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Tamron Adaptall-2 SP Mirror (55BB) 500mm F8 Review RSS Feed

Tamron Adaptall-2 SP Mirror (55BB) 500mm F8

Sharpness 
 8.1
Aberrations 
 8.8
Bokeh 
 6.6
Handling 
 8.2
Value 
 9.3
Reviews Views Date of last review
32 108,739 Sat January 13, 2024
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Recommended By Average Price Average User Rating
97% of reviewers $137.21 8.61
Tamron Adaptall-2 SP Mirror (55BB) 500mm F8

Tamron Adaptall-2 SP Mirror (55BB) 500mm F8
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Tamron Adaptall-2 SP Mirror (55BB) 500mm F8
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Tamron Adaptall-2 SP Mirror (55BB) 500mm F8
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Tamron Adaptall-2 SP Mirror (55BB) 500mm F8 Tamron Adaptall-2 SP Mirror (55BB) 500mm F8
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Description:
"This later version SP 500mm F/8, introduced in 1983, is an optically revised version of the original model 55B lens first introduced in 1979. The major optical design change is the switch to a constant thickness meniscus main mirror in order to reduce close focusing spherical aberration. The change in the main mirror design also necessitated changes for the two smallest lenses located within the middle of the optical design. This model 55BB also discards the earlier model's detachable tripod mount and the set of four filters for B&W photography. The later model 55BB is also readily distinguished from the original model by its diamond knurled rubber focus grip and the lack of the locking screw used on the earlier model 55B's built-in rotating tripod mount ring. Thus this lens does not feature any built-in tripod mount whereas the original lens featured a detachable tripod mount." - adaptall-2.com

Manufactured from 1983 to 2005... probably the most common 500mm cat. on the market. Easily distinguished from its predecessor the 55B by the square dotted rubber grip and absence of a tripod mount.
This and the other two tamron mirrors (55B, 06B) are designed to be used with a 30.5mm rear filter in situ, this screws on to the end of the rear group at the mount end.
The fixed aperture means that there is no advantage to a PKA mount. any PK mount will do and you can use Av.

Minimum aperture: fixed at f/8. Note that there is a significant difference between f stop and t-stop with mirror lenses.
Elements/groups: 8/5
Minimum focus distance: 170 cm
Maximum magnification: 1:3
Minimum length: 87.0 mm
Maximum length: 91.5 mm (dependent of the adapter)
Diameter: 84.0 mm
Weight: 0.595 kg
Front Filter diameter: 82mm
Rear Filter diameter: 30.5mm (screw-on)
Hood mount: screw-on. Normally comes with deep flock lined metal hood that inverts for storage.

Accepts SP 2X tele-converter #01F and SP 1.4X tele-converter #140F. Note: TC's are reviewed in miscellaneous lenses - TC's.

Good discussion/review of mirror lenses including 06B by Wayne Grundy. And Bob Atkins has also done a detailed comparison with a Canon 500mm f4.5.

U-tube review by Gary Reed (sony apsc, kenko 1.4x tc).

Comparison of 500mm mirror lenses (Tamron, Canon, Nikon) by Ching Kuane Shene

This thread discusses focussing with mirror lenses.
Mount Type: Third-party (adapter required)
Price History:



Add Review of Tamron Adaptall-2 SP Mirror (55BB) 500mm F8
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Sort Reviews by: Date | Author | Rating | Recommendation | Likes (Descending) Showing Reviews 16-30 of 32
Junior Member

Registered: December, 2009
Location: London
Posts: 45
Review Date: March 21, 2010 Recommended | Price: $140.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Compact, decent quality and cost-effective
Cons: Usual mirror issues - no aperture control, bokeh

I have the newer version of this lens, and would highly recommend it if you only occasionally want this kind of focal length and can't contemplate the cost or size of something like the Bigma.

Used with care, results can be stunning.

This means shooting RAW so you can squeeze as much out of the files as you can in PP.

