Archive 2025 · Sony A mount 500mm f8 reflex - anyone ever use one of those?

kurt765
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p.1 #1 · Sony A mount 500mm f8 reflex - anyone ever use one of those?

I just learned of the existence of this lens and now I'm curious about it. A friend has made regular use of adapting the Nikon 500mm F8 reflex, but a newer Sony one is intriguing, especially because it apparently has autofocus!

I wonder which A mount adapter would be required for it to work.

The point of the 500mm reflex of course is that it is incredibly small and light for the focal length

Mar 17, 2025 at 01:36 PM

TheEmrys
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p.1 #2 · Sony A mount 500mm f8 reflex - anyone ever use one of those?

Loads of times. Great lens to throw in on a trip. The Minolta or Sony will both autofocus with the LA-EA4 on any body, or the LA-EA5 with select newer models. Because of the (mirror) design, the bokeh can be absolutely nauseating. However, it is also pretty sharp. Here are a few examples from an a7II (maybe I or III) and the LA-EA4. The LA-EA4 is a terrible experience, though.

Blood Moon Eclips Paddleboarders by the3mrys, on Flickr

Storm is coming (3 of 3) by the3mrys, on Flickr

The Forest Lord (6 of 8) by the3mrys, on Flickr

The Forest Lord (4 of 8) by the3mrys, on Flickr

The Forest Lord (2 of 8) by the3mrys, on Flickr

The Forest Lord (8 of 8) by the3mrys, on Flickr

Mar 17, 2025 at 01:49 PM

kurt765
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p.1 #3 · Sony A mount 500mm f8 reflex - anyone ever use one of those?

Which models might autofocus with the LA-EA5? The Sony website suggests it does not AF at al unless you use one of the adapters with the translucent mirror.

Mar 17, 2025 at 02:51 PM

QuietOC
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p.1 #4 · Sony A mount 500mm f8 reflex - anyone ever use one of those?

A7RIV and later.

I sold one before getting my A7RIV and LA-EA5.

Mar 17, 2025 at 03:07 PM

AGeoJO
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p.1 #5 · Sony A mount 500mm f8 reflex - anyone ever use one of those?

I had both the Minolta and then the Sony version years ago. I didn't like the adapter, LAEA-4, back then. It did AF but it was slow and noisy. Frankly, I don't remember how or what exactly but the AF function got crippled after a FW upgrade of the camera I had. I sold both shortly thereafter. And to be honest, I don't miss them at all.

Mar 17, 2025 at 03:54 PM

mogul
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p.1 #6 · Sony A mount 500mm f8 reflex - anyone ever use one of those?

The la5 is the only adapter to consider...works great with my A1 & A9III. It does not do well with far away items & you have to learn to tame the out of focus areas.

Mar 17, 2025 at 04:26 PM

Ltgk20
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p.1 #7 · Sony A mount 500mm f8 reflex - anyone ever use one of those?

I have a 500mm Reflex. After some research I read where a slightly extended hood would increase contrast so I bought one (the original is screw on as was the replacement), and it did help contrast a bit. My lens was also very sharp. The caution about bokeh is warranted. Highlights in the background can be painful. On the whole, though, a very unique, light, but surprisingly useful lens.

Mar 17, 2025 at 08:37 PM

MikeEvangelist
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p.1 #8 · Sony A mount 500mm f8 reflex - anyone ever use one of those?

kurt765 wrote:
I wonder which A mount adapter would be required for it to work.

The point of the 500mm reflex of course is that it is incredibly small and light for the focal length

I've owned the lens three or four times; most recently used on the LA-EA5 adapter. As others have said, the lens is pretty sharp and the autofocus is quite useable. They can be had for very low prices too.

Here's a few from over the years.