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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

I found a monster....

Just received the Vivitar 90mm 2.5 macro with 1:1 diopter from Ebay. Wow this lens is so nice! Wicked sharp, great build quality and bokeh.
 

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monitor shot of my first test.
 

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I just got the Tokina version of this lens for super cheap off of KEH. It's going to need to go in for servicing to get a sluggish aperture fixed, but the optics are pristine and it came with the extender and bizarre leather tube case. I'm looking forward to shooting with this instead of just wishing I had a good macro lens.
 
Kyle Gentz said:
is this it? http://www.ebay.com/itm/NIB-Vivitar...161?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58a0b0f6f1
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That's the one. You want to look for the Vivitar Series 1 90mm f/2.5 or the Tokina AT-X 90mm f/2.5. They share the same optical design, although the link in the OP describes some slight possible image differences between the two (the Vivitar version has smoother bokeh when stopped down and the Tokina version's coatings handle flares, color and contrast better - but the distinction is subtle).
 
Alan Peterson said:
That's the one. You want to look for the Vivitar Series 1 90mm f/2.5 or the Tokina AT-X 90mm f/2.5. They share the same optical design, although the link in the OP describes some slight possible image differences between the two (the Vivitar version has smoother bokeh when stopped down and the Tokina version's coatings handle flares, color and contrast better - but the distinction is subtle).
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Man i was hoping to pick this up for 150ish. Is it worth 350? plus adapter?
 
That sounds about right. I've seen them regularly listed at $400-500 for a copy in excellent condition with the extender, and that one's listed as New In Box. This lens has a bit of a cult following, so it's going to be hard to find one for under $200 unless it's in awful condition.

Edit: The "super cheap" price I got mine for at KEH was $172, and that was for one with oil on the aperture blades.
 
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I bought mine for $450 with diopter and cases. It was described as being in EX+ condition and it certainly is. Money well spent in my opinion. I'd rather own this than spend close to double for the plastic Canon 100mm macro L.
 
What would be the best way, if possible to get this to work on the regular EF mount? I know there are 3rd party FD mounts but I'd rather be able to use this in quicker fashion hah. Can the mount on the lens be changed to EF?
 
Timur Civan said:
Don't laugh.

Vivitar series 1 90mm F2.5 Macro.
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I have a Series 1 35-85 2.8 from the first batch, that was still made by Kino-Precision - I love it to death.

It's a pumpgun style zoom and a PITA to use with a FF, so it takes some balls to handle it, but the image is just stunning.
As you said Zeiss sharp with Leica bokeh.

Also have the 70-210 f3.5 macro, which is still good but can't hold a candle to the 35-85.
Found the 90mm on Ebay after reading your post - damn you Timur, just finished my glass addiction group and now I'm back at square one again.

Frank
 
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Hi Marc,

I would recommend getting the M42 screw mount to EF adaptor. It's made of one piece of metal, very heavy duty, and no play when it's mounted to my Red or 5D. Plus it will allow you to use some great Super Takumar and Russian glass that are also M42 mount.

Just a heads up, they make a M42 to PL adapter, but I'm told not all lenses are compatible due to lens diameter. I don't think the Vivitar 90mm works but can anyone confirm that?

Mike

Marc Dunham said:
What would be the best way, if possible to get this to work on the regular EF mount? I know there are 3rd party FD mounts but I'd rather be able to use this in quicker fashion hah. Can the mount on the lens be changed to EF?
Click to expand...
 
I see the Tamron Adaptall SP 90mm f2.5 macro was mentioned in here too. Last week I got one, plus the x2 teleconverter and mount for under £100 including delivery. Have already used it on a music promo with the Scarlet, shooting eye closeups plus assorted bugs, and looking forward to getting more use out of it in the following weeks. Will post pics when I've finished cutting the promo.
 
Alan Peterson said:
That sounds about right. I've seen them regularly listed at $400-500 for a copy in excellent condition with the extender, and that one's listed as New In Box. This lens has a bit of a cult following, so it's going to be hard to find one for under $200 unless it's in awful condition.

Edit: The "super cheap" price I got mine for at KEH was $172, and that was for one with oil on the aperture blades.
Click to expand...

Im really wanting a Macro Lens, would this be with it?
 
Just bought one on Ebay. Good condition, F-mount, for $300.
 
Kyle Gentz said:
Im really wanting a Macro Lens, would this be with it?
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It's excellent bang for the buck, IMO. Keep in mind that your contemporary Canon/Nikon macros are up around $1000, and the bokina stands up to their optical performance very well despite being a few decades old. I suppose it really comes down to your aesthetic tastes, budget and shooting needs - do you want autofocus? Have you looked through galleries shot with different macro lenses to get a sense of which ones you like and dislike?
 
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Tamron 90mm SP F2.5 macro manual focus is better. At least compared to the Vivitar sample I had. Both plenty sharp - just liked the Tamron colors and contrast better.
 
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