Vivitar Series 1 85mm f/1.8 Manual Focus Portrait Lens for Nikon
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Vivitar Series 1 85mm f/1.8 Manual Focus Portrait Lens for Nikon

SKU: VVV85MMN

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Questions & Answers

Shopper : Will this lens work with my d40 or d90?DAVE S : I use this lens on my D40 and on an old Nikon FE film camera. The lens is totally manual, so you have to adjust focus by hand and the other auto features (shutter and aperture preferred) also wont work. I have to turn the focus ring to adust focus and set both aperture and shutter speed by hand. On my FE the TTL (through the lens) metering works, but not on the D40. However, since the D40 doesn't burn film, I determine exposure requirements by trail and error. There was a leanring curve, but now my initial speed/aperture combo guesses are usually in the ballpark, and a quick look at the 1st result on the D40 LED display leads to being right on the money with the 2nd setting (most of the time). Anyway, I could invest $50 or so in a light meter (hand held or one that fits onto the hot shoe) but guessing at the D40 exposure requirements has become a game I enjoy. I use this fast lens a lot with both FE and D40, and with good results.HOI V : Yes, You can put this lens to D40 or D90, is ok!
Shopper : It is made in the USA?DAVE S : Couldn't find any indication on the lens itself as to country of manufacture. However, within the little 'Instruction Manual' pamphlet, in the section about warranty, it states that, "This product is manufactured, distributed and sold by SAKAR International, Inc." Google their name and at their website you will find that Sakar is a fairly large and well established company specializing in the manufacture of brand name merchandise under license from the brand owner (eg, Vivitar, Polaroid, Kodak). HQ is in New Jersey, but have offices all over the world - so no telling where this lens is actrually made. You could contact them and ask (go to their website for email and phone #s). So, at the VERY low price for this fast (F1.8) 85mm lense (which will function as 170mm on all digital cameras that are less than full frame), I'm not surprised that Vivitar has out-sourced its manufacture. And, that may be a good thing given that Vivitar is way past its glory days. Sakar may be top notch. I recall being surpised years ago when I learned that Leica had out-sourced manufacture of some of its lenses to Sigma. Bottom line, I've been using this lens for several months now and can report that it's a nice solid feeling lens with built in hood and hefty metal components that give smooth/quite movement, that has pretty good optics and all at a bargain price. What's not to like?MICHAEL L : You must confirm it is a USA model - I suggest only buying from either a well regarded dealer - like Adorama - or directly from Nikon.
Shopper : What is the country of manufacture of this lens? I plan on using with my Nikon FE2. Thanks.HOI V : This Vivitar 85mm f/1.8 Manual Focus Portrait Lens is made in China. but is OK!FRANK P : I'm not sure. I sent the lens back because it didn't meet my needs.

Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2013-12-09T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Fun to use, nice bokeh

I use this lens as a general portrait lens, mostly for shooting people but works well on animals, as long as you don't stop it down too far. Stopping down to 1.8 will net you focused eyes and a blurred snout on a dog at least. The best part of this is the price. It's cheap, though in some respects it also feels cheap. It works nicely, however and does take getting accustomed to full manual controls for aperture and focusing. The only thing that would make this lens better is autofocus, but hey, that's part of why this lens is so inexpensive, so the trade off is acceptable. There is also no vibration compensation/image stabilization, which again, keeps the price down. If you're looking for a fun lens, that can do nice bokeh and does nice portraits, this is a good lens to try. I have used this on my 1Dx and an old XSi, both work equally as well and quality is very good overall from both.

Stephen L.

