Quick answer
The Vivitar 55mm f/2.8 Macro is a standard macro lens covering 55mm at f/2.8 for the M42 mount. Its bright maximum aperture handles indoor and evening light reasonably well.
About this lens
The Vivitar 55mm f/2.8 Macro is a manual-focus macro lens covering 55mm at f/2.8 for M42 mount cameras. It is intended for close-up work with small subjects such as flowers and insects.
Vivitar 55mm f/2.8 Macro specifications
What can you shoot with the Vivitar 55mm f/2.8 Macro?
At 55mm this is a standard macro, which typically suits:
- Everyday and street photography
- Natural-perspective portraits
- Documentary and travel work
Its bright maximum aperture handles indoor and evening light reasonably well.
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 | 55mm | 36.2° | 42.9° |
| APS-C | 1.5x | 83mm | 24.6° | 29.4° |
| Micro Four Thirds | 2.0x | 110mm | 18.6° | 22.3° |
Frequently asked questions
What mount does the Vivitar 55mm f/2.8 Macro use?
It uses the M42 mount, so it fits M42 cameras directly and can be used on other systems through a mount adapter.
What is the focal length of the Vivitar 55mm f/2.8 Macro?
It is a fixed 55mm lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8. That makes it a standard lens.
Is the Vivitar 55mm f/2.8 Macro a prime or a zoom lens?
It is a prime lens with a fixed 55mm focal length. Primes usually open wider than zooms; this one opens to f/2.8.
What is the Vivitar 55mm f/2.8 Macro equivalent on a crop sensor?
On APS-C (1.5x crop) it frames like 83mm on full frame, with a 24.6° horizontal and 29.4° diagonal field of view. On Micro Four Thirds (2x crop) it frames like 110mm on full frame, with a 18.6° horizontal and 22.3° diagonal field of view. These figures are calculated from the focal length and crop factor.
Alternatives for M42 from other brands
All M42 lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