It also means not being fooled into thinking that you will get many good sharp shots if you only handhold the lens. The "keeper rate" will rise exponentially if you use a monopod or tripod.

Other than that, the main other issue is to spot the occasions when donut bokeh is likely to be a problem: generally where there are spectacular highlights in the background. Avoid that, and you'll be rewarded by an excellent sharp lens with virtually no nasty fringing.

A surprise is how good this lens is at close ups. Mirrors tend to be good either at close up or distance, but rarely both. This Tamron manages to do both very nicely.
   
Veteran Member

Registered: March, 2009
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Posts: 509
Review Date: March 1, 2010 Recommended | Price: $120.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: relatively light weight; good IMQ; very well built; hand holdable; better than most mirror alternatives
Cons: dark; not easy to manually focus

Mine is a newer version. But it does not seem to be very different.

It is hard to evaluate this lens, since it is so different from other lenses.

IMQ is good to excellent but not fantastic. Decent contrast. The built quality is excellent. The close up function is great. Since the aperture is fixed, a normal KM adaptall adapter would be fine.

It is certainly better than most other mirror lenses. I have used two different ones before.

Better to use with tripod and high ISO even in daylight. It is hard to focus even with split focusing screen, because of shaking and dark viewer.

Overall, it is an excellent choice for those who want to travel light and who do not use it for a living.
   
Loyal Site Supporter

Registered: March, 2007
Location: Toowoomba, Queensland
Posts: 23,920

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: September 11, 2009 Recommended | Price: $150.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Sharp, robust build, lightweight, small, bright in viewfinder, smooth focus ring function
Cons: None to speak of for a mirror lens

This lens is highly underrated.
It is very sharp for a mirror lens, probably the sharpest.

It would be unfair to compare it to a non-mirror lens, though it cannot compare to the clarity and contrast rendition of a decent 500mm non-mirror lens.
Nevertheless, I have been fortunate enough to have this mirror lens and capture some brilliant images that come to life with a little PP work.

The characteristic doughnut bokeh is great and can be used creatively, though renders harsh, almost unsightly bokeh otherwise.
I am still very pleased with how this lens performs and using it as a semi-macro lens it produces wonderful images.

Courtesy of Tamron's website:
This later version SP 500mm F/8, introduced in 1983, is an optically revised version of the original model 55B lens first introduced in 1979. The major optical design change is the switch to a constant thickness meniscus main mirror in order to reduce close focusing spherical aberration. The change in the main mirror design also necessitated changes for the two smallest lenses located within the middle of the optical design. This model 55BB also discards the earlier model's detachable tripod mount and the set of four filters for B&W photography. The later model 55BB is also readily distinguished from the original model by its diamond knurled rubber focus grip and the lack of the locking screw used on the earlier model 55B's built-in rotating tripod mount ring. Thus this lens does not feature any built-in tripod mount whereas the original lens featured a detachable tripod mount.

Related links:
http://mirrorlens.blogspot.com/2007/09/tamron-sp-5008-tele-macro-model-55bb.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/72141-versatile-mirror.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/71775-mirror-lens-club.html
   
New Member

Registered: July, 2023
Posts: 4
Review Date: October 15, 2023 Recommended | Price: $90.00 | Rating: 8 

 
Pros: Great for Moon and Eclipse Photos
Cons: Focus is easy to miss !
Sharpness: 8    Aberrations: 8    Bokeh: 6    Handling: 7    Value: 10    Camera Used: Pentax K-70   

[IMG][/IMG]
   
Junior Member

Registered: June, 2010
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 32

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: April 4, 2022 Recommended | Price: $112.00 | Rating: 8 

 
Pros: Light, compact and well constructed; despite its age, still capable of good performance under the right circumstances and with practice (more than a little patience also helps); can be bought in good condition for relatively little money.
Cons: Fixed aperture; critical focus requires eye-piece magnifier in conjunction with focus confirmation; shooting hand-held is an act of faith and requires masses of practice, patience and determination
Sharpness: 8    Aberrations: 8    Bokeh: 6    Handling: 5    Value: 9    Camera Used: Pentax-K5, K3 and K3 III   

Don't buy if you are easily deterred and aren't prepared to work (hard!) on your technique.