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Vivitar 85mm f/1.8 Specifications

  • Filter Size

    Filter Size55mm (front mount)

  • Aperture Range

    F/1.8-F/22

  • Minumum Focus Distance

    1.0m (3.3ft)

  • Focus Control

    Single focal lens

  • Angle of View

    28.3°

  • Groups/Elements

    7/9

  • Length

    71.2mm

  • Max. Diameter

    76mm

  • Dimensions

    6 x 3.5 x 3.5" (152 x 89 x 89mm)

  • Weight

    1.2lbs (0.5kg)

  • UPC Code

    681066510148

9 Accessories for Vivitar Series 1 85mm f/1.8 Manual Focus Portrait Lens for Nikon

  • All Accessories (9)
  • Filters (4)
  • Covers & Caps (1)
  • Bags & Cases (1)
  • Lens Caps (1)
  • Cleaning Accessories (2)
ProOPTIC Pro Digital 55mm Multi Coated UV Slim Filter
ProOPTIC Pro Digital 55mm Multi Coated UV Slim Filter
$12.95
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ProOPTIC 55mm Plastic Snap-on Lens Cap
ProOPTIC 55mm Plastic Snap-on Lens Cap
$4.00
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ProOPTIC 55mm Center Pinch Lens Cap
ProOPTIC 55mm Center Pinch Lens Cap
$4.00
Recommended
Pioneer 88MCC Photo Cleaning Cloth 8 x 8 Microfiber
Pioneer 88MCC Photo Cleaning Cloth 8 x 8 Microfiber
$3.95
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ProOptic Complete Optics Care and Cleaning Kit
ProOptic Complete Optics Care and Cleaning Kit
$19.95
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ProOPTIC 55mm Digital Essentials Filter Kit
ProOPTIC 55mm Digital Essentials Filter Kit
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Tiffen 55mm Digital Pro SLR Filter Kit
Tiffen 55mm Digital Pro SLR Filter Kit
$48.95
Tiffen Photo Essentials Three Filter Kit, 55mm
Tiffen Photo Essentials Three Filter Kit, 55mm
$40.84
ProOPTIC Lens Wrap, 19in x 19in (530mm x 520mm), Black
ProOPTIC Lens Wrap, 19in x 19in (530mm x 520mm), Black
$11.50

About Vivitar 85mm f/1.8

FEATURED REVIEWS

Fun to use, nice bokeh

By Stephen L.

I use this lens as a general portrait lens, mostly for shooting people but works well on animals, as long as you don't stop it down too far. Stopping down to 1.8 will net you focused eyes and a blurred snout on a dog at least. The best part of this is the price. It's cheap, though in some respects it also feels cheap. It works nicely, however and does take getting accustomed to full manual controls for aperture and focusing. The only thing that would make this lens better is autofocus, but ...

View full Review

The Vivitar 85mm F1.8 Aspherical Lens opens up new photographic opportunities you'd never get with a zoom. The focal length and aperture make it a great portrait lens. When shooting in bright conditions with fast shutter speeds and low ISOs, you'll create beautiful subject separation, and backgrounds which melt away into soft colors.

The aspherical multi-coated optics ensure bright, razor sharp images. It has a nicely damped and rubber-clad focus ring, allowing for smooth focus pulls and precision focusing. Due to its internal focusing mechanism, the physical size of the lens remains constant. The Vivitar 85mm lens is also a great choice for DSLR videographers. The lens mounted aperture ring works just like a professional video camera.

The lens comes with a removable lens hood, caps, and pouch, along with a five year warranty. Whether you are an amateur photographer, or a professional looking for an affordable portrait lens, the Vivitar 85mm F/1.8 is the perfect choice.

Vivitar 85mm f/1.8 Features

  • Creates outstanding sharp, defined images with high contrast at the maximum f/1.8 aperture
  • Superior peripheral brightness by using hybrid aspherical glass, correcting chromatic aberration
  • Super multi-layered coating reduces flare and ghosting
  • Highly refractive and dispersed optical elements (6 elements, 6 groups)
  • Maintains a compact size with an inner focus design

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Key Features

  • Creates outstanding sharp, defined images
  • Superior peripheral brightness by using hybrid aspherical glass, correcting chromatic aberration
  • Super multi-layered coating reduces flare & ghosting
  • Highly refractive & dispersed optical elements (6 elements, 6 groups)
  • Maintains a compact size

What's in the box:

  • Vivitar 85MM 1.8 Portrait Lens
  • Removable Lens Hood
  • Caps
  • Pouch
  • Vivitar 5 Year Warranty

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