Anyone using a Nikkor 500mm Reflex? Let's see some picks.

I recently picked up a Nikkor 500mm Reflex and absolutely love it. I cannot afford refractive glass at the focal length so I opted to buy a used Nikkor 500mm Reflex. On a D90 with crop factor of 1.5 it is like a 750mm. It is not $5000 lens but for the price it is not bad.

Let's see some pics.

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› See More: Anyone using a Nikkor 500mm Reflex? Let's see some picks.

I have been looking at one of these myself...I'm thinking I would only be able to use it on bright sunny days...

Yea, it requires some light with the version I have. I have the 80's model. F8 and better macro capability. You need the bright light to get the contrast up as well. By nature they are pretty flat. However, I have played with the el chepos and found those to be horrible all around. The Nikkor at least is sharp and has ok contrast.

Are you getting the donut effect?

I recently saw a 1000mm Reflex, but the comments about them make me leery.

Originally Posted by blueiron

Are you getting the donut effect?

I recently saw a 1000mm Reflex, but the comments about them make me leery.

It depends on what the background is. The circles you are refering to can be easily managed by being aware of your OOF areas. Who made the 1000mm Reflex? Was it the Nikkor 1000mm F/11? If it wasn't I would be leery too. The only others that work with Nikon that are worth the salt are some of the Russian made lenses. Oh, and the Tamron 500mm SP. I hear that some copies of that lens are sharper and have better contrast than the Nikkor.

You have the 500mm f/8 Reflex C version? (the second version - first being the f/5, and last being the one with the orange band on the focus ring)

Yep, it was the Nikkor f11, but since my tripod got damaged and I haven't replaced it yet, it wasn't an option. I imagine that hooting wildlife at dawn or dusk with a f11 lens might be frustrating as well.

Originally Posted by jdeg

You have the 500mm f/8 Reflex C version? (the second version - first being the f/5, and last being the one with the orange band on the focus ring)

jdeg,

I have the last version with the orange band. I played around with the C model but the seller was asking too much for it. I have read that the last version has better optics, but that is up for debate on several reviews. Either way, I am really happy with my copy. The drawback with the latest model is that it is really light so handheld is a little more difficult than the C version. Also, the focus ring lacks resistance when turning, but it is easy to adjust to.

Do you have the C version?

Originally Posted by blueiron

Yep, it was the Nikkor f11, but since my tripod got damaged and I haven't replaced it yet, it wasn't an option. I imagine that hooting wildlife at dawn or dusk with a f11 lens might be frustrating as well.

Yea, low light is not optimal for these lenses.