Sony 500mm f/8.0 a (alpha) Mount Digital SLR Reflex Telephoto Lens with Hood

2010-07-09T20:00:00

I have owned this lens for a couple of years, taken thousands of photos with it in every combination and tweaks you can think of with my A700. If you want to take top photos of wildlife this is not the lens to spend your money on. Slot drive focus is slow and you will miss shots because it hunts. Low light situations are not recommended for this lens. (F8) You can get a somewhat pleasing shot at about 13 - 15 feet, any futher and focus starts to suffer. Focus seems to be better in top 2/3 of the lens. You get what you pay with this lens. Focus and color are the main problems. If you can't take sharp photos whats the point !!! In my opinion this lens is JUNK!!! Spend the money and buy better quality glass.

Wildlife

Originally posted at

2010-01-16T19:00:00

I originally purchased this lens for my wife to use on the A100 but I have become rather fond of this lens on the A700. I usually take a long lens in the filed along with a tripod to keep it steady. After learning how to use this lens and teaching my wife about its particulars it has become a favorite when in the field for extended periods. What I have found with this lens is you need to keep the camera set to A, shutter speed between 500 and 1000, and the ISO between 800 and 1600, and the EV at +1. If you do this on the A100 or the A700 your results are stunning. On the A900 you would love this lens, the performance on the A900 is remarkable and the results amazing. I would recommend this reflex to anyone who wishes not to carry a heavy lens in the field and needs one for rapid shooting with excellent results.

MikeKovach

Originally posted at

2009-11-23T19:00:00

I recently shoot some wildlife photos and was shocked at what I could do with out a tripod. The balance on my A700 made it very easy to hand hold a slower shutter speeds then I would have expected. The focusing was fast and right on the money!

Chuckie12

Originally posted at

2009-07-31T21:00:00

Its a very usefull lence for action wild life not expensive,pratical,for hobbists,like me,to have practice,to catch actions even in a big city,street shots,sociales photos.

Stavros h.

2009-05-15T20:00:00

As we all know, there are some areas where a mirror lens can be lacluster, but there are equal areas where they can be brilliant. Sony has updated the solid Minolta design with AF, to it would seem, everyone's amazement. I have had excellent results with this lens in wildlife shots as well as outdoor sports. There was also a Minolta 250mm mirror that I carried for unplanned long shots that I would like to see revived someday. Overall, mirrors take a bit of practice, but are well worth the effort.

SLUF1354

Originally posted at

2009-04-27T20:00:00

the lens can produce sharp images if you know how to use it .I owned this lens over a year and enjoyed it and made some pictures you couldn't believe it was taken by mirror lens .Fair to say it is sharp but not razor sharp however it only cost maybe 1/10 of the price of a normal 500mm tele lens and it is very light and compact to travel and it can fit into any travel bag to carry on the plane also it is the ONLY MIRROR LENS IS AUTO FOCUS.The only drawback is the color not 100% correct but for birds and animal is not that important. I hope this is helpful for you.

peter138

Originally posted at

2009-02-06T19:00:00

I am actually befuddled! I can not understand why Sony would market this lens. I have been a fan of Sony equipment for years. I buy Sony TVs, Stereos, video equipment and camera equipment. This is the first product I have ever bought from Sony that did not exceed my expectations. And I know the Sony engineers and marketers understood the quality level of this lens. So why would they risk their reputation marketing a product this poor? I'm confused!

craiger

Originally posted at

2008-11-10T19:00:00

This lens can deliver good images but not great images and has a problem with vignetting. Its build quality is good however the design is just ok. Its slow focusing mechanism and blue hue imaging production landed it at the bottom of my list. I have tried to use this lens in many different ways and the best seems to be close range versus far away. The rear filter placement slot is not the best design either and has the potential to break easily andensure lost filters.

Muzics

Originally posted at

2008-02-06T19:00:00

This is a great lens for people who can't afford the 2.8 lens. I have used this a lot at local zoo's as well as at local football games. Being an f8 you do need plenty of light but you can make it work during night games. I have also used this lens to do some portrait work and it does wonders when outdoors. Over all i use this lens a lot and i have the costly 2.8 lens. Just learn your setting and it will work great for you.

fotohog

2007-09-26T21:00:00

I plan ontaking this on safari to compliment my 200 to 400 mm zoom. The light weight is a plus.

THOMAS M.