Pentax 200 f4 & Vivitar 200 3.5 Comparison

Nesster · 03-01-2009, 02:48 PM

I haven't formed an opinion - (I have two versions of the Vivitar though only one mounts on a pentax) - except for this:

Man, do they clean up good closed down a bit, to where they'd be used in real life.

hinman · 03-01-2009, 03:31 PM

The Vivitar 200mm f/3.5 from Komine is definitely not as good looking as the Pentax 200mm f/4.0 (my subjective opinion, of course). But is is a bit heavier though I recall it being light enough to be hand-holdable in shooting humming bird. The handling of the lens is quite good and I don't recall stiff focusing ring. My copy is quite excellent in both cosmetics and conditions.

Here are my product shots:

A good combo with Pentax magical AF-1.7x TC

IS050 · 03-01-2009, 03:35 PM

I got my Vivitar 200/3.5 yesterday, the weather here is not too good like Steve said, took a couple quick shots of birdy's. I might have little trouble of hand held this in compared to the M200. Otherwise I am happy with it.

Both shot wide open @ f3.5, one with center corp.

Dave

IS050 · 03-01-2009, 03:52 PM

Here's my comparison.

David

stevebrot · 03-01-2009, 03:55 PM

Originally posted by hinman

The Vivitar 200mm f/3.5 from Komine is definitely not as good looking as the Pentax 200mm f/4.0 (my subject opinion opinion, of course)...

I like the look of both lenses. Your Viv is somewhat different than mine in that mine has the ribbed metal focus ring. I really like that look. It reminds me of the current model Zeiss lenses.

Originally posted by hinman

...But is is a bit heavier though I recall it being light enough to be hand-holdable in shooting humming bird. The handling of the lens is quite good and I don't recall stiff focusing ring. My copy is quite excellent in both cosmetics and conditions.

The focus ring stiffness might be related to the generation of the lens body as well as age. Mine is about 4 years older than yours and has a somewhat different barrel design.

The rain has stopped so I am going to see if I can get some comparison shots with both lenses before the clouds close in again!

Steve

Jewelltrail · 03-01-2009, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Request: Can OP confirm which lens is the odd number? I personally don't enjoy guessing game

Hin

Sure Hin--sorry, wasn't trying to annoy you--

In the first post of pics, the Vivitar is always posted first, immediately following the declared aperture, followed by its left edge crop. I just hate leading other people with my conclusions. I like them to reach their own conclusions, without outside influence. I think this is a result of spending a lot of time in higher education--

In the second series of postings (the center crops) the first pic is the Viv and the second is the Pentax. The 3rd pic is the Viv & the 4th is the Pentax--and so on for the rest of the center crops.

In short, the Vivitar image is always first. Another way, among the center crop images, all file names start with a a number from 1 to 8--all the odds are the Vivitar--all the evens are the Pentax. Among the first series of images, for each aperture, the lower file name is the Vivitar.

Hope this settles it!

stevebrot · 03-01-2009, 05:11 PM

Ok...I was able to get off a few comparisons on tripod before the rain set in again. The results (all center 100% crops) are below:

It could be argued that I should have done the first test at f/4 for both lenses. Maybe another time (it is raining again). In any case, I was somewhat surprised to see the purplish bloom either side of the lamppost for the Vivitar. Even more surprising was the apparent difference in magnification in the first image. The Pentax apparently has a somewhat shorter focal length than the Vivitar.

I will leave it up to the viewer to judge the results. All I can say is that the first test image is somewhat at odds with my initial hand-held shots from earlier in the day.

Steve

Last edited by stevebrot; 03-01-2009 at 05:24 PM.

stevebrot · 03-01-2009, 05:29 PM

Originally posted by IS050

Here's my comparison.

David

Good one...I was going to do the same joke! I must say, however that the Pentax appears to be significantly softer than the Vivitar...

Steve

IS050 · 03-01-2009, 05:49 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Ok...I was able to get off a few comparisons on tripod before the rain set in again. The results (all center 100% crops) are below:

Steve

It seems the M200 on the lamppost sign and flower in the background is little more sharper & the text is black instead of blue, maybe it is just my monitor..

David

Jewelltrail · 03-01-2009, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Stevebrot: The Pentax apparently has a somewhat shorter focal length than the Vivitar.

