Vivitar 35/1.4 - Anyone have any experience?

Docrwm · 01-03-2012, 12:36 PM

I just got the B&H Newsletter and it features the Vivitar 35mm f1.4 manual lens at $479. It looks huge compared to other 35mm lenses at 3.27 x 4.33in, 1.64lbs (744g), and it takes a 77mm filter.

I've done a search and can't find any threads about this lens here, does anyone have any experience with it yet?

**boriscleto** · 01-03-2012, 01:44 PM

It's the same as the Samyang/Rokinon/Bower etc.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/134655-samyang...t=samyang+35mm

Overstock.com has the Rokinon about $20 cheaper. Seems a bit pricey for a manual focus lens IMO.

Docrwm · 01-03-2012, 01:49 PM

Thanks. I knew it was made by Samyang but did not search under that name - doh!

eddie1960 · 01-03-2012, 01:55 PM

Originally posted by boriscleto

It's the same as the Samyang/Rokinon/Bower etc.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/134655-samyang...t=samyang+35mm

Overstock.com has the Rokinon about $20 cheaper. Seems a bit pricey for a manual focus lens IMO.

less than half the price of a FA 31 1.8 which is slower but AF

also less than the Sigma 30

Apparently they are quite solidly built, the whole series of fast lenses they have come up with have upped their game. (and no finicky backward engineered AF issues to have people griping about QC)

Docrwm · 01-03-2012, 01:59 PM

Originally posted by eddie1960

less than half the price of a FA 31 1.8 which is slower but AF

also less than the Sigma 30

Apparently they are quite solidly built, the whole series of fast lenses they have come up with have upped their game. (and no finicky backward engineered AF issues to have people griping about QC)

After being reminded that its a Samyang

I went and read the thread and the review that was linked to is excellent, if you haven't already read it

Samyang 35mm f/1.4 (a. k.a. Rokinon, ProOptic or Bower)

jolepp · 01-03-2012, 02:09 PM

The markings look a bit Leicaish (a co-incidence, I'm sure

). I understand the Samyangs are pretty decent, I have been kind-of coveting the 85mm

. This is ridiculously fast for a 35mm actually, hence hefty and relatively dear too (?). These probably have proper focus helicoids too (?).

**boriscleto** · 01-03-2012, 02:55 PM

Originally posted by eddie1960

also less than the Sigma 30

Overstock has the Sigma for $489 as does B&H and J&R.

Docrwm · 01-03-2012, 03:30 PM

Originally posted by boriscleto

Overstock has the Sigma for $489 as does B&H and J&R.

Thanks, I had seen it at B&H. My problem with the Sigma 30 is that there are some rather negative issues reported about it. For example, in Ken Rockwell's review he said that there was a design flaw that causes the manual focus confirmation light not to work properly during manual focus override, that the AF often focused slightly in front of the subject (and with the shallow DoF in a 1.4 lens that can be a serious problem), and that there was an issue with a miscalibrated diaphragm that led to overexposed images.

hoanpham · 01-03-2012, 04:02 PM

Originally posted by Docrwm

Thanks, I had seen it at B&H. My problem with the Sigma 30 is that there are some rather negative issues reported about it. For example, in Ken Rockwell's review he said that there was a design flaw that causes the manual focus confirmation light not to work properly during manual focus override, that the AF often focused slightly in front of the subject (and with the shallow DoF in a 1.4 lens that can be a serious problem), and that there was an issue with a miscalibrated diaphragm that led to overexposed images.

Cant understand the focus indicator issue. Does the body use phase detection or contrast detection? So AF in pentax bodies should not be any problem. Right?
As for the front/back focus, k20 k7 and k5 can fine adjust AF. F1.4 has razor thin DOF, so fine adjust is a must anyway.

As long as the lens does not have focus shift issues, that should be ok to use.

Back to the OP,
That 35/1.4 looks so massive that make me dont want it.
Ok i may need more execises to use this lens...

Docrwm · 01-03-2012, 05:31 PM

Originally posted by hoanpham

Back to the OP, That 35/1.4 looks so massive that make me dont want it.
Ok i may need more execises to use this lens...

It certainly is large. But Samyang has gotten lots of positive reviews for its other two manual offerings and the 85mm is just a bit smaller at 2.8in long and 1.1lbs (510g).

excanonfd · 01-03-2012, 06:10 PM

I was very impressed with Rokinon 85/1.4 that I acquired Rokinon 8/3.5 fisheye and a Samyang 14/2.8 when the opportunity rose last year. I hope to acquire the still unreleased 24/1.4 but I will probably pass on the 35/1.4 simply because I don't shoot much at 35mm focal length. But who knows, if the price is right, anything is possible. These lenses are certainly very large given their focal lengths (14, 24, 35) but they do house some impressive state of the art lens technology inside of them.

