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MFLenses 2026

Manual Focus Lenses

Explore the world of vintage lenses through repair notes, real test shots, and detailed forum threads packed with images.

Explore the world of vintage lenses through repair notes, real test shots, and detailed forum threads packed with images.

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Vivitar 19mm f/3.8

09/09/2006
An economical solution to get entry the real wide angle photography. Well built massive metal lens and pretty light weight not heavy at all. At least 3-5 times less money than the better lenses. I suggest to buy and use for traveling or in bad weather condition if you don’t want take a risk with expensive lenses. 

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Fact Sheet


Vendor name
Vivitar
Type
Wide-Angle
Product year
N/A

Focal Min(mm)
19
Focal Max(mm)
19
Focus Min(cm)
20

Aperture Max
3.8
Aperture Min.
22
Barrel length(mm)
37

Elements In Group
9 in 8
Diaphragm action
Auto
Weight (g)
184

Filter Size (mm)
62
Push on diameter (mm)
65
Angular field
N/A

5 Comments

  1. My definition of this is 20mm and below, without going “fisheye”. This, of course, brings us to the 19mm Vivitar 3.8. There aren’t too many lenses out there to choose from that give you this wide a focal length that aren’t fisheye lenses to choose from. Of those, most are expensive. Too expensive, in fact, for what might be considered a “novelty lens” that isn’t always going to be in your camera bag al the time. Not willing to spend a small fortune for a lens that I knew going in that I’m not going to use very often but none-the-less want the focal length, the Vivitar was a natural – perhaps only, choice. I woud rate this lens optically as “good”. Not great, but certainly acceptaby sharp with good color rendition. The barrel distortion was less than I expected for a lens in this price range. It has all metal construction and solidly built.

  2. The Vivitar 19mm is a great lens,but compared with my Nikon 20 mm F4,theres a some way to go..but not enormous!This Vivitar is amazing for the price and i use it sometimes even for prowork getting great results,i use mainly for travelling,and can recomand this product very much,whether you are skilled or not. I rate it Highly but bevare of flare with it.!.. buy a good filter and lens hood,which is almost as expensive as this lens,and youll get good results.

  3. This is one of the few inexpensive, ultra wide primes out there. You simply cannot find a better value. Linear distortion is suprisingly low. If you can find a lens shade wide enough (small filter diameter) it’s a decent lens. You’ll need to spend at least five times more to get a significant jump in image quality.

  4. I think you mean angle not angel, unless those naughty angels have become wide through over-eating? lol

  5. i have one of these lenses and get great results with it, in photography as in a lot of things, it may depend on which one you get

Comments are closed.