Prompted by the recent thread on the Kiron 70-210/4 lens (titled "Kiron 70-210 f/4 macro 62mm filter"), I dug out a review on the lens, from Modern Photography for November, 1983.
"Specifications: 70-210mm f/4 Kiron" "Accepts 62mm filters; f/4 to f/22, 1/2 stop detents; min. foc. dist. 3 ft. 9 in. (1.15m); max. magnification 1:4 at 210mm; 6 in. long, 3 in. diam. (150 x 75mm); 29 oz. (830g); $359." [caption to photo] "Twin rings on Kiron zoom, at pencil, are settable to predetermined focusing distances - great for sports and action shooting. Zoom lock, on zoom/focus collar, locks in focal length setting." "Practical comments: Features include zoom locking switch which effectively prevents focal-length 'creep' while focusing." "Close focusing achieved without switching to macro mode, continuous at all focal lengths; glossy black front barrel does not rotate, aiding special-effects filter use; bulk and finder brightness average for range." "Field test slides: No noticeable distortion. Detail crisp, snappy and well rendered, especially at f/5.6 and smaller. Some underexposure noted at maximum aperture. Overall, above average performance for type, though macro performance was slightly below average." Tested resolution values at 70mm: Accept or Good at center; Excellent at corners. Tested resolution values at 135mm: Accept to Very Good at center; Good to Excellent at corners. Tested resolution values at 210mm: Very Good to Excellent at center; Good to Excellent at corners. Tested contrast values at 70mm: High at center; High at corners. Tested contrast values at 135mm: High at center; High at corners. Tested contrast values at 210mm: High at center; Very Low to High at corners. Tested focal length values: 72.42mm to 205.20 mm. Tested aperture values: f/4.11 at 70mm; f/4.16 at 210mm. Tested distortion values: 1.64% barrel at 70mm; less than 1% pincushion at 210mm. [Fred]