Yes, my findings precisely. I did not want to get into it here, but I actually had to move the Pentax a little closer to get comparable images. I thought this was strange.

mycarsoots · 03-01-2009, 06:00 PM

Shameless plug....I have a Vivitar 200mm f3.5 Komine in K-mount in the marketplace right now.

Jewelltrail · 03-01-2009, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Stevebrot: It could be argued that I should have done the first test at f/4 for both lenses

.

I did my indoor test with both lenses @ f4--my conclusion was they are a toss-up at this aperture. With the Vivitar wide open, based on some hand-held shots I did, I would expect your results.

stevebrot · 03-01-2009, 06:06 PM

Originally posted by IS050

It seems the M200 on the lamppost sign and flower in the background is little more sharper & the text is black instead of blue, maybe it is just my monitor..

David

The actual lettering color on the sign is a dark blue. The plants in the background are a significant distance behind the sign (about 40-50 feet) and are relatively sharp considering that focus was on the sign. The Viv does look fuzzy by comparison, although the actual resolution (see letters on the sign) is pretty close to the M200. As I said in my note, the image is somewhat at odds with the shots I took earlier in the day. In those pictures the results were somewhat reversed though the subject was something of lower contrast.

Steve

Jewelltrail · 03-01-2009, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Just1moredave: I think I got mixed up on which lens was which. I assumed you had identified them in your first posts.

Yes, I can see how anyone would be unsure of what pics were what. I purposefully set this up that way. I was initially surprised when you quickly reported the Pentax was better because I did not know how you knew which was which.

stevebrot · 03-01-2009, 06:07 PM

Originally posted by mycarsoots

Shameless plug....I have a Vivitar 200mm f3.5 Komine in K-mount in the marketplace right now.

Hope this thread helps your sales effort!

Steve

03-01-2009, 03:31 PM	#17
hinman Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Fremont, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,473	The Vivitar 200mm f/3.5 from Komine is definitely not as good looking as the Pentax 200mm f/4.0 (my subjective opinion, of course). But is is a bit heavier though I recall it being light enough to be hand-holdable in shooting humming bird. The handling of the lens is quite good and I don't recall stiff focusing ring. My copy is quite excellent in both cosmetics and conditions. Here are my product shots: A good combo with Pentax magical AF-1.7x TC Last edited by hinman; 03-01-2009 at 04:14 PM.

03-01-2009, 03:55 PM	#20
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by hinman The Vivitar 200mm f/3.5 from Komine is definitely not as good looking as the Pentax 200mm f/4.0 (my subject opinion opinion, of course)... I like the look of both lenses. Your Viv is somewhat different than mine in that mine has the ribbed metal focus ring. I really like that look. It reminds me of the current model Zeiss lenses. Originally posted by hinman ...But is is a bit heavier though I recall it being light enough to be hand-holdable in shooting humming bird. The handling of the lens is quite good and I don't recall stiff focusing ring. My copy is quite excellent in both cosmetics and conditions. The focus ring stiffness might be related to the generation of the lens body as well as age. Mine is about 4 years older than yours and has a somewhat different barrel design. The rain has stopped so I am going to see if I can get some comparison shots with both lenses before the clouds close in again! Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 03-01-2009 at 04:09 PM.

03-01-2009, 05:11 PM	#22
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	A few more comparison images Ok...I was able to get off a few comparisons on tripod before the rain set in again. The results (all center 100% crops) are below: It could be argued that I should have done the first test at f/4 for both lenses. Maybe another time (it is raining again). In any case, I was somewhat surprised to see the purplish bloom either side of the lamppost for the Vivitar. Even more surprising was the apparent difference in magnification in the first image. The Pentax apparently has a somewhat shorter focal length than the Vivitar. I will leave it up to the viewer to judge the results. All I can say is that the first test image is somewhat at odds with my initial hand-held shots from earlier in the day. Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 03-01-2009 at 05:24 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Superzoom comparison? Tamron 28-200 vs Pentax 18-250 vs Sigma 28-300 etc	JayR	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	12	03-10-2010 12:40 PM
Unscientific (but representative!) comparison of 50-200 & 70-300	Marc Sabatella	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	14	04-23-2009 12:49 PM
For Sale - Sold: M42 lenses (Takumar 200 3.5, Pentacon/Zeiss 135 2.8 and Vivitar 200 3.5)	Skorzen	Sold Items	1	06-10-2008 03:23 PM
Comparison of Pentax DA* 200/2.8 and A 200/4	blende8	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	5	02-25-2008 06:17 AM

03-01-2009, 02:48 PM	#16
Nesster Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 13,072	I haven't formed an opinion - (I have two versions of the Vivitar though only one mounts on a pentax) - except for this: Man, do they clean up good closed down a bit, to where they'd be used in real life.

