Focal length: 500mm
Mount: T2/Minolta MD
Aperture: F 8
Min focus distance: 1.70m
Length (from flange): 95/104mm [+ 27mm for the adapter]
Diameter: 84mm
Weight: 655 gr.
Some pictures:
A7 and the lens.
Lens from front. And yes, that's a HorusBennu leather grip attached to
the camera.
Sample pictures: You may click
on the sample image for full resolution. The
full resolution image opens in a new window, so you can keep it open
for comparison. Focus is on the
satellite
dish in the center of the photo.
F 8. Slightly blurred (shake).
Another one, the solar panel.
Closest focus is 1.7m, F 8. This photo was taken at 2.5m. Shallow DOF
makes it difficult to focus. Focus in the middle of the photo towards
the left border.
This
is a mirror lens, so it's relatively short, but there is only a fixed
aperture, F8. This is one of the most desired 500mm mirror lenses on
the market. It is heavier than the new chinese ones, but apparently its
picture quality is superior. A greater aperture would not be very
helpful, depth of the field would be even shallower. A 500mm lens can
only be used on a tripod.
Seen the discussions on
the web, I was positively surprised by this
lens. I think contrast and sharpness are nearly o.k., but are not
comparable to a glass lens. It's difficult to focus. In my opinion
you can see why the tamron lens is preferred to the others. A nice
in-case-of
tele lens, easy to carry in your bag.
Apart from their major size/weight
advantage, mirror lenses have some flaws, a fixed aperture, a shallow
depth of field and lower contrast. Discussions on the web are mostly
not very helpful, it's a clash between mirror lens lovers and haters.
From what I have seen, stay away from cheap chinese ones, which are
traded under different names, but all look the same. In my opinion with
the Sony A7 and its focus assistance mirror lenses are an option.
