Vintage And Modern Non-C/EF Catadioptric Supertele (Mirror) Lenses Worth An Adaption To Canon EF - Canon EOS Technoclopedia

Super Tele Mirror Lenses (≥450mm) Mounts1 Angle Of View2 Max. Magnif. Min. Aperture Min. Dist. (cm) Filter (mm) Diameter (mm) Length (mm) Weight (g) Lens Hood Produced Comments Tests3
Accura 500mm F8.0 Ultratel Mirror         fixed             1968 - 1973    
B. & Crown Optics 1200mm F13.3 Mirror   T2     fixed               might be identical to the Soligor & VisionKing ones  
B.I.G. 500mm F5.6 MC Makro Mirror   P6   1:4 fixed 200 105 110 155 1400     originally delivered with 1.4x UV, 4x ND & orange (front) filters  
Bosma 500mm F8.0 MC Mirror [C01N01]   M42     fixed   72              
Bosma 500mm F6.3 MC Mirror [C00101]   M42     fixed   95           tripod collar  
Bower 500mm F8.0 Mirror [SLY5008]   T 5 1:2.7 fixed 172 R30.5 77 87.7 320   2008 (?) same tech data like the old Phoenix lens, also sold as Vivitar and Walimex  
Bower 500mm F6.3 DX Mirror [SLY50063]   T 5   fixed 200 R34 | M95 98 119.5 705   Samyang 2009    
Bower 800mm F8.0 DX Mirror [SLY8008]   T 3   fixed 350 R30.5 | M105 111 144.5 946.4   Samyang 2008    
Cambron 500mm F8.0 Mirror   T2   Macro fixed             1976    
Cambron 500-800mm F8.0-12.0 Zoom Mirror   T2     fixed to focus 400     115 836     tripod mount  
Carl Zeiss 500mm F8.0 Mirotar T*   C/Y 4.9   fixed 350 82 88 113.5 802 built-in   if "Made in Japan", it's manufactured by Kyocera; feat. tripod collar  
Carl Zeiss 500mm F4.5 Mirotar   C/Y 5   fixed 350 49 (revolver) 193 235 4500        
Carl Zeiss 1000mm F5.6 Mirotar   C/Y 4.5   fixed 1200 60 (revolver) 250 420 16600     for up to 6x6cm negatives, f=1020.6mm; length of 327.6mm without filter magazine  
Carl Zeiss Jena 500mm F4.0 Mirror   M42     fixed   built-in     8400        
Carl Zeiss Jena 1000mm F5.6 Mirror ('Spiegelobjektiv')   M42 | P6     fixed 1600       13500 incl./built-in (?)   came in black, white or gray, adapter for M42 included  
Caspeco 450mm F5.6 Mirror   T     fixed             1970 - 1975    
Caspeco 1000mm F10.0 Mirror         fixed             1970 - 1975    
Celestron 500mm F5.6 Mirror         fixed             1978    
Celestron 800mm F9.0 Mirror         fixed             1968    
Celestron 1250mm F10.0 Special Coatings Mirror   N/F     fixed               Schmidt-Cassegrain type Modern Photography 02/1977
Centon 500mm F8.0 MC Mirror   T2 5 1:2.7 fixed 172 R30.5 | M72              
Chinon 500mm F8.0 Mirror   T 5   fixed         appr. 1500     has gray filters built-in (2x and two more)  
Danubia 500mm F8.0 Mirror   T2 5   fixed 170 R30.5 77 88 320        
Ennex 500mm F6.3 DX Mirror   T 5   fixed 200 R34 | M95 98 119.5 705 PH-095S Samyang ~2012    
Ennex 800mm F8.0 Mirror   T 3   fixed 350 R30.5 | M105 111 144.5 946.4 PH-105S Samyang ~2012    
Exakta 500mm F8.0 Mirror   T2 5 1:2.7 fixed 170 R30.5 | M72 76.2 86.4 360   Samyang following the Exakta data sheet diameter is 70mm ... less than filter size :))  
Falcon 500mm F8.0 ED Mirror   T 5 1:2.7 fixed 172 R30.5 77 87.7 320   Samyang 2009    
Falcon 500mm F6.3 DX Mirror   T 5   fixed 200 R34 | M95 98 119.5 705   Samyang 2009    
