Sell Zuiko, buy Vivitar Zoom?

Al1944

Al1944

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I've got a Zuiko 75-150 f4 which I'm thinking about changing for a Vivitar Series 1 70-210 f2.8-4 just to get the extra bit iof zoom. I owned a similar Vivitar years ago and really liked it.
Since I seem to have got into the 'must buy' mode since joining this forum :) I would appreciate comments as to whether the change is worth it. I know it's my decision at the end of thge day but would like to hear from you.

Al
 
What are your shooting applications? The same questions I'd ask in the digital sub-forum, are you constantly zooming out to 150mm and thinking "if only I had more range for my subject"? If this is happening all the time then it's a no-brainer IMO. The additional speed on the shorter end could also be useful. Some of the Series 1 lenses have very good reputations, although I'm sure the Zuiko performs well regardless.
 
Mainly interested in landscapes, buildings, etc, so don't use telephoto very often if I'm honest.
Looking out of the kitchen window at the bird feeders makes me wish I had something longer, but probably wouldn't use it for much else!

Al
 
If you've got the cash to burn it really is your decision at the end of the day, but superfluous lenses really do just sit there gathering dust if they don't fit your shooting - if anything, I'd be looking at good lenses to cover the wide end (if you don't already).
 
Just took out my 75-150 to give it a dust and found that it has fungus within the elements. Bought a couple of months ago on eBay.. Should have checked it more thoroughly earlier!
 
This page is a good resource for the 70-210 Series 1 lenses, highlights what to look for and what to avoid as they're not all the same.

I had the same lens for a while (a Kiron version), only thing I'd say about it is that it's considerably bigger and heavier than the Oly lenses I had. Can't make a direct comparison though as I didn't have the 75-150 zoom.
 
Make sure its the third version by Komine listed on the linked page above (which I also linked you to in the other thread), the later versions by Cosina are rated as being considerably worst and the sad start of the decline in the Series 1 and Vivitar brands after the founders Max Ponder and John Best died.
 
Thanks very much. I have the robertstech web page in my bookmarks - good info there.

Al
 
Have decided to sell the Zuiko - now in classifieds section.
 
The Cosina versions were also sold under Carl Zeiss Jena labelling, and can often be seen for extortionate prices. I have yet to see anyone give samples of them, though I doubt they could possibly be as bad as the Sigma UCII lens of this length, that is a true dog.
 
That link of dean,s is just so good, it is what made me decide on which 70-210mm to buy about six months ago, I found both a version 2 and version 3 at silly money on that place and they were both in top class condition.

Each of these versions are just brilliant,to me the difference was 2 just edged it on tonal and colour performance plus less weight, 3 was better on IQ and bokeh, however as I said both just brilliant at little money so keep your Zuiko and buy a series 1 version 1,2 or 3.

PS the macro/close focus performance is great and if you can afford to buy a Achromatic filter you can achieve 1:1 macro with very little loss of IQ.
 
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This thread prompted me to have a look on the bay and there's a version 3 with Canon FD mount that's being offered for £20 more than I paid for a Canon 80-200mm f4L last year. I'm both a little shocked and a bit smug about that. :)
 
I missed a cracker (Komine) on eBay last night. Went for about £65.

Al
 
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