Description
The Vivitar 500mm f/8.0 Series 1 Mirror Lens is a high-quality, computer designed product that incorporates the merits of both reflex optics and refraction optics. This combination provides the user with an extremely sharp picture with minimum color
aberration. While this
telephoto lens is designed for high definition
photography, it is also one of the most affordable precision optics available, which allows anyone on any budget to enjoy shooting crisp, clear telephoto pictures.
This lens has Super spectra optical coatings, Aluminum alloy construction, Full-time manual focus override,
The Focus preset function allows Circular aperture auto focus performance at longer focal lengths and smooth one-touch zoom control. It is multi-coated for
reduced flare and increased light transmission.
T-Mounts are available for all the digital SLR systems, as well as for C-mount systems. However, in every case the fixed f/8 aperture is not communicated to the camera body. As such, you can use the lens in "M" manual exposure mode or "A" aperture-priority mode only.
Despite this lens' long 500mm focal length, it has a compact 3 x 3.5" size and weighs under 1 pound, making it a bit easier to handle than normal 500mm refractor lenses (it should be used with a tripod or monopod in any case). It also has a much different rendering of out of focus areas than a normal lens; highlights will be doughnut-shaped rings with more saturation and contrast on the edge of the ring than on the center.
Mirror lenses can produce pictures and under carefully chosen conditions they
may even produce pretty good ones. However, these situations are rare and therefore
most will have unsteady background blur. Most mirror lenses suffer from a rather mediocre optical performance. This may all be fine for personal purposes and for documentation but most likely you'll not be able to sell such pictures. Therefore a classic (refractive) lens like a 400/5.6 fix-focal or even a xx-500mm zoom
or even a 70-300-f/4-5.6 with a 1.4 or 2x teleconverter is usually a better and more serious approach. Nonetheless mirrors are quite cheap
(but you get what you pay for).
(To rephrase the paragraph above: Mirror lenses are Junk!)
Features
Includes 30.5mm rear filters.
Super Spectra coatings.
Aluminium alloy construction.
Full-time manual focus override.
Focus preset function allows.
Circular aperture.
Uses T-mount adapter (purchased separately).
Fits film and digital SLR cameras.
Item Includes
30.5mm rear filter - Front and rear lens caps - Series 1 lens pouch - Note: requires proper "T" mount for your camera (not included) - Vivitar Warranty
Reviews
Review by: goodpics on Dec 3rd, 2008
Experience of this type of product: Good, Time product owned: More than a year, Price paid: 120.00
I enjoyed the lense - I used it with a monopod and I have gotten excellent results at outdoor concerts with a Nikon FE2 and 200 spped film. Not recommended for evening, low light situations.
Review by: rpgroome on Jun 26th, 2007
Experience of this type of product: Good, Time product owned: More than a year, Price paid: $120
Can
Far and away the worst lens that I've ever owned. Won't even give decent 4X6's. Very poor contrast, very poor sharpness. Even if you only intend to shoot in this range occasionally avoid this product. Got much, much better photos by shooting with my 75-300mm and cropping in. A poor deal at any price.
