Rokinon

Rokinon 500M-AI 500mm F8.0 Mirror Lens for Nikon

Name: Rokinon 500M-AI 500mm F8.0 Mirror Lens for Nikon
Brand: Rokinon
SKU: 500M-AI

Capture Distant Subjects with ClarityThe Rokinon 500mm F8.0 Mirror Lens is a powerful telephoto lens perfect for capturing sports or nature shots. Its affordable design delivers sharp, vivid images, making it an excellent addition to any photographer's kit. Specifications: Focal Length: 500...

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Overview

Capture Distant Subjects with Clarity

The Rokinon 500mm F8.0 Mirror Lens is a powerful telephoto lens perfect for capturing sports or nature shots. Its affordable design delivers sharp, vivid images, making it an excellent addition to any photographer's kit.

Specifications:

Focal Length: 500mm
Aperture: F8.0
Type: Mirror Lens
Mount: Nikon AI
Ideal For: Sports and Nature Photography

Key Features

500mm Manual Focus Mirror Lens with a F8.0 fixed aperture

7 elements in 6 groups

Filter size: Rear 30.5 mm/ Front 72mm

Minimum focusing distance of 5.6 ft

Includes ND-2X, ND-4X and Skylight rear-mount filters, lens caps, lens pouch, instruction manual, and 1 year Rokinon warranty

Specifications

Focal Length

500mm

Aperture

F8.0 (fixed)

Focus Type

Manual Focus

Optical Construction

7 elements in 6 groups

Filter Size (Rear)

30.5 mm

Filter Size (Front)

72mm

Minimum Focusing Distance

5.6 ft

Included Accessories

ND-2X, ND-4X, Skylight rear-mount filters, lens caps, lens pouch, instruction manual

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of camera mount does this Rokinon 500M-AI lens support?

The Rokinon 500M-AI 500mm F8.0 Mirror Lens is designed for Nikon cameras, indicated by "500M-AI" in the model name, suggesting a suitable mount for Nikon systems.

Can this lens be used for casual, everyday photography?

The 500mm fixed focal length is highly specialized for distant subjects; it is not ideal for casual, everyday photography due to its narrow field of view and manual focus operation.

What is "donut bokeh" and how does it affect images from this lens?

"Donut bokeh" is a characteristic of mirror lenses where out-of-focus highlights appear as rings, or "donuts," in images; this distinctive aesthetic may or may not be desired depending on artistic preference.

Are the included filters essential for using this lens?

The included ND-2X, ND-4X, and Skylight rear-mount filters offer versatility for various lighting conditions, but they are not strictly essential for basic operation; they enhance creative control.

What is the closest distance this lens can focus?

The Rokinon 500M-AI lens has a minimum focusing distance of 5.6 feet, allowing users to capture subjects that are relatively close for a super-telephoto lens.

Strengths & Trade-offs

👍 Pros

This 500mm manual focus mirror lens offers a significant fixed focal length, ideal for distant subjects such as wildlife or astrophotography.
The fixed f/8.0 aperture provides a consistent exposure characteristic for consistent image capture.
The lens comes with ND-2X, ND-4X, and Skylight rear-mount filters, providing immediate versatility for different lighting conditions.
With 7 elements in 6 groups, the optical design aims to deliver clear images for its mirror lens category.
It includes essential accessories like lens caps, a lens pouch, and an instruction manual, ready for immediate use.

👎 Cons

The fixed F8.0 aperture means it is not a fast lens, limiting its performance in low-light conditions and depth-of-field control.
Being a manual focus lens, it requires precise manual adjustment, which can be challenging for fast-moving subjects.
Mirror lenses are known for their distinctive "donut" bokeh, which might not be desirable for all photographers.
The 500mm focal length is extremely long, making it less versatile for general-purpose photography and potentially requiring a tripod for stable shots.