Falcon 800mm F8.0 DX Mirror   T 3   fixed 350 R30.5 | M105 111 144.5 946.4   Samyang 2009    
Hanimex 500mm F8.0 HMC Mirror   T2   1:2.7 fixed   R30.5 | M72 (67?)       thread 1970 - 1974* *source: usedprice.com  
Hanimex 750mm F11.0 Mirror         fixed             1970 - 1974* *source: usedprice.com  
Hartblei 500mm F5.6 MC Mirror       1:4 fixed 220 105           tripod collar  
Honeywell 750mm F6.0 Lumetar Mirror         fixed     152.4   1820   1976 - 1980* *source: usedprice.com Modern Photography 06/1975
Honeywell 1250mm F10.0 Lumetar Mirror         fixed             1974 - 1978* *source: usedprice.com  
Kalimar 500mm F8.0 MC Mirror   T 5 1:2.7 fixed 172 R30.5 | M72 appr. 75 appr. 100 appr. 500 -/-      
Kelda by Kaili 500mm F6.3 DX Mirror   T2 5   fixed 200   79 85.4 597   2014    
Kenko 500mm F6.3 DX Mirror   T2 5   fixed 200 R34 | M95 98 122 705   Samyang 2008    
Kenko 800mm F8.0 DX Mirror   T2 3   fixed 350 R30.5 | M105 111 144.5 946.4   Samyang 2008    
KMZ 500mm F8.0 MTO 500 Mirror   M39 (+ M42 step-up ring)     fixed           thread, round КМЗ 1950s one of the Grand Prix Brussels 1958 lenses; tripod collar  
KMZ 1000mm F10.0 P MTO Mirror   flange | M42 | M39 | ...     fixed           thread, round КМЗ 1950s one of the Grand Prix Brussels 1958 lenses; exchangeable mount (fixed with the 6 thick screws around the mount): the flange type can mount the M42 & KP-A/N [Arsenal KП-A/H = N/F], PL mounts etc. compatible with the ZM-5A etc.  
Leitz Wetzlar 500mm F8.0 M(irro)R-Telyt-R   L/R     fixed   R_ | M_       built-in      
Lentar 500mm F8.0 Mirror   M42     fixed   R35.5 | built-in       built-in 1971 - 1976    
Lytkarino 500mm F8.0 ZM-5A ["3M-5A"] Mirror flange 5   fixed 400 77 107 175 1200 retractable ЛЗОС 1974 - 1980 (rec.*) has two fixed tripod mounts for portrait and landscape formats; exchangeable mount pieces: M42 & KP-A/N [Arsenal KП-A/H = N/F], also seen PL mounts center/edge performance: 35/22lpmm (source unknown, maybe the original manual)
Lytkarino 500mm F8.0 ZM-5A-MC ["3M-5A-MC"] Mirror flange 5   fixed 400 77   165 1500 retractable ЛЗОС 1980 - 1983 (rec.*) has two fixed tripod mounts for portrait and landscape formats; exchangeable mount pieces: M42 & KP-A/N [Arsenal KП-A/H = N/F], also seen PL mounts  
Lytkarino 500mm F8.0 MC ZM-5SA ["MC 3M-5CA"] Mirror M42 | M39 5   fixed 400 72 83 139 620 none ЛЗОС 1986 - 2004 (rec.*)    
Lytkarino 500mm F6.3 ZM-6A ["3M-6A"] Mirror   flange 5   fixed 600 95 112.5 182 1400 retractable ЛЗОС 1984 - 1991 (rec.*) exchangeable mount pieces: M42 & KP-A/N [Arsenal KП-A/H = N/F], also seen PL mounts  
Lytkarino 500mm F8.0 MTO 500 Mirror   M39 (+ M42 step-up ring) 5   fixed 400 77       LZOS M77 (round) ЛЗОС appr. 1970s has a tripod collar Modern Photography 03/1979
Lytkarino 550mm F8.5 MTO 500A Mirror   flange 4.?   fixed 400 77 104 160 1243 retractable ЛЗОС appr. 1970s comes with "GOST 5.261-69" tripod collar; exchangeable mount pieces: M42 & KP-A/N [Arsenal KП-A/H = N/F], also seen PL mounts  
Lytkarino 1000mm F10.0 MTO-1000 Mirror   L/R | M42 2.5   fixed 800 116       thread, round ЛЗОС can be found with either "Удостоен высшей награды Grand prix Брюссель 1958г." or "Grand Prix Brussels 1958" imprint on the barrel  
