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Vivitar / Sunagor Macro Focusing (Kobori) 28-200mm F3.5-5.3 Review RSS Feed

Vivitar / Sunagor Macro Focusing (Kobori) 28-200mm F3.5-5.3

Sharpness 
 8.0
Aberrations 
 7.8
Bokeh 
 7.5
Handling 
 8.8
Value 
 10.0
Reviews Views Date of last review
8 61,901 Sat November 27, 2021
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Recommended By Average Price Average User Rating
100% of reviewers $69.13 8.13
Vivitar / Sunagor Macro Focusing (Kobori) 28-200mm F3.5-5.3

Vivitar / Sunagor Macro Focusing (Kobori) 28-200mm F3.5-5.3
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Vivitar / Sunagor Macro Focusing (Kobori) 28-200mm F3.5-5.3
supersize
Vivitar / Sunagor Macro Focusing (Kobori) 28-200mm F3.5-5.3
supersize
Vivitar / Sunagor Macro Focusing (Kobori) 28-200mm F3.5-5.3

Description:
Kobori made (77xxxx serials) zoom. Note there is also a similar specification 28-210mm f3.5-5.6 made by Cosina (9xxxx serial) and reviewed here in the Cosina section.
This lens often has the ricoh pin (check the mount designation - PKA or PK-A/R, the latter has the pin): this is best removed which is easy to do just undo 4 screws to lift off the mount. This also comes with the large aperture lever guard, which will also need a bit of DIY, because otherwise the lens will not mount on most pentax DSLR's . Undo two small screws to lift it off, then a dremel wheel is good to cut smoothly through the alloy. See pic 3.

One touch zoom: in to 28mm, out to 200mm
Aperture f3.5/5.3 - f22. Variable aperture see page 4 of user manual link below.
Construction: 18 elements in 16 groups
Iris: 6 blades
Focus throw: ~ 30deg rotation
Length ~ 11cm min, 16.7cm max. Diameter 74mm.
filter size 72mm
weight: ~ 650g
Close focus to 1:4
Mount P/K-A

Also sold as a Sunagor Super Maxima.

PDF of original user manual posted here (allphotolenses.com)

NOTE that this lens seems to have problems adapting to mirrorless cameras. There seems to be high sensitivity particularly at 28mm end to the precision of the adapter. Any discrepancy from exact registration distance causes focus range to be lost. Thread here.
Mount Type: Pentax KA
Price History:



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Junior Member

Registered: February, 2009
Location: Ireland
Posts: 31
Review Date: September 18, 2009 Recommended | Price: $30.00 | Rating: 6 

 
Pros: Sharp, good colours, quality build
Cons: Prone to low contrast

I found this lens a pleasure to use, but not a pleasure to view the results of. Many shots were spoiled because of the low contrast this lens exhibits in bright conditions. Even using a decent hood, the front element sucks in stray light and spoils the image. In duller and overcast conditions, the lens is fine, showing its best qualities of sharpness and good colour rendering.
This was the serial number 77 version made for Vivitar by Kobori, which is why it was such a disappointment, as I'd been expecting more.
   
New Member

Registered: November, 2007
Location: New Braunfels, Texas
Posts: 7
Review Date: June 28, 2009 Recommended | Price: $40.00 | Rating: 6 

 
Pros: No information due to it not mounting on my Pentax K100D DSLR
Cons: Same as above.

Just bought this lens off ebay. It arrived clean as advertised however it has the extended aperture lever flange that prevented it from mounting my K100D. I could line up the red dots and fit the lens flush against the body mount but couldn't get it to turn to lock in place. It's PK/A and looks the same as the picture shown above.

It's a Sears Vivitar as stated by the ebay seller. I couldn't find the Sears name on the lens itself when it arrived but it did have stamped on its barrel that it was made in Japan and not Korea. It's a solidly built lens and mostly metal. Just wish I could've tried it out.

I'm only reporting this as a warning to others interested in this lens to be careful and ask for an image of the mount from the seller before purchase if first not provided for. The flange issue will look the same as on this page:

http://www.robertstech.com/flange.htm

I returned it to the seller for a refund.
   
