Mirror Lenses

[kerbside]

Can anyone give me a heads up on mirror lenses.
I am looking for something for the odd shoots at the racetrack/drag racing and thought that this may be the way to go, looking at 500mm.
This will be used on a Canon 40d, any advise would be greatful, it is a cost thing as well.
Thanks
Jeff

[OldBoy]

Not sure about Canon mirror lenses, but Nikon do a 500mm F8 and a 1000mm F11 mirror lenses. This means that 500mm F8 will only auto focus on a pro camera and the 1000mm F11 is manual focus only. No good for moving subjects and can be a nightmare to get proper focus manually.

[amk1977]

Hi Jeff,

I have the Tamron SP500 f/8 mirror lens. Optically its reasonably sharp although the bokeh on it is a bit unsightly, which is the same for all mirror lenses. As its a fixed aperture of f/8, you can only really use it on bright days, otherwise you'll end up with a slow shutter speed. Obviously you can raise your ISO up but, then you'll be causing image deterioration.

It is definitely best used on a tripod as any movement you make is massively amplified, due to the focal length. Its also manual focus too, which can be difficult to use if your subject is on the move. Not impossible but, still quite tricky.

Personally, I think you'd be better off with an AF lens, both for control over the aperture and minimizing camera shake from manual focusing.

[greenwing]

You're not the first, and won't be the last, to think mirror lenses are a good thing. You'll want bright light, great handholding technique and manual focussing skill to get good shots with even the best of them. Many won't be rewarding even given those 3 factors.

Chris

[kerbside]

Thanks for the feedback, maybe it will have to be something like the Sigma 150-500, would always be mono or tripod used anyway.

[thefonz78]

I've never heard of them i'll goggle it.

[jet_kit]

The problems with mirror (or catadioptric) lenses doesn't stop with the speed and the bokeh (which some find fun), they also tend to be a bit soft. It depends what you're shooting. You mention the race track & drags, so I'm assuming it's cars which are very unforgiving bits of metal. They like to be shiny & crisp or they lose all their punch. I would not recommend a mirror for these.