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Tokina SZ 500mm f/8 Reflex MF Lens (Canon EF-M)

BH #TOSZMF500CM • MFR #SZMF500-CM
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Tokina SZ 500mm f/8 Reflex MF Lens (Canon EF-M)
Key Features
  • APS-C | Fixed f/8
  • Catadioptric Telephoto Lens
  • Manual Focus
  • Multicoating and Antioxidant Coating
Offering a compact alternative to standard telephoto lenses, the SZ 500mm f/8 Reflex MF Lens from Tokina is a 500mm catadioptric optical-design super-telephoto lens with a fixed f/8 aperture for APS-C camera systems. With its lightweight and compact design, it fits easily inside a pocket or small bag and is suitable for travel, wildlife, and outdoor photography. This lens features a universal T-mount, and this configuration includes an adapter for Canon EF-M-mount cameras.
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Tokina SZ 500mm f/8 Reflex Overview

From Manufacturer

Offering a compact alternative to standard telephoto lenses, the SZ 500mm f/8 Reflex MF Lens from Tokina is a 500mm catadioptric optical-design super-telephoto lens with a fixed f/8 aperture for APS-C camera systems. With its lightweight and compact design, it fits easily inside a pocket or small bag and is suitable for travel, wildlife, and outdoor photography. This lens features a universal T-mount, and this configuration includes an adapter for Canon EF-M-mount cameras.

Manual focus, catadioptric optical design telephoto lens with a fixed f/8 aperture that is compatible with select camera focus peaking systems and in-body multi-axis advanced image stabilization systems.
Multilayer antireflection coating for efficient light intake and reduced flare, plus high-reflectivity silvered coating and a protective antioxidant layer on the back side of mirrored surfaces for long performance life.
With a field of view of 4.8° and a 1:2.86 reproduction ratio, it can capture small objects, while the 500mm focal length reduces the possibility of casting a shadow on the subject.
Catadioptric design and construction create a smooth and unusual donut-shaped bokeh.
Wide focus ring provides a smooth rotation range of 270°.

Tokina SZ 500mm f/8 Reflex Specs

Focal Length
500mm
Aperture
Fixed: f/8
Lens Mount
Canon EF-M
Lens Format Coverage
APS-C
Angle of View
4.8°
Minimum Focus Distance
5.6' / 1.7 m
Magnification
1:2.86 Macro Reproduction Ratio
0.35x Magnification
Optical Design
7 Elements in 7 Groups
Focus Type
Manual Focus
Image Stabilization
No
Filter Size
72 mm (Front)
30.5 mm (Rear)
Dimensions
ø: 2.9 x L: 3.5" / ø: 74 x L: 89 mm
Weight
10.9 oz / 310 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.635 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
6.8 x 5.3 x 4.4"

Tokina SZ 500mm f/8 Reflex Reviews

Tokina 500mm f/8 Reflex Lens - I like it

By Peter
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2025-02-06

Overall, thus far, I like the lens and feel very good about the purchase as it's a good trade-off for 'reach', quality, size, weight, speed and price. And, yes, it is true that focusing is a challenge ... and thus, for me, with my initial use, ~65+% are 'out of focus' ... that said, when you 'get it right', the resulting photo is 'excellent' ... I also happen to like the manual focusing challenge as, maybe it's because I learned to shoot in the film days of manual focusing with the aid of a hand held light meter (or, when lazy, the rough paper 'guide' that used to come with the film ... ahhh, the good 'ol days ... or not) ... oh, the small size and weight are a huge bonus, easy to carry and hand hold ... and I've found the lens quality thus far excellent. so, all in all, a lens that is not for everyone for the reasons that have been well-documented ... it came 'as-advertised', I'm good with the trade-offs and enjoy the challenge it provides ... so, yes, I like it! fyi - I'm just an amateur and using it with a Nikon Zfc

Reflex lenses with MFT and 2x tele converter

By AG
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2022-10-14

All reflex lenses have a very specific problem - they are softer at the center that at the corners. Quite inverse to conventional telephoto lenses. You can check Christopher Frost's reviews on this lens and Samyang 300mm 6.3 too, where he noticed that. So when you attach this full-frame lens to a Micro Four Thirds camera you get a 2x crop from the center. Exactly the place of its poorest performance. The same goes for 2x tele converter on full-frame. I highly recommend using a speed booster (x0.71), otherwise sharpness levels on MFT are barely acceptable starting even from 12 MP sensor. Atmospheric effects (haze, heat distortion) also contribute to this. Build quality is very good, very light lens (310 grams).

See any errors on this page?

is there any 2x or more extender that can fit?

is there any 2x or more extender that can fit?
Asked by: Valente
Yes Tokina makes a 2x extender that it sells as part of a kit with the szx400mm reflex lens. It is possible that Tokina sells the extender by itself.
Answered by: DAVID
Date published: 2023-03-19

does this lens send any exif info to the camera ...

does this lens send any exif info to the camera or is it chipless?
Asked by: Jeffrey
The Tokina SZ 500mm f/8 Reflex MF Lens (Nikon Z Mount) has no electronics and does not generate EXIF data.
Answered by: Boyd H
Date published: 2023-11-13

SZ 500mm is a universal mount, means it can be ...

SZ 500mm is a universal mount, means it can be used on Canon 7D Mark ii?
Asked by: Neil
No, Tokina SZ 500mm f/8 Reflex MF Lens does not have a universal mount. Tokina prefixed the mount adaptor to the lens and removing it will void the manufacture warranty. The BH #TOSZMF500FE is dedicated to mirrorless cameras which comes on 4 different mounts. (Sony-E, Fuji-X, Micro four third and Nikon Z mount) Tokina also design this lens for DSLR cameras. You can use the option below directly on your Canon EF mount DSLRS. Tokina SZ SUPER TELE 500mm F/8 Reflex Lens (Canon EF-Mount) BH #TOSZMF500C • MFR #SZMF500-C https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1687815-REG/tokina_szmf500_c_sz_500mm_f_8_reflex.html?sts=pi&pim=Y
Answered by: Llinelva D
Date published: 2022-06-10

Does this fit directly on Olympus OMD EM1 mark ...

Does this fit directly on Olympus OMD EM1 mark III or is a mount required (which if required)?
Asked by: Nancy
The Tokina SZ 500mm F8 Reflex MF Lens (Micro Four Thirds) will mount directly on the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III Mirrorless Camera without an adapter.
Answered by: Yaakov
Date published: 2024-04-26

Can Nikons full frame mirror less IBIS be used ...

Can Nikons full frame mirror less IBIS be used with Tokin's 500mm F/8 catadioptric lens?
Asked by: Stanley
Yes, Nikons IBS will work with the Tokins 500mm.
Answered by: hectorm
Date published: 2023-04-23

What difference between Tokina SZX and SZ series? ...

What difference between Tokina SZX and SZ series? Many thanks.
Asked by: Hoan
Currently the only difference is the SZ is 500mm and the SZX is 400mm. This may change if more lenses are added.
Answered by: Dan W
Date published: 2022-03-25

Would this lens work with the Nikon Z ...

Would this lens work with the Nikon Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0x?
Asked by: Matt
Unfortunately Tokina lenses are not compatible with Nikon teleconverters.
Answered by: Daniel C
Date published: 2022-04-28

Does the lens have a hard focus stop at Infinity? ...

Does the lens have a hard focus stop at Infinity? That would make astrophotography easier.
Asked by: Victor
The Tokina SZ 500mm f/8 Reflex MF Lens (Micro Four Thirds) doesn't have a hard focus stop at Infinity.
Answered by: Samik G
Date published: 2026-02-10
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