Vivitar 28mm As FA31mm Replacement?

gybp · 12-31-2009, 05:05 PM

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i have a 50mm 1.7, 18-55 kit lens, 70-210mm 3.5, just bought the 28mm 2.8 and i see no use for it... what am i missing?

wasser · 12-31-2009, 11:03 PM

Originally posted by gybp

i have a 50mm 1.7, 18-55 kit lens, 70-210mm 3.5, just bought the 28mm 2.8 and i see no use for it... what am i missing?

Which 28mm f2.8 do you have?

Look through this link to find yours: Photografica

What exactly don't you like about your lens?

ovim · 01-01-2010, 01:27 AM

Originally posted by wallyb

Then you won't mind it being said that that's not cheap, that's a wholly average price for a 28/2.8 K.

Over here in Europe lens' prices seem to be a bit higher. And the 28mm Vivitar Close Focus versions are popular mainly because of this forum/thread. I while back I sold one just like it for 50€ and that was considered a fair price.

Pentaxor · 01-01-2010, 01:41 AM

Originally posted by gybp

i have a 50mm 1.7, 18-55 kit lens, 70-210mm 3.5, just bought the 28mm 2.8 and i see no use for it... what am i missing?

what I could say is that it is definitely better than your kit lens and has a very workable focal length for general purpose lens where you need a normal wide FOV for standard portraiture on an APS-C dslr.

**rparmar** · 01-01-2010, 06:23 PM

Originally posted by gybp

i have a 50mm 1.7, 18-55 kit lens, 70-210mm 3.5, just bought the 28mm 2.8 and i see no use for it... what am i missing?

28mm just feels right to me. It's perfect for street shooting. Having a prime in place of a zoom at that focal length makes shooting from the hip possible. Also a faster lens is always a good thing.

Just a few things to think about.

voris · 01-03-2010, 03:10 AM

Hello, is there any difference between M01 and M02 variant of Vivitar 28/2.8 in terms of IQ?

MattGunn · 01-03-2010, 06:20 AM

Who made the vaious vivitar 28mm lenses?
I ask as I brought a Kiron 28mm f/2.8 a couple of days ago (It hasn't arrived yet though) and I can't find any information about it. I know that Kiron made some of the Vivitar branded lenses and wondered if this may be one of them.

jeffrey r · 01-03-2010, 06:22 AM

Originally posted by MattGunn

Who made the vaious vivitar 28mm lenses?
I ask as I brought a Kiron 28mm f/2.8 a couple of days ago (It hasn't arrived yet though) and I can't find any information about it. I know that Kiron made some of the Vivitar branded lenses and wondered if this may be one of them.

See:

Photografica

BobD2 · 01-03-2010, 12:04 PM

I think I have another variation that has not been mentioned and is not on the Photografica page. While I'm thinking it's not humanly possible to read through all the posts on this topic, I did page through searching for all references to "RL Edition". The one that made the list isn't the same as mine. I have KA mount 28 that reads as follows:

Vivitar / RL EDITION (blue lettering) / 28MM 1:2.8 / MC / WIDE ANGLE / Ø49MM

The serial number is on the aperture ring opposite the aperture numbers and reads:

PK-A/R-PK97011618

According to the Cameraquest serial number page, I guess it was made by Cosina? Technically, the S/N starts with PK, but the first number is a 9.

Any thoughts? I'll be happy to post a photo of the lens if anyone is interested. Anyone else encounter this variety?

BobD2 · 01-03-2010, 01:23 PM

Here are some photos of my 28mm Vivitar lens:

wasser · 01-15-2010, 10:19 AM

Vivitar 28mm Fast f2.0 Lens for Pentax K K1000, ME, MX - eBay (item 380197426620 end time Feb-13-10 08:36:19 PST)

Really seems the price has risen quickly on these. I'm curious to see if he'll actually get a taker for $200.

JohnBee · 01-15-2010, 12:19 PM

Originally posted by wasser

Vivitar 28mm Fast f2.0 Lens for Pentax K K1000, ME, MX - eBay (item 380197426620 end time Feb-13-10 08:36:19 PST)

Really seems the price has risen quickly on these. I'm curious to see if he'll actually get a taker for $200.

Isn't that one actually inferior(sharpness and bokeh wise) to the 2.8 CF version?
Either way, I'd never pay 200USD for a 28mm lens unless I was collecting or something of the likes. The focal just doesn't seem to be that impressive imo.

**rparmar** · 01-15-2010, 03:56 PM

It is always interesting to see what the market will bear. My personal take is that it would have to have the "A" setting or be one of the close focus models to be worth that much.

