Lens · mirror
Reflex-Nikkor 500mm f/8
Nikon · 1984-2005
A mirror (catadioptric) telephoto with a fixed f/8 aperture and donut-shaped out-of-focus highlights. No aperture control: exposure is set with shutter speed only. Reflex-Nikkor 500mm f/8: 6 elements in 6 groups, 1.5m minimum focus, 39mm rear filter, 840g.
- Focal length
- 500mm
- Max aperture
- f/8
- Mount
- Nikon F
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 6 / 6
Known for
- Travel telephoto
- Wildlife
- Airshows
- Creative bokeh effects
Considerations
- Fixed f/8 aperture
- Donut bokeh not always desirable
- Lower contrast than refractive lenses
- Manual focus only
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Bokeh: Distinctive donut-shaped highlights
Rendering: Unique mirror lens character
Colour: Neutral
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Versions
Reflex-Nikkor 500mm f/8 (original)
1968-1974
5 elements in 3 groups, 4 m close focus
1000 g
Reflex-Nikkor C
1974-1983
Multicoated, 4 m close focus
Same optics as original
New Reflex-Nikkor
1984-2005
6 elements in 6 groups, 1.5 m close focus
Redesigned, smaller and lighter (840 g)
Mirror lenses use a catadioptric design - extremely compact for the focal length but with fixed aperture and distinctive donut bokeh in out-of-focus highlights.
Common issues
- Mirror alignment
- Internal dust
- Focus ring wear
Buying guide
Check for internal dust and mirror coating condition.
Specifications
| Mount | Nikon F |
| Focal Length | 500mm |
| Max Aperture | f/8 |
| Min Aperture | f/8 |
| Min Focus | 1.5m |
| Filter Size | 39mm |
| Weight | 840g |
Optical design
| Formula | other |
| Elements | 6 |
| Groups | 6 |
| Coating | NIC (Nikon) |
| Special | Catadioptric (mirror) design |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £250 - £400
- Mint
- ~£500
Indicative, no dated source.