Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
1 votes

Summary:
It's an ideal lens if you are traveling or have to carry your equipment. The mirrorlens type of the background is sometimes disturbing I have shot a lot of bird-photographs over the years with excelent results, if therewas enough light. I use a monopod for better sharpness.

Strengths:
very lightweight and handy, very quick Autofokus, very sharp pictures in the center and in corners,

Weaknesses:
f/8 is too slowl for a 500mm lens, significant loss of light in the corners

Similar Products Used:
none

Customer Service:
until now there was no need for service

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
4.50 of 5,
2 votes

Price Paid:  $700.00 from Henry's Camera at downtown Toronto

Summary:
Pictures are very sharp even at corners. Autofocus comes in very handy for taking candid shot of people. Use a monopod to obtain sharper pictures.

Strengths:
Fast AF, light weight and short. Easy to carry.

Weaknesses:
Only supplied with one normal and
one 4xND filters. would be nice if a 2xND filter can also be supplied.

Similar Products Used:
None

Customer Service:
Not require yet

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
2 votes

Model Reviewed:
AF 500mm f/8 Mirror Reflex Maxxum

Summary:
For the vacationing amateur, an excellent choice. Getting shots requires you always be ready. This lens and camera fit in a short zoom Tamrac hip belt - very handy. Sharpness is very good.

Strengths:
Lightweight and short; easily locks AF even in dim light.

Weaknesses:
f8 only (actual f10 I think). In fact, being unable to stop down is as big a problem as the low light gathering.

Similar Products Used:
Manual focus mirror lenses - absolutely awful compared to Minolta.

Customer Service:
Excellent. Sent in once many years ago and repaired right the first time.