| Author: | | New Member Registered: February, 2024 Location: England Posts: 5 | | Review Date: February 5, 2024 | Recommended | Price: $9.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Great build quality and IQ. | | Cons: | Large and probably a bit cumbersome for some | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 9
Value: 10
Camera Used: Pentax K110D
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I got the early separate zoom/focus model two weeks ago for the crazy price of £6.04! It has a bit of fungus but it doesn’t seem to affect IQ. It’s built like a tank and has great optics. Sure, it’s a heavy old beast but I actually find it easier to shoot with hand held than it’s smaller brother the 70-150 which I bought last month. It has a nice centre of gravity on my old K110D. I’m almost exclusively a prime shooter but these zooms are absolutely brilliant for vintage lenses. The close focus feature is fantastic. According to the manual the MFD in close focus is 37.5 cm but I can get get a beautifully sharp image closer than that. Not macro capable but pretty close! Can’t really think of any negatives - save the weight which some might find a bit awkward to handle.
| | | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: August, 2015 Location: Toulon, South of France Posts: 357
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 16, 2021 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Very sharp at f:3.8, fast, accurate focusing, smooth mechanisms, nice bokeh | | Cons: | weight | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 9
Value: 10
Camera Used: K-5
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another underated lens, that could have the Series 1 label, mine is perfect, very smooth handling and awesome sharp open wide at 3.8 from 75 to 205mm !
I'll join photos taken outdoor this week with no filter (62mm) nor hood...
Just a little heavier than the Tokina release (gen.2) of the Series 1 Vivitar 70-210mm
It can even be said as faster because it's opening 3.8 at 205mm vs 4 at 210mm for the series 1
I'll do an infinity focus test at 205mm and some stress tests facing sun...
Even with flash, colors are very accurate.
I noted handling 9 just because of its weight. 
Note : I have the 1st version with single ring and 62mm filters/hoods
 | | | | | New Member Registered: May, 2020 Posts: 1
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: August 18, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $70.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | film like softness wide open, but very beautiful. By f5.6, extremely sharp. | | Cons: | heavy | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 8
Value: 10
Camera Used: Canon AE1 Canon 5D Mark 3
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awesome lens, great performer, accurate colors and overall a very cinematic feel that is different from my modern day digital lenses. Being a Vivitar lens, it genuinely surprised me!
| | | | | New Member Registered: November, 2013 Posts: 14 | | Review Date: December 8, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $60.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | very sharp at f 5,6-8,very nice bokeh, excellent colors, macro shootings possible | | Cons: | some very few CA's in corners wide open, disappearing stopped down | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 9
Value: 10
Camera Used: pentax k-5 k-x k200 k-s1 Fuji x-t100 x-e1
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The newer one ring version is very similar to ZEISS VARIOGON 4/80-200 in optical construction. I've got this second version with only 12/8 elements and macro 1:4, but astonishing good results.
usuable with additional macro extension tube. 
************ MY SPECIAL MACRO TIP ***********
If you'll fit an additional achromatic biconvex element of a binocular 8x30 into your 12 mm marcro tube, the zoom range reduces to approx. 70 - 175 mm. With a further 36 mm ext.tube you'll reach approx 1,5:1 for shooting bees or very small blue butterflies at 175 mm. My macro constellation is the following one:
K-S1 or K-5 + 36 mm tube + 12 mm + Vivitar lens = small CAs totally disappearing and extreme sharpness (+++). Try it !
********************************************************
++ very sharp, stopped down a few.
+/++ sometimes very small CAs in the edges wide open  (visible on really big magnification)
++ very nice color rendition
++ no problems with 1.7x AF tele converter (approx 6.7/135-350)
One of my best tele zoom lenses !
I use it for astro photos, too.
resolution: approx. 75 LP/mm = 150 black and white lines per mm - this is a professional value (tested with FUJI 24 MP sensor)  - tuned for macro as above mentioned nearly 90 LP/mm i.e. 180 lines/mm.
