SP Tamron 500 mirror model number 55B on Pentax K200D

mo · Expire: 2016-07-30

Oh I am liking this lens Very Happy

Here are a few hand held shots, evening sun.I can't wait to use this on a tripod (Wishing I had a mono pod just for ease of use)
#1 Moon shot.

#2 standard cat shot...wish the grass was mowed.

#3 I am just impressed with how far this lens can focus.

I have seen the donuts and will be working on some artistic shots as I like the effect.
Cool

Jesito · Expire: 2015-01-07

These mirror lenses are difficult to use without a tripod. F8 is not a joy to perform with, you need lots of light.

I notice you used ISO200 to shot at 1/400s.

You should raise a little the ISO to get higher speed when shooting from the bare hands, (you know, 500mm x 1.5 crop factor of your Pentax = 750mm, so you would need to shot at 1/750 at least ).

From the tests we've done so far locally the Tamron 500mm SP is one of the best 500mm mirrors around.

Regards,

Jes.

LucisPictor · Expire: 2013-12-03

I can confirm your impression. With the SP 8/500 in my set, I do not feel like buying another supertele.

Olivier · Expire: 2015-08-06

Well, Jesito is right.
But this lens is surely good.

Attila · Expire: 2025-11-18

This lens has one of the best IQ from affordable priced 500mm ones , perhaps best ! Congrats!!

ludoo · Expire: 2011-12-05

Nice lens.

Olivier · Expire: 2015-08-06

mo · Expire: 2016-07-30

Jesito,Thank you so much for your great instructions.This lens is fantastic and I am so excited I managed to get one for so cheap or rather to be able to get one at all, and in such great condition.It is so light it is a joy to use.

Jesito · Expire: 2015-01-07

Jesito · Expire: 2015-01-07

stingOM · Expire: 2012-12-27

Conglats. Tammy mirror lenses are superb. Mine is full of fungus, but it does not stop it from being a good lens.

Hope you don't mind me posting these images.

Thanks folks for the tips on that exif reader plugin for Firefox. Smile

mo · Expire: 2016-07-30

I don't mind you posting ,it makes it easier for people searching Google to find all the info about The Tamron 55B and its photo examples in one spot=MFlenses... Laughing

Those flowers are stunning.

mo · Expire: 2016-07-30

Just some more from today of some Harley Davidson that pulled up...due to the bikes being so close I only have bits and pieces of them Very Happy

Plus an older bike.
#1

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Y.YUNGRAM · Joined: 19 Nov 2010 Posts: 2

Thank you very much, Picture look well

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

cooltouch · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 9097 Location: Houston, Texas

Well, Mo, despite what Jesito says, I have to say you must have one very steady hand because your hand-held low shutter-speed shots look quite good when viewed at Web resolution.

Dang these photos make me want to go out and buy a good mirror tele again. I've got a nice 500mm, but it's as long as my arm. There's a lot to be said for having a folded light path.

mo · Expire: 2016-07-30

Thanks Michael
The 2nd set of photos..... I applied what Jesito said and bumped the ISO to 400 and also rested the camera and lens on my camera bag.The first set are the hand held.
I have to say the short length mirror lens that the Tamron is, and being so light makes it a perfect lens in my opinion.

stingOM · Expire: 2012-12-27

cooltouch · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 9097 Location: Houston, Texas

Hey Sting, how difficult would it be to dismantle your lens, and attempt to remove the fungus, I wonder? It looks like it's on the inside of the front element. I'm thinking maybe a spanner is all that's needed to remove it?

Katastrofo · Expire: 2013-11-19

Moira, that is quite a lightsabre you're wielding, like the cat pic, grass and
all!

stingOM · Expire: 2012-12-27

pat donnelly · Posted: Wed Dec 15, 2010 12:59 pm Post subject:

I have always rated Tamron highly and this mirror is very usable indeed.

You seem to be very comfortable with it. I do not understand those who knock mirror lenses and I am well aware of their limitations. They make a wonderful walk around lens.

I wish you many hours of fun with it!

cooltouch · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 9097 Location: Houston, Texas

Yeah, they are so much more convenient than refractor telephotos. There are times when I just don't feel like dragging around my 500/5.6 refractor, but I would if it were a mirror.

TBaker · Joined: 02 Dec 2009 Posts: 344 Location: Canada

I'm impressed by the pics in the thread with this mirror lense. I recently found one in a thrift store for $20. I had a Nikon mount. I like how heavy it feels in the hands.

What kind of mount am I looking for to fit my 5D? Just a Adaptall mount to EOS?

cooltouch · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 9097 Location: Houston, Texas

The Tamron brand adaptall mounts for EOS are rare and expensive. But you don't need one. You have two ways you can go. Since your Tamron lens already has the Nikon mount, you can buy a Nikon F to EOS adapter or you can buy an aftermarket Tamron to EOS adapter. They both cost about the same -- about $15 on eBay for those without the programmable chips.

As to which way to go, well, ask yourself this: do you ever anticipate buying another Nikon lens? If yes, then it would probably make better sense to get a Nikon-EOS adapter. Reason why over the Tamron adapter is because you already have a Nikon adapter for your Tamron lens and if you ever get another Tamron, you can always use your Nikon adaptall adapter coupled to the Nikon-EOS adapter.