Portraits with a Mirror lens? You bet! at DVinfo.net

Robert Lane · October 31st, 2008, 06:42 PM

If you've got a Nikon and can get a hold of the Nikkor 500mm f/8 (latest version) you've got an amazing portrait lens on hand. Why? Any out-of-focus point-light or reflections turn into halos or rings which creates quite the mood.

And the stigma that mirror lenses aren't sharp? The off-brand cheapies that sell for around $100 most certainly are, but this older Nikkor and a few others (Sony is remaking the old Minolta 500 Mirror for the Alpha series) most certainly bust that old, unsubstantiated myth. Here's a couple examples:

Lisa Shofner · November 15th, 2008, 12:28 PM

That creates a really interesting effect and well done! 500mm, nice :) I have a mirror lens (one of the cheep ones and it is sharp) but never thought to try portraits with it.

Richard Mather · December 3rd, 2009, 05:12 PM

Great idea. 85mm (on 35mm sensor\ film) is oft quoted as the perfect portrait lense, but longer lengths change the shape of the face. Wider lenses make the nose look larger than it really is so in the search for the perfect nose photogs often shoot portraits with 300-600mm lenses. The 500mm mirror sounds like a great way of doing without without having to carry about a heavy lens. Thanks for the idea!

Paul Inglis · December 6th, 2009, 09:18 AM

That's really cool! I'll get a new door stop, blow the dust off mine and give it a whirl! Awesome effect! Thanks for sharing!

October 31st, 2008, 06:42 PM	#1
Robert Lane Go Go Godzilla Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Scottsdale, AZ USA Posts: 2,819 Images: 15	Portraits with a Mirror lens? You bet! If you've got a Nikon and can get a hold of the Nikkor 500mm f/8 (latest version) you've got an amazing portrait lens on hand. Why? Any out-of-focus point-light or reflections turn into halos or rings which creates quite the mood. And the stigma that mirror lenses aren't sharp? The off-brand cheapies that sell for around $100 most certainly are, but this older Nikkor and a few others (Sony is remaking the old Minolta 500 Mirror for the Alpha series) most certainly bust that old, unsubstantiated myth. Here's a couple examples: Attached Thumbnails

November 15th, 2008, 12:28 PM	#2
Lisa Shofner Major Player Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 373	That creates a really interesting effect and well done! 500mm, nice :) I have a mirror lens (one of the cheep ones and it is sharp) but never thought to try portraits with it. __________________ [http://www.ljparkerphotography.com] photos [http://www.youtube.com/darkdragonvegas] videos

December 3rd, 2009, 05:12 PM	#3
Richard Mather New Boot Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NW Sunny Ole England Posts: 18	Great idea. 85mm (on 35mm sensor\ film) is oft quoted as the perfect portrait lense, but longer lengths change the shape of the face. Wider lenses make the nose look larger than it really is so in the search for the perfect nose photogs often shoot portraits with 300-600mm lenses. The 500mm mirror sounds like a great way of doing without without having to carry about a heavy lens. Thanks for the idea! __________________ -- Richy Maui Wedding Planner

December 6th, 2009, 09:18 AM	#4
Paul Inglis Major Player Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: British Isles Posts: 415	That's really cool! I'll get a new door stop, blow the dust off mine and give it a whirl! Awesome effect! Thanks for sharing!