Vivitar lenses are some of the most sought-after lenses on the market due to their manual and automatic focus features, great usability, performance, portability, as well as their price point that appeals to novice photographers looking for practical solutions. We will now explore some top Vivitar lenses and determine whether investing is worthwhile given their many benefits in different situations. Let’s dive in now!
Name | Lens Type | Focal Length | Aperture |
Vivitar Teleconverter Lens | Teleconverter with Auto Focus | Increases of 2X | About f/2.8-5.6 |
Vivitar Ultra Wide Angle Lens for Nikon | Manual focus fisheye | 8 mm max. | f/3.5 |
Vivitar Telephoto lens for Canon Digital EOS | Telephoto with manual focus | 500 mm max. | f/8.0 |
Vivitar Professional Ultra Wide Angle Aspherical Fisheye Lens | Manual focus Wide angle fisheye | 8 mm max. | f/3.5 |
Vivitar Series 1 Telephoto Zoom Lens | Telephoto zoom | 650-1300 mm | f/8 – 16 |
Vivitar Universal Preset Lens | Telephoto zoom | 500 mm max. | f/8 – 32 |
Top 6 Best Vivitar Lenses 2023
We worked to offer a selection of lenses suitable for different users. We included lenses from Universal, Canon and Nikon models so you can find the right one no matter which brand it is. If you are uncertain about a product, ask the supplier before placing an order. Now let’s dive in with our day’s winner: the Nikon lens!
1. Vivitar Auto Focus Teleconverter
Our list is topped by the Vivitar Lens #1. Featuring auto-focus mode and compatibility for aperture priority and point focusing modes, this prime lens will deliver stunning photos.
Features:
Focus:
A wide aperture can be controlled precisely to capture photos from a greater distance. Teleconverter lenses enable you to quickly increase your focal length, giving your zoom lens an advantage in terms of shallow depth of field – it’s like having two zoom lenses! Auto-focus can sometimes be tedious, especially when trying to focus continuously but failing. Point focusing helps solve this problem.
Image Quality
An anti-reflection coating will deliver a higher-quality image. With two times longer focal length, you can enlarge the central portion of the image without sacrificing clarity – making taking close up photos much simpler without needing to zoom in too closely.
Compatibility:
This is good news for Canon and Nikon camera owners. Vivitar offers lenses for both of these brands. You only need to enter your camera’s model number to ensure that the lens fits. Several supported Nikon models are D3000s, D300s, and D5000s; D7000, D3100, D700, and D90 series.
Specifications:
- Auto-focus Teleconverter lens
- Prime design (Black)
- Coated with anti-reflection
- For Nikon & Canon
- 7.04 oz
Benefits:
- Elevates zooming power
- High-quality images
- Lightweight
- Affordable price
- It is simple to use
Drawbacks:
- Auto-focusing can sometimes be frustrating
2. Vivitar 8mm Ultra-Wide f/3.5 Fisheye
Vivitar has some exciting news for Nikon enthusiasts! Their fisheye lenses boast many impressive features, from its design and construction to the black finish which adds a modern aesthetic. Not only that, but this lens also fits a wide range of Nikon models!
Features:
Focus:
The maximum focal length is 8 millimeters, featuring a manual focus lens for when the auto-focus of your Vivitar first lens wasn’t enough. You can easily control the focus point and create creative shots while using this versatile lens!
Image Quality
This lens boasts some impressive features that make it a great choice for taking high-quality photos. When set to full-frame mode, you’ll get round images. Furthermore, the Hybrid Aspherical Lens can also produce APS-C sized images thanks to its multi-layer coating which reduces blazing.
Compatibility:
If you own a Nikon, this camera is best for you. The model compatibility is very flexible. You have choose from D3100, D3200, and D3200, as well as D5200 and D5300. Click the button below to see the complete list.
