| Latest Review Posted | Vivitar (komine) (f3 - early version); 1:1 macro 55mm F2.8
First of all: there are several versions of this lens, under several brand names. I know of the above one with K-mount (the photo is actually my copy), the Panagor 55mm F2.8 K-mount, and the Panagor 55mm F3.0 M42.
This won't be an in depth review of this lens with a scientific set-up, but just some user based thoughts. I only have this lens for one month now, but from the beginning I was astound by the quality it delivers. It's a rather fast 1:1 macro lens, so faster than my S-M-C Macro-Takumar 50mm F4 and my SMC Pentax-A 100mm F/4 macro, and with a larger magnification ratio (1:2 for the other two mentioned lenses). For me, this makes the difference, especially for insect photography! Focussing is so much easier at f/2.8, and the 1:1 magnification makes the photos a lot sharper in the details. Besides, the f/2.8 makes the use of an extension tube possible, whereas it costs too much light at the f/4 lenses.
The pictures taken so far are very sharp, with great natural colours, and I think this lens can meet the standard of the highly appraised Kiron 105 and other legendary lenses. The weight, only 312 grams, makes it easy to handle. In the 1:1 macro position, the barrel extends quite a lot, and focussing distance is about 2" or 5cm from the barrel edge to the subject. This makes the lens a bit hard to use for insect photography, but it's not impossible with some exercise.
I know I overpaid quite a bit for my copy, but I won't sell it for twice as much!
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