Docrwm · 01-03-2012, 07:47 PM

Originally posted by excanonfd

I was very impressed with Rokinon 85/1.4 that I acquired Rokinon 8/3.5 fisheye and a Samyang 14/2.8 when the opportunity rose last year. I hope to acquire the still unreleased 24/1.4 but I will probably pass on the 35/1.4 simply because I don't shoot much at 35mm focal length. But who knows, if the price is right, anything is possible. These lenses are certainly very large given their focal lengths (14, 24, 35) but they do house some impressive state of the art lens technology inside of them.

I have the 35/2.4 and have been happy with it. I just find myself reaching for my 10-24 a LOT which is making me think that a wider prime, particularly a FAST one, would be more useful to me. That makes the 24/1.4 sound even more attractive.

excanonfd · 01-03-2012, 10:08 PM

Originally posted by Docrwm

I have the 35/2.4 and have been happy with it. I just find myself reaching for my 10-24 a LOT which is making me think that a wider prime, particularly a FAST one, would be more useful to me. That makes the 24/1.4 sound even more attractive.

If you are not shooting with your current 35mm lens, getting another won't make you reach for it, I don't think. Even when I shot with Canon FD cameras, I don't recall shooting much in the 35mm end (my basic kit at the time was a 28, 50, 35-105), I was always taking off the zoom and replacing it with the 28, wishing that I had a wider option. Finally tried a 24 and I was hooked, I even like the 24 on APS-C camera. Don't forget, these Samyang lenses are full frame lenses and putting on the 8 and the 14 on my PZ-1, it's pretty spectacular, although the the built-in lens hood on the 8mm intrudes into the frame. I just have to get some film so that I can try these lenses on full frame camera.

darrenleow · 01-03-2012, 10:20 PM

Originally posted by boriscleto

Overstock has the Sigma for $489 as does B&H and J&R.

Don't think Overstock is an authorized Sigma USA dealer so you only get 1 year warranty, and not the 3 year extended warranty from Sigma USA

**Lowell Goudge** · 01-04-2012, 05:39 AM

I have the 3 existing offerings, I.e. 8mm fisheye, 14mm F2.8 and 85mm F1.4 but decided to pass on this one, I already have an M35F2 and SMC Tak 35F2

01-03-2012, 12:36 PM	#1
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Vivitar 35/1.4 - Anyone have any experience? I just got the B&H Newsletter and it features the Vivitar 35mm f1.4 manual lens at $479. It looks huge compared to other 35mm lenses at 3.27 x 4.33in, 1.64lbs (744g), and it takes a 77mm filter. I've done a search and can't find any threads about this lens here, does anyone have any experience with it yet?

01-03-2012, 01:44 PM	#2
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	It's the same as the Samyang/Rokinon/Bower etc. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/134655-samyang...t=samyang+35mm Overstock.com has the Rokinon about $20 cheaper. Seems a bit pricey for a manual focus lens IMO. Last edited by boriscleto; 01-03-2012 at 01:49 PM.

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01-03-2012, 01:49 PM	#3
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285 Original Poster	Thanks. I knew it was made by Samyang but did not search under that name - doh!

01-03-2012, 01:55 PM	#4
eddie1960 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,667	Originally posted by boriscleto It's the same as the Samyang/Rokinon/Bower etc. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/134655-samyang...t=samyang+35mm Overstock.com has the Rokinon about $20 cheaper. Seems a bit pricey for a manual focus lens IMO. less than half the price of a FA 31 1.8 which is slower but AF also less than the Sigma 30 Apparently they are quite solidly built, the whole series of fast lenses they have come up with have upped their game. (and no finicky backward engineered AF issues to have people griping about QC)

01-03-2012, 01:59 PM	#5
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285 Original Poster	Originally posted by eddie1960 less than half the price of a FA 31 1.8 which is slower but AF also less than the Sigma 30 Apparently they are quite solidly built, the whole series of fast lenses they have come up with have upped their game. (and no finicky backward engineered AF issues to have people griping about QC) After being reminded that its a Samyang I went and read the thread and the review that was linked to is excellent, if you haven't already read it Samyang 35mm f/1.4 (a. k.a. Rokinon, ProOptic or Bower)

01-03-2012, 02:09 PM	#6
jolepp Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Finland Photos: Albums Posts: 3,196	The markings look a bit Leicaish (a co-incidence, I'm sure ). I understand the Samyangs are pretty decent, I have been kind-of coveting the 85mm . This is ridiculously fast for a 35mm actually, hence hefty and relatively dear too (?). These probably have proper focus helicoids too (?).

01-03-2012, 02:55 PM	#7
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by eddie1960 also less than the Sigma 30 Overstock has the Sigma for $489 as does B&H and J&R.

