Vivitar 35mm f1.9 Nikon 35mm f2 AIS

woodrim · Joined: 14 Jan 2010 Posts: 4060 Location: Charleston

Is the MIR-24 2/35 not worthy of comparison?

cooltouch · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 9097 Location: Houston, Texas

Intereeting this topic should pop up just now.

As I mentioned almost a year ago, I have a 35mm f/1.9 Vivitar as well as a Canon FL 35mm f/2.5. The Vivitar is also in Canon FD mount. Back during the 80s, when I was a dedicated Canon FD user, I loved that FL 35mm f/2.5 for its sharpness and color. Having sold off all my Canon FD gear in 1989, I've only recently obtained a replacement for it. I now own a large FD collection (again).

So anyway, I've been thinking seriously about selling my Vivitar 35mm f/1/.9, but before I do, I think I'll compare it to my FL 35mm. Now that I own a NEX, I can compare hi-rez images. If the FL is reasonably close to the Vivitar, the Vivitar goes on eBay. As part of my collection thinning moves.

My copy of the Vivitar 35/1.9 was made during the robust, all-metal era. It is very stoutly made. A nice lens, and I'm rather surprised at the amounts clean examples of it are commanding on eBay these days. I bought mine offf eBay about five years ago. Back then it hadn't been "discovered" yet. I think I paid $40 it.

calvin83 · Joined: 12 Apr 2009 Posts: 7554 Location: Hong Kong

Michael. Don't sell the Vivitar. Its unique bokeh and low contrast will be very useful in certain situation. You cannot find such quality in your FL 35mm.

cooltouch · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 9097 Location: Houston, Texas

Thanks for the advice, Calvin. To be honest, I've hardly used the lens. I'll definitely give it a workout before I decide to sell it.

I guess another way to look at it is, for APS-C format, it amounts to a fast normal lens. It's a 52.5mm equivalent.

Heh, the more I think about it, the less interested I become in selling it.