Do any of the photography regulars (or anyone else for that matter) have any experience with using a mirror lens? Obviously you get what you pay for... but I'm just curious if anyone on here has any hands-on experience and advice about them. Thank!

What type of "mirror" set up are you talking about?

Generically a 500mm f8 lens, though they are also common in 800mm and some also go down to f6 I believe. Obviously the mirror setup makes it an entirely different lens. Some people complain a lot about it's bokeh and difficulty of use. Was hoping to hear from someone who has actually used one before.

Here are my thoughts on it. They are ok for some things but you do need to handle them more carefully then a regular lens. The advantage to them is if the design is based on the Schmidt Cassigrian style you can get 3 times the focal length in a relatively short lens. The other down side is it depends on what your using it for as extreme magnification can lead to artifacts near the center of the lends.

Another downside is the a mirrored lens doesnt last forever like a multiglass lens. The mirror can degrade over time and will need replacing to remain at top quality.

Hmmm, good point. I also never considered the mirror degradation. Still, with price tags well under $200 I guess that should come with the territory. Obviously this isn't an action lens. Was hoping to do some light birding with it. Thanks. If I do get one and I get some decent shots from ill post them.