Overview

The Carl Zeiss Mirotar 500mm f/4.5 C/Y is a mirror lens praised for its bright images, good contrast, and color accuracy close to the human eye. It has a larger mirror than similar lenses, translating to about one stop more light, but is bigger and heavier. Its depth of field is razor-thin, and it focuses about 8 inches closer than comparable lenses. The lens benefits from digital aids like live view or focus confirm adapters for precise focusing. It suits photographers who prioritize optical quality and are willing to handle a larger, heavier lens.