But still, when compared to other options, and in light of the retail lens price increases we have seen lately, $200 for one of the better variants is not out of line. I personally would pay that amount... if I didn't already own too many of them! Maybe that's because I find the 28mm focal length to be just right, a "true normal" on APS-C and a nice wide (but not exaggerated) on film.

Though I have the DA12-14 in my rucksack, I prefer to take a 28mm prime in my pocket when I am traveling lighter. It's the same appeal that the DA15 has for people who already own a zoom that covers that range. (See J's recent thread.)

My usual prime trio is 28 / 43 / 77, but if the DA15 was $200 I'd add it to the list as well.

JohnBee · 01-15-2010, 04:45 PM

Originally posted by rparmar

My usual prime trio is 28 / 43 / 77, but if the DA15 was $200 I'd add it to the list as well.

How very interesting.

I too run with a very similar setup, though, It's more along the lines of an M28/3.5, M50/1.7 and J-9/85 or *85.
And though I've gathered quite the collection of 28's, I found that I rarely use 28mm in the field as they seem better suited for landscape photography. But my Tamron true wide angle zoom does such a good job of that, that the film mount 28's just fall out of favor. Otherwise... the 50/1.7 seems to be my most reached for prime in the kit it seems.

I also think you hit the nail right on the head with the crop sensor factor and perhaps that's the reason why 28mm's aren't the hot item they could be if they lived-up to there true nature(so to speak).

**rparmar** · 01-18-2010, 02:26 PM

Originally posted by BobD2

I think I have another variation that has not been mentioned and is not on the Photografica page. While I'm thinking it's not humanly possible to read through all the posts on this topic, I did page through searching for all references to "RL Edition". The one that made the list isn't the same as mine. I have KA mount 28 that reads as follows:

Vivitar / RL EDITION (blue lettering) / 28MM 1:2.8 / MC / WIDE ANGLE / Ø49MM

That has now been designated the A24. Together with a new one I found, the M15.

Updated Vivitar Bestiary.

01-03-2010, 01:23 PM	#370
BobD2 Junior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Maine Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 32	Here are some photos of my 28mm Vivitar lens: Attached Images

01-15-2010, 04:45 PM	#374
JohnBee Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Newrfoundland Photos: Albums Posts: 4,667	Originally posted by rparmar My usual prime trio is 28 / 43 / 77, but if the DA15 was $200 I'd add it to the list as well. How very interesting. I too run with a very similar setup, though, It's more along the lines of an M28/3.5, M50/1.7 and J-9/85 or 85. And though I've gathered quite the collection of 28's, I found that I rarely use 28mm in the field as they seem better suited for landscape photography. But my Tamron true wide angle zoom does such a good job of that, that the film mount 28's just fall out of favor. Otherwise... the 50/1.7 seems to be my most reached for prime in the kit it seems. I also think you hit the nail right on the head with the crop sensor factor and perhaps that's the reason why 28mm's aren't the hot item they could be if they lived-up to there true nature(so to speak). Last edited by JohnBee; 01-16-2010 at 12:42 AM.*

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12-31-2009, 05:05 PM	#361
gybp Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 165	Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. i have a 50mm 1.7, 18-55 kit lens, 70-210mm 3.5, just bought the 28mm 2.8 and i see no use for it... what am i missing?

12-31-2009, 11:03 PM	#362
wasser Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: northern ca Photos: Gallery Posts: 427	Originally posted by gybp i have a 50mm 1.7, 18-55 kit lens, 70-210mm 3.5, just bought the 28mm 2.8 and i see no use for it... what am i missing? Which 28mm f2.8 do you have? Look through this link to find yours: Photografica What exactly don't you like about your lens?

01-01-2010, 01:27 AM	#363
ovim Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Tre, Finland Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,229	Originally posted by wallyb Then you won't mind it being said that that's not cheap, that's a wholly average price for a 28/2.8 K. Over here in Europe lens' prices seem to be a bit higher. And the 28mm Vivitar Close Focus versions are popular mainly because of this forum/thread. I while back I sold one just like it for 50€ and that was considered a fair price.

01-01-2010, 01:41 AM	#364
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	Originally posted by gybp i have a 50mm 1.7, 18-55 kit lens, 70-210mm 3.5, just bought the 28mm 2.8 and i see no use for it... what am i missing? what I could say is that it is definitely better than your kit lens and has a very workable focal length for general purpose lens where you need a normal wide FOV for standard portraiture on an APS-C dslr.

