Centon 500mm f8 lens

[nubbin]

Any opinions? Anyone got one of these, and if so, how does it perform? I'm considering a long telephoto but only likely to be for occasional use, so I'm not wanting to spend Canon IS level of money, but if the Centon is really crap, my next choice would probably be Sigma's 600mm f8.

[nubbin]

[luca brazzi]

Like the tumbleweed.

Personally, I'd avoid Centon. Jessops own brand I think. You'll have a realy tough time using it, as I think you may lose auto focus using a mirror lens at f8. (Aperture is fixed on a mirror lens, and out of focus highlights show up as doughnut shapes)

If the Sigma is a mirror lens (and I presume it will be), the same would apply.

I believe Jessops have a returns policy, so try one, then you can take it back if you don't like. Unfortunately, there's not much else available in the 500-600mm range without spending BIG bucks.

Hope this helps,
LB

[rj_vaughan]

I remember a practical photography review of this lens quite a while back. They didn't slate it at all.

The obvious downside is the f8 and the slow shutter speeds you'll get, but you get what you pay for I guess. As far as I can recall they didn't notice any major image quality issues. I think the biggest issue they suggested was the doughnut shaped highlights it produces, but they also pointed out that that could be a benefit if it was the effect you were after.

For the money I'd give it a bash and take it back if you're not happy.

I guess the Sigma is very heavy??

Hope that helps.

[nubbin]

Thanks guys - it seems opinions a re a little divided about the lens. The Sigma is an f8 mirror lens also.

I suppose for £100 the Centon might help...

[simpo two]

nubbin said:

Thanks guys - it seems opinions a re a little divided about the lens. The Sigma is an f8 mirror lens also. I suppose for £100 the Centon might help...

I haven't had one but I think mirror lenses are a good option for a tight budget. Another option is a 70-300 with 2x TC, but that's going to put you back to about f8 as well, and it'll be heavier with more glass. For mm/£, it seems worth a bash.

Here's a Tamron one found by searching eBay for 'mirror lens':
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3342&item=7502171808&rd=1

>> Edited by simpo two on Saturday 26th March 21:46

[LongQ]

Mirror lenses were all the rage back in the 70's and 80's. People liked the donut outof focus effects.

Easy way to get a relatively high power solution for smallish budget and light weight and size.

Great when the sun is shining. One to leave at home when it is not.

Didn't find too many on ebay when I looked.

You can find some really cracking older big lenses but people still want big money for them and the ones I have followed didn't attract any bids. You'd need to be very fit to carry some of them!

[te51cle]

I bought a second-hand one on the basis that it was even less than buying new and wasn't likely to be worn. I used it a couple of times but don't think it was really worth it. It always seemed a bit soft and I've read other reports that say you might as well do a selective enlargement from a photo taken with a shorter lens.

The trouble with catadioptric (mirror) lenses is that you're stuck with just one aperture which is a bit inflexible. I've still got it somewhere if someone really wants one though.

[sjn2004]

Have you tried the Sigma 50-500 (f4-f6.3)? Its £650 and pretty sharp although you need a monopod/tirpod for the super telephoto end.

[nubbin]

sjn2004 said:

Have you tried the Sigma 50-500 (f4-f6.3)? Its £650 and pretty sharp although you need a monopod/tirpod for the super telephoto end.

I'm looking at the 150-500 which can be had off E-bay for £300. Bit of a monster though!