Q: Is this a good lens? A: No; it's a great lens. I use it during my lunchtime walk around a lake.
Q: How is its flare control? A: I've never had problems with the multicoated K-mount version; the M42 version was single-coated. I used to own it but never aimed it toward a bright light, so I couldn't say. Q: Distortion and optical quality? A: I've never noticed distortion in it; I'm too busy admiring its wide-open sharpness and pleasing bokeh. Q: How does it compare to 135mm Pentaxes? A: I used to own the pentax SMC 135/2.5K. The pentax has better saturation and contrast, and bokeh that's at least as good. The Vivitar, however, is sharper from f/2.5 until about f/8, when the sharpness of the two lenses evens out. Also, the Vivitar focuses closer, at 3 feet (1:4.5 magnification). Q: How about other 135mm lens of today? There are no longer any third-party 135s made for SLRs. The Rikenon P 135/2.8 (also sold as Sears and maybe JC Penney) scored consistent Very Goods in Amateur Photographer in the mid 1980s. The Sears 135/2.8 Close Focus-a different lens--was supposed to be quite respectable, especially considering its price. Likewise the Vivitar 135/2.8 close focus, though not in the same class as the Series One. The only third-party lens that rivaled the Vivitar 135/2.3 was the Soligor C/D 135/1.8 and 2.0 (differing from each other only in their baffling.) If you want a 135/1.8K or M42-mount lens at less than $150, you can usually find one on German ebay (Porst, Computar, or Revuenon). Spiratone made two 135/1.8s; only the multicoated version was excellent. Q: Which is the best pentax 135mm? A: The pentax 135/1.8 PKA* is probably the best 135 ever made, but it sells for $1300 or more.when you can find one. The Pentax FA 135/2.8FA is said to be an underrated jewel. It also focuses closer than any of the 135s discussed above. The 135/2.3K is so scarce (I've seen only three for sale in five years) that I nearly bought a PDML member's for $200 last year just to have a spare! If I were buying today I'd probably get the FA, even though all my gear is manual focus. [EMAIL PROTECTED]
