Jeff Keller wrote:
> You didn't mention which Vivitar S1 70-210 you had. The last version
> made by Cosina doesn't live up to the reputation of the earlier ones.
>
Depends on who you listen to. The Cult Classics site showed the third
one to be the best of the three.
There are a couple of other factors to consider here. The Viv Series I
70-210 was hot stuff in its day, but that' a long time ago. There were
continuing improvements in lenses after that. Also, individual samples
of old lenses are often not as good as when they were new, depending on
what sort of life they have led.
> The Zuiko 200/5 is nice.
I agree. Nice and sharp and amazingly small and light for the reach. One
does need to hand hold or use anti-vibration techniques if using a tripod.
> It is probably harder to find than the Zuiko
> 200/4. The Zuiko 65-200 is notorious for developing a haze on an
> internal element which can't be removed. That reputation has probably
> hurt the price. The Zuiko 85-250 is liked by many. I haven't used it.
> The Zuiko 50-250/5 is one of my favorite lenses because of its small
> size and high quality. They are expensive however.
>
> If you would be happy with a heavy non-Zuiko, the Tamron SP 80-200 is
> a superb lens.
>
Yes, as is the Tokina 80-200/2.8
If big and heavy aren't appealing, there are several non-Zuiko lenses
that are excellent.
- Tamron SP 60-300/3.8-5.4 is small and light for it's range, nice and
sharp and with excellent true macro capability.
- Tokina AT-X 50-250/4-5.6. A little slower at the long end than the
Zuiko, but smaller and lighter, too. Also, MUCH better macro capability.
- Kiron 28-210/4-5.6. Old fashioned, all metal construction, so a bit
big and heavy, but excellent optics and great coverage.
- Tokina AT-X 35-200/3.5-4.5. First rate lens. Was my favorite travel
lens until I got the Kiron, with its extra coverage.
- Tamron Aspherical 28-200/3.8-5.6. More contemporary, mostly plastic
construction, but good optics. Much smaller and lighter than the older
designs. Uses a bayonet CU lens for good close focus.
> As Johnann mentioned the Zuiko 300/4.5 is nice.
Yes, excellent lens, but I'm not sure it's any better than the Tammy
60-300 @ 300 mm, although 1/2 stop faster.
As you may have guessed by now, I have too many lenses. :-) Most of
the above could be for sale to a good home....
Moose
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