* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Sony 500mm f/8 Reflex A-Mount Autofocus Lens [Drop-In]
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$496.00
Sony's 500mm f/8 mirror lens with native A-Mount autofocus
Mirror lenses have always offered a compelling trade-off: the optical folding of a reflex design compresses a 500mm telephoto into a package just 118mm long and 665g. Most mirror lenses historically forced you into manual focus, which is where this Sony stands apart. The screw-drive autofocus connects directly to compatible A-Mount bodies, giving you AF tracking at a reach that would normally demand a much heavier, more expensive prime.
The fixed f/8 aperture is the design's fundamental characteristic. There are no aperture blades, zero, because the mirror design doesn't accommodate a traditional iris. Exposure is controlled through shutter speed and ISO, and neutral density work is handled via the drop-in 55mm filter slot at the rear of the barrel. The 7-element, 5-group optical formula covers a full-frame 35mm sensor, and internal focusing keeps the overall length constant during focus operation. Minimum focus distance sits at 4.0 meters, yielding a maximum magnification of 0.13x.
For A-Mount shooters who need reach without the weight penalty of a fast telephoto, this lens represents a genuinely practical solution. At 665g, it travels far more easily than conventional 500mm glass, and the AF capability separates it from the manual-focus mirror lenses that crowd the used market.
Who It's For
Wildlife photographers working in good light who shoot A-Mount bodies will find the autofocus capability meaningful at 500mm, even if tracking speed depends on the camera body's screw-drive motor. Travel photographers doing birding or safari work benefit from the compact 118mm length fitting into smaller bags. Sports shooters who are already stopped down in bright outdoor conditions won't feel the fixed f/8 as a constraint. Macro-curious telephoto shooters can exploit the drop-in filter slot for neutral density work without dealing with a front-mounted filter on a large barrel.
Key Features
- 500mm focal length, f/8 fixed aperture mirror lens design
- Screw-drive autofocus compatible with A-Mount camera bodies
- Zero diaphragm blades, exposure via shutter speed and ISO only
- 7-element, 5-group formula with drop-in 55mm filter slot
- Internal focus mechanism, 4.0m minimum focus distance
- 665g weight, 118mm length for compact telephoto reach
- Full-frame 35mm sensor coverage, 0.13x maximum magnification
FAQ
- Does this mirror lens have autofocus?
- Yes. A screw-drive AF motor coupled to your A-Mount body will focus the lens, which is uncommon for mirror designs - most are manual focus only.
- Why is there no aperture ring?
- Mirror lenses have no aperture blades or iris mechanism at all. The f/8 aperture is a fixed optical characteristic of the reflex design. You control exposure through shutter speed and ISO.
- How do I adjust exposure without an aperture?
- Shutter speed and ISO do the work. If you need to reduce light further, use the 55mm drop-in filter slot at the rear of the barrel for neutral density filters.
- What's the minimum focus distance and working magnification?
- 4.0 meters (about 13 feet) with a maximum magnification of 0.13x. Internal focusing keeps the barrel length constant throughout the focus range.
- How much does this lens weigh compared to a conventional 500mm?
- 665 grams. A traditional 500mm telephoto easily runs 1.5 to 2.5 kilograms, so this mirror design carries roughly one-third the weight while delivering the same focal length.
- What's included in the box?
- The lens ships with a circular hood. Filters must be sourced separately and inserted into the drop-in 55mm slot.
- Is this lens weather-sealed?
- No weather sealing. It's a straightforward optical design without environmental protection.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 500mm |
| Max Aperture | f/8 |
| Mount | Sony/Minolta Alpha (A-Mount) |
| AF System | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 4.00 m (157.48") |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Minimum Aperture | f/8 |
| Aperture Notes | Fixed aperture (reflex/mirror lens) |
| Aperture Ring | No |
| Diaphragm Blades | 0 |
| Elements | 7 |
| Groups | 5 |
| Special Elements Coatings | 1 filter element (drop-in) |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.13× |
| AF Motor Type | Screw drive from camera |
| Focus Method | Internal |
| Distance Scale | Yes |
| DOF Scale | No |
| Diameter | 89 mm (3.5") |
| Length | 118 mm (4.65") |
| Weather Sealing | No |
| Color | Black |
| Filter Thread | 55 mm (drop-in) |
| Hood Notes | Circular hood included |
| Weight | 665 g (1.47 lb) |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Sony |
|---|---|
| Focus Type | Autofocus (camera motor) |
| Lens Mount | Sony A & Minolta A |
| Lens Type | Telephoto / Long |
| Max Focal Length | 500mm |
| Min Focal Length | 500mm |
