Vivitar 28-70mm f/3.5-4.8 MC Auto Focus Zoom

The Vivitar 28-70mm f/3.5-4.8 MC Auto Focus Zoom was marketed by Vivitar in the late 1980s.

Vivitar 28-70mm f/3.5-4.8 MC Auto Focus Zoom image by Just Plain Curt (Image rights)

Description

The Vivitar 28-70mm f/3.5-4.8 MC Auto Focus Zoom was one of two auto focus zoom lenses marketed by Vivitar to retrofit conventional, non-autofocus cameras. The lenses were available in a variety of fixed camera mounts. The autofocus system was powered by batteries in the lens and had supported autofocus modes: one for stationary subjects and one for continuous tracking of moving subjects. The lenses used a Honeywell Corporation TCL detector (an early phase detection sensor) to determine focus.

Popular Science reviewed Vivitar's two auto focus lenses in the July 1988 issue and this to say:

I found that focusing is faster with these lenses than with a conventional manual-focus zoom. The resulting photos were satisfactory for snapshots but might not satisfy a demanding professional.

Specifications

• Badging: Vivitar
• Manufacturer: unknown
• Manufacture Date: ca 1988
• Focal Length: 28-70mm
• Aperture Range: f/3.5 - f/22
• Diaphragm Type: Automatic
• Diaphragm Blades: 8
• Filter Diameter: 52mm
• Minimum Focus: Normal: 1m (3.28 feet), Macro: 0.35m (13.8 inches)
• Mounts: Canon FD, M42, Minolta, Nikon, Olympus OM, Pentax K, others
• Elements: 8
• Groups: 8
• Weight: 395g (13.9 oz)
• Accessories: unknown
• Example Serial Numbers: unknown
• Original Stock Number(s): unknown

Links

• Vivitar 28-70mm f/3.5-4.8 Auto Focus Zoom - Nifty 3rd Part OM Lenses (archived)