P3D Re: Mirror Lenses

[Linda Nygren <lnygren@xxxxxxx>]

Lawrence A. Haines wrote:
> 
> Does anyone have experience with long focal length lenses that use
> mirrors ratherthan solid glass?  I notice 500 mm mirror lenses costing
> about $100 each being sold new.  They are lighter and smaller in
> diameter and in those regards would be very good for paired lens
> stereo.  Offhand it would seem that the reflected light of the mirror
> might reduce the available light, but I really do not know. Some of  the
> store people I have talked to say they are not as sharp as regular glass
> lenses, and yet there are those who say that if the lens is used at f 8
> - 22, they are just as sharp as glass lenses used at the same openings.
> I am interested in the experience of anyone who has used them.
> 
> Larry Haines
> P.O. Box 1177
> Eastsound, WA 98245
> tel 1-360-376-4704
> e-mail <lhaines@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
I have used a 500 mm mirror lens for flat photography, and they can be
useful there, for wildlife shots etc. I believe that they are always
fixed aperture (I think mine is f8), and as I recall depth of field is
not great so I don't think they would be good for stereo. -Linda


------------------------------