Sony 500F8 lens
Jul 19, 2016 19:56:07 #
Just purchased an excellent plus like new condition used Sony SAL500F8 lens. This will be the first time using this kind of lens. Since it comes with a ND4X light filter, should I purchased a UV filter and or a Polarizing filter for this lens. This lens was purchased from B&H video and the salesperson was not sure about adding extra filters to this lens
All of you people who have this lens please give me your feedback on this lens. Also are replacement plug-in filters available in case I should need them?
All of you people who have this lens please give me your feedback on this lens. Also are replacement plug-in filters available in case I should need them?
Jul 19, 2016 20:59:00 #
What camera are you using it on ??
My recommendation - NO filters unless absolutely necessary - and ALWAYS have the hood on and cap it.
My recommendation - NO filters unless absolutely necessary - and ALWAYS have the hood on and cap it.
Jul 20, 2016 00:30:51 #
Jul 20, 2016 06:12:32 #
I use it on my alpha mounts. I use no filter but get great images.
Jul 20, 2016 06:25:11 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
I bought a cheap $90 Phoenix Brand (discontinued) mirror reflex, T-mount 500mm f/8 some years ago. It came with three small 30.5mm filters that you put in the back of the lens. My first impression of the lens was not good, stubborn to say the least, so I never used any of the filters. Perhaps I may one day. Your Sony lens is a better quality lens than mine. So try an inexpensive filter and see what happens.
Jul 20, 2016 07:35:20 #
bnsf wrote:
I will be using the lens on a Sony a77M2 camera
Let us know how you do with that lens - I have the A77II also. I am using the Sigma 100-300 f4 with Clear Image Zoom so I can get to 600mm f4 - and have been very satisfied with that. But I would consider the 500 f8 if I had an A99 .....
Jul 20, 2016 07:56:43 #
TomV
Loc: Annapolis, Maryland
The drop-in filter frames for the lens include fixed filters, not screw-ins. You would have to purchase a drop-in filter with the CP adjustment knob from ebay, >$250. I have one for my 400mm and 600mm primes. I have not tried it on my 500mm yet, but it appears to fit well enough to be functional. With modern post-processing sw I am not sure what advantage a UV filter has.
Jul 20, 2016 07:59:08 #
bnsf wrote:
Just purchased an excellent plus like new conditio... (show quote)
A circular polarizing filter (CPL) is good to have for times when you want to reduce glare. Otherwise, no filter necessary.
Jul 20, 2016 12:33:58 #
GeneS
Loc: Glendale,AZ
I have the Minolta 500mm F8 and use it on the A77
The lens isn't made to use a filter in the front.
Has a slide in filter near the back, must have the clear
UV filter or the ND filter installed or can't use the lens.
Both can not be used at the same time.
In the lens cover you will find a ND 4X filter snapped in side.
No other filters made for the 500mm F8.
The Minolta and the sony are the same lens, only 500mm F8
mirror lens which give auto focus.
There is a small knob on the side of lens, in rear. turn counter
clockwise and pull the filter out of the filter slot
The lens isn't made to use a filter in the front.
Has a slide in filter near the back, must have the clear
UV filter or the ND filter installed or can't use the lens.
Both can not be used at the same time.
In the lens cover you will find a ND 4X filter snapped in side.
No other filters made for the 500mm F8.
The Minolta and the sony are the same lens, only 500mm F8
mirror lens which give auto focus.
There is a small knob on the side of lens, in rear. turn counter
clockwise and pull the filter out of the filter slot
Jul 20, 2016 12:38:01 #
GeneS
Loc: Glendale,AZ
I also find my 70-300 G lens with the 2x adapter works much better than the 500mm F8 mirror lens.
sigma makes some 500 and 600 mm zoom lenses that are very good
sigma makes some 500 and 600 mm zoom lenses that are very good
Jul 20, 2016 13:17:23 #
GeneS wrote:
I also find my 70-300 G lens with the 2x adapter works much better than the 500mm F8 mirror lens.
At f11 ?????
Jul 20, 2016 13:56:09 #
imagemeister wrote:
What camera are you using it on ??
My recommendation - NO filters unless absolutely necessary - and ALWAYS have the hood on and cap it.
My recommendation - NO filters unless absolutely necessary - and ALWAYS have the hood on and cap it.
I have the two filters it came with, and have never used them. The camera will go to spot focus, so you have to be steady to hold that spot on target. I am thinking I should set up the camera for back button focus.
I have tried manual focus, but auto focus with this lens is always better since the focus ring is a rather crude adjust.
I can certainly walk farther carrying this lens than my Tamron 150-600 or Tokina 300 f2.8. It is light enough that hand holding actually works well. But it does work best in good light.
I have the Sony A99 and the A77ii. Its a little easier to use on the A99 since it is full frame and the FOV is broader. But it has worked well with birds in flight if I can maintain the spot focus on them. (This would never work with swallows!)
I am also using the Minolta version which I think is identical.
Jul 20, 2016 15:29:12 #
GeneS wrote:
I have the Minolta 500mm F8 and use it on the A77 ... (show quote)
Ignore my previous remark. I didn't know we were talking about a mirror lens.
Jul 20, 2016 16:02:43 #
jeryh
Loc: Oxfordshire UK
If this is the Sony 500 AF Mirror lens, it already has a filter in a holder in the barrel; this designed to be left in place. There is no need for other filters. This is a superb af lens, but you do need an up to date body- any Alfa/sony body, preferably something like an A77/ A99.
Jul 24, 2016 14:58:10 #
jeryh wrote:
If this is the Sony 500 AF Mirror lens, it already has a filter in a holder in the barrel; this designed to be left in place. There is no need for other filters. This is a superb af lens, but you do need an up to date body- any Alfa/sony body, preferably something like an A77/ A99.
works quite well on my a-200.
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