I already have the superb Zuiko 100/2 and was looking forward to the Zuiko 90/2 for macro. Still, I always wondered about the famed Vivitar Series 1 90/2.5 macro. After winning one on auction in OM mount for I had to give it a go. What a great macro lens! Here are some macro example wide open at 1:2 macro. Excelllent color, beautiful bokeh, corner to corner sharpness, and very flat field. And even at f/22 this lens rocks for a macro lens. Why doesn't this lens get mentioned more here? These are all unprocessed originals wide open:
Great images! The Vivitar 90/2.5 Macro is a classic. The lens isn't mentioned as often, probably because it was discontinued long ago, and the Vivitar name was associated with cheap stuff in its later years. Back in the day, the Vivitar Series One were top notch. I sold mine a while back. I also have the 90/2 Zuiko, and it is fantastic, but the Vivitar more than held its own. A lot of today's shooters may not recognize the lens, and that's another reason why it isn't mentioned often, but those who do, they know it is a classic.
Thanks for the memories. I have a Vivitar 105 f2.5 Series 1 in Canon FD mount. I don't have any way to use it on my D70. This was one of the last good Series 1 lenses before manufacturing and corporate intentions changed. It followed your lens in evolution and looks almost identical to the 105 f2.5 Series one which replaced it, but mine has great bokeh, is sharp as a tack, and is built like a tank. The manual focus is so smooth, even after 20 years. I'll look through my files and see if I have a scanned image to post.
The Vivitar macro came in a couple versions over the years. The 105/2.8 wasn't a Series 1 lens, but has a big following for its sharpness, build quality, and its ability to go to 1:1 without an adapter. It was made by Kiron (Kino precision). The 105/2.5 Series 1 replaced the 90/2.5 Series 1 which was made by Tokina. I'm not sure who made the 105/2.5 Series 1, but you can tell from the first two numbers of the serial number. Probably Komine or Cosina. Regardless, your image shows great performance. It also goes to 1:1 without an adapter. I've heard the 90/2.5 has better bokeh than 105/2.8. From looking at pictures on the web taken with both I had to agree, so I went with the 90/2.5. The bokeh in your shot looks good.
You seem to have a good knowledge of Vivitars lens history. I have followed both Nikon and Canon, but haven't researched any of the aftermarket companies much, even though I have new and classic lenses from Sigma Tokina, Tamron and Vivitar.
I have a question you may be able to address. I have been looking for a good used macro in Nikon mount. My love for this Vivitar 105 and lust for the 90 has got me thinking. If I can't find the lens I want in my mount, can the mount be switched with another lens without too much problem? There are no electrical connections to deal with and AF is not an issue either. I know the quality and condition of my lens and it may be less risky to convert mine than trust eBay, although I have purchased three great lenses there.
I can't say for sure, but I don't think the lens mounts are easily changed on the Vivitar macros. I have done quite a bit of research on the older classic Vivitar lenses and have never seen this mentioned. There were some earlier Vivitars that shared a swappable mount (similar to Tamron's adaptall), but the good Vivitar macros were never part of that. Ebay is a real crap shoot, but with some patience and luck you can usually find what you are looking for.
Good advice from Paul. Nice image Alan! Scan some more of those slides, would love to see more. If I am understanding you correctly Alan, then I would have to say that it would be easier to watch on Ebay or look at KEH's site from time to time. Since your 105mm is in the FD mount, it's not a simple matter of just switching the lens mount (which is an undertaking in itself). There are differences in the distance from the lens mount to film (or sensor) plane from the FD mount and Nikon F mount, and I'm not sure I've ever seen an FD to Nikon adapter. The modern EOS mount is the most versatile, and adaptable. Since the 105mm, and 90mm Vivitars were available in the Nikon mount, they do pop up for sale from time to time so keep watching. That said, Nikon makes superb, highly regarded macros as well, and they should also be in consideration. For the D70, the Nikkors may be the way to go. Good luck on your search,
BTW, so so nobody confuses this with an off-topic thread, I am testing this lens on a FF Kodak SLR/c with a EOS to Oly adapter. The SLR/c is a picky beast when it comes to lenses, but the Vivitar Series 1 90/2.5 macro is sharp from edge to edge, has great color/contrast, no detectable CA, and not detectable distortion (meaning I'd have to look hard to see any of either). I wouldn't be ashamed to match this lens against any other 90-100mm macro out there on any FF digital camera.
