
Provenance & certification
Nikon 500mm f8
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Condition assessed 20/1/2026
How we gradeInspector’s condition notes
Lens in good condition. The optics are pristine with no scratches, though there is more dust than usual — this does not affect image quality. Focus and aperture operate smoothly, just like a new lens. Internal components are tight and snug, with no loose movement inside. The exterior shows typical signs of use, with easily noticeable scratches and paint loss around the lens body.
How this lens renders
Compared to the 500mm with the same specs, the standout of this Reflex-NIKKOR-C is its catadioptric (mirror) design, which packs a 500mm telephoto into a compact, lightweight body. The build quality is rock-solid—true to the Nikon name. The lens delivers high center sharpness with crisp focus points, but it comes with low contrast as a signature trait of mirror lenses, giving the image a softer feel than reality. The tones lean toward a filmic quality, leaving plenty of flexibility for further tonal adjustments in post. Because of its catadioptric design, the aperture is fixed at f/8. The highlight is the ring bokeh (doughnut bokeh) produced by the central mirror inside the body—a signature look you simply can't get from regular lenses. That distinctive circular doughnut bokeh in the background is a polarizing charm—those who love it, really love it. The 'C' version's multi-coating helps keep the image cleaner, and the mild vignetting (with a slightly brighter center) is easy to correct in post. Perfect for anyone seeking long telephoto reach in a portable package, and who's drawn to the unique appeal of ring bokeh. Well worth adding to a collection.
In the box
แถม ฟิวเตอร์ 39mm ท้ายเลนส์ ไม่มีฝาหน้า ไม่มีฝาหลัง
Honest disclosure
Nikon 500mm f8
The Nikon 500mm f/8 Reflex-NIKKOR-C is a compact catadioptric (mirror) telephoto based on the Maksutov astronomical telescope principle, offering extreme reach in a lightweight package but demanding fast shutter speeds and post-processing to overcome low contrast and doughnut bokeh.
