-inexpensive ($67 used compared to Nikon 20mm f/3.5 $300)
-Ultra-Wide on FX/Film
-Auto Focus is quick
-77mm filter
-Soft: great for close-up group shots of people

-overexposes, set EV Comp to -1.7
-Extreme flare problems
-Very flimsy construction
-Distortion extremes
-soft: never really sharp but acceptable only between f/9-f/16

As a general purpose Ultra-Wide angle lens for FX/Film and a standard zoom for DX crop Nikon cameras the Vivitar Series 1 19-35mm AF lens is the best value out there. I have compared this lens to other auto focus lenses along with manual focus lenses and found it extremely practical yet inferior. For quick group shots at parties and gatherings, I found this lens to be better than the Nikon 18-55mm DX II. For landscape, architecture, and wide angle fun I found this lens to be too close in comparison with the Nikon 20mm f/2.8D. Best bang for the buck, except I chose to go with a more expensive lens.

-value rating explained:

1)Nikon 14-24 @20mm
2)Nikon 17-35mm AF-S @20mm
3)Nikon 20mm f/3.5 AI (also f/2.8D, f/4, etc)
4)Vivitar Series 1 19-35mm
5)non wide angle lens

Similar Products Used:

Nikon D80, Nikon N90s, 20mm f/2.8D, 20mm f/3.5 AI.

Excellent sharpness Excellent color Excellent contrast Fast focusing Light weight Compact

Feels fragile, but mine has never failed despite robust use Must stay aware of flare when shooting toward light source, and control it

For the dollar, this is the best lens I've ever owned. I have used it for many years [since it was introduced, almost 20 years ago] on Nikons, and it has always given me knife sharp pictures with excellent color and contrast. It also focuses very quickly, virtually instantly, in AF mode. It is a very light and small lens, so it easily fits into a camera bag. The construction SEEMS flimsy, mostly plastic, but mine has gone around the world with me many times, and survived deserts, swamps, and Arctic cold. It has never failed to perform. Like all wide lenses, it is prone to flare when pointed toward a bright light source, but so are my more expensive wide angle lenses. Anyone looking for a wide angle zoom should take a good look at this lens!

Customer Service

I've never had a problem with this lens. In the late 1960's I had an element come loose on a Vivitar 135mm lens, and they fixed it while I waited. That was some good service! [I live within driving distance to the distributor's headquarters.]

Similar Products Used:

Sigma 12-24mm Sigma 15-30mm Sigma 15mm nikkor 16mm Mikkor 20mm

versatile 19-35 mm good colours

a little weak in construction

If you can get hand of this one ;simply go and buy it. Theres is almost no reason to invest in a very expensive brand from Nikon Canon or Minolta,IF youre not a pro;its a waste of money. With this lens and a good MF Canon EF or Nikon F2 or F3,you can get quite fantastic pics for a little money.You can also put on An (Old) DigiSlRcam from Nikon (D1)and get very fine results! Its sharp contrasty with good colours and good details,up to pro standard . Its and overseen product by many I have used it ocasionally on my beloved Nikon F2,making stunning results even with slides.

Customer Service

nega

Similar Products Used:

many