Do buy if you like a challenge and occasionally wish you had a 'Super-telephoto Lens' that didn't cost the proverbial 'arm and a leg' and doesn't get too heavy to carry within fifteen minutes of leaving the house (or car) on foot or on a bicycle

   
Site Supporter

Registered: January, 2011
Location: Kamloops, BC
Posts: 710

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: September 24, 2021 Recommended | Price: $60.00 | Rating: 8 

 
Pros: Very light and compact means I'm more likely to bring it me with than a traditional lens of a similar focal length. It was also very cheap, with very good image quality under the right conditions. But with the right conditions and a bit of practice, it ca
Cons: Bokeh can be very busy, can be hard to nail the focus.
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 7    Bokeh: 4    Handling: 8    Value: 10   

I bought this lens on a whim because it was really cheap, and I had never tried a mirror type lens before. Mine is the older 55B. Focusing can be frustrating with a modern DSLR focus screen, but when I am able to nail the focus, the results are awesome. Whether it's atmospheric haze or the lens,or both, it seems to be much sharper for close up photos than when focused at infinity. I do really like this lens for sunsets where there's a distant object that I want to silhouette against the sky. The colours in those shots generally end up looking great, and the relative lack of contrast in a mirror lens can end up being a bit of an advantage. Even with a fairly decent tripod and head, mirror lockup is necessary for me to get sharp photos with slower shutter speeds, unless I'm just using the tripod to support it and tracking a moving object with the ball head loosened off. All example photos taken with a Pentax K3.

Pretty good details in the trees, considering they're about 4 miles away, and the way it shows off the sky is great. 1/160s, ISO 100.


A little bit of a crop. Taken directly into the setting sun on a fairly smoky evening.


This was taken basically as close as it will focus using a tripod and onboard flash 1/10s, ISO 100.


Experimenting in my yard well after sunset. Taken using my tripod with the ball head loose, 1/30s, ISO 1600, about 15-20' away.


Handheld at 1/500s, ISO 400 with the in body stabilization turned on, and cropped to 2400 pixels on the long edge. Bright highlights in the background are showing up as donuts, but not too bad. The detail in the head of the sheep looks pretty good to me, and the in body stabilization with a Pentax makes a lens like this much more useable for me.


This one was handheld at 1/2000s, ISO 1000. It is possible to really isolate the subject and blur the background into oblivion if you're careful about it. I don't think I would have been able to get this shot with a shorter lens, as I would have had much more area in the background, and it would have been much busier as a result.
   
Loyal Site Supporter

Registered: February, 2014
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 2,698

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: August 4, 2020 Recommended | Price: $120.00 | Rating: 8 

 
Pros: Sharp & Contrasty for a Mirror lens, light, small
Cons: Best at closer distances, it’s a mirror lens
Sharpness: 8    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 8    Handling: 8    Value: 10    Camera Used: K5iis, K3, KP   

The Tamron Adaptall-2 55BB is probably the best catadioptric “mirror” lens for the average photographer. I’ve owned four CAT lenses, the 55BB, Tokina 500/8, Celestron 500/5.6 and Opteka 500/8. This Tamron is far and away the best, well worth having in ones kit.

Sharpness is very good, I’d have given it an 8.5 if the rating were available. Closeup capability is a strong point- no other 500mm lens that I know of can focus into macro range. The lens is quite hand holdable with proper technique and Pentax DSLR Shake Reduction. You need a body with excellent high ISO performance since the T-stop of this lens is f/10, not f/8. In bright light, contrast is high and colors are saturated. In dull light, images need a boost in both areas.
Out to about 150 feet, this lens is very sharp and images respond well to PP sharpening. Past 150 feet, images begin to degrade somewhat.