01-01-2010, 06:23 PM	#365
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,819 Original Poster	Originally posted by gybp i have a 50mm 1.7, 18-55 kit lens, 70-210mm 3.5, just bought the 28mm 2.8 and i see no use for it... what am i missing? 28mm just feels right to me. It's perfect for street shooting. Having a prime in place of a zoom at that focal length makes shooting from the hip possible. Also a faster lens is always a good thing. Just a few things to think about.

01-03-2010, 03:10 AM	#366
voris New Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 1	Hello, is there any difference between M01 and M02 variant of Vivitar 28/2.8 in terms of IQ?

01-03-2010, 06:20 AM	#367
MattGunn Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Wales Photos: Gallery Posts: 347	Who made the vaious vivitar 28mm lenses? I ask as I brought a Kiron 28mm f/2.8 a couple of days ago (It hasn't arrived yet though) and I can't find any information about it. I know that Kiron made some of the Vivitar branded lenses and wondered if this may be one of them.

01-03-2010, 06:22 AM	#368
jeffrey r Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: New Jersey, USA Posts: 337	Originally posted by MattGunn Who made the vaious vivitar 28mm lenses? I ask as I brought a Kiron 28mm f/2.8 a couple of days ago (It hasn't arrived yet though) and I can't find any information about it. I know that Kiron made some of the Vivitar branded lenses and wondered if this may be one of them. See: Photografica

01-03-2010, 12:04 PM	#369
BobD2 Junior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Maine Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 32	I think I have another variation that has not been mentioned and is not on the Photografica page. While I'm thinking it's not humanly possible to read through all the posts on this topic, I did page through searching for all references to "RL Edition". The one that made the list isn't the same as mine. I have KA mount 28 that reads as follows: Vivitar / RL EDITION (blue lettering) / 28MM 1:2.8 / MC / WIDE ANGLE / Ø49MM The serial number is on the aperture ring opposite the aperture numbers and reads: PK-A/R-PK97011618 According to the Cameraquest serial number page, I guess it was made by Cosina? Technically, the S/N starts with PK, but the first number is a 9. Any thoughts? I'll be happy to post a photo of the lens if anyone is interested. Anyone else encounter this variety?

01-15-2010, 10:19 AM	#371
wasser Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: northern ca Photos: Gallery Posts: 427	Vivitar 28mm Fast f2.0 Lens for Pentax K K1000, ME, MX - eBay (item 380197426620 end time Feb-13-10 08:36:19 PST) Really seems the price has risen quickly on these. I'm curious to see if he'll actually get a taker for $200.

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01-15-2010, 12:19 PM	#372
JohnBee Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Newrfoundland Photos: Albums Posts: 4,667	Originally posted by wasser Vivitar 28mm Fast f2.0 Lens for Pentax K K1000, ME, MX - eBay (item 380197426620 end time Feb-13-10 08:36:19 PST) Really seems the price has risen quickly on these. I'm curious to see if he'll actually get a taker for $200. Isn't that one actually inferior(sharpness and bokeh wise) to the 2.8 CF version? Either way, I'd never pay 200USD for a 28mm lens unless I was collecting or something of the likes. The focal just doesn't seem to be that impressive imo.

01-15-2010, 03:56 PM	#373
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,819 Original Poster	It is always interesting to see what the market will bear. My personal take is that it would have to have the "A" setting or be one of the close focus models to be worth that much. But still, when compared to other options, and in light of the retail lens price increases we have seen lately, $200 for one of the better variants is not out of line. I personally would pay that amount... if I didn't already own too many of them! Maybe that's because I find the 28mm focal length to be just right, a "true normal" on APS-C and a nice wide (but not exaggerated) on film. Though I have the DA12-14 in my rucksack, I prefer to take a 28mm prime in my pocket when I am traveling lighter. It's the same appeal that the DA15 has for people who already own a zoom that covers that range. (See J's recent thread.) My usual prime trio is 28 / 43 / 77, but if the DA15 was $200 I'd add it to the list as well.

01-18-2010, 02:26 PM	#375
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,819 Original Poster	Originally posted by BobD2 I think I have another variation that has not been mentioned and is not on the Photografica page. While I'm thinking it's not humanly possible to read through all the posts on this topic, I did page through searching for all references to "RL Edition". The one that made the list isn't the same as mine. I have KA mount 28 that reads as follows: Vivitar / RL EDITION (blue lettering) / 28MM 1:2.8 / MC / WIDE ANGLE / Ø49MM That has now been designated the A24. Together with a new one I found, the M15. Updated Vivitar Bestiary.