Quick answer
The Vivitar 19mm f/3.8 is a ultra-wide prime lens covering 19mm at f/3.8 for the Canon FD mount. Its moderate maximum aperture works best in good light or with a higher ISO.
About this lens
A 19mm f/3.8 manual-focus wide-angle prime lens, the Vivitar 19mm f/3.8 is designed for Canon FD mount bodies. The wide view suits landscapes, architecture and environmental shots.
Vivitar 19mm f/3.8 specifications
What can you shoot with the Vivitar 19mm f/3.8?
At 19mm 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 | 19mm | 86.9° | 97.4° |
| APS-C | 1.6x | 30mm | 61.3° | 70.9° |
| Micro Four Thirds | 2.0x | 38mm | 50.7° | 59.3° |
Frequently asked questions
What mount does the Vivitar 19mm f/3.8 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 19mm f/3.8?
It is a fixed 19mm lens with a maximum aperture of f/3.8. That makes it a ultra-wide lens.
Is the Vivitar 19mm f/3.8 a prime or a zoom lens?
It is a prime lens with a fixed 19mm focal length. Primes usually open wider than zooms; this one opens to f/3.8.
What is the Vivitar 19mm f/3.8 equivalent on a crop sensor?
On APS-C (1.6x crop) it frames like 30mm on full frame, with a 61.3° horizontal and 70.9° diagonal field of view. On Micro Four Thirds (2x crop) it frames like 38mm on full frame, with a 50.7° horizontal and 59.3° diagonal field of view. These figures are calculated from the focal length and crop factor.
