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Production
-
Country
Japan
Optical
-
Updated
Feb 15, 2026
Vivitar Series 1 28-90mm f/2.8-3.5
Nikon AI / Canon FD / Pentax K
Overview
The Vivitar Series 1 28-90mm f/2.8-3.5 earned the nickname 'Stovepipe' for its distinctive long profile with wide front end. Made by Komine, it was ambitious for its era — a fast wide-to-short-tele zoom when zooms were generally terrible. The image quality is phenomenal for a zoom of its age.
Verdict: A vintage zoom that actually delivers. The Stovepipe proves Series 1 quality extended to zooms. Fast, versatile, and sharp enough for serious work. One of the best third-party zooms of its era.
Community Insights
What people love
- Fast f/2.8-3.5 aperture
- 28-90mm versatile range
- Close focus at wide end
- Good IQ for vintage zoom
- Nice bokeh
What people dislike
- Large and heavy (the 'stovepipe')
- Not as good as Series 1 primes
- 67mm or 72mm filters (expensive)
- Push-pull zoom
Pro Tips
- Stop down one click for best sharpness
- Close focus makes it fun at 28mm
- Great adapted to mirrorless
- Compare to Zeiss Vario-Sonnars — holds its own
Sources (1)
Lens Heritage 2nd JSONsecondary
The Vivitar Series 1 28-90mm f/2.8-3.5 earned the nickname 'Stovepipe' for its distinctive long profile with wide front end. Made by Komine, it was ambitious for its era — a fast wide-to-short-tele zoom when zooms were generally terrible. The image quality is phenomenal for a zoom of its age.