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Lens tests/Mirror lenses
Note: Mirror lenses render out of focus highlights as doughnut shapes.
They have a fixed aperture, usually f-8. They also have shallower depth-of-field than
normal telephoto lenses. However, they are very affordable and compact.
Minolta Maxxum 500mm Reflex f-8 AF
Specifications:
Aperture range: f-8 fixed
Angle of view: 5 degrees
Construction: 7 elements in 5 groups
Minimum focusing distance: 13 ft
Length: 45/8 inch
Diameter: 31/8 inch
Filter size: Integral
Weight: 23 oz
Accessories: Lens hood (built-in), hard case, 2X and 4X ND filters
Test: The
first and only autofocus mirror lens (as of January 2000) currently being made. It is
nicely finished in black with rubberized focusing ring which is grippable and is part of
the built-in lens hood. Filters are integral and are inserted close to the bottom of the
lens. Lens comes with three filters: normal which is already inserted, ND 2X and 4X. One
of the supplied filters must be inserted at all times. Lens is very light but well built.
Includes a focus hold button, placed on the left of the body. Lens balances nicely and
comfortable to carry. Autofocus is fast but manual focus ring is under damped. Test slides
were very sharp at its f-8 fixed aperture. Center were crisp with good corners, and slides
were very contrasty. Donut shaped highlights are typical of mirror lenses and could not be
avoided.
Verdict: Lens
is capable of producing quality images up to 8X10 prints with no loss of center sharpness
and very good corners. A tripod collar would have been a nice addition as well as extra
red, orange, and yellow filters usually supplied with other mirror lenses. I also wish
lens had more close focusing distance. It's lightweight but for best results use a tripod.
You should also use ISO 100 or 200 films for faster shutter speeds due to lens' fixed and
slow f-8 aperture.
Note: Lens autofocus and focus indicators do not function on Maxxum 3000i, 5000, and 7000.
Use manual focusing only. With Maxxum 9000, autofocus and focus indicators will function
but may not be accurate. For best result use manual focusing.
Overall Performance: f-8 Very good
Rating: 17/20
Sigma 600mm f-8. Available Mounts: Minolta Maxxum, Canon EOS,
Nikon AF, and Pentax AF, Sigma SA. Manual focus only on all models.
Specifications:
Aperture range: f-8 fixed
Angle of view: 4 degrees
Construction: 7 elements in 4 groups
Minimum focusing distance: 78.7 inches
Length: 4.8 inches
Diameter: 3.9 inches
Filter size: Integral or 95mm front
Weight: 29.3 oz
Accessories: Lens hood , hard case, Red, Orange, yellow, 2X and 4X ND filters
Test: Very
well built and solid with Zen finish. Lens can be mounted on all current autofocus 35mm
cameras but in manual focus mode only. It has a very large and damped focusing ring which
turns smoothly. Lens has clear distance markings in green and white. It is big but
lightweight. A large and secure tripod collar is built-in and can be secured by a large
knob, marked Free and Lock. Large lens hood can be screwed to the front. Filters are
integral, but 95mm types can also be attached to the front. Lens produced very good center
and good corner sharpness. It is comfortable to carry and operate. Its f-8 fixed aperture
requires faster films. Avoid shooting into highlights to prevent donut shaped high lights.
Verdict: Lens
has very solid feel. I liked its tripod collar which made shooting verticals easy. It has
very good close focusing ability for a lens of this focal length and excellent focusing
ring. It cannot match the quality of fixed focal 600mm lenses, but it costs much, much
less. Used with ISO 200 films, you can use this lens for wildlife and sports photography
with good results.
Overall Performance: f-8 Very good
Tamron 500mm f-8 SP
Available
Mounts: Minolta Maxxum, Nikon AF, and Pentax AF. Manual focus only on all models. Plus all
manual focus cameras.
Specifications:
Aperture range: f-8 fixed
Angle of view: 5 degrees
Construction: 7 elements in 4 groups
Minimum focusing distance: 1.7 meter
Length: 3.6 inches
Diameter: 3.3 inches
Filter size: Integral or 82mm front
Weight: 18.9 oz
Accessories: Lens hood , hard case, Red, Orange, yellow, 2X and 4X ND filters
Test: Compact
and lightweight in black with clear markings on the lens in different colors. Lens is
solid with large and smooth focusing ring. Close-focusing is excellent for a 500mm lens.
It balances nicely and is very easy to operate. Filters are screwed on the back of the
lens, but 82mm type front filters can also be used. Test slides were very sharp in the
center and corners with high contrast. Test slides had good sharpness at closest focusing
distance.
Verdict:
Adaptall II system lets you use this lens on any camera except Canon EOS models. If you
switch camera brands, you can still keep the lens and use it on your new model. Changing
filters would be much easier if they were the inserting type. Its close focusing is a
great addition and allows closer view of less shy wildlife. Well-built and capable of
producing very good results in a compact body.
Overall Performance: f-8 Very good
Rating: 16/20
Do you want some
great bargains?
Equipment I test are either borrowed, demos at camera stores (used outside the store),
rental, or purchased. I look for bargains on used and new products. When I find a
good deal, I purchase the camera or lens for testing and my own pleasure. I then auction
the camera and lens on line for the price I paid. I only purchase used equipment that are
in very good condition or brand new cameras and lenses at reduced price. If you like, you
can fill out the form below to have your name added to my list of buyers. When I'm done
testing an equipment, I will e-mail you prior to listing it for auction. I will include
the minimum price and the condition of the camera or lens as well as page URL so you can
see the picture and more detail information on the equipment . If you like to purchase the
equipment, you must e-mail me within 48 hours and include the maximum price you are
willing to pay. Please note that I will only respond to the highest bidder which is kept
confidential. Only the highest bidder will receive an e-mail. I have purchased both used
and new equipment at very low prices. For example, I bought a Tokina 80-400mm f-5.6, brand
new on sale for less than half price at an electronic store that was going out of
business: A Tamron 28-300mm f-3.8-5.6 Super demo model in excellent condition on clearance
also at half price. Some short zooms I have tested here, were purchased in a trade show at
unbelievably low prices. I do not have bargain cameras and lenses at all times
and can't tell you what I may have in the future.
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