Question about reflex telephoto lenses

[EW1066]

I have been doing some looking for a reflex lense but the only ones I can find are used. Is there any lense maker still making them?

When I put down my camera, in the early 90's, they were the latest thing and every one I knew was getting one. Now.....nothing!

What happened to them? Is there some inherent problem or flaw that makes them unattractive to photographers now?

Thanks

Vince

 

[RacePhoto]

I suspect you mean mirror lens?

They are less expensive, aren't as sharp, aren't as fast, usually have a fixed aperture like f/8, don't have wonderful contrast.

They are smaller, cost less and will get you a close-up for much less than a standard lens.


http://photo.net/learn/optics/mirrors/index.html

 

[Garbz]

Yeah very unattractive. The UGLY UGLY bokeh. Everything out of focus is rendered as doughnuts not lovely round blobs as it should be.

Not the best example but:

Taken from http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/technical/bokeh.html

 

[Big Mike]

If they were any good, there would be easier to find.

If you are looking for compact telephoto lenses...have a look at something like Canon's Canon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM AF.

 

[EW1066]

Thats what I needed to know.

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

Vince