New Member

Registered: June, 2017
Posts: 15
Review Date: August 6, 2021 Recommended | Price: $7.00 | Rating: 7 

 
Pros: Cheap, all in one lens covers 28-200mm
Cons: really only a 28-100mm in terms of image quality
Sharpness: 6    Aberrations: 7    Bokeh: 6    Handling: 8    Value: 10    Camera Used: P30   

The Universal lens for all your needs ???

This is a 28-100mm push-pull zoom design but extended to cover 200mm.

Look at the resolution to see what I mean ---

  • >2500 LW/PH at 28 & 50mm
  • >2000 LW/PH at 100mm
  • >2000 LW/PH only in the centre at 200mm - edges very poor at 1000 or less


Otherwise it has all the features of 1980-1990s zooms:

  1. Barrel distortion at wide, pincushion at tele - but not bad
  2. Heavy with 18 lens elements (near 700g)
  3. best image quality at 1 stop below widest aperture for all positions
If, like me, you get one with a secondhand camera body it is fun to play with....but it rarely goes out for the day with me.

If however you want a "universal lens" then this works only with faster 400asa film, using a burst of fill-in flash for portraits in all but bright light and when you want the output to print to 6x4 or 7x5. The weight and lack of a tripod mount means this is not much use stabilised on anything but a very sturdy tripod or a "bean bag" at slow shutter speeds.

Far better as a "holiday" lens kit is to carry a compact and lightweight 28-80 zoom (so that the strain on your neck means you can have it with you all day) and a 135mm prime in the rucksack - the weight will be similar, but the image quality will jump. Those lenses will balance on a pocket "table top" tripod too - great for the evening and sunset shots - and the self-timer "selfies" (who thinks selfies were invented by the smartphone generation!).

With the cost of film and the presence of a digital camera - I now prefer to carry the "traditional" set of 28, 50 and 135mm prime lenses. Using the pentax or cosina 135mm f3.5 the total weight is the same as these "universal" zooms, & means I can use 100asa film for best colour and quality and the discipline of selecting a lens fits in with the ethos of "slow photography" - while 28-80 type zooms are great for parties when coupled with a large flashgun.

The concept of a "universal lens' is not dead - the new Tamron 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 RXD AF lens is a very differenr product, and cots >£650 GBP; or 100 times what these old lenses cost!
   
Loyal Site Supporter

Registered: May, 2013
Location: North Potomac, MD
Posts: 1,428
Review Date: November 27, 2021 Recommended | Price: $239.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Contrast, overall sharpness, color rendition, build quality, smoothness of operation
Cons: Corner/ edge sharpness

EDIT NOTE: My stated price of $239 could be misleading as this was its price in 1999 when I purchased this lens new. Present-day examples can be had from USD $7 to $60 or so depending on the seller.

*******

I have the Kalimar labeled version of this lens, bought new in spring 1999. I've always been impressed with the image quality and overall ease of handling, despite the weight. It lived on my ME-Super originally then continued to serve on my next new camera purchase which was a K-5. Despite being over 10 years old by then it got the job done until I was able to purchase modern lenses.

I think where this lens shines is in its "macro" (yes, 1:5.5) rendition, especially wide open at closest focus at about 4 1/2 feet, it gives beautiful results. In any case, as long as it's not pointed at a strong light source with resulting flare, it provides sharp contrast-y results throughout its zoom range. There may be slight loss of sharpness at the corners and edges, but that goes away at all ranges by f/8.

In all, this lens is a great value, especially now at basement prices, highly recommended!

Here's a "macro" example (at 200mm), wide open at closest focus on a K-3 II:



and a couple examples mounted on a ME-Super, f/11 or so, on E100VS





Cheers, Allan
   
New Member

Registered: November, 2013
Posts: 14
Review Date: February 15, 2014 Recommended | Price: $45.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: this is a really sharp lens, stopped down for this price very nice results
Cons: some very few CA's on extreme focus
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 8    Bokeh: 9    Handling: 10    Value: 10   

what a sharp universal lens!

