Lens · prime
Carl Zeiss Tele-Apotessar 500mm f/8 CF
Carl Zeiss · from 1982
Discontinuedmedium-format
The longest lens in the V-system range, with apochromatic correction and the Hasselblad tripod quick-release mount. Carl Zeiss Tele-Apotessar 500mm f/8 CF: 5 elements in 3 groups, 5m minimum focus, Hasselblad series 86 bayonet filters, 1810g.
- Focal length
- 500mm
- Max aperture
- f/8
- Mount
- Hasselblad V
- Format
- medium-format
- Elements / groups
- 5 / 3
Known for
- Wildlife
- Sports
- Surveillance
- Astronomy
Considerations
- Slow f/8 maximum aperture
- Long and heavy (about 1.8kg)
- Tripod mandatory
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Sharpness (wide)4, level 4 of 5
Sharpness (stopped)4, level 4 of 5
Contrast4, level 4 of 5
Flare resistance3, level 3 of 5
CA control5, level 5 of 5
Vignetting control5, level 5 of 5
Distortion control5, level 5 of 5
Bokeh: Conventional (non-mirror) rendering
Rendering: Long telephoto compression
Colour: Neutral
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Common issues
- Tripod mount and shutter wear
Buying guide
Check the shutter, tripod mount and optics for haze.
Specifications
| Mount | Hasselblad V |
| Focal Length | 500mm |
| Max Aperture | f/8 |
| Min Aperture | f/64 |
| Min Focus | 5m |
| Filter Size | 86mm |
| Weight | 1810g |
Optical design
| Formula | Tessar |
| Elements | 5 |
| Groups | 3 |
| Coating | Zeiss T* |
| Special | Special low-dispersion glass for apochromatic correction |
Pricing
- Typical used price (US market)
- $700 - $1200
- Mint
- ~$1500
Indicative, no dated source.