Sony SAL-500F80 500mm f/8 Reflex Super Telephoto Lens for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Camera

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Sony SAL-500F80 500mm f/8 Reflex Super Telephoto Lens for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Camera
	Manufacturer: Sony Customer Rating:   List Price: Varies based on product options Sale Price: $749.00 Availibility: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Available On:

Product Description

Get ideal results for fieldwork on wilderness and nature assignments with the SAL-500F80. To reduce blur, this lens takes advantage of Sony's Super SteadyShot image stabilization system.The world's only super telephoto reflex lens with auto-focus capability. Its reflex design gives this amazing super telephoto lens a short barrel and compact, lightweight design, ideal for field work on wilderness and nature assignments - and its auto-focus capability makes it unique among reflex lenses of this class. This lens provides a 750mm focal length (35mm equivalent) - and takes advantage of image stabilization system to reduce blur by compensating for shaky hands.

Product Details

• 500mm super telephoto lens with f/8 maximum aperture for Sony Alpha digital SLR camera
• World's only super telephoto reflex lens with autofocus capability for quick shot reactions
• Reflective optics eliminates the chromatic aberration to produce sharp, clear images
• Shutter speed exposure control; hold button locks autofocus for full creative control
• Measures 3.62 inches in diameter and 4.75 inches long; weighs 1 pound, 7 ounces

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Customer Reviews

Very Good Lens - My doubts Were Unfounded!

Review Date: May 12, 2007

Reviewer: T. Latham, Aurora, IL

I was a little doubtful about using a mirrored lens. My doubts were misplaced. The lens, for nature shots is very good. I get some tremendous shots with the subject matter almost full frame! The f/8 aperture, I was a little concerned when it came to speed but that also proofed to misplaced I've been able to shoot at medium and high speeds 250th to 1,000th. The auto focus is fast, although because of the mirror, in tight spots, has a tendency to hunt so I've selected the the tightest auto focus setting possible. It's reduced the situation but not eliminated it. The lens is light enough for the reduced vibration of the Sony Alpha, it doesn't exceed the limitation thus I really don't need a tripod which is a big plus in bird photography.

Super Telephoto Lens

Review Date: May 8, 2008

Reviewer: Charles E., Kersey, Seven Lakes, NC USA

I bought this lens to take with me to Yellowstone National Park to get the pictures I missed last time. Especially for the wildlife. I have been testing it and was really surprised at the detail it shows. I use it with my Sony DSLR 100, and using "anti shake" I am able to shoot without a tripod. Of course if you have time, a tripod would be a better choice. With wildlife you don't always have time to set up.

terrific lens

Review Date: April 29, 2009

Reviewer: birdersc, Yonges Island SC

I wasn't able to get a teleconverter for the zoom lens I use, so decided to try the Sony SAL-500F80 500mm f/8 Reflex Super Telephoto Lens for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Camera. I am thrilled with it! It's short, compact, lightweight, and easy to hand hold. I have been able to get very sharp pictures, even of flying birds, in bright light. In low light, it also does extremely well on a tripod. It will be perfect for traveling and my specialty, bird photography.

Up Close and Focused

Review Date: April 6, 2010

Reviewer: James M. Stewart, Toledo, Ohio

Three good attributes of this lens: excellent quality rapid auto focus and low f/#. An annoying characteristic of this lens to me is its large size. That requires a separate case for it if one uses a standard camera bag with other lenses. At high magnifications, good photos require no camera movement and precise focusing on subjects. I highly recommend using a tripod with this lens and focus on still subjects whenever possible. I've taken many excellent photos at long distances with this lens on my Sony Alpha 700 camera.