I've never used a Zuiko 500/8, but I have other mirror lenses. They are
amazingly light for their focal length and speed, but there are tradeoffs.
-Since they do not have adjustable diaphrams, you have no control over
DOF and it can often be too shallow for the subject matter.
-Although too fast for good DOF, they are slow for viewing and focusing.
You may find you need a different focusing screen. The split image and
microprism areas of regular screens don't work at 500/8, so you have to
focus on the matte area of regular screens and that is difficult due to
a dim image in anything other than bright sunlight. A 2-Series or
Beattie screen helps a lot. The eSIF recommends the 1-4, 1-8 & 1-10
all-matte screens. I assume it doesn't mention the 2-Series because this
part it was written before they came on the scene. I don't know why they
don't recommend the 1-7, which is specifically for super-teles. In any
case, both the 1-7 and the all-matte Beattie work with my 1000/11.
-Out of focus highlights are donut (or halo?) shaped, which many people
dislike.
There is some test info on mirror lenses here
<http://brashear.phys.appstate.edu/lhawkins/photo/mp-cat-tests.txt> .
Moose
Mike Cormier wrote:
I'd like something in the 500mm range for wildlife shooting, and since
the only lens in that range is the zuiko mirror lens, I've been
thinking about it a bit. Has anyone got experience with it? Would I
be just as good off with the Tamron, Tokina, or vivtar versions of
this lens?
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