Abberations are extremely well controlled, surprisingly good. Bokeh? Well it gives the classic CAT/mirror lens “donut hole” out of focus highlights. Used creatively, this can be fun, otherwise it is a bit distracting.

Please use this lens with the straight Pentax K/M Adaptall-2 adapter and not the PK/A version. The K adapter allows shooting with the camera on Aperture Preferred with no fiddling around. Plus, the K adapter is far less expensive.

I definitely recommend this lens. Small, light, smooth focusing, reasonably sharp and easy to take with you.
   
Seeker of Knowledge

Registered: August, 2016
Location: Topeka, Kansas
Posts: 24,563
Review Date: March 19, 2019 Recommended | Price: $70.00 | Rating: 8 

 
Pros: seems well made, sharp, great value
Cons: hood when rversed is friction fit only and does slide off easily, mirror lens problems
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 5    Handling: 9    Value: 10    Camera Used: K 3 or K 3 II   

I just got this lens having found it on EBAY and the seller willing to make a deal off of his initial price

does have some visible loss of coatings on lens but on very edges and has no effect on the photos

I like it but there is a learning curve and has the typical mirror lens limitations

so far trying it hand held, braced at times,

no real opportunity yet to use it to its full potential as a true telephoto
   
New Member

Registered: November, 2013
Location: Port Orchard, WA
Posts: 10
Review Date: January 24, 2014 Recommended | Price: $100.00 | Rating: 8 

 
Pros: Massive zoom, Small for focus, Close focus, Crisp.
Cons: Donuts, Slow aperture.
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 8    Bokeh: 5    Handling: 10    Value: 9   

My copy of this lens was purchased used, but appeared near new when it arrived. I use it with a UV filter and the hood attached at all times. I don't think I would ever use the lens without the hood, as it seems a little too exposed. My lens did not come with the additional small filters and only had the normal small filter.

I have used this lens with both the K-3 and my former Canon 10D and 20D. Despite the issues that come with handling a lens like this (donuts, stabilization, and fixed superzoom), I absolutely love this lens. While it isn't especially versatile, I have such a fun time with this lens. The close focus ability makes pseudo macro shots with this lens easy. I got frustrated using this lens due to the f8 with my Canons, but I really enjoy using it with the K-3 as I have so much more ISO headroom. The internal stabilization really helps as well getting shots when it is cloudy or I am in the woods. This lens is easy to carry around, is not too large or heavy, and is reasonably easy to handle without a tripod or monopod. You will have better results with a monopod or tripod, but I have not found them to be 100% necessary--especially on sunny days. I would actually prefer to carry this lens to my 70-210 due to the weight of the 70-210.

Here are some samples:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/members/64969-knotmetoo/albums/7767-tamro...cture68851.jpg
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/members/64969-knotmetoo/albums/7767-tamro...cture68852.jpg
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/members/64969-knotmetoo/albums/7767-tamro...cture68853.jpg
   
Pentaxian

Registered: April, 2011
Location: Lost in translation ...
Posts: 18,076

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: December 21, 2013 Recommended | Price: $130.00 | Rating: 8 

 
Pros: Build, small-ish, focus throw ...
Cons: F8 and usual mirror issues, but I like "doghnut" bokeh ...
Sharpness: 8    Aberrations: 8    Bokeh: 8    Handling: 8    Value: 8   

Bonjour,

Just acquired this 55BB with case, hood, cap & 01F 2x TC and like what I have seen thus far ... only a few outdoor test shots, since the outside weather is wet and cold ... will post samples later.

Giving a straight across "8" rating until more test and use can be done ...

Allez et salut, Jean le Green Frog

Here's some p0rn shots to see what the 55BB looks like on the K-5 ...





