Overview

The Vivitar Series 1 450mm f/4.5 Aspherical is a rare, compact catadioptric lens from the 1980s, praised for its fast f/4.5 aperture and innovative aspherical plastic front element. Optical strengths include good performance for its era, but as a mirror lens it has fixed aperture and donut bokeh. Build quality is high with a rubberized barrel and rotating T-mount, though the lens is heavy at 3 lbs 10 oz. It suits collectors and enthusiasts willing to experiment, but its rarity and pragmatic limitations make it unsuitable for paid work.