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Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!decwrl!amd!fortune!marsano
From: marsano@fortune.UUCP (Derek Marsano)
Newsgroups: net.rec.photo
Subject: Re: good 70-210 zoom?
Message-ID: <4628@fortune.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 12-Nov-84 18:24:35 EST
Article-I.D.: fortune.4628
Posted: Mon Nov 12 18:24:35 1984
Date-Received: Thu, 15-Nov-84 00:54:29 EST
References: <1433@ihuxl.UUCP>
Reply-To: marsano@fortune.UUCP (Derek marsano)
Organization: Fortune Systems, Redwood City, CA
Lines: 23
Summary: 

I've used the Vivitar 70/210mm zoom extensively.  While the lens
worked well and gave ok results, I found that
the lens gave a fuzzy quality to my pictures, and was relatively
difficult to focus sharply.  Also, it is somewhat heavy and 
bulky, and the large diameter (~65mm) is cumbersome (not to 
mention the premium one pays for filters) and not really justified
by the relatively slow speed of the lens (f3.8).

I'm glad I had the use of this lens without having to buy it.
Unfortunately, I recently (February) bought a Tokina 35/105mm zoom
and have noticed a similar fuzziness about the photographs taken
with it.  My Nikkor 50mm 1.4 gives far better and more consistent
results.  Since I'm not happy with the third-party zooms, my next
one will be a Nikkor.

I'd recommend a Tokina zoom in the focal range you're interested in,
in the $100 to $300 price range, if you're unwilling to spend $500
to $800 for a high quality lens (i.e., avoid the Vivitar).  If
you're at all picky about the quality of your photographs, though,
spend the extra dough.


Derek Marsano