Quick answer
The Vivitar 17mm f/3.5 Wide Angle is a ultra-wide prime lens covering 17mm at f/3.5 for the Canon FD mount. Its moderate maximum aperture works best in good light or with a higher ISO.
About this lens
The Vivitar 17mm f/3.5 Wide Angle is a manual-focus wide-angle prime lens covering 17mm at f/3.5 for Canon FD mount cameras. The wide view suits landscapes, architecture and environmental shots.
Vivitar 17mm f/3.5 Wide Angle specifications
What can you shoot with the Vivitar 17mm f/3.5 Wide Angle?
At 17mm this is a ultra-wide prime, which typically suits:
- Landscapes and big skies
- Architecture and interiors
- Astrophotography and night skies
Its moderate maximum aperture works best in good light or with a higher ISO.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor (adapted mount, so sensor size depends on your camera). Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 17mm | 93.3° | 103.7° |
| APS-C | 1.6x | 27mm | 67° | 77° |
| Micro Four Thirds | 2.0x | 34mm | 55.8° | 64.9° |
Frequently asked questions
What mount does the Vivitar 17mm f/3.5 Wide Angle use?
It uses the Canon FD mount, so it fits Canon FD cameras directly and can be used on other systems through a mount adapter.
What is the focal length of the Vivitar 17mm f/3.5 Wide Angle?
It is a fixed 17mm lens with a maximum aperture of f/3.5. That makes it a ultra-wide lens.
Is the Vivitar 17mm f/3.5 Wide Angle a prime or a zoom lens?
It is a prime lens with a fixed 17mm focal length. Primes usually open wider than zooms; this one opens to f/3.5.
What is the Vivitar 17mm f/3.5 Wide Angle equivalent on a crop sensor?
On APS-C (1.6x crop) it frames like 27mm on full frame, with a 67° horizontal and 77° diagonal field of view. On Micro Four Thirds (2x crop) it frames like 34mm on full frame, with a 55.8° horizontal and 64.9° diagonal field of view. These figures are calculated from the focal length and crop factor.
Alternatives for Canon FD from other brands
All Canon FD lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
