Vivitar Vivitar 17-28mm f4 Heritage

Overview

The Vivitar 17-28mm f/4-4.5 is an ultra-wide-angle zoom that appears in a firsthand PentaxForums account from 2009, where a user acquired a 'mint-like' example in Pentax A mount with a 72mm filter thread. As typical of the Vivitar brand, the lens was manufactured under contract by third parties rather than by Vivitar itself, though the specific maker is unknown from the reviews. The forum member emphasized its appeal as a 'true 17mm wide rectilinear' lens covering a 103-degree angle of view on full frame, which was notably wide for its era. Beyond enthusiasm for its wide coverage and solid metal construction, the reviews provide little formal testing data. No established nicknames or community jargon are evidenced for this specific lens. Note: one of the source reviews actually concerns a different lens (the Vivitar Series 1 28mm), so caution is warranted in attributing its qualities to the 17-28mm. The 17-28mm's cult appeal, insofar as it exists, rests on being an affordable, genuinely wide rectilinear zoom in a well-built metal barrel.

Verdict: The Vivitar 17-28mm f/4-4.5 is a well-built, genuinely ultra-wide rectilinear zoom that appealed to film shooters seeking wide coverage in a metal-bodied package. Beyond enthusiast enthusiasm for its 103-degree reach and solid construction, the available reviews offer little detailed optical analysis, so buyers should judge individual copies on their own merits. It is best suited to those wanting an affordable, characterful wide zoom for film or adapted use.

Optical Character

Sharpness wide open

No formal sharpness assessment; owner noted first film scans 'look great'.

Community Insights

What people love

Genuinely wide 17mm coverage with a 103-degree angle of view, praised as a 'true 17mm wide rectilinear'
Solid all-metal body and mount, reported in excellent/mint condition with no marks
Available in a convenient A-series (aperture-priority capable) version with 72mm filter thread on Pentax
Early results from film described as looking 'great'

What people dislike

unknown (the provided reviews contain no substantive criticism of this specific 17-28mm lens)

Pro Tips

As a wide rectilinear lens, use it for landscapes and architecture where straight-line correction matters
Confirm mount compatibility before purchase, as the documented example was Pentax A mount rather than the Olympus OM listed

Sources (1)

Web-grounded synthesissecondary

The Vivitar 17-28mm f/4-4.5 is an ultra-wide-angle zoom that appears in a firsthand PentaxForums account from 2009, where a user acquired a 'mint-like' example in Pentax A mount with a 72mm filter thread. As typical of the Vivitar brand, the lens was manufactured under contract by third parties rather than by Vivitar itself, though the specific maker is unknown from the reviews. The forum member emphasized its appeal as a 'true 17mm wide rectilinear' lens covering a 103-degree angle of view on full frame, which was notably wide for its era. Beyond enthusiasm for its wide coverage and solid metal construction, the reviews provide little formal testing data. No established nicknames or community jargon are evidenced for this specific lens. Note: one of the source reviews actually concerns a different lens (the Vivitar Series 1 28mm), so caution is warranted in attributing its qualities to the 17-28mm. The 17-28mm's cult appeal, insofar as it exists, rests on being an affordable, genuinely wide rectilinear zoom in a well-built metal barrel.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/57340-vivitar-17-28mm-f-4-4-5-lens-examples.htmlhttps://www.theatreofnoise.com/2011/07/vivitar-series-1-28mm-review-part-2.html