Latest Review Posted | Kiron 28-105mm F3.2-4.5 Surprisingly sharp for non-pentax lens. Kiron should be very familiar to folks who appreciate the first quality versions of the Vivitar Series 1 lenses. They definitely gave the name brands a run for their money back in the 80's.
I picked up my copy on Ebay with a Pentax ME super. The date on the rest of the gear was 1986, so I assume the lens was purchased new then too. My copy came with original manual and caps. Lens initially had water damage hence the great price. Total diss-assembly of the lens for a thorough cleaning resulted in a long morning and several cups of coffee. The afternoon however was filled with crisp macro shots of anything and everything in my back yard. I probably have some of the crispest/tack sharp images of weathered dog toys you have every seen.
Lens is well made, good feel, quality glass. No plastic in this one. Only cosmetic or materials negative is the marking on the lens are painted on only, as opposed to etched and painted. Will need to take care of it to keep all the zoom information/writing etc on the lens.
Lens markings are right on. When I reassembled I utilized the "infinity" and Focal length markings to align the lens. I expected to have to realign to get the focus correct at infinity and close up. I hate a lens that focuses past infinity. Glad to see that the markings on ~30 year old lens were correct. Twist the lens all the way counter clock wise, it stops turning, and you are at infinity....push or pull, to z... |