Vivitar Series 1 VMC 24-48mm 3.8

lumens pixel · Expire: 2021-06-25

This lens has a strong reputation. Probably deserves a hood. Does the front element rotate?

Sample pics and your opinion about them would be most welcomed.

Slalom · Joined: 10 Dec 2017 Posts: 158 Location: Stourbridge

I had one from new but a strp guide broke inside, so it no longer stopped down, Seems to be a common issue. I have a feeling the front filter tread rotates. A lot goes on in this lense.

To replace it i got a Tamron Adaptall-2 SP 13A

lumens pixel · Expire: 2021-06-25

vivaldibow · Expire: 2021-03-09

Slalom · Joined: 10 Dec 2017 Posts: 158 Location: Stourbridge

The 13A is a lot smaller than the Series 1, I used the S1 heavily from 1979 ish to I guess about 2005, I enjoyed it on my OM2N. BUt it is 550g And as it had an internal failure I will not rebuy.

The 13A I acquired in 2015 is 346g It is again reliable but the 27A sometimes is a better range and either pairs with the 23a For cycling touring.

invisible · Joined: 06 Jun 2013 Posts: 344

Quoting myself from another thread:

I own both. A couple quick notes:
- Optical quality seems pretty even between the two.
- The Tamron is much smaller and lighter, so if you have a small camera body this might be the better option. If you have a full-sized DSLR (or really big hands), the Viv might be a better option for you.
- The Tamron is slightly faster at the wider focal lengths at f/3.5, but the Viv's aperture is constant at f/3.8.
- I find the images created with the Vivitar more contrasty straight out of the camera than the Tamron's, though just a tad.
- Neither is easy to find, especially in good condition.

And adding: The Tamron must be used with a hood, otherwise you'll see a lot of flare. The Vivitar's front element is a bit more recessed so you can get away without a hood.

quidam · Joined: 28 Sep 2012 Posts: 223 Location: Belgium

I don't know if the vivitar originally had a hood. I couldn't find any. I am using this one.

Slalom · Joined: 10 Dec 2017 Posts: 158 Location: Stourbridge

My Vivitar, definately did not have a hood in the box when new, Neither was one offered over the counter

DigiChromeEd · Joined: 29 Dec 2009 Posts: 3462 Location: Northern Ireland

D1N0 · Joined: 07 Aug 2012 Posts: 2536

I have a Tamron 1C2FH hood from the 28-80 AF Tamron that somewhat fits the 13A but easy to find cheaply.

Lloydy · Expire: 2022-01-01

I've got the same hood as Ed, but then I found this at the Camera Fair and it's perfect, a nicely machined, thick alloy hood with flocking inside. It only has 'Japan' marked on it, but someone did tell me it's the genuine hood....I don't know?

It's a great lens though, I used all the time on my K10 and had some great results from it. I haven't used it as much on the A7II - not because it's poor on the full frame, I'm just more of a long lens user. I've got it on the desk, I shall make the effort to enjoy it as much as I used to.