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Vivitar Series 1 500mm f/6.3 Mirror

The Vivitar 500mm f/6.3 Mirror Lens is a 500mm f/6.3 lens designed for T-Mount mount cameras. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Vivitar Series 1 500mm f/6.3 Mirror

Vivitar Series 1 500mm f/6.3 Mirror

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Lens Overview — Vivitar 500mm f/6.3 Mirror Lens

The Vivitar Series 1 500mm f/6.3 Mirror is a manual-focus, catadioptric (mirror) prime lens built for full-frame DSLR systems via a T-Mount adapter. Sitting firmly in the super telephoto category with a fixed focal length of 500mm and a maximum aperture of f/6.3, this lens is purpose-built for shooting distant subjects where reach is the priority. The mirror optical design is what gives this lens its notably compact footprint — at just 620g, it punches well above its weight class in terms of focal length relative to physical mass, making it a manageable option for extended handheld or tripod-mounted sessions.

The T-Mount system means this lens can be adapted to a wide range of DSLR camera bodies using the appropriate T-Mount adapter ring, giving it a degree of cross-system flexibility that dedicated manufacturer mounts typically lack. The 77mm filter thread accommodates standard front-mounted filters, which is a useful feature for a lens of this type. There is no autofocus or image stabilization on board, so users will need to rely on their own technique and camera features to manage focus accuracy and camera shake at this focal length.

This is a fully manual experience from end to end.

Key Features — Vivitar 500mm f/6.3 Mirror Lens

500mm Mirror Optical Design: Catadioptric (mirror) construction folds the light path internally, delivering 500mm of super telephoto reach in a far more compact and lightweight package than a conventional refracting lens of the same focal length.

620g Compact Body: At just 620g, this lens is significantly lighter than traditional 500mm telephoto lenses, making handheld shooting and extended sessions more manageable.

Full-Frame Coverage: The image circle covers full-frame sensors, so no vignetting or unintended crop is introduced when mounted on a full-frame DSLR body.

Universal T-Mount System: T-Mount compatibility allows the lens to be adapted to a wide range of DSLR camera systems — including Canon, Nikon, Pentax, and Sony — using the appropriate T-mount adapter ring.

77mm Front Filter Thread: A standard 77mm filter thread lets users attach ND, polarizing, or other front-mounted filters directly to the lens — a practical feature not always available on mirror lenses.

Fixed f/6.3 Aperture: Like all mirror lenses, the aperture is fixed at f/6.3, meaning exposure is controlled via shutter speed and ISO rather than an adjustable iris.

Lens Specifications — Vivitar 500mm f/6.3 Mirror Lens

Vivitar 500mm f/6.3 Mirror Lens full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesWildlife, Astrophotography, Sports, Birding
Lens TypeTelephoto
FormatFull Frame
Zoom/PrimePrime
Focal Length500mm
Maximum Aperturef/6.3
Camera SystemDSLR
Lens MountT-Mount
AutofocusNo
Focus TypeManual
Image StabilizationNone
Filter Thread77mm

Description — Vivitar 500mm f/6.3 Mirror Lens

The Vivitar Series 1 500mm f/6.3 Mirror is a manual-focus super telephoto prime lens with a fixed 500mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/6.3. Designed for full-frame DSLR systems, it connects via a T-Mount lens mount, giving it the flexibility to be adapted across multiple DSLR camera brands using the appropriate T-Mount adapter. Weighing in at just 620g, the mirror-based optical construction keeps the physical size and weight manageable for a lens operating at this focal length.

A 77mm front filter thread means standard photographic filters can be used directly on the lens. There is no autofocus and no image stabilization, making this a fully manual shooting experience that rewards careful technique and stable support. For photographers seeking a dedicated long-reach prime at a practical weight, the Vivitar Series 1 500mm f/6.3 Mirror offers a straightforward, no-frills entry into super telephoto shooting on DSLR systems.

Pros — Vivitar 500mm f/6.3 Mirror Lens

  • ✓500mm super telephoto reach in a relatively lightweight 620g body
  • ✓Full-frame compatible lens format — no crop factor cropping of image circle
  • ✓77mm filter thread allows use of standard front-mounted filters

Cons — Vivitar 500mm f/6.3 Mirror Lens

  • ✗No autofocus — manual focus only, which is demanding at 500mm focal length
  • ✗No image stabilization, increasing the challenge of sharp handheld shots at this reach
  • ✗Maximum aperture of f/6.3 is relatively narrow, limiting performance in lower light conditions

Reviews — Vivitar 500mm f/6.3 Mirror Lens

Videos — Vivitar 500mm f/6.3 Mirror Lens

The CHEAPEST 500mm Lens for WILDLIFE - How Good Can it be? — Olle Nilsson

Resources & Downloads — Vivitar 500mm f/6.3 Mirror Lens

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Vivitar 500mm f/6.3 Mirror Lens

What camera systems can this lens be used with?+
The Vivitar Series 1 500mm f/6.3 Mirror uses a T-Mount lens mount, which is a universal adapter system. To attach it to a specific DSLR camera body, you will need the appropriate T-Mount adapter ring for your camera brand. The lens is designed for the DSLR camera system category.
Does this lens support autofocus?+
No. This lens is manual focus only — there is no autofocus capability. Users will need to focus manually using the focus ring, which requires careful technique especially at 500mm where depth of field is very shallow.
Is this lens compatible with full-frame cameras?+
Yes. The lens format is specified as Full Frame, meaning it is designed to cover a full-frame image circle and is suitable for use on full-frame DSLR camera bodies, as well as crop-sensor DSLRs.
What filter size does this lens accept?+
The Vivitar Series 1 500mm f/6.3 Mirror has a 77mm front filter thread, which is a common size that works with a wide range of standard photographic filters.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 620 grams, which is relatively light for a 500mm super telephoto prime lens, largely due to its mirror (catadioptric) optical design.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
No. Image stabilization is listed as None in the specifications. At 500mm, controlling camera shake will rely entirely on shooting technique, use of a tripod or monopod, and any in-body stabilization your camera body may offer.

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