a hand in it, and it was built by Kiron. (67mm filter) It is a professional caliber lens, with a 1:2 macro feature built into it. It was the first zoom, designed with the aid of computers, that truly rivaled the OEM lenses of the time. That was in "76."

The second edition (my personal favorite) was built by Tokina, per, Vivitars specs. It too, is a fixed 3.5 aperture, but smaller, lighter and sharper. (62mm filter size). I really like it because of the fixed 3.5 aperture which is nice for focusing in dim light and long range flash work. However, not a true macro, 1:4 life size.

The third edition was made by Komine, and like the first two, is very well built. It is a 2.8-4 variable aperture lens, and the sharpest of the bunch. It has 1:2.5 life size macro from 100-210mm's, with a working distance of about two feet. Which can be quite useful. Can you see a discernible difference in slides taken with either one of them? No! Don't get caught up in bench tests. Any of the first three editions will give you professional-publishable images. I really like this lens, and over time, has become my favorite of the line.

Personally, I recommend the second or third edition of the line. I have and use all three of the first editions, and can highly recommend any one of them. Superb optics and construction.

Also, the Kiron 70-210 f/4, is a splendid performer.

QLP (Kiron Kid & MrVivSeries1)

Glacian22 · 07-08-2010, 10:12 PM

Originally posted by kiron Kid

Regarding Viv S-1 glass. There are numerous (8) Series 1, 70-210 lenses. However, for the sake of discussion, we will deal with the first three.

So how does one identify which version of the Viv S-1 you're looking at? Taking a glance at ebay, there are a ton of them, and it's hard to tell which is which. Thanks!

Last edited by Glacian22; 07-09-2010 at 02:53 PM.

kiron Kid · 07-08-2010, 10:22 PM

Originally posted by Glacian22

So how does one identify which version of the Viv S-1 your looking at? Taking a glance at ebay, there are a ton of them, and it's hard to tell which is which. Thanks!

In the attached picture, the three lenses on the left are the Vivitar Series 1 versions. # 1, 2 & 3 in the order of the picture. You can use the serial numbers to identify them. The first edition made by Kiron (Kino Precision Industries) starts with the two numbers 22. The second edition (made by Tokina) starts with the numbers 37. And the third edition (Komine made) start with the numbers 28. You'll want to avoid the following Cosina made models, which start with the number 0 or 9. If you find one on E-bay that you're not sur eof, E-mail me directly and I'll give you the scoop on it.

Kiron Kid

10-07-2007, 11:03 PM	#1
Darius4522 Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Adelaide, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 155	Kiron 70-210mm F4.5 Anyone have any experience with this lens? I had a rush of blood to the head and got it on eBay for $50 (it has yet to arrive). Have no idea if it's good or bad...but felt like buying it.... I know it's built loike a tank. The Kiron 105mm is apparently outstanding......and there appear to be two Kiron 70-210 - the f4 and the f4.5 - and I have the latter (when the postie delivers it). (I also feel an idiot, because 2 weeks ago I purchased (wait for it) an SMC Pentax 70-210 F4 lens grins. So now I have two 70-210's!) Last edited by Darius4522; 10-08-2007 at 01:40 AM.

10-10-2007, 09:52 PM	#3
Darius4522 Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Adelaide, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 155 Original Poster	Kiron arrived today The lens arrived today..here's a very quick sample of the first shot with the K10D...... ExposureTime - 1/350 seconds FNumber - 4.50 ExposureProgram - Aperture priority ISOSpeedRatings - 100 Last edited by Darius4522; 10-13-2007 at 12:07 AM.

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10-08-2007, 09:00 AM	#2
Jimsi777 Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 75	I saw a few on Ebay last week,2 Kiron 70-210 and one went for mid 30's and another went for $50-$60, not quite sure...I assume like any lens you consider both optics, coatings and seals to stop dust from getting inside and other things. PF is a big problem with zoom lenses as are vig..etc distortion. I am new to DLR and love the fact that we can exchange lenses, I ordered a cheapo JC Penney for $7.50 for the heck of it, $15.35 shipped 80-200mm...hope all works out for you...

