High-Power 500mm/1000mm f/8 Manual Telephoto Lens for Canon EOS 80D, 90D, Rebel T3, T3i, T5, T5i, T6i, T6s, T7, T7I, T8I, SL3, 60D, 70D, 5D, EOS5D IV, 6D II, 7D II SLR Cameras
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AI Verdict
This is a 1.5-pound, 500mm/1000mm f/8 manual telephoto lens for Canon EF-mount, best for photographers wanting extreme reach on a budget.
This 500mm/1000mm f/8 manual telephoto lens is a situational fit because its extreme focal length and low price point offer unique capabilities for distant subjects, but its manual operation and f/8 aperture demand specific shooting conditions and user skill. It's not a general-purpose lens due to the 33-foot minimum focus distance and the absolute need for a tripod.
If you need faster performance and easier handling, look for telephoto lenses with autofocus and wider apertures (e.g., f/4 or f/5.6) and image stabilization.
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Pros
- Achieves 500mm focal length, extendable to 1000mm with the included 2X teleconverter.
- Features high index, low dispersion multi-coated optical glass for light transmission.
- Compatible with a wide range of Canon EOS DSLR cameras, including Rebel series, 5D, 6D, 7D, 80D, and 90D.
- Includes a tripod mount and T-mount adapter for Canon SLR cameras.
- Priced in the $100-$149 range, making it an inexpensive option for telephoto reach.
Cons
- Requires manual focus and aperture adjustments, demanding precise user input.
- Needs a monopod or tripod for stability to alleviate shake, especially at 1000mm.
- Minimum focus distance is 33 feet, limiting close-up subjects.
- The f/8 aperture is fixed and relatively slow, requiring ample light or higher ISO settings.
- Users report a learning curve to achieve clear results due to manual operation.
Dimension Scores
The high index, low dispersion multi-coated optical glass aims for clear photos, and some users report 'clear and pretty' results, but the f/8 aperture and manual nature limit its overall performance compared to higher-end lenses.
This is a manual focus lens, so it has no autofocus capability.
The manual focus and fixed f/8 aperture make it challenging for video, especially for moving subjects or in variable lighting conditions.
Weighing 1.5 pounds, it's relatively light for a telephoto lens, but its physical length and the necessity of a tripod reduce its practical portability for spontaneous shooting.
Best For
- Wildlife photography from a fixed position with a tripod.
- Astrophotography for capturing celestial objects.
- Capturing distant landscapes where portability is secondary to reach.
- Photographers on a tight budget seeking extreme focal lengths.
Not Recommended For
- Fast-paced action or sports photography requiring quick autofocus.
- Handheld shooting without stabilization.
- Close-up or macro photography due to the 33-foot minimum focus distance.
- Beginners expecting automatic camera functions.
Watch Out For
- The 33-foot minimum focus distance means you can't get close to subjects, which some users find restrictive for general use.
- Achieving sharp focus manually at 500mm or 1000mm is challenging and requires significant practice, with one user initially disliking the lens until they learned to use it properly.
- The lens is recommended to be used with a tripod or monopod to prevent blur from camera shake, making handheld shooting difficult.
- The fixed f/8 aperture can lead to dark images in low light, necessitating higher ISO settings or longer exposures.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B00KMEPHF2 |
| Brand | Big Mike's |
| Lens Type | Telephoto, Teleconverter |
| Item Weight | 1.5 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Big Mike's |
| Item model number | LYSB00KMEPHF2-ELECTRNCS |
| Product Dimensions | 14.6 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches |
| Compatible Mountings | Canon EF |
| Camera Lens Description | 1000 month |
| Focal Length Description | Telephoto |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
Many buyers find this lens to be a learning experience; one user initially disliked it due to manual focus difficulty but later achieved 'really really good' results after taking the time to learn. The consensus is that a tripod is non-negotiable for stable, clear shots, especially at 1000mm. While it's an inexpensive way to get extreme reach, expect to invest time in mastering manual focus and managing the fixed f/8 aperture. Some users were impressed with the clarity of distant subjects once they got the hang of it.
“Look, if you want to shoot the moon or a bird from a mile away and don't wanna spend a fortune, this lens can do it, but you better have a tripod and a lot of patience, cause it ain't gonna hold your hand.”
Common Praise
- Provides extreme telephoto reach up to 1000mm with the teleconverter.
- Inexpensive entry point for long-distance photography.
- Capable of producing 'clear and pretty' photos of distant subjects with practice.
- Includes a tripod mount for stability.
- Compatible with a broad range of Canon EF-mount DSLRs.
Common Complaints
- Manual focus is difficult and requires significant practice to master.
- Absolutely requires a tripod or monopod for stable images.
- Fixed f/8 aperture is slow, limiting use in low-light conditions.
- Minimum focus distance of 33 feet restricts subject proximity.
- Image quality can be inconsistent without careful technique and ample light.
Ownership Tips
- You'll spend a lot of time on a tripod, so make sure you have a sturdy one.
- Learning to manually focus accurately at 500mm or 1000mm takes dedication; don't expect instant sharp results.
- The f/8 aperture means you'll be pushing your ISO in anything but bright daylight.
- The lens is longer than you might expect, even without the teleconverter, making it somewhat cumbersome to transport.
- The included T-mount adapter is essential for mounting, so don't misplace it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this lens have autofocus?
No, this is a manual focus lens. You will need to adjust the focus ring yourself to achieve sharpness.
Can I use this lens without a tripod?
While technically possible, it's strongly recommended to use a tripod or monopod. The long focal length makes handheld shooting very prone to camera shake and blurry images.
What is the closest I can focus with this lens?
The minimum focus distance for this lens is 33 feet (approximately 10 meters).
Is this lens compatible with my Canon Rebel T7i?
Yes, this lens is compatible with Canon Rebel T7i and many other Canon EOS DSLR cameras, including the Rebel series.
Does it come with the 2X teleconverter?
Yes, the product description states that the 2X teleconverter is included, doubling the lens power to 1000mm.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a telephoto lens like this, you're buying reach, not convenience. You need to understand that 'manual' means you're doing all the work – focusing, setting aperture – and 'f/8' means it needs a lot of light. This isn't a point-and-shoot lens; it's a tool for specific, distant subjects, and it demands your active participation. Don't expect to handhold this thing and get sharp shots; a tripod is practically part of the lens.
500mm/1000mm focal length
This number tells you how 'zoomed in' you'll be. 500mm is already very tight, like looking through binoculars, and 1000mm (with the teleconverter) is like having a telescope on your camera. It brings distant objects incredibly close, but also magnifies any camera shake.
f/8 aperture
The aperture (f-number) controls how much light the lens lets in and how much of your image is in focus. An f/8 aperture is relatively 'slow,' meaning it doesn't let in a lot of light. You'll need bright conditions or a higher ISO setting on your camera, and your depth of field (the in-focus area) will be quite deep.
Manual focus
Unlike lenses that automatically focus, you turn a ring on this lens to get your subject sharp. This gives you precise control but requires practice, especially with such a long focal length where even tiny movements can throw focus off.
1.5 pounds weight
This is how heavy the lens is. While 1.5 pounds isn't a lot for a telephoto, combined with its length, it still contributes to the need for a tripod to keep everything steady and prevent fatigue.
Alternatives
If you need faster focusing, better low-light performance, or the ability to shoot handheld, look for telephoto lenses with built-in image stabilization, autofocus motors, and wider maximum apertures like f/5.6 or f/4.
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