Lytkarino 1000mm F10.0 MTO-11 Mirror   M42 2.5   fixed 800         retractable ЛЗОС    
Lytkarino 1000mm F10.0 MTO-11CA ["MTO-11SA"] Mirror   M42 2.5   fixed 800 116 126 139 1950 retractable ЛЗОС 1983 - 1988 (rec.*) said to be a clone, but it's still sold by LZOS today  
Lytkarino 1100mm F10.5 MTO 1000A Mirror flange 2.3   fixed 1000 120 138 278 3600 retractable ЛЗОС 1969 - 1980 (rec.*) has two fixed tripod mounts for portrait and landscape formats; exchangeable mount pieces: M42 & KP-A/N [Arsenal KП-A/H = N/F], also seen PL mounts  
Lytkarino 1100mm F10.5 MTO-1000 AM Mirror   M42 2.5   fixed 1000 120 138 230 2700 retractable ЛЗОС 1979 - 1982 (rec.*) has two fixed tripod mounts for portrait and landscape formats  
LZOS 500mm F8.0 MC Rubinar Makro Mirror w/ MC TK-2**   M42 5 1:4 fixed 220 77 81 99 550 LZOS M77 (round) ЛЗОС *matched 2x MC tele converter Review available at iXBT Labs
LZOS 500mm F5.6 MC Rubinar Makro Mirror   M42 5 1:4 fixed 220 105 113 130 (235*) 1200 (1560*) LZOS M105 (round) ЛЗОС appr. 2002 - 2004 *incl. lens hood and M42>T2 + T2>EOS adapters; has two fixed tripod mounts for portrait and landscape formats  
LZOS 1000mm F10.0 MC Rubinar Makro Mirror   M42 | N/F 2.5 1:4 fixed 400 R_ | M116 125 210 1900 thread, round ЛЗОС 1996 - 2008 (rec.*) Nickname: "Russentonne"; has tripod collar  
Makinon 500mm F8.0 MC Mirror   N | R/B   1:4 fixed     79 115 480 (?)   1979 - 1985 also available for C/FD  
Meade 1000mm F11.0 Coated Mirror   T     fixed   102             Modern Photography 03/1982
Olympus 500mm F8.0 Zuiko Reflex   O/OM 5 1:7 fixed 400 72 81 97 590 built-in 1982   Modern Photography 08/1984 (best center & corner contrast)
Opteka 500mm F8.0 Mirror   T2 5 1:2.7 fixed 160 R30.5 | M72 76.2 86.4 360        
Osawa 500mm F8.0 MC Mirror   T2     fixed             1977    
Osawa 650mm F8.5 Mirror   T2     fixed             1982 - 1986    
Panagor 500mm F8.0 Reflex         fixed             1983 - 1985 fixed mount, also available for M/SR; distributed by Peter Gray & Associates, L.A. (similar to Elicar brand)  
Panagor 800mm F11.0 (PMC?) Mirror         fixed             1983 - 1985 distributed by Peter Gray & Associates, L.A. (similar to Elicar brand)  
Phoenix 500mm F8.0 Mirror [#09-060]   T 5 1:2.7 fixed 170 R30.5 | M72 77 87.7 320   Samyang    
Phoenix 500mm F6.3 TDX Mirror [#09-081]   T 5   fixed 185 R34 | M95 98   appr. 625   Samyang 2008    
Phoenix 800mm F8.0 TDX Mirror [#09-082]   T 3   fixed 185 R34 | M112 136.5   appr. 835   Samyang 2008    
Pixco 500mm F6.3 DX Mirror   T 5   fixed 200 R34 | M95 98 119.5 705 PH-095S Samyang ~2012    
Polar 500mm F6.3 DX Mirror   T 5 1:2.5 fixed 170 72 100 125 700   Samyang    
Polaroid 500mm F8.0 DX Mirror [PL-500F8M]   T 5 1:2.7 fixed 172 R30.5 77 87.7 320   Samyang ~2012 same tech data like the old Phoenix lens, also sold as Bower, Falcon, Polaroid, Rokinon, Vivitar and Walimex  
Polaroid 500mm F6.3 DX Mirror [PL-500F6M]   T 5   fixed 200 R34 | M95 98 119.5 705 PH-095S Samyang ~2012 comes in black instead of white  
Polaroid 900mm F8.0 DX Mirror [PL-900M]   T 3 1:2.7 fixed 350 R30.5 | M105   140 (?) 640 (?)   Samyang ~2012 this is most likely a Samyang 800mm F8.0, although it comes in black instead of white  