06-29-2010, 11:34 PM	#4
kiron Kid Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Portland, OR Photos: Gallery Posts: 42	It's a pretty good lens. However, the Kiron 70-210 f/4 with zoom-lock, is even better. And the Kiron 70-150 is superb and much smaller and more compact. Kiron Kid

06-30-2010, 05:50 AM	#5
Nowhere Matt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Nowhere Land Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,362	Originally posted by Darius4522 Anyone have any experience with this lens? I had a rush of blood to the head and got it on eBay for $50 (it has yet to arrive). Have no idea if it's good or bad...but felt like buying it.... I know it's built loike a tank. The Kiron 105mm is apparently outstanding......and there appear to be two Kiron 70-210 - the f4 and the f4.5 - and I have the latter (when the postie delivers it). (I also feel an idiot, because 2 weeks ago I purchased (wait for it) an SMC Pentax 70-210 F4 lens grins. So now I have two 70-210's!) Then sir, I am the King of Idiots. As I currently have four lenses to cover the 70-210 range (including Pentax's A 70-210 - raises and lowers eyebrows rapidly) and another three that cover the 50ish - 200 range. But I hope to dwindle these down to probably three. Or maybe four. Six max. I have the Kiron 30-80. I think it is very heavy for it's size, very good image quality. You should check the forum's lens database and add your remarks about this 70-210.

06-30-2010, 08:21 AM	#6
kiron Kid Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Portland, OR Photos: Gallery Posts: 42	Originally posted by Nowhere Matt Then sir, I am the King of Idiots. As I currently have four lenses to cover the 70-210 range (including Pentax's A 70-210 - raises and lowers eyebrows rapidly) and another three that cover the 50ish - 200 range. But I hope to dwindle these down to probably three. Or maybe four. Six max. I have the Kiron 30-80. I think it is very heavy for it's size, very good image quality. You should check the forum's lens database and add your remarks about this 70-210. No, you are not an idiot. As for the 70-210 range, I prefer the second and third editions of the Vivitar Series 1 line. Very good lenses. Left to right: Vivitar Series 1 (Kiron model), f/3.5 Vivitar Series 1 (Tokina model), f/3.5 Vivitar Series 1 (Komine model), f/2.8-4 Kiron 70-210. f/4 with Zoom-lock Regarding Viv S-1 glass. There are numerous (8) Series 1, 70-210 lenses. However, for the sake of discussion, we will deal with the first three. The following editions are nothing to seriously consider, so we will concentrate on the first three editions, which are the good one's. The 4th & 5th editions are also 2.8-4 variable aperture model's, but lacking in construction quality (Cosina built). Due to the fact that the third one is a variable aperture lens, (2.8-4) it will be somewhat sharper than a fixed aperture lenses. It is much easier to design and build a quality variable aperture lens. The first edition was designed by Vivitar (Ellis Betensky of NASA Optics fame), had a hand in it, and it was built by Kiron. (67mm filter) It is a professional caliber lens, with a 1:2 macro feature built into it. It was the first zoom, designed with the aid of computers, that truly rivaled the OEM lenses of the time. That was in "76." The second edition (my personal favorite) was built by Tokina, per, Vivitars specs. It too, is a fixed 3.5 aperture, but smaller, lighter and sharper. (62mm filter size). I really like it because of the fixed 3.5 aperture which is nice for focusing in dim light and long range flash work. However, not a true macro, 1:4 life size. The third edition was made by Komine, and like the first two, is very well built. It is a 2.8-4 variable aperture lens, and the sharpest of the bunch. It has 1:2.5 life size macro from 100-210mm's, with a working distance of about two feet. Which can be quite useful. Can you see a discernible difference in slides taken with either one of them? No! Don't get caught up in bench tests. Any of the first three editions will give you professional-publishable images. I really like this lens, and over time, has become my favorite of the line. Personally, I recommend the second or third edition of the line. I have and use all three of the first editions, and can highly recommend any one of them. Superb optics and construction. Also, the Kiron 70-210 f/4, is a splendid performer. QLP (Kiron Kid & MrVivSeries1)

07-08-2010, 10:12 PM	#7
Glacian22 Inactive Account Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 3	Originally posted by kiron Kid Regarding Viv S-1 glass. There are numerous (8) Series 1, 70-210 lenses. However, for the sake of discussion, we will deal with the first three. So how does one identify which version of the Viv S-1 you're looking at? Taking a glance at ebay, there are a ton of them, and it's hard to tell which is which. Thanks! Last edited by Glacian22; 07-09-2010 at 02:53 PM.

07-08-2010, 10:22 PM	#8
kiron Kid Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Portland, OR Photos: Gallery Posts: 42	Originally posted by Glacian22 So how does one identify which version of the Viv S-1 your looking at? Taking a glance at ebay, there are a ton of them, and it's hard to tell which is which. Thanks! In the attached picture, the three lenses on the left are the Vivitar Series 1 versions. # 1, 2 & 3 in the order of the picture. You can use the serial numbers to identify them. The first edition made by Kiron (Kino Precision Industries) starts with the two numbers 22. The second edition (made by Tokina) starts with the numbers 37. And the third edition (Komine made) start with the numbers 28. You'll want to avoid the following Cosina made models, which start with the number 0 or 9. If you find one on E-bay that you're not sur eof, E-mail me directly and I'll give you the scoop on it. Kiron Kid