Canon 500mm F/8 Reflex FD Mount Lens Review

The Canon 500mm F/8 Reflex is a vintage FD-mount mirror lens from Canon's manual-focus era, aimed at photographers seeking ultra-telephoto reach on a budget. At 500mm with a fixed F/8 aperture, it delivers strong magnification for wildlife, sports, or moon shots, though the slow aperture and reflex design impose real constraints. Mirror lenses like this use a catadioptric design to stay compact and light, but they produce characteristic donut-shaped bokeh and cannot stop down for depth-of-field control.

This particular unit is listed in bargain condition from KEH, meaning expect visible wear, possible optical imperfections, and the need for an FD-to-EOS or FD-to-mirrorless adapter if you're shooting modern Canon bodies. The drop-in filter system is a nice touch but limits filtration options. For budget-conscious shooters experimenting with long glass or film photographers with Canon FD cameras, it's a curiosity worth exploring. For critical work or digital users expecting modern optical performance, it's a nostalgic artifact more than a reliable tool.