
Provenance & certification
Vivitar Macro 55mm f2.8
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Condition assessed 25/1/2026
How we gradeInspector’s condition notes
Lens is in like-new condition. A 1:1 macro lens that requires no extension tubes, it delivers high performance and is extremely rare—seldom comes up for sale. The weight feels just right, and the bokeh is genuinely beautiful. Overall, this is one of the must-have vintage lenses. The Optical is pristine, with no scratches. Focus and aperture glide smoothly, just like a new lens. Internal components are tight—no sounds of internal lens movement. The exterior body looks like new, but there are 2-3 small areas of paint loss or scratches along the edges of the lens barrel or around the focus ring and aperture ring (you have to look closely to spot them).
How this lens renders
Compared to a macro lens of the same spec, this one—manufactured by Komine for Vivitar—stands out with its 1:1 life-size magnification, paired with sharpness that's rare in an affordable vintage lens. Wide open at f/2.8, it's tack sharp from the start. Contrast is excellent across every aperture range, with full shadow detail retention. Stop down further, and the detail tightens up even more. The bokeh at wide aperture melts the background smoothly, with very good control of chromatic aberration at the edges. Colors are vibrant and punchy, with a soft warm tonality woven into the flare—gentle in feel, never harsh. This level of sharpness may feel a touch too revealing for some when shooting portraits, but if your focus is macro work—flowers, insects, or anything that demands full detail—this is the lens that delivers. A cult classic that remains affordably priced, offering excellent value and well worth adding to a collection.
In the box
ฝาหน้าเทียบ ฝาหลังเทียบ
Honest disclosure
Vivitar Macro 55mm f2.8
The Komine-built Vivitar 55mm f2.8 1:1 Macro is a cult-classic, undervalued manual-focus macro lens offering true life-size magnification with excellent sharpness and color at a bargain price.