Prinz 500mm F8.0 Miroflex   T2     fixed   R-Gel     1300 thread 1972 - 1976    
Prinz 500mm F8.0 Telephoto Mirror   N/F     fixed 400           Sigma tripod collar; exchangeable mount piece; Sigma (Σ-...) SN signature  
ProOptic 500mm F8.0 Mirror   T2   1:2.7 fixed               marketed by Adorama  
ProOptic 500mm F6.3 Mirror   T2 5   fixed   R34 | M95 98 95.8 - 110.2* 685   Samyang *length measured by PopPhoto (excl. mount); full focus throw of 130° measured by PopPhoto as well; marketed by Adorama Popular Photography (Hands-On) 03/2009
ProOptic 800mm F8.0 Mirror   T2     fixed               marketed by Adorama  
ProOptic 1000mm F11.0 Mirror   T2     fixed 1005 67 69.9 317.5 638        
Quantaray 500mm F8.0 Mirror   T2   1:4 fixed 250           2002    
Questar 700mm F8.0 Mirror   T     fixed 300 95         1977 - 1982   Modern Photography 01/1977 (best corner & center resolution)
Questar 1400mm F16.0 Mirror         fixed             1978 - 1982    
Questar 2800mm F16.0 Mirror         fixed             1977 - 1981    
Revue 500mm F8.0 Mirror       Macro fixed 300                
Revuenon 500mm F8.0 Mirror   T     fixed 400 77     575        
Rokinon 500mm F8.0 Mirror   T 5 1:2.7 fixed 172 R30.5 77 87.7 320   Samyang 2009    
Rokinon 500mm F6.3 Mirror   T 5   fixed 200 R34 | M95 98 119.5 705   Samyang 2009 available in black or white  
Rokinon 800mm F8.0 Mirror   T 3   fixed 350 R30.5 | M105 111 144.5 946.4   Samyang 2009 available in black or white  
Rokunar 500mm F8.0 Mirror   M42 (?)     fixed 170 (?) 72              
Rokunar 500mm F8.0 Reflex   T     fixed 250 (?) 72              
Samyang 500mm F8.0 Mirror T 5 1:2.7 fixed 172 R30.5 77 87.7 320   2008 (?) same tech data like the old Phoenix lens, also sold as Bower, Falcon, Polaroid, Rokinon, Vivitar and Walimex  
Samyang 500mm F6.3 Mirror T 5   fixed 200 R34 | M95 98 119.5 705 PH-095S 2008 also sold as Bower, Ennex, Falcon, Pixco, Polar, Polaroid, Pro-Optik (full focus throw of 130° measured by PopPhoto), Rokinon, T.K.L. and Walimex  
Samyang 800mm F8.0 Mirror T 3   fixed 350 R30.5 | M105 111 144.5 946.4 PH-105S 2008 DX labeled version produced for Bower, Falcon, Kenko and Polaroid (900mm F8), TDX labeled version produced for Phoenix, also sold as Ennex, Rokinon, T.K.L., Vivitar and Walimex, as well as there are no-name (wholesale) versions available  
Sigma 500mm F8.0 XQ Ultra-Telephoto Mirror   T     fixed 400 77         1977    
Sigma 500mm F8.0 Ultra-Telephoto Mirror   T     fixed                  
Sigma 500mm F4.0 XQ MC Ultra-Telephoto Mirror   T     fixed             1976 has a handle and tripod mount  
Sigma 500mm F4.0 Ultratelephoto Mirror   T     fixed 1371 R37.5   220 3200   1977    
Sigma 600mm F8.0 MC Mirror-Telephoto   C/Y | M42 | O/OM | N/F | P/K 4 1:3 fixed 200 R22.5 | M86 (95?) 92 121.1 753 thread 1977/78* *Monaghan lists 2 different versions, sigmauser.co.uk lists one version dated to 1980; more recently (1987) also available for C/EF (see Sigma lens list); tripod collar; special edition in white available; came with a 4 piece rear filter set (yellow, orange, red + nd) Modern Photography 11/1981
