Comments about Vivitar Vivitar Series 1 85mm f/1.4 Manual Macro Lens for Sony Film & Digital SLR Cameras:

WEll worth the money if you have the ability to use
that super micro-processor between your ears.This
lens is not for everyone, those who totaly rely on
AUTO EVERYTHING will have problems adjusting to the
way things used to be.Back in olden times (the 80s)
I used a Nikon F-3 and had a 85mm 1.4 AIS,this lens
produces very similar results at a fraction of the
cost.That being said it seems much harder to reach
focus with the sony A900 but I've had the lens only
a week and am looking into focusing screen options.
Outstanding results are possible to those who are
willing to master manual focus & exposure! The build
quality is v-good and the focusing ring tension seems just right. I would recommend an 812 filter
as this lens is a little on the cool side. Bokeh is
awesome & DOF is so narrow that at it's close focus-
ing limit the only way to obtain focus on both eyes
is to have your subject directly facing the camera
(@ F 1.4 ) Bottem line consider it's limitations but
also it's possibities!!!

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar Series 1 85mm f/1.4 Manual Macro Lens for Sony Film & Digital SLR Cameras:

At full aperture this lens is bright, indeed, at f/1.4, but with standard focusing screens it is almost impossible to focus accurately. Sony camera owners need to switch to the M screen to focus with some accuracy. The A850 body does not provide focus confirmation via beep or flashing indicators with this lens, so users can't rely on that feature. Focus is manual, as it says in the listing, and the aperture is also manual, but there is no preset ring to allow quick changing between full aperture for focusing and selected aperture for shooting. Preset rings are not very difficult to implement, and for this price on a barely compatible lens, a preset ring REALLY should be installed. Frankly, I'm debating with myself about just listing this lens for sale and be done with it. Hmmm, what to do...