Especially 100 to 135 mm are very sharp and can be used for macro shootings with macro rings.

high contrast, very few CA's,nice colors

I've got 3 items of it for different mounts
   
Veteran Member

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

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: August 2, 2011 Recommended | Price: $77.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Good color and contrast. Convenience. Solid build. Not that hard to find
Cons: Sharp, but better to avoid wide open aperture.
Sharpness: 8    Aberrations: 8    Bokeh: 8    Handling: 9    Value: 10   

I bought this lens twice. The first one is intended for profit, an AIs mount that I quickly sold to a Nikonian friend. I did not really expect much from a 'mass production' lenses like this one, but when I tried a couple of shots with it, force mounted to my K20D, I realized that this lens is good. When I bought the Pentax Program Plus body, I purchased this lens again, for the convenience of an all-rounder and the "A" function. While my first copy AIs is a rather beat-up, the second P/KA arrived mint, boxed, complete with foams and documents.

I removed the Ricoh pin, but the extended flange issue prohibits me from mounting this lens to my K20D. I don't shoot film pretty much, so this lens stays boxed for months. Today I decided it's time for this lens to go digital, 10 minutes of hacksaw work is all needed.

I found this lens a splendid all-rounder. Gives pretty colors, good contrast and sharp at the widest aperture. For landscapes, step down if you need the sharpness to really hurt your eyes. I always love one-touch lens, it gives simpler controls so I can focus more to the objects. Nice 1:4 macro at the 200mm, although images could get a bit glowing at the widest aperture, but again this could be a good effect. Bokeh is pleasant, at least for my eyes.

Don't hesitate to get this lens if you are looking for a great all-rounder. It performs much better (in terms of sharpness and colors) than a number of primes I had.

Some shots:





   
Forum Member

Registered: June, 2007
Location: quebec
Posts: 75

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: April 18, 2009 Recommended | Price: $95.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Cover a wide range, very sharp, good colors, low CA low PF.Macro.
Cons: Flare,

This lens is very sharp wide open, end to end corner to corner.
All steel construction, very well made.
Soft and well dampened one touch action.
great DOF at 28mm

As sharp as my prime 28mm f3.5 and my 50mm f1.7 with good colors and contrast.

Prone to flare, hood is a must in sunny day.
When I want to carry only one lens I take this one.
   
Site Supporter

Registered: May, 2015
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 892

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: July 28, 2016 Recommended | Price: $20.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Focal length range, quite sharp.
Cons: Flare, needs modifying for Pentax digital.
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 8    Bokeh: 7    Handling: 8    Value: 10    Camera Used: K-5   

I bought this lens two years ago then found that the shroud near the aperture lever needed modifying before it could be used on digital. Having modified it (at last and removed the Ricoh pin which looked like it would foul the camera) last night I took it out this morning and gave it a go.

Not the sharpest lens I own but the Tamron SP 35-210mm which is the closest zoom I have to this is not much sharper. The Min Focus Distance of about 8 feet is relieved at the 200mm end when it can go into "Macro" and reduces this distance by more than half. 200mm is the only opportunity to reduce this though.
Mine has a slowish zoom creep (which I prefer to having the lens slide quickly between ends), some people don't mind the creep but it's nice when it's as damped as this is.

I have seen VIRTUALLY NO purple fringing with this! If there is any to come it will not be as bad as the Tamron.

I think it is not bad at 28mm, gets better upwards and then is sharp enough to provide decent images at 200mm.

It is a solid metal and glass lens so you know you have to support it.

Does this qualify as a superzoom? It would be nice to compare it to a 18-200 (or 300?)mm.

The downside;
Even with a hood fitted like the one in the description above, you will need to keep the sun behind you. Extragenous light does seem to get into the lens if it is to the side and slightly in front of the camera.

I can recommend this lens, it may not compare with newer (and expensive) digital AF zooms for ease of use, weight (and probably image quality) but if you don't intend to crop much and use the camera's JPEG output you could be pleased with this. My marks are relative to the low cost this lens can be had for.

The images and crops are just some from early this morning when it was not raining to show quality at 200mm end.






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