03-01-2009, 03:35 PM	#18
IS050 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Stumptown Photos: Gallery Posts: 434	I got my Vivitar 200/3.5 yesterday, the weather here is not too good like Steve said, took a couple quick shots of birdy's. I might have little trouble of hand held this in compared to the M200. Otherwise I am happy with it. Both shot wide open @ f3.5, one with center corp. Dave

03-01-2009, 03:52 PM	#19
IS050 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Stumptown Photos: Gallery Posts: 434	Here's my comparison. David

03-01-2009, 04:55 PM	#21
Jewelltrail Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 4,180 Original Poster	Quote: Request: Can OP confirm which lens is the odd number? I personally don't enjoy guessing game Hin Sure Hin--sorry, wasn't trying to annoy you-- In the first post of pics, the Vivitar is always posted first, immediately following the declared aperture, followed by its left edge crop. I just hate leading other people with my conclusions. I like them to reach their own conclusions, without outside influence. I think this is a result of spending a lot of time in higher education-- In the second series of postings (the center crops) the first pic is the Viv and the second is the Pentax. The 3rd pic is the Viv & the 4th is the Pentax--and so on for the rest of the center crops. In short, the Vivitar image is always first. Another way, among the center crop images, all file names start with a a number from 1 to 8--all the odds are the Vivitar--all the evens are the Pentax. Among the first series of images, for each aperture, the lower file name is the Vivitar. Hope this settles it!

03-01-2009, 05:29 PM	#23
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by IS050 Here's my comparison. David Good one...I was going to do the same joke! I must say, however that the Pentax appears to be significantly softer than the Vivitar... Steve

03-01-2009, 05:49 PM	#24
IS050 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Stumptown Photos: Gallery Posts: 434	Originally posted by stevebrot Ok...I was able to get off a few comparisons on tripod before the rain set in again. The results (all center 100% crops) are below: Steve It seems the M200 on the lamppost sign and flower in the background is little more sharper & the text is black instead of blue, maybe it is just my monitor.. David

03-01-2009, 05:57 PM	#25
Jewelltrail Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 4,180 Original Poster	Quote: Stevebrot: The Pentax apparently has a somewhat shorter focal length than the Vivitar. Yes, my findings precisely. I did not want to get into it here, but I actually had to move the Pentax a little closer to get comparable images. I thought this was strange.

03-01-2009, 06:00 PM	#26
mycarsoots Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 100	Shameless plug....I have a Vivitar 200mm f3.5 Komine in K-mount in the marketplace right now.

03-01-2009, 06:04 PM	#27
Jewelltrail Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 4,180 Original Poster	Quote: Stevebrot: It could be argued that I should have done the first test at f/4 for both lenses . I did my indoor test with both lenses @ f4--my conclusion was they are a toss-up at this aperture. With the Vivitar wide open, based on some hand-held shots I did, I would expect your results.

03-01-2009, 06:06 PM	#28
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by IS050 It seems the M200 on the lamppost sign and flower in the background is little more sharper & the text is black instead of blue, maybe it is just my monitor.. David The actual lettering color on the sign is a dark blue. The plants in the background are a significant distance behind the sign (about 40-50 feet) and are relatively sharp considering that focus was on the sign. The Viv does look fuzzy by comparison, although the actual resolution (see letters on the sign) is pretty close to the M200. As I said in my note, the image is somewhat at odds with the shots I took earlier in the day. In those pictures the results were somewhat reversed though the subject was something of lower contrast. Steve

03-01-2009, 06:07 PM	#29
Jewelltrail Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 4,180 Original Poster	Quote: Just1moredave: I think I got mixed up on which lens was which. I assumed you had identified them in your first posts. Yes, I can see how anyone would be unsure of what pics were what. I purposefully set this up that way. I was initially surprised when you quickly reported the Pentax was better because I did not know how you knew which was which.

03-01-2009, 06:07 PM	#30
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by mycarsoots Shameless plug....I have a Vivitar 200mm f3.5 Komine in K-mount in the marketplace right now. Hope this thread helps your sales effort! Steve