Reflex-Nikkor 500mm f/8

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Introduction

you either hate it or you love it, allot of pro`s complain about the OOF(out of focus) donut shapes, i for one disagree on that. I think that the OOF shapes can really make you`re pictures stand out(as with everything don't over do it). This lens "can" produce really good quality pictures, when the forces are with you that is. With a constant f/8 aperture you need allot of light to be able to focus correctly. Although you can obtain good sharp pictures handheld with this lens, you`re best off mounting this on a Tripod, a good tripod, and even better if you have a cable release (especially if you`re using a non pro camera, since these seem to vibrate more when the mirror slams up and down).

Specifications

Lens Construction: 6 elements in 6 groups

Picture Angle: 5° (35mm)

Filter Size: Front 82mm, Rear 39mm

Nikon Lens Hood: HN-27

Included Accessories: Filters(39mm) ultraviolet (L37C), medium yellow (Y52), orange (056), red (R60), and neutral density (ND4) Lens case(CL-39, Lens hood (HN-27)

Size and weight: 3.5" dia. x 4.32" long. 840g

Diaphragm: None

Price from: discontinued

Manufacturers web site: www.nikon.com

History

1961-1970. The first Reflex-nikkor was released,@ f/5 this was a monster lens, weighing 1.7 Kg

1968-1974. Got changed to the familiar f/8, Lost some weight(from 1.6 kg, to 1 kg). Close focus got changed from 48 ft to 13.1 ft.

1974-1983. only minor changes where made to the previous model

1984-xxxx. This time nikon changed the optical formula, to 6 elements in 6 groups(from 5 elements in 3 groups) It also lost some more weight to 840g, from 1 kg. Also the focus Distance got changed to 4.9 feet (1.5 m

Positives

• Light weight. compared to a 500mm AF-S, the 500mm Reflex don't weigh anything
• Built like a tank. Good old Nikkor quality. Old Nikkor lenses was built to last. Not like most of the new plastic consumer lenses.
• IR performance.

Drawbacks

• Constant f/8 aperture
• Tricky. sometimes it can be difficult to obtain good results, a good tripod will help you a bit, a cable release will help you the rest of the way.
• Focus ring. IMO (In My Opinion) it is too loose, it`s so loose that you have to be careful when u let go of the ring, because you might turn it when you let go.
• Hood. The supplied hood is like a joke, way to small.

Verdict

Focus ring is too smooth (yeah there i said it) you can almost spin the focus ring on this lens, I would have preferred a stiffer focus ring.This is a tricky lens to use, you can get really good pictures with this lens, but you have to know what you`re doing.

Value for money on this lens completely depends on how much you have to pay for it. If you have the opportunity to get this lens for a good price make sure you get the rear filters with it.

The reason for the low feature score should be self explanatory, there simply aint any bells and whistles on this lens. Pretty straight forward, mount, focus, take the picture.

Alternatives

Tamron SP 500mm Reflex, IMO this lens is better then the Nikon one.

There is also a couple of Russian reflex lenses on the market, I haven't tested any of those, but I have seen some decent sample pictures of them.

Sample Pictures

Camera: Nikon D2H and D1X IR

Nikon D2H, Reflex-Nikkor 500mm f/8 @ 8sec

crop @ 100 %

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