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Mirror Lenses?

February 05, 2010, 02:02:28 PM

Searching around I ran into these mirror lenses. Specifically http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/652411-REG/Vivitar__Series_1_500mm_f_6_3.html

I'm pretty new to photography and shoot a lot of motorsports. I don't want to invest 1000s into a crazy zoom lens. How would this compare? Has anyone ever used these before? Should I just sell my first born to feed my craving to get good motorsports photos. My longest lens right now is a Sigma 70-300 cheapo that I got at a consignment store.

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jkleb

Reply #1 - February 05, 2010, 08:36:34 PM

If you haven't used one of those super expensive lenses; I might suggest renting one to see what the hype is all about. Once you've used one you'll want to save your money for a while and buy something you'll be happy with for a long time to come.

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-John
Sarcasm, frustrating the clueless since 3000 b.c.
"There is no Un-Suck filter" David duChemin

Ray Soldano

Reply #2 - February 05, 2010, 08:56:51 PM

but for a couple hundred bucks if it does the job right now. Photography is a hobby and I look for something that gets good results without being expensive. I won't have the money for one of those $6k lens anytime soon.

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Travis Minnig

Moderator

Reply #3 - February 05, 2010, 10:10:41 PM

I haven't personally used a mirror lens, but I've never heard much good about them. If money is a major issue, I guess you do what you have to do, but I think you'll end up unsatisfied in the long run. The optics are not designed well for them at all. I don't know what type of system you use, but there are some pretty good 400MM zooms for $1650 and less. Still not as good as a prime, or even a top end zoom, but very good nonetheless. They are still expensive, but not $6K.

Try looking into these:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/207360-USA/Nikon_1996_80_400mm_f_4_5_5_6D_ED_AF.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/162616-USA/Canon_2577A002AA_100_400mm_f_4_5_5_6L_IS_USM.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/549256-REG/Sigma_737306_150_500mm_f_5_6_3_DG_OS.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/549248-REG/Sigma_728306_120_400mm_f_4_5_5_6_DG_OS.html

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Travis Minnig Studios

Marian Murdoch

Reply #4 - February 05, 2010, 11:15:40 PM

I thought about doing this, but after some research I found out that you really need A LOT of light for them to work well. In my overcast town, that's not going to happen. You also get some funny vignetting and A LOT of chromic aberrations.

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Marian Murdoch Photography

Ray Soldano

Reply #5 - February 06, 2010, 12:55:35 PM

For some reason I didn't see those sigma lenses. This is why I always ask first. $1000 is a lot more doable than $6,000. I'm a gotta have something now person usually but I think I'll be patient and get something I will be happier with for a longer time.

Thanks for the help!

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BobEdens

Moderator

Pro Critique

Reply #6 - February 06, 2010, 09:53:14 PM

I've used them a lot. They require more light than a traditional lens and there is a "funny" spot in the dead center sometimes. I have a celestron C5 telescope that doubles as a 1250mm lens. For you and what you shoot, ** This Lens ** you will love, Lets meet up and you can shoot with mine and see if you like it.

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