Tokina SZ 500mm f/8 Reflex MF
The Tokina 500mm f/8 Reflex MF is a 500mm f/8 lens designed for Sony E, Canon EF, Nikon F mount cameras. Used copies start from $83.3 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Tokina SZ 500mm f/8 Reflex MF
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Lens Overview — Tokina 500mm f/8 Reflex MF
Key Features — Tokina 500mm f/8 Reflex MF
500mm Reflex Optical Design: Catadioptric (mirror) construction folds the optical path to achieve 500mm of focal length in a far more compact body than a conventional telephoto prime.
310g Ultra-Light Body: At just 310g, this is one of the lightest 500mm options available, making it practical for travel, hiking, and extended handheld use.
Full-Frame Coverage: Covers a full-frame image circle, so it performs correctly on both full-frame and smaller APS-C or Micro Four Thirds sensor bodies.
Fixed f/8 Maximum Aperture: A characteristic of reflex designs, the fixed f/8 aperture means exposure planning is essential, particularly in low light or overcast conditions.
Donut Bokeh Rendering: The reflex mirror design produces distinctive ring-shaped (donut) bokeh in out-of-focus areas, a recognizable look in this class of lens.
Manual Focus Only: Entirely manual focus operation rewards deliberate, methodical shooting and gives the photographer direct control over focus placement.
Lens Specifications — Tokina 500mm f/8 Reflex MF
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Wildlife, Birding, Astrophotography, Travel, Sports |
| Lens Type | Super Telephoto |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 500mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/8 |
| Camera System | Mirrorless |
| Lens Mount | Sony E, Canon EF, Nikon F |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 72mm |
Description — Tokina 500mm f/8 Reflex MF
The Tokina SZ 500mm f/8 Reflex MF is a prime super-telephoto lens using a catadioptric reflex design to achieve a 500mm focal length in a body that weighs only 310g. It covers a full-frame image circle and is offered in Sony E, Canon EF, and Nikon F mounts, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of camera systems. The fixed f/8 maximum aperture is characteristic of reflex mirror optics, and combined with the manual focus only operation, this lens suits photographers who value reach and portability over speed or automation.
With no image stabilization on board, a steady hand or support is recommended when shooting handheld. The 72mm filter thread is a practical standard size for accessories. Whether you're photographing distant wildlife, aviation, or outdoor sports, the SZ 500mm delivers a dedicated super-telephoto perspective in one of the most carry-friendly packages available at this focal length.
Pros — Tokina 500mm f/8 Reflex MF
- ✓Exceptionally lightweight at just 310g for a 500mm super-telephoto prime
- ✓Full-frame coverage (lensFormat: Full Frame) makes it usable across sensor sizes
- ✓Available in three mounts — Sony E, Canon EF, and Nikon F — for broad camera compatibility
Cons — Tokina 500mm f/8 Reflex MF
- ✗Fixed f/8 maximum aperture limits versatility in lower light conditions
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus support, requiring deliberate technique at 500mm
- ✗No image stabilization, which is a notable challenge at this focal length
Videos — Tokina 500mm f/8 Reflex MF
This TINY 500MM Gets Me Excited! 🤩 | Tokina SZ F8 Reflex for Sony a7 IV a7III a7R a7S a9 a1 — Jason Vong