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Carl Zeiss Tele-Apotessar 500mm f/8 CF

Carl Zeiss · 1982-2006

The Zeiss Tele-Apotessar 500mm f/8 CF is a catadioptric (mirror) super telephoto for Hasselblad. The mirror design keeps size manageable while providing extreme reach. Fixed aperture with characteristic donut bokeh.

Known for

  • Wildlife
  • Sports
  • Surveillance
  • Astronomy

Considerations

  • Fixed aperture
  • Ring bokeh may be distracting
  • Tripod mandatory

Optical Characteristics

Sharpness (wide)
4/5
Sharpness (stopped)
4/5
Contrast
4/5
Flare Resistance
3/5
CA Control
5/5
Vignetting Control
5/5
Distortion Control
5/5

Bokeh: Ring-shaped highlights

Rendering: Mirror lens character

Color: Neutral

Common Issues

  • Mirror alignment can drift

Buying Guide

Check mirror alignment carefully. Specialized lens.

Specifications

MountHasselblad V
Focal Length500mm
Max Aperturef/8
Min Aperturef/8
Min Focus8m
Weight2100g

Optical Design

Formulaother
Elements5
Groups4
CoatingZeiss T*
SpecialCatadioptric mirror design

Pricing

£700 - £1200

Typical used price

Mint: ~£1500

Super telephoto option

Last verified: Jan 2025Report an error
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