Minolta AF Reflex 500mm f/8
Originally produced by Minolta, then by Sony, the AF Reflex 500mm f/8 was a catadioptric photographic lens compatible with cameras using the Minolta A-mount and Sony A-mount lens mounts.
| Maker | Minolta, Sony |
|---|---|
| Technical data | |
| Type | Special Prime |
| Focal length | 500 mm |
| Aperture (max/min) | f/8 fixed |
| Close focus distance | 4 m |
| Max. magnification | 1/7.7 |
| Diaphragm blades | No blades, circular |
| Construction | 7 elements in 5 groups |
| Features | |
| Ultrasonic motor |  No |
| Macro capable | No |
| Unique features | AF capable Mirror Lens |
| Application | Telephoto |
| Physical | |
| Max. length | 118 mm |
| Weight | 665 g |
| Filter diameter | Front 82mm & Rear drop-in (Clear and NDx4) |
| Accessories | |
| Lens hood | Front threaded |
| Angle of view | |
| Horizontal | 4.9° |
| History | |
| Introduction | 1989 |
| Discontinuation | 2010 |
| Successor | Minolta version succeeded by Sony version in 2006 |
| Retail info | |
| MSRP | 699 USD (as of 2006) |
The Minolta/Sony Reflex 500mm lens was the only production mirror lens designed to auto focus with an SLR camera. There are other mirror lenses that can mount onto current mounts such as Canon EF-mount and Nikon F-mount, but all of these mirror lenses are manual focus only. Only this lens can have its focus controlled by the camera's autofocus motor in conjunction with TTL autofocus sensing. In terms of the Minolta AF and subsequent Sony α SLR systems, this lens is an anomaly, being the only lens guaranteed to auto focus at f/8. Minolta also produced a V-mount 400 mm f/8 Reflex lens that can autofocus at f/8, but only the Minolta Vectis S-1, Minolta Vectis S-100 and Minolta Dimâge RD 3000 can use it.
The mirror design does not utilize aperture blades, and thus the aperture of the lens is fixed at f/8. Exposure may only be controlled by shutter speed, film or sensor sensitivity, or a rear-mounted neutral density filter.
By using a mirror design similar to that of a telescope, this lens uses very little glass compared to traditional telephoto lenses and is thus much smaller, lighter, and far less expensive than traditional lenses in the same focal length. However, like all mirror lenses, it can produce donut-shaped bokeh in images, due to the secondary mirror partially obstructing the front element.
Adapters for Sony E-Mount
Using this lens on a Sony E-mount camera requires an adapter such as one of the Sony LA-EA series, not all of which are compatible with all E-mount cameras[1] or A-mount lenses.[2] The LA-EA2, LA-EA4 and LA-EA5 adapters have the screw drive required to enable autofocus, which is however limited to select cameras for each adapter.[3] Otherwise, the lens will be manual focus only.
RF ROKKOR-X manual focus version
Minolta also made a manual focus, SR-mount version of this lens. That version was designated RF ROKKOR-X. Adapters are available for Sony E-mount cameras.
- Minolta 500mm Reflex Lens
Minolta Reflex 500mm Hood off
Minolta Reflex 500mm Front design
Minolta Reflex 500mm Rear filter out
Minolta Reflex 500mm Hood on, cap on
Minolta Reflex 500mm Mirror assembly
Minolta Reflex 500mm Kit
See also
References
- "What are the differences between the LA-EA1, LA-EA2, LA-EA3, LA-EA4, LA-EA5 lens mount adapters? | Sony USA". www.sony.com. Retrieved 2023-04-25.
- "Are there any lenses that cannot be used with A-mount adapters? | Sony USA". www.sony.com. Retrieved 2023-04-25.
- "Accessories Compatibility Information | Sony". support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp. Retrieved 2023-04-25.
- Technical data and user reviews (Minolta Version) on dyxum.com
- Technical data and user reviews (Sony Version) on dyxum.com