No photo available for this lens
Production
1975 – 2005
Country
Japan/Germany
Optical
9 elements in 7 groups
Updated
Feb 15, 2026
Vivitar 28mm f/2.8 Close Focus (Komine)
Contax/Yashica
Overview
The Vivitar 28mm f/2.8 Close Focus is the affordable sibling to the legendary f/2.0 version. Made by Komine, it shares the same close-focusing ability (25cm/10") that makes these lenses special. While not as sharp as its faster brother, it's much more commonly available and delivers solid results for the price.
Verdict: An honest budget wide angle. The close focus capability is the star feature. Not remarkable optically, but very capable from f/4 onward and practically free. A solid choice for landscapes and street work when you need to get close.
Optical Character
Bokeh
Exceptional, artistic, and painterly. The large aperture at wide angle creates a unique background rendering with a controlled swirl effect.
Color
Deep, saturated Zeiss color with a warmer tone than other Zeiss lenses. Reds and yellows are particularly beautiful, and the lens produces exceptional skin tones.
Sharpness wide open
Wide open, the lens has an intentional softness and glow, but it is sharp at the plane of focus. Stopped down to f/2.8, it becomes very sharp, with peak sharpness at f/5.6-8.
Flare resistance
The T* coating helps, but the large front element can still produce beautiful, artistic flare that can be used creatively.
Contrast
Medium-high contrast with exceptional micro-contrast in the focus plane, creating a '3D pop' that makes subjects leap from the frame.
Vignetting
Heavy vignetting wide open, which is intentional and creates an atmospheric effect. The vignetting falls off naturally towards the edges.
Community Insights
What people love
- Close focus to 25cm (10")
- Very affordable
- Well built for price
- Filter ring doesn't rotate
- Good bokeh for wide angle
What people dislike
- Not as sharp as f/2.0 version
- Needs bright light for best contrast
- Soft wide open
- Nothing exceptional
Pro Tips
- Use hood to reduce flare
- Sweet spot f/4-f/11
- Close focus is the real feature
- Great adapted to mirrorless
Sources (2)
unknown-
https://www.theatreofnoise.com/2008/10/on-test-vivitar-28mm-128-close-focus.html
Lens Heritage 2nd JSONsecondary
The Vivitar 28mm f/2.8 Close Focus is the affordable sibling to the legendary f/2.0 version. Made by Komine, it shares the same close-focusing ability (25cm/10") that makes these lenses special. While not as sharp as its faster brother, it's much more commonly available and delivers solid results for the price.