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Abbreviations

Model history (2)

Specification

Sources of data

• Canon FD instructions (PUB. II01-012A) (October 1978).
• Canon FD interchangeable lenses booklet (PUB. IE01-075) (May 1979).
• Canon interchangeable lenses sales guide.
• Canon FD lenses instructions (PUB. II01-061I) (July 1979).
• Canon FD Lenses in a Nutshell booklet (PUB. IE-1033Q) (April 1979).
• Canon Products Guide (PUB. CE01-114B) (July 1979).

Manufacturer description #1

This is the only mirror lens in the FD series. Its mirror construction not only makes it convenient for hand-held shooting but enables easier correction of chromatic aberration for super sharp images. With its front group focusing system, close focusing requires only slight lens extension. Its fixed f/8 aperture makes it particularly suited to use with the A-1 in the stopped-down AE mode. Great for photographers on the move and for special creative effects.

Manufacturer description #2

The virtues of mirror telephoto lens design are well known: compactness, light weight, close focusing and excellent handling. The Canon 500mm F/8 Reflex lens incorporates all of these benefits, plus the unique optical benefits of Super Spectra Coating.

Because it has no diaphragm, aperture may be controlled through the use of Canon ND filters in 34mm size, which fit conveniently into a filter slot at the rear of the lens. A built-in rotating tripod collar and provision for focusing past infinity (in cold weather) round out the superb features of this fine lens. It's ideal for photographers who need a lot of long lens power and like to travel light.

Manufacturer description #3

This is a high performance super telephoto lens with a focal length of 500mm that utilizes catadioptric system while enabling handheld shooting due to being lightweight and compact.

Reflex lenses have two significant features: one is the ability to almost completely compensate for secondary chromatic aberration which is more likely to occur at longer focal lengths in general dioptric system; the other is a dramatic reduction in the overall lens length due to the light path being looped back.

While making the most of these advantages of catadioptric system, optimal positioning of the optical system based on Canon’s own new optical design technology is used to properly compensate for various aberrations including aberration changes resulting from focusing that tend to occur in reflex lenses, providing quality image reproduction in all shooting ranges from close distances to infinity.

Moreover, in order to prevent reductions in contrast resulting from inner reflection, which is a problem in reflex lenses, the entire lens is given multilayered coating in addition to meticulous consideration being taken, such as electrostatic flocking being performed inside the lens barrel.

Furthermore, it has the feature of filters being able to be replaced with the lens attached to the camera by adopting a filter that is inserted into the light path.

Typical characteristics of mirror (reflex) lenses

• Catadioptric system consisting of curved mirrors and optical glass;
• Much shorter, lighter and less expensive designs than conventional super telephoto lenses;
• Outstanding correction of chromatic aberrations;
• Since the aperture is fixed, neutral density filters are used to obtain a smaller aperture;
• Doughnut-shaped out-of-focus highlights.

Other super telephoto prime lenses in the Canon FD system

Lenses with similar focal length