[d.bradley]

Hey Folks,

I do a LOT of traveling for work, and there is no way I can take my 500/4.5 SMC Tak with me...well...anywhere. I'm thinking that a mirror lens would fit well in my carry-on. I want something I can use for wildlife on the weekends when I have some time to myself.

I guess I could use my 300/4 SMC Takumar (a little on the short side) or maybe consider a 400/5.6 (getting there), but a 500mm mirror would really be the ideal length.

So I'll be looking for the absolute best mirror lens (where money no object) possible for my K10D. Or do Sigma make their 400/5.6 APO Macro for the pentax mount?

As a last resort, I may even consider picking up a Sony A700 and the 500/8 AF mirror, but this is an expensive way of going about things.

Any thoughts?

[barondla]

Love mirror lenses. Have 4. Most will not match your 300 4 in quality. They are convenient to carry when big lenses can't go along. Have you considered using a 1.5 teleconverter on the 300 4? Less money than buying Sony with af mirror lens. Bet the combo will give the 500 8 mirrors a run. Best small mirrors I have used are the Quantaray 300 5.6 ( still own), Sigma 600, Tokina 500, and the Tamron 500. Owned an Olympus OM 500 mirror - should have kept it. Wouldn't work on a Pentax though.
Have been using the Celestron C5 1250 f10. Man it is good. Was totally surprised at the pics. Will use it much more for wildlife.
thanks
barondla

[d.bradley]

Hmmm....What about a zoom? How is the size of, say, the Sigma 135-400 as a compact alternative? 70-300 APO DG? IQ has got to be better than a 300/4 with a 1.4x TC...?

[Lowell Goudge]

I have seen some 500mm F8 mirrors going relatively cheap. BUT, if you have a Pentax 1.7x AF TC, go for a SMC 300mm F4.

the adaptor works and you get autoficus and control of depth of field, plus aboug 1 stop faster.

[d.bradley]

I don't have an AF TC...and the price is almost as much as a new tele.

barondla is your list of mirrors in order of best to least-best? lol. If you had to pick one from that list, which would it be?

I wonder about getting a V2XMFTC? The vivitar macro-focusing 2x teleconverter for use with the 300/4?

THanks all!

[barondla]

Of the 500 & 600 f8 mirrors would say quality was Tamron (best), Tokina, then Sigma. However little unfair to include Sigma since its a 600 f8. They were all pretty close. Sigma is not small! Did have builtin tripod socket and quick change filters. Faster aperture usually means less contrast. Keep in mind all were shot on film. Only ones used on digital is Quantaray 300 5.6 & the mighty Celestron C5 1250 f10.
thanks
barondla