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Specification

Source of data

• Manufacturer's technical data.

Manufacturer description

From the Spiratone camera accessories, lenses, darkroom, viewing and projecting equipment catalogue (No. 803, Summer 1980):

Budget only in price - in performance, quality - the new Spiratone 80-205mm zoom lens can be offered at such a remarkably low price because its range makes possible a classic design which is economical to manufacture; and, instead of going all the way into the macro-range, the lens focuses to an extra close 33". Optically, the Spiratone '80-205' Zoom compares favorably with even much more expensive lenses.

Zooming internally, it does not increase its overall length as you go through all the popular focal lengths - from 80 through 105, 135, 200 and to 205mm, providing almost a 1:2.6 zoom ratio.

It's compact - only 6 1/4" long; it's light - 1 lb. 7 oz.; it uses economical 58mm accessories and has a built-in, slideout lens hood.

It focuses from infinity to 79" and, with just the push of a button, continues on to a close 33" at which distance it covers a subject only 7x11", for a 1:7 magnification ratio. This means you can fill the 35mm format with a tight shot of a head, a small animal and so on.

In short - the Spiratone 80-205 Zoom does an awful lot more for the money than you'd expect of a lens of its moderate cost, yet does it with quality performance throughout.

By adding the optional Spiratone 2X TelXtender, you can convert this lens into a quality 160-410mm f/7.8 zoom, which will still focus down to 33". And the 'extended' lens will still be under 8" long!

If you always wanted a fine zoom lens, but your budget wouldn't allow you to buy one of the top line Spiratone Zoom lenses, here is the lens that will give you results you'll be proud to show.

Notes

• Independent-brand lenses were made for 35mm film SLR cameras by companies that competed with the camera manufacturers. Some came from factories that made lenses under their own brand names (Angenieux, Kiron, Sigma, Tamron, Tokina). Many others were national and international marketing organizations (Kalimar, Panagor, Rokunar, Soligor, Starblitz) that bought lenses from anonymous manufacturers. One firm — Vivitar — actually designed its own lenses and accessories, which were then subcontracted to manufacturing firms. Still others were private labels, sold only by specific photo specialty shops (Cambron, Quantaray, Spiratone).

Lenses with similar focal length range