Vivitar Auto Macro 55mm f/2.8 Vintage Review

Vivitar Auto Macro 55mm f/2.8 Verdict

In a way, unfortunately, these lenses do have a reputation, which tends to put up the price. That reputation is largely justified in that it holds its head up high and can perform as an excellent macro lens on current digital cameras. Asking prices on eBay today ranged from £60 to £150, in a variety of mounts, even a Minolta fit that could be usefully employed on the Alpha 7 and 9 cameras with a suitable adapter. Probably £100 could be considered good VFM, depending on the condition of course, and £50 or £60 would be a bargain, certainly much less than modern macro lenses.

The main advantage is being able to focus right down to 1:1, whereas most macro lenses of its era only went down to half life size, or 1:2. The Vivitar is a totally viable macro option and should give excellent service. A classic lens with its reputation vindicated.

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Vivitar Auto Macro 55mm f/2.8 Pros

Excellent, even sharpness
1:1 magnification
Very good manufacturing quality
Recessed front element makes its own lens hood
Virtually no distortion
Very well corrected for CA
No flare

Vivitar Auto Macro 55mm f/2.8 Cons

Manual focus slows things down
No electronic contacts

Features: 3.5/5

Handling: 4/5

Performance: 4.5/5

Value: 4.5/5

Overall Verdict

4/5

Specifications

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