comparable lenses to the Vivitar series 1 komins 70-210

MikeD · 09-02-2012, 08:12 PM

how does the vivitar series 1 70-210 komine compare to the tamrom sp 70-200 2.8 or comparable sigma 70-200 2.8 I know the Vivitar doesn't have auto focus- I am interested in IQ, sharpness, color, bokeh.

elliott · 09-02-2012, 08:23 PM

The Vivitar isn't constant aperture, so it is only f4 at the long end. It is also known to have some pretty strong color fringing on digital due to the coatings, which wasn't a problem on film. The Tamron and Sigma have better coatings to prevent this fringing. You're comparing brand new $700+ lenses to a 30 year old lens that sells for a little over $100, you aren't paying $600 just to get auto focus. The Vivitar was an awesome zoom in the days when telephoto zooms weren't very good, but I wouldn't expect it to compare well to a modern high end zoom, it sure beats the cheap ones though.

I love my Vivitar, it is very sharp, it has 1:2.5 macro capabilities and it cost me virtually nothing.

The Sigma and Tamron are most certainly better, but if they are $600 better is up to you.

reivax · 09-02-2012, 09:29 PM

I have a Vivitar Series 1 70-210 and a Tamron 70-200. I use the Tamron more because it has auto focus and works in Av mode. The Vivitar is more of my "fun" lens. When I know I'm going to have time, I reach for that lens. The sharpness on it is incredible. The bokeh and colors are also pretty amazing. Both are great lenses. If I could only own one, I'd rather own the Tamron or Sigma. It really depends on how you want to shoot.

I have no regrets owning both.

09-02-2012, 08:12 PM	#1
MikeD Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: traverse city MI Posts: 346	comparable lenses to the Vivitar series 1 komins 70-210 how does the vivitar series 1 70-210 komine compare to the tamrom sp 70-200 2.8 or comparable sigma 70-200 2.8 I know the Vivitar doesn't have auto focus- I am interested in IQ, sharpness, color, bokeh.

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09-02-2012, 08:23 PM	#2
elliott Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: North Carolina Photos: Albums Posts: 1,720	The Vivitar isn't constant aperture, so it is only f4 at the long end. It is also known to have some pretty strong color fringing on digital due to the coatings, which wasn't a problem on film. The Tamron and Sigma have better coatings to prevent this fringing. You're comparing brand new $700+ lenses to a 30 year old lens that sells for a little over $100, you aren't paying $600 just to get auto focus. The Vivitar was an awesome zoom in the days when telephoto zooms weren't very good, but I wouldn't expect it to compare well to a modern high end zoom, it sure beats the cheap ones though. I love my Vivitar, it is very sharp, it has 1:2.5 macro capabilities and it cost me virtually nothing. The Sigma and Tamron are most certainly better, but if they are $600 better is up to you.

09-02-2012, 09:29 PM	#3
reivax Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: California Posts: 826	I have a Vivitar Series 1 70-210 and a Tamron 70-200. I use the Tamron more because it has auto focus and works in Av mode. The Vivitar is more of my "fun" lens. When I know I'm going to have time, I reach for that lens. The sharpness on it is incredible. The bokeh and colors are also pretty amazing. Both are great lenses. If I could only own one, I'd rather own the Tamron or Sigma. It really depends on how you want to shoot. I have no regrets owning both.