Mark Ellington
Vivitar 420-800mm Telephoto Zoom Lens
Introduction
The Vivitar 420-800mm f/8.3 Manual Focus Telephoto Zoom Lens is an exciting addition to the world of photography accessories, designed for DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Manufactured by Vivitar, a company renowned for its innovative photographic products, this telephoto lens is perfect for capturing distant subjects with stunning clarity. Intended for nature enthusiasts, sports photographers, and anyone looking to enhance their surveillance capabilities, this lens is a versatile tool that can elevate your photography to new heights.
Product Overview
With an impressive zoom range that allows for images magnified up to 16 times that of a standard 50mm lens, the Vivitar 420-800mm lens boasts multi-coated all-glass elements that minimize distortion and enhance image quality. The lens features a screw-in lens hood and a built-in tripod collar for stability, making it well-equipped for long shooting sessions.
Appearance and Design
The Vivitar 420-800mm lens exhibits a robust, all-black design that is both professional and understated. The materials used in its construction feel solid, giving it a sense of durability without excessive weight. Unique design features include the built-in tripod collar, which allows for easy mounting on a tripod for stability during use. The manual focus mechanism, while requiring a bit of practice, offers photographers a high level of control over their shots.
Key Features and Specifications
- Part Number: V-420800-NOC
- Model: V-420800-NOC
- Price: $70
- Compatibility: Requires a camera-specific T-Mount adapter (sold separately)
- Zoom Range: 420-800mm
- Aperture: f/8.3
- Macro Focusing: Down to 5.25 feet at 800mm
- Multi-coated all-glass elements for improved image quality
- Includes a screw-in lens hood
- Built-in tripod collar for stability
- Warranty: 1-year warranty for the original buyer
Experience Using the Product
During testing, the Vivitar 420-800mm lens demonstrated exceptional capabilities in various scenarios. In wildlife photography, the lens excelled in capturing details of distant animals without disturbing their natural behavior. Its macro focusing capability was impressive, allowing for sharp close-ups even at the maximum zoom level.
In sports settings, the lens was able to capture fast-moving subjects with relative ease, although the need for manual focus requires some practice to master. The tripod collar proved essential for stability, especially during prolonged shoots.
For nature and landscape photography, the lens offered breathtaking perspectives, allowing photographers to frame stunning shots that emphasize depth and clarity. However, the weight of the lens can make handheld shooting challenging over extended periods.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Versatile zoom range for various photography styles
- High-quality glass elements produce clear images
- Macro capability adds extra functionality
- Built-in tripod collar enhances stability
- Affordable price point for a telephoto lens
Cons:
- Manual focus may be difficult for beginners
- Requires a T-Mount adapter, which adds to the overall cost
- Heavy for handheld shooting
- Focusing can be challenging in low-light situations
Conclusion
Overall, the Vivitar 420-800mm f/8.3 Manual Focus Telephoto Zoom Lens is a compelling choice for photographers looking to explore the world of telephoto photography without breaking the bank. Its robust features, including a wide zoom range and macro capabilities, make it valuable for capturing everything from wildlife to sports. Although it comes with the learning curve associated with manual focus, the high-quality images produced justify the effort. For those serious about expanding their photography potential, the Vivitar 420-800mm is a worthy investment.