(newer version is still better than TOKINA 3.5/70-210 Serie 1, TAMRON 3.8/80-210 adaptall A 103 and Pentax 4/70-210 MF) - but wide open CA correction of AF SIGMA APO SUPER 70-300 is superb and better bitween 70 and 135 mm (gold ring version)
9.5 points
| | | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: June, 2011 Location: Near Sydney, NSW Posts: 331
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: August 29, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $237.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Fast at 100mm+, SHARP all the way through, brilliant focus action, lighter than some, quality build, simply fun to use | | Cons: | It is metal so it weighs a bit... wow, and it's lighter than the Series 1 line anyway | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 8
Value: 10
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My pros and cons pretty much say it - really I think the con of it being heavy is like, no one considering buying this wouldn't know that anyway. Besides, there are heavier lenses (this is nothing compared to a modern 70-200 f2.8) and it can still be handheld - and at 205mm f3.8 will help with that, as you can use faster speeds.
The other thing is, it is SHARP at 3.8. It is faultlessly sharp at f5 or slower, but I pretty much don't take it off f3.8. Focusing is also a breeze, and the one touch zoom and focus is EXCELLENT for FILMING on your DSLR. Seriously, when I tried filming with this I had a revelation... I was like "Wow you can do the thing like in movies where it zooms steadily on something without losing focus."
Oh and yes, I paid $237, not THAT long ago... in about August 2010 when the Australian dollar was very close to the Greenback, I got it in specialist camera second hand place in Melbourne, because it was in such fabulous condition (honestly it looked new) that I couldn't resist. Despite having seen copies go on eBay for $90, I don't resent paying that one bit... I've had $1000 of excellent pics out of this lens.
I just love it... full stop.
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: January, 2020 Location: Virginia Posts: 55 | | Review Date: March 20, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $20.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Sharp, solid, great mechanics | | Cons: | heavy | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 7
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 10
Camera Used: KP
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I really enjoy using this lens. It is solid, smooth, and works great. I purchased this on goodwill which was to say fairly inexpensive. Overall it is a nice lens that can give really great results. In terms of myself, I tend to be fairly "shaky" so getting a sharp image sans tripod is a pipe dream. Examples are hand held on a Pentax KP.
Some images:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/members/122359-milligan22963/albums/13554-vivitar-75-205/
Still working out how to embed them directly.
Adding on - this is definitely one of my favorite lenses - took it out tonight over to the local park and wasn't disappointed. Had to carefully take an image of vulture who I am assuming was watching over some eggs, given the hissing and other noises it was given.
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=2946687635379348&set=a.806617846053015 | | | | | Custom User Title Registered: January, 2016 Location: Alberta Posts: 6,806
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 27, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $75.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | great contrast and colour rendition, relatively fast | | Cons: | heavy focus creep | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 7
Value: 10
Camera Used: K-5
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Vivitar 75-205mm f/3.8 MC Macro Focusing Zoom Lens for Pentax K-Mount
Full manual lens (focus/aperture)
Beautiful and sharp images!
Incredible colour rendition and bokeh!
Examples posted are all shot on a Pentax K-5 wide-open, straight out of camera raw files converted to jpeg images with no editing but probably could have increase 1 stop exposure!
| | | | | New Member Registered: April, 2015 Posts: 11 | | Review Date: September 9, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $75.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Sharp; colours, and; available in PK mount | | Cons: | Purple fringing. Heavy | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 5
Bokeh: 7
Handling: 8
Value: 10
Camera Used: K-30
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I have it in single-ring version (one ring for aperture, and one focusing ring). This is an exceptional lens. If you find it in Pentax K mount than its worth every dime. Its sharpt wide open at f/3.8. CA is a big issue but can be corrected in PP. Contrast is very good. Another great thing about this lens is its close focusing ability. Very handy in indoor environment, and also for macro work.
