Finding a compact telephoto lens that offers good reach without adding too much bulk to your kit can be challenging. Enter the TTArtisan 250mm f/5.6 Reflex, a mirror lens designed to provide a long focal length in a small, lightweight package. While mirror lenses don’t have the best reputation for image quality and usability, this one stands out as a modern take on a classic design that attempts to overcome some of those limitations.
Coming to you from Leigh & Raymond Photography, this informative video takes a closer look at what the TTArtisan 250mm f/5.6 Reflex lens has to offer. One of the first things you’ll notice is that it’s an M42 mount lens, which means you’ll need an adapter to use it on mirrorless cameras. The benefit here is that the M42 mount’s long flange distance allows for easy adaptation to a wide range of mirrorless systems, making the lens highly compatible. What really sets it apart, though, is its compact form factor for the focal length it provides. If you’re looking for a lens that can handle telephoto work but doesn’t weigh you down, this could be a viable option.
Mirror lenses like this one come with some trade-offs, and the TTArtisan 250mm f/5.6 Reflex is no exception. It has a fixed aperture of f/5.6, which can be limiting in lower light conditions or when you need more depth of field control. This means you won’t be adjusting between f/5.6 and f/11—it’s always at f/5.6. This can make shooting in diverse lighting scenarios more challenging, but it also simplifies the design, keeping it compact and lightweight. You’ll need to rely on manual focus as well, which can take some getting used to if you’re accustomed to autofocus lenses. One notable characteristic of mirror lenses is their distinctive “donut” bokeh, which can be polarizing depending on your style and subject matter.
In terms of usability, the TTArtisan 250mm f/5.6 Reflex is easy to carry around and doesn’t take up much space in your bag. This makes it a good option for situations where you’re not planning to use a telephoto but want the option just in case. The video shows the lens being tested at Walnut Canyon National Monument, capturing everything from cliff dwellings to birds. While the image quality won’t match a high-end telephoto lens, the results are surprisingly good for a lens of this type. It’s not as sharp as a premium telephoto prime, but it holds up well against mid-range zoom lenses at this focal length.
The lens’ manual focus design also opens up some interesting possibilities. Using adapters like the Megadap M-to-Z Autofocus Adapter, they were able to add autofocus functionality to the lens. While the autofocus is slower and noisier than a native lens, it works, making the setup more versatile. This adaptability, combined with its small size and light weight, means the lens can be used for various applications without needing to haul around heavy gear. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Leigh & Raymond.
