Vivitar 500mm f/8 Telephoto Lens
The Vivitar 500mm f/8 is a 500mm f/8 lens designed for T-Mount mount cameras. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Vivitar 500mm f/8 Telephoto Lens
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Lens Overview — Vivitar 500mm f/8
Key Features — Vivitar 500mm f/8
500mm Prime Focal Length: Fixed super telephoto reach brings distant subjects such as wildlife and sports action into frame without a zoom mechanism.
f/8 Maximum Aperture: A fixed f/8 aperture keeps the design compact and lightweight, best suited for use in bright outdoor lighting conditions.
T-Mount Interface: Universal T-Mount connection allows the lens to be adapted to a wide range of camera systems including Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Pentax with the appropriate T-mount adapter ring.
Full Frame Coverage: Image circle covers full frame sensors, and on crop sensor bodies the effective focal length increases further for additional reach.
Manual Focus Design: Fully manual focus operation gives the shooter direct control, with no autofocus motor or electronic contacts.
67mm Filter Thread: Standard 67mm front thread accepts widely available photographic filters such as UV, polarizer, and neutral density options.
Lens Specifications — Vivitar 500mm f/8
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Wildlife, Birding, Astrophotography, Sports |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 500mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/8 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | T-Mount |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 67mm |
Description — Vivitar 500mm f/8
The Vivitar 500mm f/8 Telephoto Lens is a prime lens with a fixed 500mm focal length, sitting firmly in the super telephoto range. It is designed for Full Frame coverage and connects to camera bodies via the T-Mount system, making it usable across a wide range of DSLR platforms with the correct adapter. The maximum aperture is a fixed f/8, and focus is entirely manual — there is no autofocus capability.
With no image stabilization, photographers will want to use a solid support system when shooting at this focal length. The lens accepts 67mm screw-in filters at the front, a common and accessible size. At 638 grams, it is a practical weight for a super telephoto prime intended for deliberate, considered shooting rather than fast action tracking.
This makes it a compelling choice for photographers who prioritize manual control and system flexibility in a telephoto prime.
Pros — Vivitar 500mm f/8
- ✓500mm super telephoto focal length brings distant subjects close without additional accessories
- ✓Full frame coverage means it can be used on both full frame and crop sensor DSLR bodies
- ✓T-Mount system offers broad compatibility across multiple DSLR camera brands with appropriate adapters
Cons — Vivitar 500mm f/8
- ✗Fixed maximum aperture of f/8 limits usability in low light conditions
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus support for fast-moving subjects
- ✗No image stabilization, making handheld shooting at 500mm challenging
Videos — Vivitar 500mm f/8
$80 Super Telephoto Lens vs $1,399 Tamron 150-500mm — Potato Jet