Leitz MR-Telyt-R 500MM F/8 Lens

[atournas]

Hi,

Does anyone happen to have any experience with the Leitz Wetzlar MR-Telyt-R 500MM F/8 mirror lens?

Thanks,
Paul

[jaapv]

Long-long ago, and on film. Not too bad for a mirror lens, but far behind normal lenses in contrast and resolution. Fixed aperture, unpleasant rendering of bokeh - harsh and doughnut shaped highlights (normal for any catadioptric system). Only recommended if size and weight are of paramount importance. It is better by a fair margin than the Minolta 800 mirror, which is the only alternative in the R system.

[SJP]

Someone should really try this for mirror optics sometime, it should not have a dougnut bokeh. But it is bad for your posture

[jaapv]

Yes- but it will have Schleimpflug parallax...

[sender]

I have one which I use on occasion when weight and size are considerations. The fixed aperture is not much of a problem since I try to use the highest shutter speeds possible. It comes with ND filters should more control be needed. It is not as satisfying as the 400mm Telyt-R, but a lot easier to carry around and much less obtrusive to use.
The lens was made by Minolta and is not very expensive these days - a good value.

[glenerrolrd]

I just recently added this lens to my R collection. I really enjoy it and its perfect for my uses. I live in Florida and has access to a really great pier that is used by local surfers . The big advantage is .....you have it with you because its small and light. It also doesn t stand out like the Leica long glass .

In Florida is a great lens because we have strong light even early and late in the day. The lens is a f8 but transmits light like an f11. The contrast and resolution aren t up to the standard of the Telyts. With high contrast lighting and some additional sharpening it can produce results you might otherwise not get.

It produces an odd circular (donut ) bokeh if shot into bright lights ..this bothers some users.

And of course its 500mm or 700mm on a DMR..so camera handling is important. I use it with a bean bag .

I will pull a few images and post them tomorrow.

[amoebahydra]

Samples pictures taking with a MR-Telyt-R 1:8/500...

[atournas]

Hi all,

A real thanks for your responses. There were very helpful, especially the sample pictures. I think I'll treat myself and get the lens.

Paul