Nikon 500mm f/8 Reflex-NIKKOR Manual Focus Lens {39 Rear} with Tripod Foot

Nikon's 500mm Mirror Lens: Big Reach, Small Body

The Reflex-NIKKOR 500mm f/8 uses a catadioptric (mirror) optical design to fold a 500mm focal length into a lens barrel a fraction of the length and weight of a conventional telephoto. That folded light path is the whole point: you get serious reach for wildlife and distant subjects without hauling a rig that needs a monopod just to lift.

Aperture is fixed at f/8, a byproduct of the mirror design, so there's no iris to fuss with. Manual focus only, which suits shooters who like full control over the exact point of focus on a distant bird or a moon shot without hunting through AF confirmation. The 39mm rear filter thread keeps filtration compact and cheap compared to front-mounted options on lenses this long, and the included tripod foot lets you mount the lens directly to a head for balance instead of stressing the camera's lens mount.

Built for the Nikon F mount, this is a lens that rewards deliberate shooting. It's a specialized tool, not a walk-around zoom, and it does one job extremely well: putting 500mm of focal length in your hands without the bulk.

Who It's For

Wildlife and bird photographers who need 500mm of reach but don't want to carry a full-size super-telephoto will get the most out of this lens, since the mirror design keeps size and weight down considerably. Astrophotographers shooting the moon or planetary detail benefit from the fixed f/8 aperture and long focal length without needing a specialized astro rig. Travel photographers who want telephoto capability in a bag that doesn't dominate their kit can pack this alongside other Nikon F glass without a weight penalty. Manual-focus enthusiasts who prefer precise, deliberate control over autofocus hunting will appreciate working the focus ring themselves on static or slow-moving distant subjects.

Key Features

• Catadioptric mirror design folds 500mm focal length into compact barrel
• Fixed f/8 aperture with no iris adjustment
• Manual focus for precise control on distant subjects
• 39mm rear filter thread for affordable filtration
• Nikon F manual focus mount
• Includes tripod foot for direct lens-to-head mounting
• Lightweight alternative to conventional telephoto design

FAQ

What's the advantage of a mirror/reflex design at 500mm?

The catadioptric design folds the light path, so the lens is physically short and light compared to a conventional 500mm telephoto. You get serious reach without needing a monopod to hold the camera steady.

Is autofocus available on this lens?

No. This is manual focus only, which is intentional for shooters who want precise control over focus point on distant subjects like wildlife or the moon.

What aperture does it shoot at?

Fixed f/8. The mirror design locks the aperture, so there's no iris adjustment. That's the tradeoff for the compact size.

Can I use filters on this lens?

Yes. It has a 39mm rear filter thread, which keeps filter costs down and is much more convenient than front-mounted filters on a lens this long.

What mount is this for?

Nikon F mount (manual focus bodies). The lens includes a tripod foot so you can mount it directly to a tripod head for better balance than mounting the camera body.

Who should use this lens?

Wildlife photographers, birders, and moon shooters who prioritize reach and portability over speed and AF convenience. It rewards deliberate, calculated shooting rather than rapid-fire work.