What are catadioptric lenses used for?

8 years 5 months ago #463201 by Dan Spade
I've never used one of these, do any of you know what purpose these lenses are built for?  Some of the images I have seen for this lens focused on bokeh.   Kind of wondering what other purpose was this lens built for?  Google images shows nothing but strange looking bokeh shots.  

 


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8 years 5 months ago #463202 by effron
From Wiki...
catadioptric optical system is one where  refraction  and  reflection  are combined in an optical system, usually via  lenses  ( dioptrics ) and  curved mirrors  ( catoptrics ). Catadioptric combinations are used in focusing systems such as search lights headlamps , early  lighthouse  focusing systems,  optical telescopes microscopes , and  telephoto   lenses . Other optical systems that use lenses and mirrors are also referred to as "catadioptric" such as  surveillance catadioptric sensors .

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catadioptric_system

Why so serious?
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8 years 5 months ago #463205 by Dan Spade
Thank you, I did see that.  All they say is "Telephoto lenses", however not what specifically they are used for other than odd looking bokeh.  Thoughts? 


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8 years 5 months ago - 8 years 5 months ago #463210 by effron
I believe they are mirror lenses, cheap  and usually sold as telephotos. They are also usually fixed aperture (f/eight). They will yield low quality photographs.....

Why so serious?
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8 years 5 months ago #463212 by Dan Spade
Well that sums up that.  I saw the term used in an article I was reading, which lead to trying to figure out what these lenses were and what they were used for other than the bokeh photos I came across.  

Thanks for the explanation.  


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8 years 5 months ago #463229 by KCook
Erm, these lenses are not about bokeh!  Bokeh is all some people want to talk about :pinch:

It happens that the bokeh can be uggers, but that is merely a side effect.  The lenses are more compact and lighter weight than a conventional long telephoto.  They can be cheap, but they don't have to be cheap.

Kelly Cook
(bokehfreezone)

Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/

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8 years 5 months ago #463279 by Sue Bidwell
Honestly up till this thread, I've not heard of this lens.  :huh:


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8 years 5 months ago #463298 by Vahrenkamp
Just think Catastrophic quality images if you buy that lens.   :rofl:  


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