Quantaray 500mm f8 Mirror
Most Quantaray lenses were made by Sigma and some were made by Tamron and Tokina. This lens performs like a Sigma Mirror lens. It is reasonably sharp if you can hold it steady. It has the typical ringed bokeh we see from mirror lenses. Contrast is surprisingly high. While it is not a Zeiss or even a Tamron in quality, it is still far better than any of the off-brands flooding the market.




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Vivitar TX 300mm f5.5
Tokina made this 300mm. It is a TX mount lens. I tested it on my T2i with an M42 mount adapter. It is heavy and I mean heavy. It is all metal with a tripod collar. You will need a tripod when using this lens. On a subframe body it is impossible to hand hold. I tried it with a monopod and I couldn't hold it steady. The shots below are taken with the lens sitting on a bean bag.
Minimum focus is approximately 18 feet. The lens has a long focus throw allowing for precise focus from 20 to 200 feet. Focus dampening is perfect.
Sharpness is acceptable at f5.5 but contrast is low. I boosted contrast in the three selective focus shots below. At f8 contrast is better. Sharpness at f8 is slightly better than f5.5.
Bokeh is pleasing. This lens is designed for patiently taken wildlife photos. This is not a grab 'n go lens.
Fringing is well controlled. Distortion is low. I did notice some blow out in highlights when overexposing by two stops.
If you have a good tripod and good lighting this lens will produce excellent shots but it can be a bear to manage. I suggest using f8, but f5.5 is usable if you are not cropping for enlargement.


ISO 800 - f5.5

ISO 800 - f8

ISO 800 - f8