Quick answer
The Vivitar 90-230mm f/4.5 Macro Focusing Zoom is a short telephoto to telephoto macro lens covering 90-230mm at f/4.5 for the M42 mount. Its smaller maximum aperture favours daylight shooting and keeps the lens compact.
About this lens
The Vivitar 90-230mm f/4.5 Macro Focusing Zoom is a manual-focus macro zoom lens covering 90-230mm at f/4.5 for M42 mount cameras. It is intended for close-up work with small subjects such as flowers and insects.
Vivitar 90-230mm f/4.5 Macro Focusing Zoom specifications
What can you shoot with the Vivitar 90-230mm f/4.5 Macro Focusing Zoom?
At 90-230mm this is a short telephoto to telephoto macro, which typically suits:
- Portraits with a flattering perspective
- Events and weddings
- Isolating subjects from the background
- Sports and action
- Wildlife and birds at moderate distance
Its smaller maximum aperture favours daylight shooting and keeps the lens compact.
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 | 90–230mm | 8.9–22.6° | 10.7–27° |
| APS-C | 1.5x | 135–345mm | 6–15.2° | 7.2–18.2° |
| Micro Four Thirds | 2.0x | 180–460mm | 4.5–11.4° | 5.4–13.7° |
Frequently asked questions
What mount does the Vivitar 90-230mm f/4.5 Macro Focusing Zoom 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 90-230mm f/4.5 Macro Focusing Zoom?
It zooms across 90-230mm with a maximum aperture of f/4.5. That makes it a short telephoto to telephoto lens.
Is the Vivitar 90-230mm f/4.5 Macro Focusing Zoom a prime or a zoom lens?
It is a zoom lens covering 90-230mm, so you can reframe without moving. Its maximum aperture is f/4.5.
What is the Vivitar 90-230mm f/4.5 Macro Focusing Zoom equivalent on a crop sensor?
On APS-C (1.5x crop) it frames like 135–345mm on full frame, with a 6–15.2° horizontal and 7.2–18.2° diagonal field of view. On Micro Four Thirds (2x crop) it frames like 180–460mm on full frame, with a 4.5–11.4° horizontal and 5.4–13.7° 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.
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