No photo available for this lens
Production
1982
Country
-
Optical
13 elements in 9 groups
Updated
Jul 9, 2026
Kiron Kiron 70-210mm f4
Available in multiple mounts including Olympus OM, M42, Pentax K/KA, Nikon F and Minolta SR · 70mm · f/4
AI-assisted · from real reviewsUpdated 9 Jul 2026
Overview
The Kiron 70-210mm f/4 Macro emerged at the end of the 1970s when Vivitar transitioned its Series 1 70-210mm production to Tokina for the version 2 lenses. Kiron built this constant-aperture telephoto zoom as a parallel, and according to the Pentax Forums review database it 'deserves cult classic cachet' as 'a more than worthy alternative to those Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm TP's.' Its most distinctive mechanical signature is the 'Zoomlock' — a sliding button that locks the to-and-fro motion of the zoom sleeve — and some models add a focus-lock mechanism (adjustable focus limiters) as well. Notably, it is one of the few zoom lenses of any era that does not have a rotating front element, which is a genuine advantage for filter use. The early version documented on allphotolenses.com was fitted with the Zoomlock only and entered production in 1982, later replaced by a similar lens that added a 'Focustop' facility; early units carry serial numbers beginning 259xxxxx, while 1983 units run 367xxxxx and 1984 units 467xxxxx. It was produced in M42, Pentax K/KA, Nikon F, Minolta SR and other mounts of the era. No specific nickname beyond the 'Kiron' brand itself and the 'Zoomlock' feature name is established in these reviews. People love it for its reliability, sharpness across the whole focus range, and its strong value — reviewers give it an average around 9.2 with 100% recommending it.
Verdict: The Kiron 70-210mm f/4 Macro is a sharp, reliable constant-aperture telephoto zoom with a genuine cult following, prized as an alternative to the Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm. It rewards shooters who want dependable across-the-range sharpness, bright color, and useful close-focus macro, along with the practical bonuses of a Zoomlock and a non-rotating front element. Expect a slightly purple color tendency and a hefty body, but for the money it delivers strong optical value.
Optical Character
Bokeh
Highly rated by the community (~9.2), though a lone reviewer scored it 3/5; specific out-of-focus geometry not described.
Color
Bright, vivid color with good brightness, though one reviewer observed the palette skews slightly toward purple.
Sharpness wide open
Reported as sharp across the entire focus range with a very high community sharpness rating (~9.4).
Community Insights
What people love
- Sharpness maintained across the entire focus range
- Bright, vivid color rendering
- Reliable build and mechanically distinctive Zoomlock (and focus-lock on some units)
- Non-rotating front element, which is convenient for using filters
- Excellent value — average price around $42-$80 with 100% of Pentax Forums reviewers recommending it
- 1:4 macro capability at 210mm adds versatility
What people dislike
- Color palette can lean slightly purple
- Fairly heavy at 830g
- A single allphotolenses reviewer rated usability and bokeh only moderate (3/5)
Pro Tips
- Take advantage of the constant f/4 maximum aperture to keep exposure consistent as you zoom across 70-210mm.
- Use the 1:4 macro at the 210mm end for close-up work, and stabilize carefully given the lens's weight and long reach.
- If your copy shows a slight purple color cast, correct white balance or use a warming approach to neutralize it.
- Engage the Zoomlock to prevent zoom creep when carrying or shooting at steep angles.
- Because the front element does not rotate, polarizers and graduated filters can be set and left in place through focusing.
Compatible Adapters
Real adapters from our shop that fit this lens mount.
Standard · ฿325 · In stock
Standard · ฿325 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿950 · In stock
Standard · ฿990 · In stock
Standard · ฿1,250 · In stock
Standard · ฿890 · Out of stock
Olympus OM Lenses to Nikon Z Mount Camera Adapter
Standard · Out of stock
Olympus OM Lenses to Canon EOS R Mount Camera Adapter
Standard · Out of stock
Sources (1)
Web-grounded synthesissecondary
The Kiron 70-210mm f/4 Macro emerged at the end of the 1970s when Vivitar transitioned its Series 1 70-210mm production to Tokina for the version 2 lenses. Kiron built this constant-aperture telephoto zoom as a parallel, and according to the Pentax Forums review database it 'deserves cult classic cachet' as 'a more than worthy alternative to those Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm TP's.' Its most distinctive mechanical signature is the 'Zoomlock' — a sliding button that locks the to-and-fro motion of the zoom sleeve — and some models add a focus-lock mechanism (adjustable focus limiters) as well. Notably, it is one of the few zoom lenses of any era that does not have a rotating front element, which is a genuine advantage for filter use. The early version documented on allphotolenses.com was fitted with the Zoomlock only and entered production in 1982, later replaced by a similar lens that added a 'Focustop' facility; early units carry serial numbers beginning 259xxxxx, while 1983 units run 367xxxxx and 1984 units 467xxxxx. It was produced in M42, Pentax K/KA, Nikon F, Minolta SR and other mounts of the era. No specific nickname beyond the 'Kiron' brand itself and the 'Zoomlock' feature name is established in these reviews. People love it for its reliability, sharpness across the whole focus range, and its strong value — reviewers give it an average around 9.2 with 100% recommending it.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/kiron-70-210mm-f-4-macro-zoomlock.htmlhttps://allphotolenses.com/lenses/item/c_934.html