Mirror telephoto lenses: Some years ago these lenses were popular. They provided small, relatively light lenses with f8 to f11 optics. Many users complained that they were next to...

Jornada420

Some years ago these lenses were popular. They provided small, relatively light lenses with f8 to f11 optics. Many users complained that they were next to impossible to handhold due to the long exposures required.

I wonder that now we have cameras that have internal vibration reduction and high ISO capabilities and are available used for bargain prices maybe they are viable???

What say?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Jornada420 wrote:

Some years ago these lenses were popular. They provided small, relatively light lenses with f8 to f11 optics. Many users complained that they were next to impossible to handhold due to the long exposures required.

I wonder that now we have cameras that have internal vibration reduction and high ISO capabilities and are available used for bargain prices maybe they are viable???

What say?

The manual focus challenge remains.

I believe mirrorless cameras enable / facilitate the use of manual focus far better than DSLRs and the original SLRs. The EVF and a 10x zoom there to your eye in a shooting position is better than any specialized focus screen. Ripping a burst of images, stabilized by the camera, increases the odds of success. But still, a good deal of practice, skill and luck are needed to work with a manual focus lens, even on static subjects at a great distance.

Quixdraw Loc: x

Have & have used the Nikon 500 F8 on several Nikon cameras, not bad at all under the right conditions. Smallest, lightest 500 you are likely to find. Look for one (if Nikon) that comes with the kit of rear mounted filters.

kdogg Loc: Gallipolis Ferry WV

Jornada420 wrote:

Some years ago these lenses were popular. They provided small, relatively light lenses with f8 to f11 optics. Many users complained that they were next to impossible to handhold due to the long exposures required.

I wonder that now we have cameras that have internal vibration reduction and high ISO capabilities and are available used for bargain prices maybe they are viable???

What say?

I have a 600mm mirror lens in a Minolta mount that I got an adapter for my Canon 7DII. Granted it is manual focus but it is fun to use and I have gotten decent results with it. It's not on par with my Tamron 150-600mm but it a heck of a lot lighter.

JBRIII

I purchased an F-8 model, seems maybe 10 years ago for solar photography for eclipses, but was never impressed with it's sharpest and never used it. You are correct about price, etc. Used on a tripod and even with solar filters (reduce light to by factor of 100,000) shutter speed was very fast so do not believe vibrations were the problem.

Good telescopes of similar size do exist and some like the old Questar were/are renown for optics and price: I believe at least 20X as expensive.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I have both the Nikkor 500 f/8 and the 1000 f/11. The f/8 is bright enough to use the focus indicator on all of the Nikon cameras I use. The f/11 isn't and needs to be very carefully focused. The good thing about using these lenses with digital cameras is that one adjusts the ISO to obtain the exposure. With film cameras, one can be out of luck getting the correct exposure.

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-648058-1.html
--Bob

Jornada420 wrote:

Some years ago these lenses were popular. They provided small, relatively light lenses with f8 to f11 optics. Many users complained that they were next to impossible to handhold due to the long exposures required.

I wonder that now we have cameras that have internal vibration reduction and high ISO capabilities and are available used for bargain prices maybe they are viable???

What say?

ELNikkor

I have the Nikkor 1000mm f11 reflex lens. At times I've thought about selling it because it seemed unsharp and low contrast, especially with film. Now, however, using it on my D750 with a tripod, I can fine focus by using the live-view and zooming in, then use the "Standard", or "Vivid" feature to bump up the contrast & color. Makes me glad I didn't sell it after all!

Orphoto Loc: Oregon

It will also depend on how you feel about doughnut specular highlights.

BebuLamar

I wonder how a Nikkor 1000mm f/11 mirror lens which is still quite expensive on the used market compared to the 1000mm f/11 Canon RF lens which is less than $1000.

pendennis

Jornada420 wrote:

Some years ago these lenses were popular. They provided small, relatively light lenses with f8 to f11 optics. Many users complained that they were next to impossible to handhold due to the long exposures required.

I wonder that now we have cameras that have internal vibration reduction and high ISO capabilities and are available used for bargain prices maybe they are viable???

What say?

I bought three mirror lenses earlier this year, Tokina and Tamron 500mm f/8, and a Sigma 600mm f/8. I used a Nikon D610 to compare the Tokina and Tamron specimens. I merged the images into a single JPEG in Adobe elements, and made no changes. Tokina image is the top one, and the Tamron is the bottom. As you can probably tell, the Tamron is a bit sharper, and has better contrast. Images were all taken @ ISO 800, and 1/500". Lenses were mounted on a Bogen 3036 with a 3039 head.

whfowle Loc: Tampa first, now Albuquerque

Many years ago, I bought a Sigma 600 f8 mirror lens. I used it a few times with my film camera but was not too happy about the slow speed and the donut bokah balls. Recently, I took it off the shelf and tried it with my Z6 on hummingbirds at a feeder. With the high sensitivity of the digital sensor and the EVF to adjust exposure, I was very pleased with the result. It is definitely easier to carry and quicker to aim than my 500 f4 on a gimbal.

agillot

never had one , but a lot of reading about it .i use a long lens 800 mm F8 , so am use to the F8 issue .modern high end dslr have a descent HIGH iso .so the f8 or 11 is not too much a issue now .you can shot at 1/500 and higher now .quality of the optic is a issue there , the cheap one not great , Tamron , nikon , and a few others are descent .focusing like any large lens take some practice .

Canisdirus

Minolta and Sony both have a nice 500 f/8 mirror lens that can auto-focus.
Probably the only mirror lenses worth getting for wildlife.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Orphoto wrote:

It will also depend on how you feel about doughnut specular highlights.

👍👍 Exactly

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Orphoto wrote:

It will also depend on how you feel about doughnut specular highlights.