Mirrror Lenses

[Ausfree]

Anybody had any experience with mirror lenses. I have been looking at this one from Polaroid to go on my Nikon D5100 for nature photography.

Polaroid 900mm 1800mm Mirror Lens Nikon D3100 D3200 D5100 D7000 D7100 D800 D4 689466549126 | eBay

I understand that it is a manual focus T-Mount Adaptor setup with fixed f/8 aperture and the depth of field is very shallow. This particular lens is definitely a tripod job but on the plus size, it is cheap for a 900mm lens and also not bulky to carry and lightweight.

Thoughts from people who have used these type of lenses, much appreciated.

[bobslandies]

I still have a catadioptric Russian MTO 1000mm 1:10 that I used on Nikon Fs, but have thought about dusting it off and fitting to my D5100 when I get the chance. After fifty years the mirror has deteriorated a little.

Definitely needs a solid tripod. Occasionally was used for sports and motor racing but did take some wildlife and industrial stuff. As you say little depth of field, may be good for wildlife and astronomy though. Anything over 400mm needs a monopod at least.

Found the Novoflex Followfocus in 280/400/640mm with the shoulder stock easier to use and more compatible with motor drives.

The one in the advert is a very neat looking one - the old Russian one is 300mm long and weighs 3.6 Kg!

Bob

[loanrangie]

I looked at one of the cheap Russian 600mm ones years ago before heading off to Africa, in the end i bought a 1.6X converter which gave me a 420mm @ about F8 . 1800mm is huge but the loss of aperture would make F11/ F16 ? which may not work well with your chosen subject- plus the mirror ring effects might be off putting.

[Ausfree]

Thanks for the input, I realise there are light rings in the highlights in the out off focus background. I think if you understand the shortcomings of a mirror lens and learn to live with it, it would make a handy addition to the lens collection. No way could I afford a normal AF lens of around the same focal length. I have been looking around the internet and it seems the lens is either loved or hated depending on your expectations. I was looking for input from people on this forum who have practical experience with these types of lenses. Again thanks for the input everybody!! It really is a pity that the modern digital camera does not have the split image focusing assist in the view finder as did the older film type manual focus camera's.

[bobslandies]

It really is a pity that the modern digital camera does not have the split image focusing assist in the view finder as did the older film type manual focus camera's.

Absolutely, would be a good improvement when using other lenses and on other equipment!
Maybe also a swinging needle indication of ambient light level for syncro sun daylight fill-in flash (says he hankering for an digital version of a Nikkormat FTN or Canon F1)

Bob

[Ausfree]

Absolutely, would be a good improvement when using other lenses and on other equipment!
Maybe also a swinging needle indication of ambient light level for syncro sun daylight fill-in flash (says he hankering for an digital version of a Nikkormat FTN or Canon F1)

Bob

Loved the old Nikkormats, I used to own an FT2, a solid rugged old camera, traded it in on a Nikon FM2!!!

Had the focusing down to a fine art with the split image view finder, I would focus on a line of some sort, say the edge of a persons tie or coat, quick focus turn to the left and right of focus then back to the centre of focus no mucking around and get the shot quickly before the "moment' is gone!!!

[bobslandies]

The Nikkormat (or Nikomat if bought in Japan), along with the Minolta SRT-101 were pretty popular amongst Press photographers when 35mm came to the fore, bulletproof and easy to use.
I still have two black Nikon Fs, one an FTN Photomic. All later electronic stuff F2, F3 etc long gone as too unrealiable (bit like later vehicles). I like the D5100 though, particularly the swivelling screen! Back to Nikon from Canon.

Bob

[Bushie]

.................................................. ..It really is a pity that the modern digital camera does not have the split image focusing assist in the view finder as did the older film type manual focus camera's.

Do a google/ebay search for Katzeye split focus screen, about $30 - $40 and don't look too hard to swap.


Martyn

[bobslandies]

Thanks Martyn,

Here it is for the Nikon D3100, D3200, D5100:

Nikon D3100 D3200 D5100 Focusing Screen - KatzEye Optics $105.00

Pity they did not make the split at 45 degrees though - that would be even better as it works on both horizontal and vertical edge lines.

Bob

[Ausfree]

Do a google/ebay search for Katzeye split focus screen, about $30 - $40 and don't look too hard to swap.


Martyn

Well, thankyou Martyn, I never knew one was made for AF cameras, I will have a closer look at it, would be VERY handy with the Mirror Lens.
I guess it would be easy enough to swap screens in my Nikon D5100??? Trying to focus the mirror lens without a splitimage viewfinder was a major concern, but thanks to you that has eased my mind.