cputeq
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Recently picked up a Vivitar 100mm f/2.8 macro from Ebay for about $240 (Nikon).
Thoughts:
The lens serial # starts with "22" so I'm thinking it might be a Kiron build, but who knows. I can't find much information on the lens, as most searches for "Vivitar 100mm" come up with the f/3.5 version. You search for "Vivitar f/2.8 macro" and you come up with the 105mm links. Anyways:
Construction - seems to be high grade plastic but solid - higher than Nikon's consumer-grade lenses. The version I got from Ebay was truly mint condition. I mean, it looks brand-spanking new.
The lens includes a built-in hood with felt lining (did I mention this thing looks brand-new?). Apertures go from f/2.8 to f/32 in what appears to be 1/2 stops.
Operation - It requires almost two complete rotations to get to 1:1 macro mode. The focus feel is very good - I'd have to rate it above my Rok 85 and my 105 AIS f/2.5. I like the long focus throw also - makes MF easy, in both macro and normal ranges.
Working distance - This is the information I could never find. I don't give a crap about any other number but working distance. With the hood extended, it seems to be around 7 in or so from subject to hood(I'm eyeballing it). Retract the hood (the front element is about 1/3" recessed into the barrel) and you probably gain about 1 in for a total of roughly 8in" working distance, which is about typical of 100mm class macros.
Image quality - To be expected - it's a prime, it's a macro. I haven't had much time at all to test its portrait / normal qualities, but so far early tests show it to have some hard edges on bokeh highlights. Probably not as bad as 50mm f/1.8 AF-D type bokeh, but I don't see this replacing my 105 f/2.5 AIS for portraits.
Macro quality is of course excellent. Two very quick examples - I'm new at macro and this is one-handed (the other holding a SB800 in wireless mode).
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4769556240_a569e89124_b.jpg
(I know, an intentionally blurry photo to show IQ? But I like the softness. Slight color tweaking in NX2, resized and saved for web).
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4768917691_10f0f6456a_o.jpg
(A bit sharper image, though with a tripod or better hand-holding (maybe with two hands) I could get it sharper).
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