01-03-2012, 03:30 PM	#8
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285 Original Poster	Originally posted by boriscleto Overstock has the Sigma for $489 as does B&H and J&R. Thanks, I had seen it at B&H. My problem with the Sigma 30 is that there are some rather negative issues reported about it. For example, in Ken Rockwell's review he said that there was a design flaw that causes the manual focus confirmation light not to work properly during manual focus override, that the AF often focused slightly in front of the subject (and with the shallow DoF in a 1.4 lens that can be a serious problem), and that there was an issue with a miscalibrated diaphragm that led to overexposed images.

01-03-2012, 04:02 PM	#9
hoanpham Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Strand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,366	Originally posted by Docrwm Thanks, I had seen it at B&H. My problem with the Sigma 30 is that there are some rather negative issues reported about it. For example, in Ken Rockwell's review he said that there was a design flaw that causes the manual focus confirmation light not to work properly during manual focus override, that the AF often focused slightly in front of the subject (and with the shallow DoF in a 1.4 lens that can be a serious problem), and that there was an issue with a miscalibrated diaphragm that led to overexposed images. Cant understand the focus indicator issue. Does the body use phase detection or contrast detection? So AF in pentax bodies should not be any problem. Right? As for the front/back focus, k20 k7 and k5 can fine adjust AF. F1.4 has razor thin DOF, so fine adjust is a must anyway. As long as the lens does not have focus shift issues, that should be ok to use. Back to the OP, That 35/1.4 looks so massive that make me dont want it. Ok i may need more execises to use this lens...

01-03-2012, 05:31 PM	#10
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285 Original Poster	Originally posted by hoanpham Back to the OP, That 35/1.4 looks so massive that make me dont want it. Ok i may need more execises to use this lens... It certainly is large. But Samyang has gotten lots of positive reviews for its other two manual offerings and the 85mm is just a bit smaller at 2.8in long and 1.1lbs (510g).

01-03-2012, 06:10 PM	#11
excanonfd Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,421	I was very impressed with Rokinon 85/1.4 that I acquired Rokinon 8/3.5 fisheye and a Samyang 14/2.8 when the opportunity rose last year. I hope to acquire the still unreleased 24/1.4 but I will probably pass on the 35/1.4 simply because I don't shoot much at 35mm focal length. But who knows, if the price is right, anything is possible. These lenses are certainly very large given their focal lengths (14, 24, 35) but they do house some impressive state of the art lens technology inside of them.

01-03-2012, 07:47 PM	#12
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285 Original Poster	Originally posted by excanonfd I was very impressed with Rokinon 85/1.4 that I acquired Rokinon 8/3.5 fisheye and a Samyang 14/2.8 when the opportunity rose last year. I hope to acquire the still unreleased 24/1.4 but I will probably pass on the 35/1.4 simply because I don't shoot much at 35mm focal length. But who knows, if the price is right, anything is possible. These lenses are certainly very large given their focal lengths (14, 24, 35) but they do house some impressive state of the art lens technology inside of them. I have the 35/2.4 and have been happy with it. I just find myself reaching for my 10-24 a LOT which is making me think that a wider prime, particularly a FAST one, would be more useful to me. That makes the 24/1.4 sound even more attractive.

01-03-2012, 10:08 PM	#13
excanonfd Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,421	Originally posted by Docrwm I have the 35/2.4 and have been happy with it. I just find myself reaching for my 10-24 a LOT which is making me think that a wider prime, particularly a FAST one, would be more useful to me. That makes the 24/1.4 sound even more attractive. If you are not shooting with your current 35mm lens, getting another won't make you reach for it, I don't think. Even when I shot with Canon FD cameras, I don't recall shooting much in the 35mm end (my basic kit at the time was a 28, 50, 35-105), I was always taking off the zoom and replacing it with the 28, wishing that I had a wider option. Finally tried a 24 and I was hooked, I even like the 24 on APS-C camera. Don't forget, these Samyang lenses are full frame lenses and putting on the 8 and the 14 on my PZ-1, it's pretty spectacular, although the the built-in lens hood on the 8mm intrudes into the frame. I just have to get some film so that I can try these lenses on full frame camera.

01-03-2012, 10:20 PM	#14
darrenleow Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chicago Photos: Gallery Posts: 541	Originally posted by boriscleto Overstock has the Sigma for $489 as does B&H and J&R. Don't think Overstock is an authorized Sigma USA dealer so you only get 1 year warranty, and not the 3 year extended warranty from Sigma USA

01-04-2012, 05:39 AM	#15
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,891	I have the 3 existing offerings, I.e. 8mm fisheye, 14mm F2.8 and 85mm F1.4 but decided to pass on this one, I already have an M35F2 and SMC Tak 35F2