Magnicon 80-200mm lens (Nikon Mount)

[aniramca]

I just bought a cheap Magnicon zoom lens, serial no. L8511xxx. Anyone knows who made this lens? Someone suggested that it is made by either Tokina or Vivitar.
Here two photos that I took with it





Thanks for the info

[aoleg]

Can you post images of the lens? I've had a Tokina 80-200/4, so I think I can identify yours if it's a Tokina.

[aniramca]

A photo of the Magnicon lens

[Boomer Depp]

The Magnicon lenses sold by Blacks Camera in Canada were made by Tokina,Komine,Cosina and probably a few others.

In the early to mid '90's,we picked up a few of Black's lenses the MC 28mm 2.8 built by Komine and the same Magnicon 80-200mm f4.5-5.6 Macro Zoom for my wife.

They both performed better then expected for a amateur lens.

My wife used them for some time before handing them over to our daughter.

To me it looks somewhat similar to the Tokina SZ-X 80-200mm 1:4.5-5.6 Macro Zoom.

The SZ-X line were Tokinas compact amateur lenses,a step above the consumer lens....a later version of this lens is a bit more compact.

A sweet handling 80-200,about the size of a beer can at the 80mm setting,the lens is quite user friendly.

My daughter still uses these lenses on her new/used Nikon D40 as well as a few Nikon SLR's.

A couple of weeks ago she was over and I used her D40,with this lens mounted...I was surprised the dampner for the focus/zoom hadn't loosened up.


Tokina SZ-X 80-200mm 1:4.5-5.6 Macro Zoom

[ManualFocus-G]

Hmm, the lens has the same style grip as a Hanimex I had, made in Korea and a Sigma also:





The Hanimex was very good, whilst the Sigma was crap. But it easily be neither

[casualcollector]

Aniramca,

Your lens appears nearly identical to a Toyo/T.O.U. Optics/Five Star lens that I have. I believe it comes from one of the lesser know makers such as Cima, Makina or someone very obscure. I am fairly certain it is not from Tokina, Kino, Tamron, or Sigma. During the mid eighties, lenses like this one were available from discounters for as little as $99 US. Mine is very lightly built with some elements retained by spring clips instead of threaded retainers.


Boomer,

Your Tokina SZ-X is another interesting bird as I have seen a lens of that specification and general build labeled as Sigma and Tamron also. I have one in Tamron Adaptall 2 configuration. It was part of a two zoom kit with a common instruction sheet. I think I've posted about that kit here previously.

Bill

[aniramca]

Thanks for all of the info and discussion. The photo of the other lenses appear to be much newer version than mine. Are the Tokina and Hanimex on Nikon mount? Notice the rabbit ear on my lens, indicating an older version of the Nikon mount lens.

I actually had a choice between the Magnicon and another similar lens by "Image". I chose this one, as the glass looks cleaner, and has extra filter included (for the same price)

Another queation is about a Tokina 50-250mm lens. Anyone knows about this lens' quality? It has been sitting in the store for months and no one bought it (for $40). Is it a decent lens (also for Nikon mount)?

Did they make lenses for export in China, Korea, etc in the 1980s?
My lens does not said "Japan", and has f stop of f/4.5-5.5 on it.

Who made the Hanimex lens? I remember that it seems to be related to Praktika camera. Is it from East Germany?

Do you find the sharpness of the lens adequate? I thought it is a good buy for a $30 lens. I also bought a Vivitar 28mm F/2.8 prime lens, and I am also happy with the results. Here are 2 photos taken with the Vivitar:





Again, thanks for the discussion and comments

[Boomer Depp]

I would just shoot a few close distances at 80,100,135&200mm at all stops to f11 or f16(two sets @ one and five meters),then shoot a near distance of 10-15 meters....and if you wish to shoot longer distances...then a far distance set of 75 meters,then a set at a distance of 4-6 or more kilometers.

Find it's sweet spots at various focal lengths and that will give you a bit of insight of the lens abilities,and a starting point to work from.

BTW...what Nikon/s are you shooting?

[PBFACTS]

[Scheimpflug]

[aniramca]

I paid mine for $30. It was this one or another brand called 'Image'. I also saw another 50-250mm Tokina, which has been around in the store for $40, and no one bought it.