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Production
-
Country
Japan
Optical
6 elements in 5 groups
Updated
Feb 15, 2026
Vivitar Series 1 105mm f/2.5 Macro
Nikon AI / Canon FD / Pentax K / M42
Overview
The Vivitar Series 1 105mm f/2.5 Macro is one of the most talked about third-party macro lenses in manual focus history. Manufactured by Kino Precision (Kiron), it appeared under countless brand names: Kiron, Lester A. Dine (dental version), Rikenon, Rolleinar, and Vivitar. Goes to true 1:1 without extension tubes — a major selling point in its era.
Verdict: The accessible third-party macro champion. Not the sharpest wide open, but stops down to excellence and offers true 1:1 without accessories. The many rebrandings mean you can always find one cheap. A practical workhorse.
Community Insights
What people love
- True 1:1 macro without extensions
- Sharp stopped down
- Available everywhere under many brands
- Affordable
- Well built
What people dislike
- Not as sharp wide open as 90mm Bokina
- f/2.5 marking is actually f/2.8
- Many copycat brands cause confusion
- Not exceptional at any one thing
Pro Tips
- All brand versions are optically identical — buy cheapest
- Dental versions (Lester A. Dine) often pristine
- f/5.6-f/8 sweet spot for sharpness
- True 1:1 is the killer feature
Sources (1)
Lens Heritage 2nd JSONsecondary
The Vivitar Series 1 105mm f/2.5 Macro is one of the most talked about third-party macro lenses in manual focus history. Manufactured by Kino Precision (Kiron), it appeared under countless brand names: Kiron, Lester A. Dine (dental version), Rikenon, Rolleinar, and Vivitar. Goes to true 1:1 without extension tubes — a major selling point in its era.