hermannhkg Posted July 26, 2009 Share #1 Posted July 26, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi guys, Come across this Tamron 500mm f8 Catadioptric lens from the late 80s. The lens comes with an adaptall-2 mount for Leica-R. Will be taking it for a test run in the coming week before buying (goodwill of the seller). Leica used to have something similar made by Minolta also. Anyone have practical experience with that? Cheers, Hermann Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 26, 2009 Posted July 26, 2009 Hi hermannhkg, Take a look here Catadioptric lens for R. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
dkCambridgeshire Posted July 26, 2009 Share #2 Posted July 26, 2009 According to articles I've accessed there are only two really decent CAT lenses ... the Contax 500mm Mirotar and the Contax 1000mm Mirorotar. All the others are allegedly "average" , "so-so" or less than "so-so" performers ... adequate but easily bettered by conventional long focus and telephoto designs. And even the Contax mirror lenses are not as good as conventional lenses. However, if portability is essential and provided massive enlargements are not required, mirror lenses can suit some photographers. Review of the Tamron mirror lens here with some comparisons to other CAT lenses Mirror Lenses - how good? Tamron 500/8 SP vs Canon 500/4.5L Review of Mirotar lenses here Contax Mirotar T* 500mm f8.0 Reviews Leica mirror lens here http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/customer-forum/74313-leitz-mr-telyt-r-500mm-f.html All are best used with a tripod/monopod or shoulder support. Cheers dunk Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobey bilek Posted July 26, 2009 Share #3 Posted July 26, 2009 I bought a cheap one decades back and it was a piece of junk. I tried but did not buy another off brand one a few years ago. They are really closer to F11, not F8, because the center mirror blocks so much incoming light. Therefore are very hard to focus. Give up the idea of sharp handheld photos too. Mine did not go sharp even on a solid tripod. 500 mm is too long to handhold as the view bounces all over the place and I consider myself good at handholding. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted July 26, 2009 Share #4 Posted July 26, 2009 I know of a news photographer who keeps a mirror lens in his bag for "just in case" and he admits it is not a very good lens - but when he uses it the photograph is only reproduced as a small newspaper picture. Cheers dunk Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chiefey Posted July 27, 2009 Share #5 Posted July 27, 2009 I have the Leica Cat' it's not as bad as people say, so long as you have a solid support. It can be difficult to focus in light that's not the brightest. I thought that I had posted an example in the photo gallery, but the gallery gods hadn't smiled upon me, as I can't find it. regards Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spydrxx Posted August 14, 2009 Share #6 Posted August 14, 2009 Over the years, I've had a Canon, Nikon and Tamron 500mm f/8 cat lenses. Of the lot, the Tamron clearly beat the Canon and Nikon, no matter what camera I used it on (SL2, R8,Nikon DSLR or Nikon Film, Canon T90). Having said that, I agree you really need a tripod or solid support, and preferably lots of light.....it isn't really easy to focus precisely at f8. The OOF donuts can be a problem unless you are really careful with your lighting. I much prefer a normal prime lens, but if you come across one really cheap you can always stick it in your camera bag for those situations when you want light and long. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
storybrown Posted August 14, 2009 Share #7 Posted August 14, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) I have a Canon FD 500/8 that I use on my A1s. It's alright, fairly handy for such a lens - light needs to be good for success. I've heard it said that the Tamron is as good or (more usually) better, but I have no personal experience with it. I would rather have the Leitz - or the Tamron with an R adaptor . . . Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hermannhkg Posted August 14, 2009 Author Share #8 Posted August 14, 2009 After the test run, the Tamron is surprisingly good. it is now mine for a mere US$150. Cheers, Hermann Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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