Vivitar Series 1 Macro 90mm f2.8

Inspector’s condition notes

Lens in good condition. This is a truly outstanding macro lens with extremely high sharpness — some overseas users have even said it out-resolves many current digital lenses. On top of that, it's well-regarded for its bokeh, which has a uniquely distinctive character. Very few good macro lenses manage to produce attractive bokeh, and this one does. It comes with the 1:1 adapter, which is quite rare on its own. (Note: many people mistakenly assume this lens is 1:1 even without the adapter — without the adapter, it is actually 1:2.) The optics are pristine, with no scratches. The focus and aperture ring turn smoothly, like a new lens. Internal components are tight, with no rattling from the lens elements. The exterior shows typical signs of use — visible scratches and paint loss are easy to spot across the lens body.

How this lens renders

Compared to other macro lenses in the same spec range 90mm, this Vivitar Series 1 is a legend that delivers both sharpness and beautiful bokeh in a single package—so much so that the same optics line later built its name around "Bokina." Wide open at f/2.8, it's already acceptably sharp from the center of the frame. Stop down to f/4–f/5.6, and the sharpness climbs noticeably, reaching levels that have been said to rival the Leica Summicron. At f/8, it's tack sharp across the entire frame—ideal for work that demands fine detail. The real highlight is the bokeh. It melts the background into a soft, creamy wash, with smooth tonal transitions and no busy edges—a character that's hard to find at this focal length. Shooting into the light will cause a slight drop in contrast; if you'd rather avoid that look, I'd recommend fitting a lens hood. As for chromatic aberration, some can be seen in high-contrast situations, but stopping down a bit takes care of it. Overall, it's a portrait and macro lens that gets the job done—sharp enough for serious work, yet still delivering that vintage lens character. Well worth adding to the collection.

In the box

ฝาหน้าแท้ ฝาหลังเทียบ มีกล่องใส่เลนส์ครบชุด (กล่องใส่เลนส์หนังบุกำมะหยี่ภายใน)

Honest disclosure