MC Rubinar 500mm f/8 Reflex
Facts
- an all-manual mirror lens (also known as reflex lens, catadioptric lens, CAT)
- in addition to this there appears to be 500 mm f/5.6 and 1000 mm f/10 CATs available
- estimated retail price 350 USD
- in my use from 3/2006 to 10/2008
- only for outdoor use on bright days and is still hard to focus
Pros
- much cheaper, smaller and lighter than the equivalent focal length regular lenses
- if you need a 500 mm lens and don't have much money there are no alternatives
- ring-shaped bokeh can be fun
- every photographer should try a mirror lens once
Cons
- weak contrast
- not very sharp
- requires plenty of light to be usable and is still hard to focus (I recommend a body with a large bright viewfinder and installing manual focusing screen like Canon Ec-S)
- fixed aperture (f/8)
- ring-shaped bokeh can be annoying