Showcase Vivitar Series 1 70-210 f3.5 (Tokina made 3rd version)

some are a bit blurred, but #4 is really lovely I think!

 

If I remember correctly, Kiron made version 1 f/3.5 67mm filter thread, Tokina made version 2 f/3.5 62mm filter thread, and Komine made version 3 f/2.8-4 62mm filter thread.

In a museum where flash and tripod is impossible, I would use shorter and faster lens, e.g. 50mm f/2.8 macro, or 50mm f/1.4 normal lens if it can focus reasonably close.

 

With those circumstances, they all look good! Museums can be very tricky tyo shoot in, the few times I have tried if I had a manual lens the pictures were more blurred than yours are. Small lenses and / or an OSS lens would make thins a bit easier, as has been said.

 

I've had the Kiron version for quite a while (in OM mount). Haven't used it in a really long while... until today.



This at 210mm f5.6 (ish) I think. Could have been f8

 

I used a Kiron made Series-1 back in the day with my Nikon FA. It was at least as good a lens as the equivalent Nikkor and I was thrilled with its performance. Don't recall ever having used the later Tokina made version. Don't know how it would compare with modern zooms and their computer aided designs. That lens was big and heavy and well matched to the very excellent Nikon FA with motor drive.

 

It's not terrible in the right conditions, but it really needs a hood as it's easy to lose contrast from stray light. It's also a pain in the butt to get a good, sharp shot without a tripod or a steady hand.

 

The Kiron made Series-1 zoom was a beautifully made and super sharp lens. Pretty heavy, though, and a tripod was a good idea. I've handled the Tokina version but never mounted it on my camera. I thought it a big step down from the Kiron, at least construction wise. When I sold my FA I got a very good price for the Kiron. (Selling that FA was a stupid thing to do - it was one helluva good SLR.)

 

Is this the lens you're all talking about?
What version is this one?

It has a Nikon mount if that makes a difference.

 

That's the Tokina-made version. The Kiron has a 67mm filter ring.

 

1st: Kino Precision/Kiron ser. # 22xxxx
2nd: Tokina ser. # 37xxxx
3rd: Komine ser. # 28xxxx
4th: Cosina ser. # 98xxxx

 

Yet another picture of Mt. Shasta... every time I drive by, I cannot resist.


Mt. Shasta by Mr. Sesser, on Flickr

 

Chillin' by Mr. Sesser, on Flickr