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Kiron Zoomlock Macro 70-210mm F4 Review RSS Feed

Kiron Zoomlock Macro 70-210mm F4

Sharpness 
 9.3
Aberrations 
 8.8
Bokeh 
 9.0
Handling 
 8.8
Value 
 9.5
Reviews Views Date of last review
4 50,238 Thu May 23, 2013
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Recommended By Average Price Average User Rating
100% of reviewers $46.67 9.25
Kiron Zoomlock Macro 70-210mm F4

Kiron Zoomlock Macro 70-210mm F4
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Kiron Zoomlock Macro 70-210mm F4
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Kiron Zoomlock Macro 70-210mm F4
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Description:
This Kiron zoom appeared when Vivitar moved to Tokina for its version 2 series 1 70-210mm zoom end 1970's. But this deserves "cult classic" cachet, and is a more than worthy alternative to those Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm TP's. The zoomlock is a distinctive feature, a sliding button locks the to/fro motion of the zoom sleeve. Some models also have a focus lock mechanism ( "adjustable focus limiters" ) as well (pics).
Of note is that this is one of the few zoom lenses around, vintage or modern, that doesn't have a rotating front element - good for filter use.
Can be found in M42, PK and PKA mounts, as well as other camera mounts of the era.
Scan of original user manual (pdf) here.

Construction: 13 elements in 9 groups
Filter thread: 62mm
Aperture f4 - f22 with half clicks.
Constant f/4 max aperture.
Iris : 8 blades
Focus: ~ 180 deg rotation
Max close focus: 1:4 Macro at 210mm
CFD: 1.15m/45"
Zoomlock button
62mm front filter
Weight: 830g/29oz.
Bayonet hood.

Magazine articles (cheers Boggy):

Popular Photography 198?

Amateur Photographer 1984
Mount Type: Pentax K
Price History:



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New Member

Registered: January, 2012
Posts: 8

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: March 19, 2012 Recommended | Price: $40.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Very sharp, colour, solid build
Cons: None
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Handling: 10    Value: 10   

A superb lens. Very sharp throughout the entire range with superb colour, which has a certain "pop" to it. Aberrations are well controlled. Bokeh is smooth and creamy.

This lens is my favourite at the moment. Athough is it a heavy lens, it handles beautifully. The focus mechanism has a nice feel and action, making good focus easy.

The Kiron 70 - 210 is a real sleeper and compared very favourably (dare I say as good as) my Series 1 Vivitar. Highly recommended.
   
Veteran Member

Registered: January, 2011
Location: Minahasa, North Celebes (Sulawesi)
Posts: 586

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: August 1, 2011 Recommended | Price: $75.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Interesting color. Fixed aperture. Build to last.
Cons: Only 1:4 macro
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Handling: 9    Value: 9   

Apart from being related to the Vivitar Series I family, I believe this lens should have a different review thread, so there will be more information available on this great lens.

This is my best manual Tele-zoom lens so far. I bought this, also it's 'shorter' brother the 28-85mm f/2.8-3.8, out of curiosity about "The Legendary Kiron" that I just have to see it myself. Indeed, it's all about seeing is believing The build quality is outstanding, this is the first thing that I see. I have a few sturdy Tamron Adaptall zooms, but this one is not to be considered inferior. With 62mm filter thread, this lens is heavier and bulkier (so it should be better build, IMO) than comparable Adaptall zooms. Oh yes, about the legend that say this lens is pretty sharp, it is. Period.

More about 'seeing things', what I found this lens very interesting is because it gives sort of 'different' kind of 'taste to the eye'. I have experienced numbers of lenses, from those of just 'blah', to the ones that performs 'so-so', from lenses that must be assisted in PP, to the ones that really produces vivid colors just by its glass. I don't know about you, but for me this one is different. It creates a particular tone that I never really experience before. I respect SMC's rich and contrasty color tones, but I found this lens offers something else rather just a eye candy. I have trouble describing it, really, I tried to describe as 'deeper' and 'more mature'. Probably you could help me describe:

(non functioning image links removed)

..or, why don't you get yourself a copy to really 'see' what I mean?
   
Site Supporter

Registered: November, 2012
Location: North Wales
Posts: 2,857
Review Date: May 23, 2013 Recommended | Price: $25.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Competitive with eg VS1, colours, better value than VS1 or tamron adaptall 19AH
Cons: q heavy, not so well balanced, some PF
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 8    Bokeh: 9    Handling: 7    Value: 10    Camera Used: Pentax K-r, Lumix G1, K5, K3-ii   

UPDATE 8/17. I did a comparison between the VS1 70-210mm lenses and the tamron adaptall SP 70-210mm lenses and included this lens. Overall I can say the kiron was one of the most consistent performers - best or near best on every test pic. Add in that it can still be acquired for a negligible price and I have upprated to a classic MF maximum.

I have now been able to gain an impression of this lens in comparison with my Tamron 19AH, and the VS1 (komine) I had for a while.

The Vivitar S1 wins on handling, a nicely compact lens. The zoomlock is TBH front heavy, particularly if you have the focus limiter version. The Tamron wins on contrast, particularly wide open vs wide open. Is this lens as sharp as the other two? Not a lot in it IMO, though I can say for me this has consistent performance, better than average wide open (read 8.5/10).

No, where this lens scores for me is colours. if you want some really blue skies, and colours with a bit of pop, between these meritworthy tp's this is the lens. These sample pics offer a bit of an example, the lower pic is taken with actually the tamron adaptall 70-210mm 46A, both on my lumix G1. jpg, lighting/shadows tweaked, crop and resize in faststone.



   
Junior Member

Registered: November, 2009
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 42
Review Date: February 11, 2012 Recommended | Price: None indicated | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: High build and image quality
Cons: None
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Handling: 9    Value: 9   

Another superb Kiron design. Sharp and light. Very well built.
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