Tamron SP 500mm mirror lens 55BB

ManualFocus-G · Expire: 2014-11-24

I've owned this lens for 2 years now and haven't used it Shocked

So I took it to the zoo on my Sony a7 for some test shots Very Happy

Light was poor, and combined with the f/8 aperture made for some pretty high ISO shooting Surprised

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#8

Pretty decent really! Surprised

TrueLoveOne · Expire: 2013-12-24

I have been looking at these mirror lenses from Tamron for quite some time now.... these images are indeed very good, but i keep asking myself when will you use a 500mm??

It might just happen that i get one and it does have to wait for some time, just like yours! Very Happy

Attila · Expire: 2025-11-18

wow , certainly better than my G1 or Olympus E-1 Laughing

great shoots, congrats!

Lloydy · Expire: 2022-01-01

the more I see images from that lens the more disappointed I am about the one I bought that was faulty and had to return. It's a great lens, put up with the donuts and enjoy a nice lightweight, easy to use, sharp lens.
Great images, number 3 is superb.

ManualFocus-G · Expire: 2014-11-24

I think the larger the sensor, the easier this lens is to handle! Plus, it usually requires a camera with good high ISO capability.

I've owned two of these and the first one was pretty poor, I think there was something odd going on with one of the mirrors which had a rainbow effect on its surface. This one is much sharper, but like all mirror lenses it needs a huge amount of contrast adjustment. Perhaps I should have used the hood Laughing

ForenSeil · Joined: 15 Apr 2011 Posts: 2726 Location: Kiel, Germany.

calvin83 · Joined: 12 Apr 2009 Posts: 7583 Location: Hong Kong

Nice set! Handling a 500mm mirror lens is not an easy task even there are plenty of light.

Contrast of the photo will decrease with higher ISO setting. The Nikkor N reflex I owned is as contrast as other lens. The Mirotar will be best one available but it cost more than five times of the Tamron.

mo · Expire: 2016-07-30

I love this lens, I have the earlier version. The "macro"/ Close focus ability is just as good as its long distance. I tend to use it taking images of my son when he is playing sport,shooting the moon,birds etc you can use it for a lot of things.

Hood? what hood? Very Happy

I can't say I have used mine with the hood. Rolling Eyes

norland · Joined: 10 Aug 2013 Posts: 165

I just got one (55BB) -- tried it out today. After all I'd read about mirror lenses and the Tamron in particular,
was quite surprised to find that it's sharp, not significantly lacking in contrast or saturation, and easy to use.
Impressed by how snappily focus is indicated despite the lens being f8. Seems very compatible with a Sony A57.

But there's a problem with mine - the filter thread is dented inwards at one point.
So no front filter or lens-hood can be used, and couldn't open it for dusting if that was needed in future.

Question for those who are familiar with the 55BB -- how important is use of a lens hood and UV filter?
Also, is there much variation between copies of the 55BB?

drjs · Joined: 25 Feb 2013 Posts: 484 Location: USA

Great pictures! Love them. Since you also own a 6D. How does the shooting experience compare between the 6D and A7 with this mirror lens?