Samyang 500mm f/6.3 (also branded as: ProOptics, Bowers, Vivitar, Rokinon, etc)

[omer]

So until I get the new EF 200-400mm f/4 X1.4 (one can dream ;))
I thought I'll play with this inexpensive 500mm mirror lens
So we all know that you get what you pay for (and i paid $140)
This Manuel lens is fun to play with while testing your skills at focusing and tripod usage
As for IQ well I wish I could have given it a thumb up (see my next post) but the bottom line is that even the good old EF 70-300mm IS cropped to same view gives at least as good IQ
Here are some sample pics form the lens; Do add yours.

[omer]

Here are 2 cropped pictures 1st from the Samyang 500 (100%) 2nd from ef 70-300 @ 300 cropped to same view

[omer]

here is the set up at my back yard (shot at 70mm)
and the full picture from the 500mm
The camera set up was ISO 800 at 1/1600 shutter speed (and of course f6.3 as it is fixed) - i used a tripod but hi speed is necessary even on a tripod. - by the way the CS5 book is highly recommended so i also bought it- and it is tack sharp.

[MrJulius]

Nice test shots, I am thinking about buying the Samyang 500mm F8 or F6.3 or the Rubinar 500mm F8 which supposedly have better quality.

[omer]

Thanks for your comments.
i am not familiar with the Rubinar - how much they go for ? - did you see any comparison shots?
i read that Tamron used to make a good Mirror lens but they are hard to find. (Canon used to do a non EOS mirror lens and also Nikon)

[MrJulius]

The Rubinar goes for about €240 about twice the price of the Samyang.
I have found this set of pictures taken with the Rubinar 500mm F8 at Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dementedjesus/sets/72157624019959916/)
The used Tamron goes for about €200 on Ebay, but i would rather purchase a brand new mirror lens.
I will post back when I have decided and got hold of a mirror lens, so we can compare.

[Techuser]

Here are 2 cropped pictures 1st from the Samyang 500 (100%) 2nd from ef 70-300 @ 300 cropped to same view

To be fair on this comparision you also need to upscale the 70-300 to the same size, I did it and its a bit sharper BUT you also upscale noise
So seems at low ISOs cropping the 70-300 should give the same quality, and worst in higher ISOs

Nice to see someone trying lenses that no ones gets close

[omer]

TechUser you are right
i had no intention to do a scientific comparison - i wanted to convey the feel (at the end of the day what can we expect from a $150 lens )
as a matter of fact i think Samyang offering at wide to normal prime makes a lot of sense
i will happily use a Manuel sharp lens for landscape/cityscape (Manuel in this case should be both focus and aperture)
based on the recent info this is exactly what they do (e.g 30mm f1.4 ) - if the IQ will be high and price reasonable it can be a winner
As for serious Telelens ...well the Samyang 500 is a nice toy and really fun but with very low keepers rate

[omer]

So until I get the new EF 200-400mm f/4 X1.4 (one can dream ;))
I thought I'll play with this inexpensive 500mm mirror lens


well i did get the 70-300 L (a great lens)

i sold yesterday the Samyang - was not using it

i do think i shall go for one of the wide angle samyang as it seems that it delivers a great IQ in a nice package (and price) - but i am waiting for the 24 f1.4 to hit the stores 1st.

[0.24L]

edited to create new thread.. cheers.