   
Senior Member

Registered: May, 2012
Location: Sunshine Coast
Posts: 113
Review Date: July 3, 2012 Recommended | Price: $450.00 | Rating: 8 

 
Pros: Small and light for its focal length, beautifully made.
Cons: Fixed F8, manual focus.
Sharpness: 7    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 5    Handling: 8    Value: 9   

I bought this lens new back in 1983 for my ME Super, It was one of my favourite lenses, and I used it off and on until 2002 when I put my ME aside to do video and compact digital stuff. It was always kept in a hard case when not in use, so it still looks and works like new. Now I have my Kr I've bought it back out of retirement.to use again. I still love it as much as ever. It is good to see a bit of a resurgence in interest in these lenses. They truly were and still are, fine pieces of optical engineering. I just wish I had also bought the 350mm version as well when I had the chance.
   
Inactive Account

Registered: June, 2011
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 9
Review Date: March 5, 2012 Recommended | Price: $200.00 | Rating: 8 

 
Pros: Lightweight, sharp, contrasty lens
Cons: unusual bokeh
Sharpness: 8    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 4    Handling: 8    Value: 7   

Generally it's a value lens if the price is below $200.

The best about this lens is sharpness with very little aberration and close to none vignetting. Similar to other mirror lenses, it's much lighter and more compact compare to conventional long range tele lenses. However it still needs steady support when shooting as it's not easy to focus with lenses with more than 300mm focal length.

The bad about this lens is it's donut-like bokeh that looks unusual. details in out of focused zones are almost lost. If your focusing is spot on, you'll have clear, sharp images out of the lens.

The macro function works well and this lens give you a closer focus distance when shoot in macro than many mirror lenses.

A protective filter is recommended for this lens as dust can easily fall on to the mirror.

   
Site Supporter

Registered: August, 2011
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 45
Review Date: October 25, 2011 Recommended | Price: None indicated | Rating: 8 

 
Pros: 500mm without breaking your back, donut bokeh
Cons: not amazing sharpness, donut bokeh

I don't get a lot of chances to use this lens, but when I do it's a joy.

Under the right circumstances, don't let anyone tell you it can't be used for fast action.


IMG_9657 by jerm1386, on Flickr


IMG_4729 by jerm1386, on Flickr
   
Veteran Member

Registered: March, 2009
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Posts: 509

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: May 13, 2011 Recommended | Price: None indicated | Rating: 8 

 
Pros: very well built, sturdy in hand, smooth focusing
Cons: need a tripod, low IMQ, focus ring reversed from a pentax lens, color washed out a bit
Sharpness: 6    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 8    Handling: 9    Value: 8   

Construction: on par with some of the best made manual lenses including Pentax.
Image quality: OK. It is perhaps one of the best mirror lenses. Contrast is low and image sharpness is merely OK. Better to use with K5 and K7 (than say Kx) which have a better viewfinder.
Tripod or monopod is a must.
Only capable under good light. It is difficult to focus. Perhaps this is not exceptional for a long lens like this.

It is for you if you are not a frequent long shooter but would like to have one on the road just in case. It is for you if you are more concerned about portability than IMQ. It is for you if you can handle MF and if you can survive without changing aperture. It works OK for me.

Macro function is usable, but it is not a real macro lens.

Pretty hard for anything that is moving or that is not well lighted. Take a while to get used to. Need to increase contrast and saturation. But it is very light. Good for infrequent use.





   
New Member

Registered: July, 2023
Posts: 2
Review Date: July 8, 2023 Recommended | Price: $20.00 | Rating: 7 

 
Pros: Interesting effect. Narrow depth of field
Cons: Focusing is difficult
Sharpness: 6    Aberrations: 8    Bokeh: 7    Handling: 2    Value: 9    Camera Used: Sony A7Rii   

When I first got this lens I was really pleased with the sharpness. But I took it on holiday and suddenly there was a marked difference in performance. The lens just seemed to pass focus and now and I can't get the relatively sharp images I used to. I'll add some pics to show what I mean.

If anyone has had a similar experience or they know what might be wrong I'd be grateful.
Add Review of Tamron Adaptall-2 SP Mirror (55BB) 500mm F8



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