Production
1975 – 2005
Country
Japan
Optical
-
Updated
Feb 15, 2026
Vivitar Series 1 90mm f/2.5 Macro
M42, FD, C/Y, SR, F, OM, K mount
Overview
The Vivitar Series 1 90mm f/2.5 Macro earned the nickname 'Bokina' (Bokeh + Tokina) for its legendary background rendering. In 1975, it shared the crown with Leica's Dual Range Summicron as the highest resolution lenses tested by Modern Photography magazine. Designed with early computer assistance and manufactured by Tokina, it proved a reseller company could compete with optical giants.
Verdict: The Bokina lives up to its name. Sharp enough to share a crown with Leica, with bokeh so good it became the lens's identity. If you want one lens for both portraits and macro with vintage character, this is it.
Optical Character
Bokeh
Beautiful, smooth, and painterly bokeh that earned the Tokina version the nickname 'Bokina'
Sharpness wide open
Praised for its sharpness, sharing the crown with Leica's Dual Range Summicron as the highest resolution lenses tested
Community Insights
What people love
- The Bokina bokeh — legendary
- Sharp enough to rival Leica
- Versatile 90mm focal length
- 1:2 macro (1:1 with adapter)
- Great for portraits AND macro
What people dislike
- Heavy all-metal build (644g)
- Focus breathing at close range
- VMC coating flares easily
- Long focus throw (320°)
Pro Tips
- Dedicated 3-element macro adapter maintains quality
- Use a hood — VMC coating flares
- Great on mirrorless for portraits
- Focus breathing = compose after focusing
Sample Photos
Sources (2)
unknown-
https://www.tsangyatho.com/post/vivitars-bokina-review
Lens Heritage 2nd JSONsecondary
The Vivitar Series 1 90mm f/2.5 Macro earned the nickname 'Bokina' (Bokeh + Tokina) for its legendary background rendering. In 1975, it shared the crown with Leica's Dual Range Summicron as the highest resolution lenses tested by Modern Photography magazine. Designed with early computer assistance and manufactured by Tokina, it proved a reseller company could compete with optical giants.