Sigma 1000mm F13.5 MC Mirror-Telephoto   P/K 2.5   fixed 500 R30.5 | M86 92 186.5 1050 retractable 1979 tripod mount  
Sirius 500mm F8.8 MC Mirror   T     fixed                  
Soligor 500mm F8.8 S/M MC Mirror   T2   1:4 fixed                  
Soligor 500mm F8.0 C/D Mirror Snapshot of Soligor 500mm F8.0 C/D Mirror T2   1:4 fixed 250 R/77       thread 1978 - 1988 matched Soligor C/D 7 2x Mirror Converter (w/ tripod mount) available Modern Photography 10/1980 (worst contrast II)
Soligor 500-800mm F8.0-12.0 Zoom Mirror   T2     fixed to focus appr. 350 -/-         1983 - 1987 matched 2x TC available  
Soligor 650mm F8.5 Mirror   T2     fixed             1978 - 1984    
Soligor 1200mm F13.3 Mirror   T2 2.1 1:7 fixed 840     325 1700     comes with telescope finder and an exchangeable eyepiece (31.7mm mount, 8 different original ones available: 40mm (aspect ratio of 30:1) and 8-24mm (aspect ratio of 50-150:1) being two of them); might be identical to the VisionKing and B. & Crown Optics versions  
Spiratone 500mm F8.0 Plura-Coat Minitel-M Mirror   T2   1:3 fixed 170 R30.5 | M72             Modern Photography 03/1979 (worst distortion)
Spiratone 500mm F8.0 Mirror-Ultratel   T     fixed   77         Sigma    
Starblitz 500mm F8.0 Mirror   T   1:4 fixed 245 R30.5 | M77         1985 - 1988    
Starblitz 500-800mm F8.0-12.0 Mirror Zoom   T     fixed to focus             1985 - 1988    
T.K.L. 500mm F6.3 Mirror   T 5   fixed 200 R34 | M95 98 119.5 705 PH-095S Samyang 2008    
T.K.L. 800mm F8.0 Mirror   T 3   fixed 350 R30.5 | M105 111 144.5 946.4 PH-105S Samyang 2008    
Tokina 500mm F8.0 RMC Mirror (TM500) Snapshots of Tokina 500mm F8.0 RMC Mirror (TM500) M42 | P/K 5 1:2.5 fixed 150 R35.5 78 87.2 485 yes 1980 - 1993 also available for C/FD, M/SR Modern Photography 10/1980 (worst contrast I)
Toyo Optics 500mm F8.0 Mirror   T2     fixed             1982 - 1985    
VisionKing 1200mm F13.0 Mirror   T2     fixed         2500     might be identical to the Soligor and B. & Crown Optics versions  
Vivitar 450mm F4.5 VMC Aspherical Mirror Series 1   T2 5.5   fixed 365 R35 | M97 117 147 1660   1983 interchangeable mount piece; 2x Macro Matched Multiplier available (also Series 1 VMC);
"designed [...] by Opcon Associates [USA] under contract to Vivitar [...] with plastic element made by U.S. Precision [...], then shipped to Taiwan for assembly with other parts made in Japan and Taiwan" (source: MP article)
Modern Photography
Vivitar 500mm F8.0 MC Macro Mirror   T2 5 1:2.7 fixed 167 R30.5 | M72 76.2 86.4 357.8   1966 - manufactured by Samyang Optics Co. and others  
Vivitar 500mm F8.0 Mirror Series 1 T2 5 1:2.7 fixed 170 R30.5 77 87.7 320   Samyang 2009    
Vivitar 600mm F8.0 VMC Solid Cat Mirror Series 1 T2 4 1:9.3 fixed 700 R35.5 | M92 106 84 1400 yes Perkin Elmer 1975 - 1981 very compact lens (see mflenses.com) Modern Photography 10/1976 (worst resolution both corner & center)
Vivitar 800mm F11.0 VMC Solid Cat Mirror Series 1   T2 3 1:8.5 fixed 760 R35.5 | M92 106 84 1400   Perkin Elmer 1975 - 1982    
Vivitar 800mm F8.0 Mirror Series 1 T 3   fixed 350 R30.5 | M105 111 144.5 946.4   Samyang 2009    
Walimex 500mm F8.0 Mirror   T2 5 1:2.5 fixed 170 R30.5 67 86.5 630     most likely produced by Samyang Optics Co.  