Links:
Test images at 205mm
Test images at 135mm | | | | | New Member Registered: June, 2015 Location: Bern Posts: 1 | | Review Date: July 14, 2018 | Recommended | Price: $20.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | very solid, good sharpness, good contrast, wel built | | Cons: | -- | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 7
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 9
Value: 10
Camera Used: Canon 1D Mk4
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The lens is mechanically very well made (two ring version, Kiron 22xxxx).
The sharpness and the contrast are already good at open aperture.
It produces some CA, but it is easy to remove.
I think it's better than the Vivitar Serie1 80-200mm (made by Tokina).
The photo was taken with a Canon 1D Mk4.
Right click for the picture in full resolution, (width 3500Px.) / 105mm / f3.8
 | | | | | Site Supporter Registered: May, 2015 Location: Hampshire Posts: 892
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: July 22, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $15.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Good sharp lens | | Cons: | The shroud near the aperture lever | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 7
Bokeh: 7
Handling: 8
Value: 9
Camera Used: K-5
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If you are inept with tools or a bit of a wimp like me, avoid the first version, separate zoom ring type, as you will have to cut-grind-file the shroud around the aperture lever.
The good news if you are up to some lens modification work is that the lens seems pretty good, even with some fungus on the glass.
I used a bench grinder and some files to cut back the shroud in the manner noted in other posts, slapped on a cheap shiny hood (the only one I had for 58mm filter thread) and took it out to the garden to try out.
I was impressed with the sharpness exhibited at both the 75mm "macro" end of the lens which is pretty simple to get to, no jiggling around just move the zoom ring through the 75mm mark and at 200mm. I wish I had a Pentax 55-300mm to compare it to but another poster has done that and found this Vivitar to be good.
I have a Vivitar series 1 Kino made 70-210 (with Canon FD mount so only used with film) and this 75-205 is as good if not better IMO, though there is more fungus in the 70-210.
There is some purple fringing as would be expected considering it's age and vintage coatings but I did not find them as objectionable as I have found on other lenses.
Green button metering does throw up some inconsistencies though as you will see in the images I have uploaded. These may be due to the horrible hood I was using...or just my copy. The optics on my copy are not pristine though, some dust and a little fungus unfortunately.
I like this lens, having the focus ring separate from the zoom ring and furthest from the camera means my trembling hands do not turn the focus out when holding it steady as I can move my hands nearer the camera body, a problem I have with push / pull zooms. It is a weighty lens, so promotes thinking about how to steady yourself to take images. It feels like it would never break any of the moving parts.
Taken at F3.8, 5.6, 8 and 11, unfortunately I seem to have a problem uploading images and getting them in the right place. Apologies for the images being scattered about.
 | | | | | Site Supporter Registered: September, 2010 Location: MD Posts: 1,029
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 15, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $22.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Constant f3.8 with good sharpness, very little CA or PF, parfocal | | Cons: | Bit heavy, slight zoom creep | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 8
Value: 10
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I'm mainly comparing this Vivitar to my DAL 55-300 shooting w/ a K-x. I was looking for something faster than the 55-300, and I was able to get this one rather cheaply on Goodwill. My copy is the push-pull type and in good condition with only a minor zoom creep. There is a bit of oil on the blades (apparently not uncommon), but it does not have any effect on the lens function.
I'm still learning how to do a better job w/ manual lenses, but when I get the focus correct, this is a very sharp lens and can match and exceed the DAL 55-300. (And I've been extremely happy w/ that lens.) This Vivitar beats the DAL 55-300 at the same apertures, and it does a very acceptable job even when wide open at 3.8. Contrast is better on the DAL, but that is fixable in PP.
This lens works very well by setting it to f3.8, using the K-x in A mode so that it meters correctly, and using catch-in-focus. It appears to be sharpest at f5.6-8, so then it's a matter of using M mode and using the green button to meter which it does quite well. (Note: aperture adjustments in half steps)
There is very little CA or PF. I haven't noticed much flare. I don't have a 62mm hood, but I'm guessing that would help.
All in all, a very nice lens that I will keep especially in situations where I want something faster than my DAL 55-300. Also note that this lens is parfocal, so it will work well for shooting video on the K-x.
