Generally, as you move into supertelephoto focal lengths, lens prices start to increase simply because of the sheer amount of glass it takes to produce such extreme images. That's why, at $699, the Tokina SZ 900mm f/11 Pro Reflex MF CF is an intriguing option. Can it offer good performance and image quality despite that modest price? This excellent video review takes a look.
Coming to you from Christopher Frost, this great video review takes a look at the Tokina SZ 900mm f/11 Pro Reflex MF CF lens for Sony E, Canon EF-M, and Fujifilm X mounts. The two important things to note are that this lens lacks autofocus (so don't expect to use it for fast action) and it is a mirror lens. Mirror lenses increase focal length by putting a mirror at the front end of the lens, allowing the light to take a longer path in a shorter physical footprint by bending the rays back on themselves. The downside of this is that the mirror creates donut-shaped bokeh that can be rather distracting in some situations.
Admittedly, the price of the lens is a bit curious, especially when you consider that the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM is $300 more and offers autofocus, image stabilization, and none of that unique bokeh. Nonetheless, if you would like to try out ultra-long focal lengths and do not shoot with a Canon mirrorless camera, the Tokina is worth a look.
Check out the video above for the full rundown from Frost.
At 2:56 into the video he says,
"So, overall it is a soft lens, but not the worst I have ever seen."
Kinda tells me all I need to know about whether this lens is useful or not.
Instead of making a super cheap 900mm f11 mirror lens that is not useful for anything, why not make a semi-inexpensive 800mm f9 traditional lens with autofocus that people could actually use to create quality images? It would be far more useful than the fixed aperture f11 telephotos that Canon came out with a few years ago. And I bet they could do it for around $1600 retail.
900mm MIRROR lens??? Not a chance in Hades.