> Date: Fri, 30 Jul 2004 00:06:25 +0200 > From: "Thibouille" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: Vivitar 19mm/3.8 > Message-Id: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Content-Type: text/plain; > charset="us-ascii" > Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > > Any info about this one? I couldn't find much about it. > > Thibouille
I've read some reviews, which suggest that it is not as good as the manufacturers' $350-400 lenses but not bad. Faults mentioned are some odd distortion (probably "moustasche") at the edges and an apparently high-for-its-class tendency to flare due to coating or optical design. Theoretically, I should HAVE one of these things, as I ordered a used one from Adorama. The rest of my order showed up, but the lens was "back ordered". I have to call tomorrow and figure out how a used item is "back ordered". Assuming Adorama isn't jerking me around, I will relatively soon have one to evaluate. One thing worth mentioning is that apparently the K-mount version is no longer being made, which suggests that if you have a line on one you can't wait forever. I don't see them very often on the used market. New they should be just over $100. There aren't a lot of good choices in K-mount for 20mm lenses, especially if you don't want to pay for a new FA 20/2.8 (assuming you can find one in stock somewhere...). The K and M 20/4s are impossible to find, and very few off-brands came in 19,20,or 21. I'm hoping the Adorama order comes through, and the lens doesn't stink, because I'm beginning to despair of finding any of the good Pentax glass on the used market any more. There was some discussion of this lens a little while back, probably my fault. Somebody, I forget who, suggested that I might not be satisfied with it. I figured that for $50 I'd try it, but it wasn't a ringing endorsement. DJE
