Sears 80-200 f4 (likely made by Ricoh)
There was a time when you could get a solid lens from Sears for less than a quality off brand from a camera store. Sears lenses were made to the relatively high standards. The 80-200 is a constant aperture zoom. It has a 1:5 macro capability and is a one-touch, push-pull zoom. Optics are multi-coated. The lens build is all metal.
For many shooters, this lens is a sleeper. Based on my testing, I would have to agree. The negatives: Soft at f4 with noticeable green fringing from 80mm to 200mm. The positives: It sharpens up at F5.6 and is tack sharp at f8 through the entire zoom range. No noticeable vignetting or distortion. The combination focus / zoom ring is very well dampened. Bokeh is smooth. No special procedure is needed to enter macro mode, just zoom in to 200mm and you are at 1:5 macro. Color rendition is cool. Contrast is slightly soft compared to a Takumar. While I would not rank this lens as anything but consumer grade, it is capable of producing sharp, pleasing images and feels good in the hands.
