500mm Mirror lenses.

[Peter O'Connor]

I've heard mixed reports on these,

Fixed f/8 normally I think, too slow for anything other than bright days?

Any thoughts / experience with these lenses?

 

[Pete Askew]

I have Sigma 60 f1:8.0 but I haven't used it for years. Compact and light for the size and can be very good for wildlife if there aren't too many specular highlights as you get a classic doughnut element from them. Not especially distracting though especially if the content is strong. What are you planning to use one for?

 

[Peter O'Connor]

I'm wondering if they are fast enough for surf photography from the adjoining..
I've previously used a 3x TC on a 200mm lens, of course with the obvious failings but the length is good ..

 

[Pete Askew]

I guess these days with the sensitivity of modern sensors the speed won't be an issue so much. It is more whether you get the isolation that you need. I can imagine that you might and there are some S/H bargains out there.

 

[Peter O'Connor]

True, I wouldn't push my 5D mk1 past iso800 if I can help it,,

Do the same rules of depth of field ring true with mirror lenses?
Isolation should be ok due to the nature of distant backgrounds and/or wall of water can be in focus too,
I'm not expecting miracles!

 

[Hamish Gill]

I've tried and failed with mirror lenses ... Not sure about the rendering of the oof areas my self

Why not look into an old 600mm m42 lens and adapt it... I know how you like to do that

 

[Peter O'Connor]

exactly,
I've got my eye on a 600mm at the moment..
Adapt and overcome..
I'm just curious to the mirror..

 

[Pete Askew]

Yep, good idea. I bought mine back in the early 80s to use on a trip to Kenya. It was light and could be used hand held on a Nikon FE or using a monopod.. Served well and produced some nice shots of wildlife. But then the background wasn't an issue as it was either sky or distant trees and only rarely were the OOF elements a problem.

 

[Peter O'Connor]

Ha! Thanks Pete, I don't think I need much pushing into trying one,
Any particular brand you know of are better than others..?
Tamron seems to look like a sturdier unit than some of the generics..
I could be put off mirror lenses for life by a bad copy I suppose..
The equation works ok for me.. £4 made last month on stock images justifies £50 spent on more equipment this month..

 

[Pete Askew]

I only have experience with Sigma and Nikon I'm afraid. I have a Sigma and I borrowed a friends Nikon (500 mm) years ago. I opted for the slightly longer length due to the trip to Africa.

 

[Hamish Gill]

This is the one I had
Hanimex 500 mirror - first impressions... (Page 1) - Manual Lens: Usage - Manual Focus Forum
It has rear mounting filters and if you look out for a good one you should find it comes cased with the filters

 

[Pete Askew]

This is the one I have - Nikon fit 600mm f8 Mirror lens + Accessories (Sigma) | eBay. It looks like there are a few Canon fit around as well.

 

[Hamish Gill]

Itll be fd mount I'd guess Pete ... Almost better getting a Nikon and adapting that as there is more chance of getting infinity focusing

 

[Pete Askew]

Canon mounts have always been something of a mystery to me. I guess that's why I've stuck with Nikon!