Production
1980
Country
Japan
Optical
8 elements in 8 groups
Updated
Jul 13, 2026
Kiron Kiron 28mm f2
Canon FD, Minolta MD, Nikon F, Olympus OM, Pentax K · 28mm · f/2
Compiled from 4 real reviews · AI-assisted · accuracy-checked · Updated 13 Jul 2026
Overview
The Kiron 28mm f/2 is a fast manual-focus wide-angle prime built by Kino Precision in the early 1980s, part of the wave of well-regarded third-party glass that Japanese optical houses produced during the manual-focus era. Kino Precision made lenses both under its own Kiron brand and for others, and this exact optic was also sold as the Vivitar 28mm 1:2 MC — so the Kiron and Vivitar names refer to the same lens. It was offered across the major mounts of the day (Canon FD among them, alongside Minolta MD, Nikon F, Olympus OM and Pentax K). Beyond the 'Kiron' and 'Vivitar' badging there is no established nickname for this lens; reviewers report none. Its following is a quiet, enthusiast-driven one: it earns respect for punching above its price as a fast 28mm — reviewers describe it as sharp and contrasty even wide open, well built in solid metal, and unusually pleasing in the out-of-focus rendering for a wide-angle. It became notably popular with cinematographers, and at least one reviewer called it underrated (if somewhat expensive), which captures the cult appeal: a sleeper-value fast wide that rewards those who seek it out rather than one carried by hype.
Verdict: The Kiron 28mm f/2 is for the photographer who wants a fast, high-contrast wide-angle that stays sharp from f/2 yet renders backgrounds with unusual grace up close. It rewards close-up and low-light work — portraits, interiors, street — and its blend of bite and smooth blur explains its quiet following among enthusiasts and cinematographers alike. Buy it for its rendering, not its name recognition, and check the aperture blades for oil before you trust it; a clean copy is an underrated fast wide.
Optical Character
Bokeh
Nice bokeh at wider apertures with striking background blur in close-up work at f/2, uncommon for a 28mm.
Color
Good color rendering described as pleasing.
Sharpness wide open
Sharp and contrasty wide open at f/2, becoming sharper and more contrasty stopped down; described as superbly sharp.
Contrast
High contrast, excellent even wide open and increasing when stopped down.
Community Insights
What people love
- Sharp and contrasty even wide open at f/2, and superbly sharp overall — attributed to Kino Precision's manufacturing quality.
- Nice bokeh for a wide-angle, with striking background blur especially in close-up work at maximum aperture.
- Good colour rendering and pleasing overall rendering.
- A solid, very well-made metal body with multi-coated optics.
- A versatile fast walk-around lens for portraits, indoor and low-light shooting, and close-ups — and a favorite among cinematographers.
- Seen as underrated value: a fast 28mm that outperforms its reputation.
What people dislike
- Age-related oily aperture blades are a common fault that can limit usability.
- Considered somewhat expensive by at least one reviewer for what it is.
Pro Tips
- Shoot it wide open at f/2 for close-ups — that's where reviewers say it shines, delivering both sharpness and its best background blur; get close to your subject to maximize the separation.
- Stop down when you want the maximum bite: reviewers note it grows sharper and more contrasty as you close the aperture, so use narrower stops for landscapes or scenes that need edge-to-edge crispness.
- Lean on its low-light strength — the fast f/2 aperture plus strong contrast make it well suited to indoor and dim-light shooting without giving up punch.
- Before serious shooting, exercise the aperture ring and watch the blades: if they're oily and slow, meter and time exposures allowing for delayed stop-down until the diaphragm is serviced.
Sample Photos
Sources (4)
Kiron 28mm f/2 - Camera-wiki.org
Showcase - Kiron 28mm f/2 | Mu-43
The Kiron MC 28mm f/2 Lens. Specs. MTF Charts. User Reviews.
Web research
The Kiron 28mm f/2 is for the photographer who wants a fast, high-contrast wide-angle that stays sharp from f/2 yet renders backgrounds with unusual grace up close. It rewards close-up and low-light work — portraits, interiors, street — and its blend of bite and smooth blur explains its quiet following among enthusiasts and cinematographers alike. Buy it for its rendering, not its name recognition, and check the aperture blades for oil before you trust it; a clean copy is an underrated fast wide.
https://www.mu-43.com/threads/kiron-28mm-f-2.27917/https://allphotolenses.com/lenses/item/c 728.htmlhttps://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Kiron 28mm f/2