Donut Bokeh Lenses — Mirror-Lens Ring Highlights
Donut bokeh turns every out-of-focus highlight into a hollow ring. It is the unmistakable signature of catadioptric ('mirror' or 'reflex') lenses — designs like the Rubinar 500mm f/5.6 and MTO series that fold light with mirrors, leaving a central obstruction that punches the hole in each bokeh disc.
The trade-offs are real: fixed aperture, manual focus, lower contrast. The rewards are a 500mm lens the size of a coffee mug and a background texture nothing else produces. Loved for moons, birds, and experimental portraits.
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Browse all lensesFrequently asked
Why do mirror lenses make donut-shaped bokeh?
A secondary mirror sits in the centre of the light path. Its shadow appears in every out-of-focus highlight, turning discs into rings.
Are mirror lenses hard to use?
They demand practice: fixed aperture (usually f/5.6–f/8), manual focus with a shallow zone, and a need for good light or a tripod. Focus peaking on mirrorless bodies helps a lot.
What are they best for?
Moon shots, birds, sports from afar, and creative portraits where the ring texture becomes part of the picture. They are also the cheapest way into 500mm reach.