Walimex 500mm F6.3 DX Mirror [15528] T 5 1:2.5 fixed 170 72 100 125 700   Samyang    
Walimex 800mm F8.0 DX/Pro Mirror [15529] T 3   fixed 350 R30.5 | M105 111 144.5 946.4   Samyang 2008/2009 listed as Walimex Pro since 2009 (not sure whether relabeled on lens or not)  
Yashica 500mm F8.0 ML Reflex   C/Y 5   fixed 250 R-Gel | M72 (?) 78 87.5 470 thread      
Yashica 1000mm F11.0 ML Reflex   C/Y 2.3   fixed 800 revolver (4) 118 220 2330 built-in      
Zoomar Muenchen 500mm F5.6 Sport-Reflectar   M42 | N/F | O/OM 5 1:10 fixed 450 R-Gel | filter wheel 136 190 2950 built-in ~1970 IF  
Zoomar Muenchen 1000mm F8.0 Reflectar   M42 | N/F | O/OM     fixed 600 R-Gel 175 375 6650   ~1970    
  •  The mount piece combination codes for the 90's are WE PAN for universal M42, WE NIN for Nikon F and WE LYN for Olympus OM (accordingly imprints are to find on the adapters). A Zoomar Converter 2x was available as well.
Zykkor 500-800mm F8.0-12.0 Mirror Zoom   T2     fixed to focus                  

General Notes:
1.) I try to keep this list 'reasonable'. It is therefore limited to lenses, that can be adopted to Canon EF by means of still making sense. That excludes most middle and big format lenses because of their lower resolution and lenses that have to be corrected by using glass elements in the mount adapter pieces (Canon FD and Minolta for example). These glass elements are often either low quality or the adapter itself is very pricey. You can use the cheap ones without their glass elements, but this will result in less working distance and loss of infinity focus. Since working distance is already very limited with macro lenses and loss of infinity not really makes sense for wide or tele lenses, this method is not considered a real option, when buying a lens for normal usage.
2.) Limited EOS compatibility: Useless to say, all lenses in this list are limited in their EOS compatibility. There will be no AF nor In-Focus-Indication and there will be no time priority nor full auto mode due to missing electronic coupling between lens and body. Auto apertures are not available (while this feature will still be very useful for manual focusing with M42 lenses).
Also, I don't make a distinction between fully manual and preset aperture mechanisms, they are just referred to as manual diaphragms.
3.) Asahi production periods: M42 preset Takumars 1957-1962, Auto-Takumars 1958-1962, Super-Takumars 1962-1971, Super-Multi-Coated (S.-M.-C.) Takumars early period and SMC Takumars later period of 1971-1976 (source: Frank Mechelhoff)
Pentax vintage mount versions: M42: 1957-?, SMC-M: 1975 -?, SMC-A: 1983 - ?
4.) Soligor series shorties: The C/D series was the top end line with some very good lenses. C/D stands for Computer Designed. The S/M designation seems to be a marketing gimmick like Vivitar's RL or SMS editions. S/M stands for Special Model/Sondermodell.
5.) A note on Vivitar serial numbers for lenses manufactured between 1970 and 1990 according to Stephen Gandy, complemented with information given by KironKid and Boggy at Kiron-Klub:
  They (most often) consist of 8 digits, whereof ...
  • 1st two digits tell the manufacturer:
    6: Olympus, 9: Cosina, 13: Schneider Optik, 19: Sigma, 22: Kino Precision, 25: Ozone Optical, 28: Komine, 32: Makinon, 33: Asanuma, 37: Tokina, 42: Bauer, 44: Perkin Elmer, 47: Chinon, 51: Tokyo Trading, 56: Kyoe Schoji, 61: Samyang, 75: Hoya Optical, 77: Kobori, 81: Polar
    - still missing in this list are #0 and #41
  • 3rd digit tells the year (so 5 either means 1975 or 1985 ... you need to know the production period to be sure)
  • 4th and 5th digit tell the production week
   
See the processing log. Additions and corrections are welcome.