Mirror lenses?

[JasonC]

I have seen them everywhere, most sound like the cheapo lenses I asked about the other day. They offer ranges around 500-800mm but with f stops from 6.3-8.0. My questions are what are they, how do they work and what is that thing in the middle of the lens?

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41LfZ3oLdZL._AA280_.jpg

[EZE RIDER]

They are long focal length lenses without the long lens. It is accomplished with mirrors or reflectors that bounce the image from mirror to mirror ( thats whats in the center of the lens, your seeing the backside of one of the mirrors) until it equals a much longer lens.

They can work well such as for telescopes but there are a few problems with them. One being if your lens gets knocked around a bit the mirrors can become misaligned screwing up your image and also if you notice the min f-stop numbers, you can see you need lots of bright light to use them.

Very tempted to try one of these cheapos out myself but I always hesitate.

[J. R. Weems]

Jason~ They are a tool and as such, have limitations, just as everything does. One reason I bought my D 700, was to be able to use my 500 f8 and 1000 f11 MR lenses. Best used on a tripod, and with enough light to be sure. DOF is also somewhat limited. I cannot speak for the newer cheaper ones, but mine have served me for a number of years, when used as they should be. Manual focus is the name of the game with these as well. I find that most who disregard these have never used them to any great extent. At least the way I see it. To each their own I suppose. Here is a QUICK shot with my 1000MM MR lens one morning at Assateague. :) I haven't tried this lens with the 'LIVE VIEW" function on the 700, but I will in a few days when we go back to Assateague. :)

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/707/medium/DSC_0906_copy.jpg
Here is another. I would of missed these shots without the 1000 lens mounted. There was another I DID miss because the 1000 was too much. The 500 would of done the trick, but sadly it had been left at home- :( Never again. :)
http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/706/medium/DSC_0958C_copy.jpg

[JasonC]

J.R. thoes are great shots, may I ask what brand you use and what they cost you?

[J. R. Weems]

J.R. thoes are great shots, may I ask what brand you use and what they cost you?

Jason~ Both are Nikon. In their day, they were top of the line. I don't remember a dollar figure, but in todays world the 500 can be had for $350.00 and up. Cost for either will depend on condition and what is included. They came in a case, in which, under the lid was a compartment for the 39mm filters. A filter IS required for proper use. The 1000MM also had a little handle, it screwed in, which sadly is not found on the few I have seen offered in recent years. ALSO, on the 1000 lens- the early version is not AI, thus will not work on any current Nikon camera. I have a standing request and finders fee for a like new case for my 1000 as mine is just beat. :) If you can find one of these gems the asking price for one complete will more than likely be well over a grand.

[JasonC]

Thanks for the info. What filter is required, a uv or something else? I see some of them now come with a teleconverter is that good or not and could i use it with other lenses?

[J. R. Weems]

Thanks for the info. What filter is required, a uv or something else? I see some of them now come with a teleconverter is that good or not and could i use it with other lenses?

Jason~ Most of the available filters were for B&W work. The UV or neutral is all I use. Other effects can be found , for me at least, in camera, or I-photo. Using a TC will cut the available light even further, but 'might??' work. THAT, is an interesting concept. Especially if there is plenty of light to start with. :) I have two I can try. One older Nikon, 200 and one newer KENKO 1.4 Hmmmmmmm?? :D I cannot say whether the newer ones require filters or not. The Nikons do. :) I see a test brewing. :)

[Kodatech]

Mirror lenses arent bad, they just tend to be "slower" than other lenses.