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: July, 2009 Location: Greenville SC Posts: 179
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: January 9, 2013 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Sharpness!! Price | | Cons: | Weight, lack of tripod collar learning curve. M not A | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 8
Value: 10
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I have the rotating barrel version, not the push pull as pictured. I got this in a package deal locally with an ME-Super and an M50 F1.7 for $70 with a nice leather case and a bunch of nice filters. The 58mm is unfortunately an odd sized filter for the lenses I have, but oh well. Close focus feature is nice as it makes for a good cheap 75mm macro lens. Build quality is superb and everything feels really nice. It will be used in conjunction with my DFA50mm macro but will certainly not replace my 80-200 tokina 2.8.
If you can't afford one of the 2.8 sport lenses, this makes a great cheaper alternative if you can focus manually
Another great feature of this lens is the third gripped ring between the zoom ring and the mount. I can't find any other reason for this ring, but it is great as a handhold if you are rotating between portrait and landscape. It allows you to firmly hold the lens and rotate without messing with the zoom or focus rings. Comparable to holding onto a loose tripod ring
| | | | | New Member Registered: January, 2012 Posts: 4
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 21, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $29.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | sharpness, excellent build quality | | Cons: | heavy | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 9
Value: 10
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i just picked this lens up on ebay for $29.00. it works flawlessly with my nikon d700 (sorry, used to have a k-5)--- the lens is heavy but build quality is excellent. there is NOTHING plastic on this lens. barrel action is extremely nice-- no zoom creep, no tightness. hard to believe after 30 plus years this lens is in mint condition. the lens is quite sharp at all apertures. highly recommended. manual focus only, but far worth it when you nail focus with this sharp lens.
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: June, 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Posts: 6,124 | | Review Date: May 11, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $20.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Quite sharp, cheap! | | Cons: | heavy, purple fringing | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 7
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 8
Value: 10
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I bought this lens for 20 bucks with a 2x teleconverter thrown in, both in leather cases. I must say this lens is pretty awesome for what it is. It's way sharper than a Sigma lens I bought that was over 11 times the price!
Really, the only issues I've ran into with it is purple fringing, and it gets really bad at high zooms and in bright light, and the thing is heavy. You could kill someone with it!
Still, if you're not afraid to go fully manual and you can find one of these I would say get it, and get it now. If I could have given it a 9.5 in sharpness I would have. I can pixel peep with this sucker!
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: November, 2008 Location: Rolla, Missouri Posts: 699
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: April 27, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $25.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Smooth action, sharp & fast through whole range | | Cons: | Slight purple fringing wide open in high-contrast scene | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 9
Value: 10
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I just received this lens (the one-touch version) in pristine condition. It handles nicely, no zoom creep, smooth action, and is fast & sharp throughout its zoom range, maintaining sharpness all the way down to f3.8. The only practical negative is that there is slight (but correctable) chromatic aberration/purple fringing wide open in high-contrast scenes. I suppose you might consider the lack of an "A" automatic-aperture setting a negative, but that does not interfere with my style (I usually use manual mode anyway). The close-focusing capability makes this a quite-useable "macro" lens while maintaining distance from the subject. A nice surprise is that I have a Vivitar "2X-22" 2x teleconverter, and with this lens mounted on it (hence, 150-410mm focal length), this lens produces clean pictures. With the relatively fast f3.8 aperture, it makes the use of the 2x teleconverter reasonable in good light.
One interesting characteristic of this lens is that the rear element is fixed in the mount (i.e., the rear element does not move when the lens is zoomed or focused). Therefore, the lens mount is always sealed and there will be no air pumping action into the camera body while operating the lens. This will minimize dust getting on the focusing screen, mirror, and sensor of a DSLR. This is an excellent feature in my opinion.
Here is a picture taken this evening in heavy overcast, wide open at 205mm, Pentax K100D Super, ISO400, cropped and converted to B&W.
IMGP6744_b&w by k0og, on Flickr
Bokeh monster?
-Joe-
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