Lens Lab
    Vivitar 28-200 mm f/ 3.5-5.3 (Kobori)
    Vivitar 28-200 mm f/ 3.5-5.3 (Kobori)

    Vivitar 28-200 mm f/ 3.5-5.3 (Kobori)

    28–200mm · f/3.5–5.3

    Overview

    The Vivitar 28-200mm f/3.5-5.3 (Kobori) is a vintage superzoom with good central sharpness at wider apertures, but edges soften and chromatic aberration increases at longer focal lengths, especially at 200mm. Distortion is moderate (barrel to pincushion), and bokeh is smooth. Build is heavy (640g) but solid, with a push-pull zoom that resists creep. Flare is problematic in backlight. It suits vintage enthusiasts who value macro focusing (1:4) and don't mind optical compromises at the tele end.