Tokina Tokina SZ 500mm f/8 Reflex MF Lens for Nikon Z, Review
The Tokina SZ 500mm f/8 is the world's most portable super-telephoto, but it comes with massive compromises. We'll tell you if its unique quirks are charming or just deal-breakers.
The 30-Second Version
The Tokina 500mm f/8 is a quirky, compromised toy. It's tiny, but it's slow, manual-focus only, and makes donut-shaped bokeh. Save your money for a real lens.
Overview
The Tokina SZ 500mm f/8 is a weird little lens that's more about the experience than the results. It's a mirror lens, which means it's tiny for a 500mm, but it comes with some serious optical quirks. The one thing you need to know is that this is a manual-focus-only, fixed-f/8 aperture specialty tool. It's not your everyday lens, and it's definitely not for everyone.
Performance
The performance is exactly what you'd expect from a mirror lens at this price. The optical quality lands in the 70th percentile, which means it's solidly average. You get decent sharpness in the center, but the corners can get soft, and that's before you factor in the infamous donut-shaped bokeh. The manual focus is fine, ranking in the 47th percentile, but nailing focus on a moving subject at 500mm with a dim f/8 viewfinder is a real challenge. It's a lens that forces you to slow down and think.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Incredibly compact and light for a 500mm lens. 86th
- Unique donut bokeh can be a creative tool. 71th
- Build quality is surprisingly good for the price.
- Forces a deliberate, thoughtful shooting style.
Cons
- Fixed f/8 aperture is painfully slow and limits use. 14th
- Manual focus only makes it tough for action. 14th
- Donut bokeh is a deal-breaker for many. 18th
- Macro capability is basically non-existent. 21th
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Super Telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 500 |
| Focal Length Max | 500 |
| Coating | Multi-coating |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/8 |
| Min Aperture | f/8 |
Build
| Mount | Nikon Z |
| Weight | 0.3 kg / 0.7 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 31 |
AF & Stabilization
| Stabilization | No |
Value & Pricing
At $399, it's a tough sell. You're paying for a compact form factor and a unique optical character, not for high performance. If you absolutely need a tiny 500mm and you're okay with all the compromises, it's your only option. Otherwise, that money is better spent elsewhere.
vs Competition
This isn't competing with standard zooms like the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8. Its real competition is your own patience and a teleconverter. For a similar price, you could get a used 70-300mm AF lens and an adapter, giving you autofocus, a variable aperture, and normal bokeh. The Meike 50mm f/1.8 is in a completely different league for general use. The Tokina only wins if 'world's smallest 500mm' is your sole criteria.
| Spec | Tokina Tokina SZ 500mm f/8 Reflex MF Lens for Nikon Z, | Meike Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF | Viltrox VILTROX 25mm F1.7 f/1.7 AF Lens for Fuji X Mount, | Canon Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens | Nikon Nikon S-Line Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Lens (Nikon Z) | Tamron Tamron Di III Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 500mm | 55mm | 25mm | 24mm | 24-70mm | 17-70mm |
| Max Aperture | f/8 | f/1.4 | f/1.7 | f/1.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z | Fujifilm X | Canon RF | Nikon Z | Sony E Mount |
| Stabilization | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | false | false | true | false |
| Weight (g) | 310 | 281 | 400 | 269 | 676 | 544 |
| AF Type | - | STM | STM | Autofocus | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Lens Type | Super Telephoto | - | - | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom |
Common Questions
Q: Is the donut bokeh really that bad?
Yes, it's a defining trait of mirror lenses. Out-of-focus highlights look like little rings. Some people dig it for abstract shots, but it ruins portraits and most wildlife scenes.
Q: Can I use this for bird photography?
Only if the birds are sitting perfectly still in very bright light. The manual focus and slow f/8 aperture make tracking moving subjects nearly impossible.
Q: Why is it so cheap for a 500mm lens?
Because it's a simple, all-manual mirror design. There's no autofocus motor, no image stabilization, and no complex aperture mechanism. You're paying for the optical formula and not much else.
Who Should Skip This
If you're looking for a sharp, versatile telephoto for wildlife or sports, this isn't it. Go get a used AF-S lens and an FTZ adapter instead. Also skip it if you hate the look of donut bokeh.
Verdict
We can't recommend this for most photographers. It's a novelty lens with too many limitations for serious work. The fixed f/8 aperture kills its utility in anything but bright sunlight, and manual focus at 500mm is a recipe for frustration. It might be a fun, cheap experiment for a Z-mount shooter who understands exactly what they're getting into, but for anyone looking for a practical super-telephoto, this is a hard pass.