Specifications:
- Manual focus fisheye lenses
- Maximum focal length 8mm
- Mountings Nikon F
- Min. focus distance 30.48 cm
Benefits:
- Lens hoods are very handy
- Amazing close-up shots
- The multi-layer coating ensures no blazing
- Sharp picture quality
Drawbacks:
- Can’t auto-focus
3. Vivitar 500mm f/8 Telephoto Lens For Canon Digital EOS
Canon’s best telephoto Vivitar lens. With a longer focal length, this lens is best suited for outdoor landscape photography beginners. However, due to its telephoto nature, it is slightly heavier at 2.31 lbs – slightly heavier than other Canon lenses.
Features:
Focus:
Let’s start with the maximum focal length of 500 millimeters, which demonstrates how easy achieving a consistent and shallow depth field can be with this large lens. Furthermore, its maximum aperture of f/8.0 allows you to capture wider scenes – perfect for landscape photography! Lastly, don’t forget that it features manual focus as well!
Image Quality
The manual focus feature of a Telephoto lens is particularly handy, as it’s typically used for outdoor shots. It’s user-friendly and produces stunning photos; if using one for the first time, take some time to get everything set up properly. The camera’s outstanding quality content stems from its overall construction and engineering. A tripod will help prevent camera shaking so you can achieve the best balance point for precise focusing.
Compatibility:
This manual focus telephoto lens is compatible with Canon digital cameras. Some compatible models include Rebel SL1 (100D), Rebel T5i (700D), 600D), 60D and 60Da (1D Mark IV, 1D(s),Mark III) and 6D Digital, among others. Amazon has the complete list.
Specifications:
- A telephoto lens with manual focus
- Maximum focal length 500mm 500mm
- For Canon cameras
- Max. Maximum aperture F/8.0
- Weight 2.31 lbs
Benefits:
- Beginner-friendly
- It is easy to use
- Mountable on tripods
- High-quality pictures
- Nice shallow depth of field
- Priority setting for the aperture
Drawbacks:
- Can’t auto-focus
4. Vivitar Professional Ultra Wide Angle Aspherical Fisheye Lens
Here’s the deal if you want wide-angle Vivitar lenses for Canon. This professional-quality lens is affordable and can cover large areas within the frame. The hardshell case protects the lens. The cleaning kit and cloth included are even more impressive. It’s a great deal for the price!
Features:
Focus:
This fisheye lens offers a maximum focal length of 8 millimeters, enabling you to capture sharp wide-angle images with pan focus using an aperture of f/3.5. With an APS-C camera, APS can capture an impressive 167 degree wide angle for dramatic views; additionally, using full frame mode gives an image with rounded format.
Image Quality
High-quality close-up portraits can be captured at a distance of just 12 inches with this multi-layer coating. It prevents ghost images or blazing highlights, while the petal hood reduces flare for sharp and precise focus.
Compatibility:
This manual focus lens can be used with Canon digital cameras. Compatible models include the 70D, 77D and 80D digital cameras. Amazon has a comprehensive list of compatible models as well. The maintenance accessories were the real draw here! We suggest reading through all specifications carefully – if it fits you then don’t be afraid to give it a shot!
Specifications:
- Manual focus
- Fisheye lens with wide angle
- Maximum focal length 8mm
- For Canon cameras
- Min. focus distance 12-inch
Benefits:
- Use and maintain
- Additional cleaning supplies included
- It covers a large-angle area
- Petal hood reduces flare
- Magnificent portraits
Drawbacks:
- Auto-focus is not an option
5. Vivitar 650-1300mm f/8-16 SERIES 1 Telephoto Zoom Lens
The shallower your focus, the longer the focal length. This product offers the highest focal length we’ve listed and incredible zooming power – also referred to as a zoom lens. Let’s take a closer look at its impressive features.
Features:
Focus:
Telephoto Lens with up to 1300mm focal length for perfect focus on any object. Up close, you can focus on the moon; covering more ground than 651mm could cover. Zoom range up to 650mm but cannot zoom lower.
Image Quality
This camera was designed to enable close-up photographers to capture images at a farther distance while maintaining excellent quality. You can adjust the F/stop scale from 8 to 16 aperture, allowing light to pass through more efficiently and stabilize for improved production.
