I'm interested in expanding my capabilities for my Canon AE-1 Program and am looking at a very wide zoom.

Any suggestions/advice on what to look for and price ranges? I see Vivitar has the above 17-28. Any words on the quality of this lens? Seems it can be picked up for $150 or so.

Thanx, Bob H

-- Bob Hayden (BobHayden@prodigy.net), September 29, 1998

Answers

I've seen the Vivitar 17-28mm wide angle zoom. But I believe the correct zoom range is 18-28mm. Anyway it's really a dark image when you look the viewfinder. I believe it's a F4.0 ~ F4.5 Max aperature. A better lens would be the Vivitar Series 1, 19-35mm, F3.5 ~ F4.0 This lens only cost $10.00 more. It's a newer design, comes in Canon FD mount and Canon EOS AF mount. There is less metal and more plastic on the lens, but it still has Vivitars 5 yr warranty. I have the 19-35mm zoom and the color contrast is so high. Distrortion is good to acceptable considering the price and zoom range.

Ed

-- ED LAU (ELAU632855@AOL.COM), December 26, 1998.

No one beats Vivitar for the money - NO ONE! But as the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. I have the 17-28 Vivitar Zoom lens... I have mixed feelings about this lens...Good contrast, yes, but still a piece of smelly caca in many respects... Vivitar has an affordable 19mm fd lens, not a zoom - but a good piece of glass. This lens beats the pants off the zoom! Why do ya need such a limited zoom anyway? Just move back and forth - you have legs don't 'cha? Browse e-bay like a shark, you'll find a sea of aftermarket lenses & zooms at great prices!

-- David Spero Peligro (davidspero68@hotmail.com), February 28, 2001.