Sigma 600mm mirror lens instructions

I have recently bought a nice second hand Sigma 600mm mirror lens for use with my Canon 40D, but unfortunately, there were no instructions with it. Would any DPreview members be able to email me a copy?

Lest anyone is tempted to post any asinine comments like "why did you buy a lens if you don't know how to use it", I have been using the lens successfully for some time, but I would like to know more about the technical specification and to read any advice about optimising the use of the lens.
Thanks to anyone that is able to help

I have one of these as well, also without instructions. However, there isn't a great deal to know. It's a 600mm mirror lens, fixed aperture of f8. Minimum focusing distance is around 2 metres, which gives a maximum magnification of around 0.3x

Here are the specs which I've managed to find for mine. However, apparently Sigma made 2 versions of a 600mm f8 mirror, the other is larger with a 95mm front thread.

Construction: large 6 element mirror lens in metal body
Focal length: 600 mm
Aperture ratio: 1:8
Focus: manual focus approx. 185° in normal Pentax direction.
Minimum focus: approx 2 metre
Maximum magnification: approx 1:3
Tripod mount: yes (with 360° rotation)
Dimensions: without hood or mount 121*88 mm + hood 61*98 mm
Lens mass: 830 grams.
Lens hood: metal (screw in 86 mm)
Filters: rear filter facility 22.5 mm (without unmounting the lens)

About the only thing I've found mine useful for is moon shots - here's one with it and a 2x convertor on a 50D



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Check out my galleries (lots of macros) at :
http://www.pbase.com/cjed

Very easy and straighforward tu use. Everything is manual. On disadvantage is that most of the weight is close to the rear of the lense making it prone to vibrations. Using my catadioptric, I usually shoot either in quiet or mirror up mode to prevent shakes.

Have fun, the lense can make fantastic images. Donut bokeh is fun to have on many pictures

phil_644 said:

I have recently bought a nice second hand Sigma 600mm mirror lens for use with my Canon 40D, but unfortunately, there were no instructions with it. Would any DPreview members be able to email me a copy?

Lest anyone is tempted to post any asinine comments like "why did you buy a lens if you don't know how to use it", I have been using the lens successfully for some time, but I would like to know more about the technical specification and to read any advice about optimising the use of the lens.
Thanks to anyone that is able to help

Click to expand...

I have one but I can't find your email.

Have tried Sigma's web site?

The main thing is to make sure the drop in clear filter is installed, its part of the optical formula.

Also try to setup so as to avoid highlights in the background. They look very busy, and the donught shaped bokah can be disconcerting.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to reply- there's some useful information there, which I found helpful.