I found a monster....

[Bob Gundu]

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.

+1.

 

[Les Dittert]

So who will be the first to post a full resolution images from this gem , wide open , of a brick wall or something else that can informally show how it does all the way to the edges ?
I know, I know, who cares about a brick wall, we shoot people.... but having only the center 1/3 of the image in focus in the center is not the only thing too look at.

 

[Timur Civan]

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.

There is a version "2" that's made by another company that's not as good as the tokina made version. Same name same markings, different glass.

 

[Brett Harrison]

Where might one look for VS190 adapter mentioned by Jeff Kilgroe for the Vivitar 90mm f2.5 'Bokina'? I've tried searching but nothing comes up. What would people recommend to buy to replace the rear element to convert to EF mount?

 

[Alan Peterson]

The only place I've seen the 1:1 adapters sold separately is on eBay, usually for around $75. There isn't a Canon EOS native one since this lens predates the EOS system, so you'd have to get an adapter to change one of the other mounts to EOS.

 

[Brett Harrison]

It has interchangeable mounts too. You can swap out the rear component on it and convert between Nikon, Canon, Pentax, etc.. mounts. You don't need to screw with Novoflex or other adapters, unless you really want to.

Could someone elaborate on this? What is the underlying mount when the rear element is removed?

 

[Uli Plank]

It's proprietary. Their approach was to calculate the lenses for a bit longer flange distance and than offer exchangeable adapters (hence Adaptall) for specific cameras. I wish we had this from others…

I have a C/Y version and a Minolta SR version for my 85mm 2.5 macro, so I can use it for both of my lens collections. It needs some color correction in both cases, of course, being a bit greener than the others.

BTW, the adapters can still be found on Ebay for decent money, just found a mint C/Y version for a friend for less then 20 Euro.

 

[Mike Quill]

So who will be the first to post a full resolution images from this gem , wide open , of a brick wall or something else that can informally show how it does all the way to the edges ?
I know, I know, who cares about a brick wall, we shoot people.... but having only the center 1/3 of the image in focus in the center is not the only thing too look at.

Here's a quick test I did when i got the lens. Shot wide open:

 

[Timur Civan]

Funny this thread came back to life...

I just used the lens yesterday and FELL IN LOVE AGAIN.

Its magic in a black tube. will post a shot soon.

 

[Mike Quill]

Timur, did you know you can buy a M42 to PL adapter from RAFCAM, flip it around, and use it in macro mode with the Vivitar?
http://rafcamera.com/adapters-and-mounts/m42-lens-to-arri-pl-mount-adapter

 

[Chris Husz]

I've got a wide angle, macro and Tele zoom Vivitar. I Love 'em all

 

[Timur Civan]

Which Wide?

 

[Alan Peterson]

So who will be the first to post a full resolution images from this gem , wide open , of a brick wall or something else that can informally show how it does all the way to the edges ?
I know, I know, who cares about a brick wall, we shoot people.... but having only the center 1/3 of the image in focus in the center is not the only thing too look at.

I just got a D800 and can put together a pixel peeping test soon. I live in earthquake country so brick walls aren't that common, but I'm sure I can come up with something decent. I have noticed that there's a bit of CA when wide open at very high resolutions, but it's completely gone by f/4.

In the mean time, here's a 100% crop from the D800 at f/4 (with noise reduction but no sharpening)
http://www.redwoodcoastfilm.com/photos/frog.png

Taken from this:

 

[Timur Civan]

wait till it hits a F5.6.... Its scary.

 

[Thommes Ulfeng]

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.
Frank

Interesting! Thx for the input!

 

[Alan Peterson]

If anyone really wants to scrutinize this lens, I have a couple RAW files from the D800 at f/2.5 and f/5.6 of a woven rug. It looks like corner sharpness suffers at f/2.5, but otherwise it's pretty outstanding throughout the aperture range.

bokina.zip

 

[Mike 'Fireman' Ross]

Just bought one on your recommend; thank you for clueing me on this!

Mike

 

[Brett Harrison]

I don't know how to adapt it to EOS or PL without using a cheap glass adapter. Could anyone shed light on this?

 

[Timur Civan]

The best way is to get a nikon mount one, then use a nikon to eos adapter.

 

[Brett Harrison]

Thanks Timur, I actually got an FD one a month back, but it seems like a mission to get it to EOS. It's easier to sell it and get the Nikon. Thanks for the tip.