Vivitar 105mm f2.8 T4 vs. Nikkor K 105mm f2.5

[gaeger]

OK, I was comparing these lenses and I was a little surprised. Anyone care to guess which is which below? Sorry, but I couldn't get the exposures exactly the same.

[luisalegria]

#1 is the Nikkor, #2 the Vivitar, because of a bit larger DOF

[ducdao]

[ducdao]

[Nesster]

First of all, I love your subject camera! These horizontal Brownies are cool machines, still usable now after ~100 years.

Second, this is a comparison I've been meaning to make as well, though my Nikkor is the Ai. I can say that between the Viv T4 and the SMC Tak 105 I don't see much to choose between; the Tak is of course smaller.

Third, I say 1 is Viv and 2 is Nikkor, pretty much for the same reason as ducdao. My limited experience leads me to suspect the Viv is the more flamboyant lens, while the Nikkor is more controlled and buttoned-down.

Fourth, I'll try to replicate your test using my Brownie and equivalent lenses. Might be interesting, or it might be of no value at all

[gaeger]

For those interested, the first image is the Vivitar, the second the Nikkor. My point in this is that it's nearly impossible to tell the difference, even with a lens like the Nikkor, which I think is very, very sharp. I don't think that knowing the f-stop would help either -- just judging from the depth of field, what f-stop do folks think these were shot at?

[Cistron]

Quite close focusing, so I'd say f/5.6 or f/8. Would be more interesting how they compare wide open.

Or are these crops from wider photographs?

[luisalegria]

I would say that a significant test of these lenses in particular should be done wide-open; partly because wide open performance would probably reveal the greatest differences, and also because this focal length will often be used wide open.

[mmelvis]

Do you have any sample pictures taken with the camera in the picture?

[pat donnelly]

F 11 for both?

I prefer the Nikkor, but it is colder, and the warmer lens may be better for portrait.

I too would love to see them wide open?

[ducdao]

[martinsmith99]

Am I the only one not surprised that the Vivitar stands up to the 'mighty' Nikons?

[ducdao]

[Esox lucius]

The answer to the question "Which lens is better, or is it?" always varies depending on sensor in use: at that aperture, the center detail those two lenses are capable of drawing outresolves the D300 sensor... If you shot an lpm (lines per millimeter) test and calculated the result as a number, it will show differences between those two. If you shot the same lpm test with a more capable sensor, you'll see the Nikkor pull a clearer lead.

In your case I wouldn't waste any more time with test shots. Enjoy the Vivitar, it is a very fine lens clearly worth given time shooting real subjects

[martinsmith99]

What is the difference in resolution between the two?

Of course in real usage it's down to one's preference, but I have found the original Helios 44 to be sharper than the Nikkor pre AI 50 wide open.

[Esox lucius]

Lend me the Vivitar 105/2.8 and I'll let you know how many lines per millimeter it draws

Seriously: The academic debate about which of those two draws more detail is a waste of time, because here the lenses are used on a sensor both the Vivitar and Nikkor can outresolve. Important thing is that they both are very very good on the D300. Plug the Vivitar and Nikkor on a D3X --> totally different results.

I'm not surprised about the 50/2 pre-Ai not being better than soviet biotar clone, the improved Ai 50/2 version is at its best an average performer.

[Nesster]

Actually, were I to replicate this, the Vivitar is the Soligor T4, and the Nikkor is the ai... But at least the No.2 Folding Pocket Brownie is the same... isn't it?

I did have the Vivitar version briefly, but sent it to Bill...

[Cistron]

[Nesster]

I wish to note that LPMM is not the only criteria when using a lens out in the environment.

While the Nikkor does ultimately outresolve the Viv, the two have slightly different characteristics which have a minor but visible effect on photographs.

[Esox lucius]

[Cistron]

[gaeger]

Sorry I haven't been able to do a full aperture test until now. Not the same 'toaster' but perhaps a more difficult test considering its highly fractile nature. I had to alter shutter speeds slightly to obtain a similar exposure. No fair peeking at EXIF!

[Big Dawg]

It is hard to tell which is which with these last photos but they sure are purty!! Ain't the less expensive Vivitars fun though! LOL

[gaeger]

Big Dawg: They ARE fun! I didn't realize what I was missing until I tried these T4 lenses. Not exactly up to Nikon/Canon/Leica snuff (maybe with the exception of the 105mm), but still pretty fun, considering the low cost of ownership!

Edit: No guessers on which is which? I thought the info that they were shot wide open was supposed to be the key ...

[Big Dawg]