Production
1975 – 2005
Country
-
Optical
15 elements in 10 groups
Updated
Feb 15, 2026
Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm f/3.5
Contax/Yashica
Overview
The Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm f/3.5 broke the mold in 1974. At a time when third-party zooms were considered inferior junk, this lens proved that independent manufacturers could match or exceed the big names. Made by Kiron (and later Komine), it earned legendary status. Series 1 lenses are like Pokemon — once you try one, you want them all.
Verdict: A must-have vintage zoom. The Series 1 70-210mm proved third-party lenses could be excellent. Sharp, versatile, beautifully built, with character modern zooms lack. At current prices, it's a steal.
Optical Character
Bokeh
The lens produces a nice, soft, and swirly bokeh when shot wide open at f/3.5, and a more traditional smooth bokeh when stopped down to f/4-5.6.
Sharpness wide open
The lens is described as delivering good sharpness across the frame, though not quite as sharp as modern 70-200mm lenses.
Vignetting
The lens exhibits some corner falloff at wider focal lengths and apertures, but this is largely resolved by stopping down to f/16 or smaller.
Community Insights
What people love
- Constant f/3.5 aperture
- Unique macro mode (1:2.2)
- Excellent build quality
- Sharp across zoom range
- Great bokeh
- Versatile focal range
What people dislike
- Heavy (all-metal build)
- Some zoom creep
- Filter threads rotate with focus
- Push-pull zoom not for everyone
Pro Tips
- Macro mode: rotate to macro, then push-pull changes ratio
- Best at f/5.6-f/8 for sharpness
- Great adapted to mirrorless
- Check serial for manufacturer version
Sample Photos
Sources (4)
unknown-
https://jbradfordphoto.com/photography/vivitar-series-1-70-210mm-f-3-5-review-a-must-have-vintage-lens/
unknown-
https://thenoisyshutter.com/2023/03/17/legacy-lens-review-vivitar-series-1-70-210-f3-5-macro-zoom/
unknown-
http://www.alexluyckx.com/blog/2022/02/21/optical-review-blog-no-26-vivitar-series-1-70-210mm-13-5/
Lens Heritage 2nd JSONsecondary
The Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm f/3.5 broke the mold in 1974. At a time when third-party zooms were considered inferior junk, this lens proved that independent manufacturers could match or exceed the big names. Made by Kiron (and later Komine), it earned legendary status. Series 1 lenses are like Pokemon — once you try one, you want them all.