Vivitar Zoom Question

[P. J. Alling]

I paid about $60 for my Series 1 V2 and I thought I got a real bargain 
at the time.  Which is best depends on what you're looking for.  In 
general the First three versions were very good even by todays 
standards.  You can see resolution charts and basic stats on Mark 
Roberts Vivitar 70-210 series 1 zoom page.

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

In general the differences between the first two, both constant aperture 
at f3.5 is that the Version one is heavier and macro focuses at 70mm, 
(and if you don't have instructions it can be a bit tricky figuring out 
how to get it into macro mode), with a max reproduction ratio of 1:2.2 
while the second version close focuses, (I really wouldn't call it 
Macro) at 210mm, gives a max reproduction ratio of 1:4 and is quite a 
bit lighter.  I think the first version is more solidly built, having 
played with both, however I have the second version, because it's 
lighter,l if I need to macro focus I grab the Vivitar Series FF 90-180, 
which is a real beast.  The only other real issue is that the early 
Series One lenses have a flange that interferes when you mount them on 
the LX, (thought it does mount, you'll just scar a bit of the interior 
of the mirror box), and any Auto focus body, as well as the ZX/MZ-M, 
(the power zoom contact platform gets in the way), the  lenses can be 
relatively easily modified, but they'll no longer be collectors Items if 
they ever were..  You won't have any problems with the Version 2 lens 
but it's something to keep in mind.  One Series 1 lens is never enough.

Walter Hamler wrote:

>I have a chance to buy a Vivitar Series I 70-210 f/3.5, series 2 lens for 
>40.00. Is that a good version of this lens family? I know that there were 
>several iterations and can't remember which one was the best.
>
>Walt 
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-- 
Things should be made as simple as possible -- but no simpler.

			--Albert Einstein