Compatibility:
Specifications:
- Zoom lens
- Telephoto type
- Max. Maximum focal length 1300mm
- Min. Min. focal length 650mm
- For Nikon cameras
- Aperture f/8-16
Benefits:
- Incredible zooming power
- Maintain the image quality
- It is simple to use
- Great for long-distance photography
Drawbacks:
- If you require a wide-angle lens, this is not the right choice.
6. Vivitar Universal 500MM Preset Lens
As we conclude our Vivitar lens reviews, let’s take a look at another telephoto lens from Vivitar. This universal model can be used with various camera brands – all you need is the correct mount!
Features:
Focus:
This telephoto lens offers a maximum focal length of 500 millimeters, with an aperture range of f/8 to 32. You can adjust the depth of field easily and focus precisely to get the shot you desire with this lens; plus, you can set it to prioritize aperture automatically for even quicker exposure times. Please note: TTL metering must be done manually since this is manual focus lens.
Image Quality
This aluminum alloy construction makes it both lightweight and pixel-perfect, boasting high quality optics with multi-layer coating for sharp images without flare. Even in low light conditions you can take stunning shots. With 10 times zoom power as a binocular, this lens is great for outdoor photography or surveillance applications – plus its carrying case further increases portability!
Compatibility:
This universal kit can be used with any digital SLR camera. All that’s required to get started is a T-mount adapter, then mount with an adjustable tripod mount rotatable for convenience. Formatting vertically while maintaining perfect balance has never been simpler!
Specifications:
- Telephoto zoom lens
- Multi-layer coating
- Max. Maximum focal length 500mm
- Universal adapter with T-mount
- Aluminum alloy body
- Durable tripod mount
- Aperture f/8 to 32
Benefits:
- Images that are sharp and clean without any flare
- Mount rotates to make it easy to line up
- Durable and lightweight
- Versatile applications
- Balance is the best.
- Carry case for essentials
Drawbacks:
- Not an auto-focus lens
Here are some things to consider when buying Vivitar Lenses
Making a Vivitar Lens purchase is simplified when you are aware of what to look for. This segment will highlight some of the most crucial details that many shoppers overlook, providing you with useful information to help you make an informed decision.
Compatibility
When looking to purchase one of the best Vivitar lenses, compatibility should be your top priority. Both Nikon and Canon users have access to Vivitar lenses; some work with different cameras while others will fit on all brands of cameras. Make sure you check compatibility on product pages by entering your camera model number into a checkbox provided and they’ll let you know if it is compatible or not.
Focal Length
Lenses come in a wide variety of specifications and focal lengths. Lenses with longer focal lengths offer shallow depth of field, perfect for object focusing and stunning portraits. On the opposite side of the pond, smaller focal lengths offer a wider field of view – ideal for landscape photos that require lots of focus.
Focus
Lenses can be auto-focused or manual focus, though the latter is not always available. Autofocus may malfunction occasionally; on the other hand, manual focus offers easy customization and control over your photos – you just need to get used to it in order to produce stunning visuals!
Lens Type
Telephoto lenses feature a longer focal length, enabling you to zoom in close for close-up shots with an enhanced depth of field. Wide-angle lenses make capturing beautiful landscape shots easy too; just zoom away!
FAQs
Is Vivitar a good camera lens?
Yes, Vivitar lenses can be used indoors and outdoors. There are also items available for popular brands like Canon and Nikon but their product ranges tend to be smaller with fewer components. We were especially impressed by the telephoto lens due to its amazing zooming abilities.
Can Vivitar lenses fit Sony?
A T-Mount adapter is required to adopt a Vivitar Lens to your Sony Camera. You can then adapt any T-Mount lens to your E-Mount Sony cam. Some settings need to be manually reviewed. It works, other than that.
Are Vivitar lenses compatible with Nikon?
Nikon lenses can be customized by the company with superior optics for sharper images. While these lenses may only be suitable for occasional use and not recommended for beginners, Nikon remains your go-to if you require a powerful zoom range.
Can I use a Vivitar Lens on a Canon?
Vivitar Lenses can be used on Canon cameras with the correct mount. We list many compatible models that will fit perfectly onto your Canon camera – check it out now!